The story
In De Panne, chef Jean-Paul Bonnez and his partner Christine Marteel run La Coupole, a restaurant that wears its roots proudly. Opened in December 2019, the kitchen is shaped by Jean-Paul’s early life: his father was a fisherman, and his grandmother ran the local restaurant Urbain, later taken over by his parents as Au Bon Acceuil. Cooking is in his blood. That deep connection to the sea and the coast makes the seafood here more than just a menu category—it’s a personal story.
The Michelin inspectors have recognised La Coupole with a Recommendation, a nod to the honest, flavour-driven cooking that Jean-Paul delivers. “Puur genieten aan zee,” the website says—pure enjoyment by the sea. And that’s exactly what you get: “Al het verse van de Noordzee op uw bord,” all the fresh catch of the North Sea on your plate.
The menu changes with the seasons and the catch. There are dedicated menus like the Kreeftfestival (Lobster Festival), which pairs a lobster salad with melon, followed by lobster prepared the chef’s way with pasta, or with basil cream sauce and pilaf rice, and a warm caramel custard to finish. Other menus offer oysters on ice, grilled salmon with béarnaise, or a steak with the same classic sauce. Desserts stay simple: chocolate mousse, Dame Blanche, or café glacé. No fuss, just good ingredients treated with respect.
Jean-Paul is also a proud Kustambassadeur (Coast Ambassador) and part of the “Het Lekkere Westen” network of West Flemish chefs, a seal of local pride. The restaurant itself is welcoming, with outdoor seating and air conditioning for comfort in any season.
La Coupole serves lunch and dinner, but note the kitchen is closed Wednesday evening, all day Thursday and Friday. It’s a place to savour the sea, in the company of people who truly know it.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
