in Lichtaart – Belgium
De Pastorie, located in Lichtaart, Belgium, is a restaurant that seamlessly blends history with contemporary refinement. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century pastoral residence, the building stands as a testament to the region’s heritage. Surrounded by an idyllic garden and shaded by an ancient catalpa tree, the setting enhances the experience, offering a tranquil escape.
The restaurant has undergone several restorations over the years, transforming it into a distinguished culinary destination. It has long been recognized for its dedication to craftsmanship and hospitality, earning a Michelin star and high praise from Gault & Millau. In recent years, De Pastorie has continued to evolve, embracing both tradition and innovation.
Chef Carl Wens leads the kitchen, bringing years of expertise and a deep respect for ingredients to each dish. His son, Wout Wens, has joined the team, adding fresh perspectives and influences gained from his experience in renowned kitchens. Together, they shape the restaurant’s vision, ensuring that each guest enjoys a thoughtfully curated experience.
On a Saturday morning at 10:20 AM, we spontaneously decided to go out for lunch. The question was, where could we find a cozy spot? By 10:30 AM, we had made a reservation for lunch at De Pastorie for 1 PM.
Upon arriving, it was clear we weren’t the only ones with this idea—the restaurant’s parking lot was full, and even the smaller parking area in front was packed. Stepping into the restaurant, we were surprised to find it bustling with diners. After visiting several quieter restaurants in recent weeks, the lively atmosphere was refreshing.
One pleasant surprise was that we could order the Mid-Week Special menu for one person and the Menu Alliance for the other. We also decided to try the wine pairing with the Mid-Week Special and the juice pairing with the Alliance menu.
The first “juice” tasted like a Ritchie, and the second resembled a Crodino. While enjoyable, these drinks weren’t technically juices; a more fitting name would have been mocktail pairing. The “Ritchie” wasn’t a Ritchie at all but a house-made mocktail, as was the “Crodino.” The mocktail/cocktail waiter proved highly skilled, explaining his creations and even offering additional samples. His expertise made the pairing experience truly stand out.
As for the food, the portions were slightly more generous than what is typically found in star-rated restaurants, which I appreciated. The main course of the Alliance menu featured Irish beef—soft, tender, and deeply flavorful. An unexpected bonus came when the staff mentioned they had extra Irish beef and offered additional slices. Naturally, I accepted, and a few minutes later, not only did I receive more beef, but I was also treated to a lamb chop.
De Pastorie quickly became a fantastic new discovery. Our second visit in August 2024 reaffirmed our positive impressions. At the time, they were operating in a “pop-up” location due to extensive renovations at their original Lichtaart site. Despite the temporary setting, the experience remained as welcoming and enjoyable as before.
With its rich history, commitment to craftsmanship, and evolving vision, De Pastorie continues to be a destination where tradition and creativity meet in perfect harmony.
Chef: Carl Wens & Wout Wens
Date of visit: February 3th 2024
Date of visit 2nd: August 14th 2024
Website: https://www.restaurantdepastorie.be/
Michelin: 1 star
Gault & Millau: 16
