Hert

The story

Hert in Turnhout: Michelin-Starred Modern French Dining with Panoramic Views

The Setting

In the centre of Turnhout, restaurant Hert occupies the top floor of the Turnova tower. The panoramic view over the city and the Kempen region sets the stage for a meal that is both grounded and refined.

The Chef & Philosophy

Chef Alex Verhoeven leads an open kitchen that is designed for transparency and interaction. "The honesty of our open kitchen we carry further onto the plate and preparation," the team explains. The cooking is a pure, modern French cuisine that respects nature and its surroundings. No exaggeration, no overstatement — just clear direction and conviction.

Recognition

Hert was awarded its first Michelin star in 2022, a recognition it continues to hold. In 2025, Gault Millau named Verhoeven Young Chef of the Year, underlining the restaurant's ambition and quality.

The Food

The menu changes with the seasons, but certain signatures appear consistently. A langoustine XL with Royal Belgian caviar and devilled egg is a chef’s favourite. Dishes such as lobster with mint and yuzu sake, hamachi with wasabi and yuzu kosho, or Wagyu A5 showcase the kitchen’s precision and balance. Lunch and dinner run from four to five courses, with an all-in formula that pairs wines or teas. A separate Chef’s d’oeuvre menu offers three courses built around classic favourites, including Zeetong with North Sea shrimp and a Joël Robuchon-style purée. For a more accessible option, the Chef’s deal menu highlights seasonal produce at a sharper price.

Practical Approach

The team asks guests to communicate dietary restrictions in advance, and they adapt accordingly. This care for detail, combined with an unpretentious openness, makes Hert a destination worth the journey to Turnhout.