in Antwerpen – Belgium

Zilte is a restaurant in Antwerp that has evolved over the years into a distinguished culinary destination. Originally opened as ‘t Zilte in Mol in 1996 by chef Viki Geunes and his wife Viviane Plaquet, the restaurant quickly gained recognition. In 2004, it received its first Michelin star, followed by a second in 2008. Geunes, a self-taught chef with a background in industrial sciences, developed a passion for gastronomy that led him to refine his craft and establish his own unique approach to cooking.

In 2011, the restaurant relocated to the top floor of the Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp, offering a striking view of the city. This move marked a new chapter, blending contemporary design with an elevated dining experience. In 2020, Geunes decided to refresh the restaurant’s identity, renaming it simply Zilte and redesigning the interior with warm, natural tones. The transformation was followed by a significant milestone in 2021 when Zilte was awarded its third Michelin star, solidifying its place among the top restaurants in Belgium.

As one of Belgium’s two three-star restaurants, Zilte naturally offers a fantastic panoramic view of Antwerp from its location at the top of MAS. Arriving with high expectations, we anticipated a dining experience filled with surprises and a true “wow” factor. While the food was undoubtedly excellent, there was a noticeable absence of truly standout dishes that left a lasting impression.

One moment that should have been particularly memorable was when chef Viki Geunes personally presented his signature dish, which included sea urchin—a flavor I absolutely love. This should have been an explosion of depth and richness, yet the result fell short of expectation. Instead of the anticipated intensity, the flavors remained subtle, almost too restrained to make an impact.

Another element that stood out was the service. The staff seemed somewhat disengaged, lacking the attentiveness one might expect in such an esteemed setting. To be fair, it was one of the last services before the well-deserved year-end closure, which may have contributed to the subdued atmosphere.

While Zilte remains an impressive establishment with a rich history and a celebrated reputation, our visit did not fully meet the expectations one might have for a three-star experience. It was a meal of precision and refinement, yet the excitement that often defines truly exceptional dining moments was missing. A restaurant of this caliber naturally sets high expectations, and in this case, those expectations were not entirely fulfilled.

Chef: Viki Geunes
Date of visit: December 20th 2024
Website: https://www.zilte.be/
Michelin: 3 stars
Gault & Millau: 18.5
La Liste: 93.5