REBELLE

After visiting Rebelle on three completely different occasions this year, I felt it was time for an appreciation post. Simply because so many outstanding dishes have passed across the table that it would be unfair not to acknowledge what Martijn Defauw and his team are achieving.

In my opinion, Martijn Defauw has firmly established himself as one of the very best chefs in Belgium and undoubtedly one of the most exciting culinary talents in Europe. What impresses me most isn’t the level he has reached—it’s the fact that his cuisine keeps evolving. Every visit reveals another layer of refinement, another level of precision and another reason to revisit!

The signature dishes that made Rebelle famous are still there, and rightly so. But they’re continuously complemented by new creations of exceptional quality. What has stood out to me most over these three visits is how much the cuisine has matured around them. The sauce game, which was already among the strongest in the country, has somehow reached an even higher level. More depth, more elegance, more complexity. Dishes are increasingly built around multiple sauces and meticulously crafted side dishes.

Being included in this year’s 50 Best Discovery is therefore no coincidence. It is a deserved international recognition of the incredible talent, dedication and ambition of Martijn and his entire team. And knowing him, this accolade is merely another milestone rather than a destination.

Now, full disclosure… I might be slightly biased. Martijn has become one of my best friends over the years. But before anyone accuses me of favouritism, let me clarify one thing: he didn’t become my friend first and then convince me his food was exceptional. Quite the opposite. He seduced me with his cooking long before he did with his friendship. So if there’s any bias in this story, it’s entirely his own fault.

One thing is certain: Rebelle isn’t just maintaining its extraordinary level… it’s still climbing. Keep a close eye on this one, because it’s only getting better. Less