Restaurant Dirkjan Decock

The story

Restaurant Dirkjan Decock – Modern Cuisine in Kortrijk, Belgium

Chef and Hostess

At the heart of Restaurant Dirkjan Decock in Kortrijk are chef Dirkjan Decock and hostess Hilde Reynaert. Together they have translated a decade of experience from their previous restaurant, Taste and Colours, into a new, refined vision. Dirkjan is described as an expressive yet reflective chef, one who prepares every dish himself and seeks to push the boundaries of his kitchen. Hilde brings an innate naturalness to the dining room, curating an elegant atmosphere, a balanced wine list, and a playlist that sets the tone. Her pursuit of WSET qualifications ensures the wine pairings tell their own story.

The Dining Experience

The restaurant offers a single tasting menu called “Utopia.” It changes daily, driven by the season and the day’s deliveries from local farmers, fishers, and growers. Because the menu is not announced in advance, each visit is a surprise – a reflection of nature’s unpredictability. On weekdays, guests enjoy four courses (€85); on weekends and holiday eves, five courses (€110). No à la carte options are available, and only limited modifications can be made for allergies. The kitchen is open, allowing guests to watch the chef at work.

One standout detail is the house-made sourdough bread. Baked fresh each day using a natural fruit-yeast starter, it is served with butter sprinkled with Icelandic seaweed salt – a small but telling example of the restaurant’s commitment to craft.

A Personal Philosophy

Dirkjan’s approach blends Italian-inspired warmth with a modern, seasonal sensibility. He believes in sharing the story behind each ingredient, often stepping out to explain a dish personally. The interior reinforces this intimacy: wooden elements, serene tones, and objects made by local artisans create a calm, welcoming space.

This focus on pure, creative, and delicious food has earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended award, a nod to its quality and consistency. For those seeking a genuinely personal fine-dining experience in Kortrijk, Restaurant Dirkjan Decock delivers on every level.