in Marke, Belgium
Tucked away in Marke, a charming suburb of Kortrijk in West Flanders, Rebelle is a restaurant that seamlessly blends history and modernity. The restaurant is housed in what was once the oldest home in the village, a carefully restored workers’ cottage that still carries the character of its past while embracing a contemporary identity. The setting immediately creates a sense of occasion, especially on sunny days when guests can enjoy their meal on the terrace. There is something undeniably special about fine dining in such a peaceful and historic environment.
Rebelle is the creation of chef Martijn Defauw and his partner Tessa D’haene, who opened the restaurant together in 2017. Defauw, a graduate of Hotelschool Kortrijk, built his experience through positions at respected Belgian restaurants including De Herborist, Table d’Amis and Damier. These formative years allowed him to develop his own vision before embarking on his independent journey. Alongside him, Tessa D’haene has been an essential part of the project from the very beginning. Together, they transformed the historic property into one of the most talked-about fine-dining destinations in the region, with their close partnership shaping the restaurant’s unique identity.
A visit to Rebelle quickly reveals why it attracts so much attention from fine-dining enthusiasts. One of the first highlights of the menu was the bluefin tuna with North Sea crab, cucumber and ponzu. The dish immediately impressed with its freshness and the beautiful interplay of flavours and textures.
Not long afterwards came another memorable course: European lobster paired with tomato. Once again, the exceptional balance of textures stood out, adding an extra dimension to the experience and demonstrating the kitchen’s attention to detail.
The momentum continued with the langoustine XO, a dish that elevated the meal even further and proved to be one of the standout moments of the evening.
If there is one small point for improvement, it would be the addition of butter alongside the bread. It is only a minor detail, yet one that could make the experience feel even more complete.
Rebelle is the kind of restaurant that fine-dining lovers enjoy discovering. The combination of a historic location, an ambitious chef with a strong professional background, and the warm partnership behind the restaurant creates a destination that is memorable long before the final course is served. Whether seated inside the beautifully renovated cottage or enjoying the terrace on a sunny day, a visit to Rebelle offers an experience that captures both the heritage and the contemporary spirit of Belgian fine dining.
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Chef:Martijn Defauw
Date of visit: July 4th 2026
Website: https://www.restaurantrebelle.be/
Michelin: 1 star
Gault & Millau: 16
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