De Huifkar

The story

De Huifkar Koksijde – Belgian Seafood & Gastronomy by the Sea

De Huifkar: Belgian Gastronomy by the Sea

For nearly forty years, Restaurant De Huifkar has been a steady presence in Koksijde, offering accessible gastronomy where the North Sea sets the tone. Chef Ronny and hostess Ann run the kitchen and dining room as a family affair, joined by their son Bas, who is clearly following in his father’s footsteps. Their philosophy is straightforward: quality, service, and hospitality come first, and only daily-fresh ingredients make it onto the table.

The menu is built around the bounty of the sea. Fish lovers will find their place with cod preparations, scallops, and lobster, while those who prefer poultry and meat are equally well served. The house’s absolute culinary highlight is the lobster with lemon butter, a delicacy made from Chef Ronny’s unique recipe. In game season, the chef is at his best with pheasant, saddle of hare, and venison.

The restaurant’s lasting strengths are generous portions at democratic prices. This approach has not gone unnoticed. A food critic from Het Nieuwsblad gave the bouillabaisse a 9/10, praising the fresh fish, spicy rouille, and fresh cheese. Another reviewer from HLN awarded the sole a perfect 10/10, noting simply that “better is simply not possible.” Michelin describes the restaurant as offering “generosity, flavors, freshness: traditional cuisine at its best.”

De Huifkar is a welcoming spot for lunch or dinner, with a relaxed vibe and outdoor seating for warmer days. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too. Whether you choose the weekly menu or the market menu, the focus remains on honest, well-executed dishes that let the ingredients speak for themselves.