Pacht 26

The story

Pacht 26 | Farm-to-Table Fine Dining in Aalst, Belgium

Welcome to Pacht 26

In the heart of Gijzegem, a deelgemeente of Aalst, chef Stefaan de Proft and host Els Van Sande run a gastronomic restaurant that feels both personal and precise. The open kitchen lets you watch the chef work with quiet passion, while Els greets every guest with a genuine smile.

The Experience

The cooking here is built on a broad palette of carefully sourced ingredients. Think risotto with pumpkin, soft shell crab, and coppa, or a vibrant array of vegetables and fruit—parsnip, girolles, cranberries, and quince alongside a rich truffle polenta. A standout dessert features passion fruit sorbet, chocolate beignet, white chocolate, and coconut.

The wine list reflects the chef’s regular trips to eastern Europe, adding a distinctive layer to the meal. The restaurant is also a member of Jeune Restaurateurs Europe (JRE), a network committed to terroir-driven, high-quality dining.

Recognition

Pacht 26 has earned a place in the Michelin Guide, described as a place where the chef’s passion shines through in creative recipes that enhance fine ingredients, offering excellent value for money. It also appears in Gault Millau, which praises the “tasty, often sharply defined preparations” and the “welcoming” atmosphere of the restaurant.

With private parking for twelve cars and a warm, unpretentious setting, Pacht 26 is a destination for those who appreciate cooking that reveals the best of its ingredients.