Eating Around with Em

Graspoort Mechelen

Graspoort Mechelen is a calm but lively spot right in the city centre. It feels relaxed without losing its touch of refinement. The kitchen focuses on new world cuisine, using seasonal and local ingredients, and pairs the dishes with great wines and flavourful cocktails.

The kitchen is run by Steffi and chef Thibault Van Stratum, who works from a French base but combines it with Asian influences, especially Japanese, as well as touches from Latin American and Mexican cuisines. This results in a fusion style that is both instinctive and inventive.

Graspoort is recognised by both the Michelin Guide and Gault & Millau, who praise not only the cooking but also the design, atmosphere and attention to detail.

Price category: €€€

Website Graspoort

Em’s star rating

We went for the 5-course option, which started with an amuse of Sot-L’y-Laisse with papaya, peanut and Tom Ka Kai. Then came two appetisers: first tomato with burrata, watermelon, basil and Cecina de León, followed by my favourite dish of the night: North Sea crab with prawns, bisque, egg and botarga.

Fun fact

Inside the restaurant, there’s a homemade “tropical” tree hanging from the ceiling, with brightly coloured leaves; it’s part of the quirky, playful décor that gives the place its unique, offbeat charm.

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