Hof van Cleve

Hof van Cleve is a three-Michelin-star countryside restaurant in a farmhouse at Riemegemstraat 1 in Kruishoutem, near Oudenaarde, in the East Flanders region of Belgium. It is widely regarded as one of the leading fine-dining destinations in the country, and it draws diners from across Europe for a meal that is often the centrepiece of a trip. The cuisine is haute cuisine, with Belgian and French roots and a strong emphasis on produce, including vegetables, herbs and flowers from the restaurant's own gardens and local suppliers. The signature experience is the tasting menu, a multi-course sequence in which classical technique and contemporary presentation are combined. Specific dishes change with the seasons, so the menu is best seen as a seasonal progression rather than a fixed list. The dining room is hushed, elegant and set in the rural farmhouse surroundings, with a low noise level and smart dress expected. Service is formal and attentive, and a full meal typically lasts several hours. The beverage programme is a major element, with an extensive wine list built around French and international producers, wine pairings to match the tasting menu and Belgian beer options for those who prefer them. Prices are at the very top of the range ($$$$), and diners should plan for a significant budget; a shorter lunch menu, when offered, can be less costly than dinner. Reservations are essential and difficult: the restaurant books out well ahead, and booking several months in advance is the norm, particularly for weekend evenings and holiday periods. Dietary requirements should be shared at the time of booking. The restaurant is in the countryside of the Flemish Ardennes region, so a car or taxi is generally needed from Ghent or Oudenaarde.