De Cuylhoeve

The story

De Cuylhoeve Geel – Modern French Restaurant in a Forest Setting

De Cuylhoeve: A Family Affair in the Forests of Geel

Since 1979, De Cuylhoeve has been a destination for Modern French cuisine, quietly set amidst the woods of Geel. This is a restaurant with deep roots: it was founded by Monique Rutgeerts, named Lady Chef of the Year in 1999. Today, her son Bart and Riet have taken the helm, continuing to elevate the experience. The restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, a fitting recognition for a kitchen that combines precision with a sense of place.

The setting is a deliberate escape. The restaurant describes itself as a "small paradise" where one can drift away and enjoy gastronomy. The dining rooms are intimate, and in warmer months, the outdoor seating allows guests to fully appreciate the surrounding woodland. It is a place that values quiet luxury over flash.

The kitchen focuses on seasonally-driven menus. The "Menu of the Chef," available on Fridays and Saturdays, is a five-course journey of three savory and two sweet dishes, priced at €98. A more flexible option is the "Let Yourself Be Surprised" menu, offered at lunch and dinner on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Friday lunch, with three or four courses. The "Feestmenu Sint Dimpna," available daily, showcases dishes like king crab with green asparagus, halibut with cauliflower and peas, and veal with morels and spring vegetables, all built around the best of the season.

The wine list is carefully curated, with pairings available for each menu. The restaurant also accommodates private parties and is attentive to dietary needs, though they note that cross-contamination cannot be 100% excluded. It is a restaurant that has quietly built its reputation over decades, and the Michelin nod simply confirms what regulars have known for years.