The story
De Garage in Kortrijk calls itself “Allo bistro!” – and that sets the tone. It’s a place that promises simplicity with soul: classic dishes, daily suggestions, and a deep respect for ingredients sourced nearby. The Michelin Guide, which recently awarded it a Recommended mention, recognized that honest, ingredient-driven cooking.
The restaurant is run by two brothers-in-arms: Fitzgerald Rigole and Tom Brys. Fitz, as he’s known, brings eighteen years of hospitality sales and a sharp nose for local wine and beer. Tom, the chef, cooked at places like Café Fernand and Track before opening De Potjes and now this garage-turned-bistro. Together they create a space where counter dining and farm-to-table cooking meet easygoing Belgian hospitality.
The menu is built around a handful of classics and seasonal tweaks. Steak “De Garage” comes with three-week-aged beef from the local white-blue breed, house fries, and homemade mayonnaise. Stoofvlees of Ibérico pork cheeks is braised with St. Bernardus and Oncle Pol beer, smoked bacon, and chestnut mushrooms. There’s sole meunière, a vol-au-vent of free-range chicken, and a vegan green curry with coconut milk and cashews. Vegetables come from their own garden.
The kitchen works with a clear philosophy: local or not far from here, serious quality, and honest flavours that land well. That extends to the drinks list, too – a tight selection of Belgian beers, wines from small producers, and cocktails like Fitz’s mean Negroni.
With its counter seating and outdoor terrace, De Garage feels both intimate and relaxed. It’s the kind of bistro where you can drop in for a quick lunch – they encourage pre-ordering to speed things up – or settle in for an evening of straightforward, beautifully executed bistro cuisine.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
