La Belle

Converted from a farmstead's old stables, the bare timber roof and cosy interior at this Michelin-starred fine dining room in a quiet village outside Geel set up a particular kind of evening. The chef blends regional produce with international instincts, pulling in tahini, curry, and sesame where they earn their place, and the sauces especially reward attention. Expect the chef to come out and say hello, which feels less performative than it sounds.

One honor, in evidence: