Gault&Millau Belgium: Gert De Mangeleer Named Chef of the Year 2027

At Brussels Expo on November 9, 2026, in front of more than 2,000 restaurant owners, journalists, and partners, Gault&Millau presented the 24th edition of its Belgian guide. The title of Chef of the Year 2027 goes to Gert De Mangeleer of the restaurant Hertog Jan in Antwerp (18/20). He succeeds Karen Torosyan.

Based at the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, the chef creates a cuisine inspired by Japanese culinary culture. Together with Joachim Boudens, he is also the founder of Bar Bulot, L.E.S.S. Eatery, and Babu. “Elegance, bold flavors, and depth are the common threads running through his work,” notes the guide’s editorial team.

Three Young Chefs of the Year

The next generation is represented by Anthony Stoop (Komaf, Wommelgem) for Flanders, Mathieu Vande Velde (Le Roannay, Francorchamps) for Wallonia, and Ruben Christiaens (La Villa Lorraine, Brussels) for the Brussels Region.

Boury Still in the Lead

The 2027 guide features 1,311 restaurants, including 132 new establishments and 160 that have improved their ratings. Boury in Roeselare remains the only restaurant rated 19/20. Sir Kwinten in Lennik has improved to 18.5/20, and Bozar Restaurant in Brussels has reached 18/20. The year’s Notable Newcomers are Fuzz in Antwerp (15/20), OM in Embourg (14.5/20), and Cosmos in Ixelles (14/20).

Thematic Winners

• Sommelier of the Year: Lucas Ernes (Imprévu, Houthalen-Helchteren)
• Artisan Chef of the Year: Vincent Greeve (De Pottenbrug, Antwerp)
• Gastro-Bistro of the Year: Florence Porignon (Chez Flo, Flémalle)
• Brasserie of the Year: Jeroen Daman (den Bourgondiër, Antwerp)
• Dessert of the Year: Philippe Heylen (Eed, Leuven)
• Asian Restaurant of the Year: Daorung Kaenphutsa (Kiss The Chef, Ostend)
• Trattoria of the Year: Bottega Vannini (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)
• Vegetable Menu of the Year: Mauvais Choix (Brussels)
• Service Team of the Year: La Roseraie (Modave)
• Cheese Experience of the Year: Le Château du Mylord (Ellezelles)
• Wine List of the Year: Gillis (Ghent)
• Belgian Wine List of the Year: Pacht 26 (Aalst)
• Best Selection of Wines by the Glass: Racines (Ixelles)
• Most Beautiful Terrace: Schatteman (Oostkamp)
• Most Beautiful Restaurant Design: Magis Terra (Tongeren-Borgloon)
• Fun Award: Clay (Opwijk), Môme (Ixelles), and Yirmi (Namur)
• Discoveries of the Year: Lucie (Renaix), La Belle Équipe (Brussels), and Maison Nuage (Tinlot)
• H!P Awards: Shibuya (Bruges), Ôngbà (Ixelles), and Chez Rouge (Namur), featured in the H!P selection
• Cocktail Bar of the Year: Bar 21 (Brussels), with bartender Amar Hennebert

Tribute to Pierre Wynants

The evening also paid tribute to Pierre Wynants, a legendary figure at Comme chez Soi in Brussels. The former chef received the Lifetime Achievement Award to a standing ovation, marking the 100th anniversary of the family-run restaurant on Place Rouppe.