The story
At 't Pure Genot in Maaseik, chef An Nelissen directs a fine dining kitchen built around transparency and seasonal harvests. Guests watch her team prepare meals at the central hearth, where the sound of searing proteins and rising woodsmoke set the rhythm for the evening. Sommelier Emilia Hendrix matches each plate with carefully selected wines that amplify the intensity of local ingredients. This collaborative workflow keeps service grounded while letting the food dictate the pace.
A bright white dining space meets warmth through exposed timber framing and a functional stone fireplace. Patrons can move past cultivated herb rows to reach a terrace bordered by quiet woodland and native bird calls. The floor plan encourages shifts between comfortable indoor tables near the flames and the fresh garden air. Simple architectural choices keep the environment calm and focused on the table.
The restaurant treats environmental responsibility as a core culinary principle rather than a secondary initiative. Every vegetable and aromatic leaf travels directly from the property’s own soil to the pass, cutting transport miles and preserving peak texture. The kitchen follows a strict no food to waste protocol, converting trimmings into rich stocks and ensuring minimal disposal. This dedication to sustainable regional cuisine recently earned three radishes from the We're Smart Green Guide.
Recognition
Ambience
Location