The historic city of Bruges is home to a charming baroque-style restaurant that is situated in the very heart of the old town centre and under the impressive tower of St. Salvator's Cathedral. The medieval city with its picturesque canals and museums is sometimes referred to as 'the Venice of the North', and some even call it one of Belgium's crown jewels.

However, connoisseurs of Belgian cuisine refer to Kardinaalshof as a jewel and a culinary haven where they love to go and be spoiled. The cosy and intimate interior decorated in a blend of relaxing pastel shades and white linen tablecloth exudes stylish elegance, very different from the many less attractive alternatives that dot Bruges. It does not take long to understand that excellence in food and service are paramount considerations there.

Kardinaalshof offers a dining experience that is refined yet surprisingly affordable and a menu, which appealingly swings between tradition and inventiveness. Their chefs make use of only the freshest and finest produce, dictated by the seasons. A starter of sea bass carpaccio is served with soft beetroot and goose liver, and cod is placed before you with field mushrooms and fresh cheese cannelloni with rosemary.

Customers can take advantage of a four and six course gastronomic menu or go for the a la carte, on which an attractive main course of tender venison comes with elderberry sauce; lobster is gently steamed with chicory and lime, an intriguing combination of flavours, while a delicious flounder can be had with mussels, saffron sauce and celeriac. The Kardinaalshof wine list, with plenty of choice, is designed to match the quality of the food.

Desserts include iced lemon parfait with caramelised mango and pistachio biscuits, and tender Auvergne cheese. A soup of coconut milk with rice, poached pear and ginger comes as a surprise designed for the adventurous and is a wonderful way to end the meal.