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Den Dyver

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mightywease
mightywease
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
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2
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Editor Pick

Den Dyver

  • July 9, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by mightywease from Carshalton, United Kingdom
Den Dyver

Restaurant Den Dyver appears as if it should be a decades if not centuries old Bruges institution, however, the restaurant actually opened in 1992 and since then has established itself as one of the most respected restaurants in the city.

What attracted us, and I dare say many who choose to visit, is that the dishes are cooked using Belgian beer and served with a glass of local beer – or wine if you wish – as an accompaniment. There is an a la carte menu, however, the set menu – which changes monthly – allows you to have 3, 4 or, at times, 5 courses plus a beer or wine selection for between 46 and 74 euros (extras such as aperitifs, coffee and water not included) per person, which represents very good value for the quality of food you are served.

That quality of the food is excellent and inventive, wonderful mixtures of flavours very well cooked and marvellously presented. Details of what we had are below.

Inside the restaurant has a kind of smart country cottage look to it with a wood-beamed ceiling, brick and plaster walls and wooden furniture, though the crisp white tablecloths, lovely ironwork chandeliers and large fireplace are more country manor house than country cottage. It is an inviting and attractive interior and the staff all of whom were attentive, informative and very friendly aids this ambience.

The restaurant only seats 60 so booking is essential, you can do this and gain a more information about Den Dyver from their website www.dijver.be

I would certainly recommend this restaurant, the food and service are both excellent and the atmosphere convivial and relaxing. My one – very, very slight criticism – was that the gaps between courses were rather long. However, that did allow us to sit back, chat away and enjoy sipping some delicious Belgian beer!

We had

Hoppebellen Aperitif (champagne flavoured with hops) and ‘n Dievere Blond beer

Grilled Mackerel and Pesto Sorbet with macaroni stuffed with radish and preserved tomato - gorgeous, the fish was earthy and very tasty, the pesto sorbet tasted a bit like walnut ice cream!
Served with Hellekapelle – dry, smoky, rich and crisp

Cod with a foamy butter sauce and watercress soufflé plus potatoes – divine, the fish melted on the tongue
Served with Goldenberg – Wheaty with a bite to it, crisp and very complimentary to the fish

Duck Breast with a red pepper sauce, potatoes baked in honey and time, and aubergine cream with lime – Steve pronounced this as being yummy!
Served with Trappist Rochfort 8 – rich, sugary, dark, a beer to be savoured

Peaches marinated in Oude Geuze, sweet cucumber and buttermilk mousse – the peaches were sharp and tasty, the buttermilk lovely and the sweet cucumber amazing. A really strange but delicious taste!

Mini desserts of Crème Brulee (heavenly), chocolate mouse and white chocolate pralines
2 large espressos

Total for two people 116 euros plus 15 euros tip.

From journal Bruges - The Epitome of Charm

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