This is how you sunbathe or get a breath of fresh air in Knokke-Heist (Belgium).
We're quite fond of the Belgian coast, and why wouldn't we? One of the most famous coastal towns is the wonderful Knokke-Heist. A zip code where you especially want to be in the summer months, but don't rule out autumn either! Plenty of nice addresses to take shelter and get a breath of fresh air. Otherwise, save this list for next summer when sunbathing in Knokke-Heist starts again.
With some things you just have to instant that you think: this is it. You also have that feeling at Rõka in Knokke. A hip (not too, just right) catering business, where you can find the tastiest bites can get. Not just takeaway, by the way, you can also eat there. Timeless classics can be found every day, in addition to seasonal dishes, all with authentic flavors. Oh, and besides all that deliciousness, it is also a beautiful thing. Best of both worlds: good food and nice place. Exactly what we like.
Photo Credits: maximeloise
Although Knokke-Heist is known as a shopping mecca on the Belgian coast, the Duinbergen district is full of classic villas. One of those villas is the recently renovated one Villa Bonnie. We would like to buy that, due to the lack of shops. Bonnie was built in 1955, in 2024 she was thoroughly overhauled so that she can continue for many years to come. Think of it as a kind of second youth. The breakfast is good, the breakfast bench even better. Completely pink and red striped (love candy cane style) and nice and soft. That cozy stripe is reflected throughout the interior; on headboards, in cupboards, on cushions and even on the bath. Makes the whole thing a lot more playful and festive. Speaking of party; the villa can also be rented completely. For family reunions, company parties, or parties for no reason. After all, parties are always fun, especially when they are celebrated at Villa Bonnie.
Image via gazeuse for Villa Bonnie
When we were in Antwerp, we checked into a stately mansion that Wonderful in Antwerp is called. In the middle of the city, a fifteen minute walk from the station. It was certainly wonderful; Moreover, we can't get enough of the fine, fresh, tasty and yet no nonsense taste of owner Kathleen. And not just in Antwerp! Are you crazy: Kathleen runs a number of holiday homes, each of which can accommodate a lot of people. And that is exactly what we are so often looking for. There are two holiday homes in Knokke-Heist (we also checked in there and lost our hearts for the first time to the Flemish Zalig-ers), Damme, Zoute and Blankenberge. Yes! You can roll straight from your bed onto the beach (or into the sea). Read more about Blissful by the sea in Knokke-Heist (and you can actually assume that all houses have the same wonderful vibe, luxury and convenience).
Knokke-Heist with kids? We say do it! In addition to walking, swimming and cycling, there is so much more to do in this seaside resort with small and older children. Thanks to several safe bathing areas and the Knokke-Heist get-alongs, it is ideal for the little ones on the beach.
Children from 0 to 12 years old can play safely in the Kids Beach play villages with a toddler garden, electric cars, bouncy castles and a heated swimming pool. Of course it is allowed Zwin Nature Park Don't miss during your visit, an exceptional biotope consisting of mudflats and salt marshes where birds come all year round to breed, hibernate or look for food. What you should also not miss are the waves of the North Sea. They invite you to go windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle surfing, sailing and you can do that at one of the six water sports clubs with their well-trained monitors.
Restaurant Boo Raan is not alone foodie make believe world trip you can make in Knokke-Heist; chef David Cantré does the same in his light, summery (all year long – just what the doctor ordered) restaurant Blanco, but then he takes you to his beloved Mexico. Not that he is Mexican, by the way, but he is a very good chef with a preference for pure Mexican cuisine. Hear Hear David. At Blanco you eat typical ingredients from Central America, but with a David twist – such as guacameioli instead of aïoli. We like it. And more importantly: tasty!
Later in the evening you can confidently join the Van Ongevalle family from Knokke, a little further on the Belgian coast. Father Jan, daughter Hannah and son Ran run their business there cocktail bar The Pharmacy where it is dark, cozy and cozy. The three themselves – all three in separate competitions – won prize after prize with their alcoholic shakes, at home and abroad. In 2015, Hannah even finished twelfth in the world cocktail shaker rankings. Then of course something goes right.
Trendy coffee and the tastiest bagels? Hello! The cozy, super cozy place serves a nice small breakfast, very good coffee and an original lunch menu with wraps, bagels, soup and quiche. 10 points, if only for it je ne sais quoi of the case that had us at Bonjour: the fast, sweet service, the (very!) friendly prices, a nice children's menu (hehe, finally) and… Nah, yes, that.
Image via Bonjour's Instagram
Knokke is divided into two parts: Knokke-Le Zoute and Knokke-Heist, the latter of which is the chicest part of the fashionable Belgian coastal town. In the more popular, if that is the case, Knokke-Heist, you have been finding a bakery in a corner building for many years. Blé d'Or, an address where local residents and annual holiday guests cannot miss. Okay, maybe it's not the most photogenic address in this book, but the classic sandwich shop is charming. The menu features old-fashioned tasty baked goods made from grain, or breakfast of gold, as the Blé d'Or owners themselves like to say. Go there for a hearty sandwich and stock up on some bars of Belgian chocolate and some patisserie on the way out, you'll thank us for that later.
The best restaurant in Knokke-Heist is restaurant Bartholomew. At least, that's what the real experts say, or the people who hand out the Michelin stars every year. And who are we to dispute that? The restaurant only has a few seats (and yes, those are real seats into which you lower yourself and never get up again) which are all at the 'chef's table' standing, namely with the nose pointed towards the kitchen. It will come as no surprise that there is nothing to choose from; all 18 guests eat from a fixed menu. And then you eat the stars from heaven.
Other option, fine dining sTile? The restaurant dressed in beige tones Caillou Knokke.
Bimages via Facebook Bartholomeus
Cream-what? Crèmerie François. That may sound like abracadabra to Dutch people, but François is the oldest ice cream parlor in Belgium (you can find it in Sint-Niklaas). And nowadays you can also find that ice cream in Knokke-Heist. A good idea since Knokke-Heist is a great (weekend) destination, especially in the summer months. But that 'creamie'? Good thing you asked! Crèmerie François Knokke 'does' much more than just create ice cream, you also eat delicious pancakes and cake there.
But it must be said: you can get Knokke's ice cream on the dike, near Glacier de la Poste. They have been creating more than a hundred flavors of artisanal ice cream there since 1968!
images via Facebook François Knokke
Bistro Côte Belge is located in the small village of Ramskapelle, part of Knokke-Heist. Highly recommended for several reasons: the large terrace, the handsome colonial style, the long opening hours, many cocktails, mocktails and gins prepared by a bearded bartender and an uncomplicated menu full of perfectly prepared classics.
And while you're in the area... Volkscafe 't Werftje on the quay of Zeebrugge is also recommended. If you want to go, not a bad idea, look for a hidden building in the harbor; the terrace is larger than the café itself. There's a good chance you'll have to wait a while on a nice summer day, but do so. It won't be long before a waiter, with or without a raw lobster in hand, will come and take your order. There are (shrimp) croquettes made from scratch with lemon and parsley, and they are perfect. Just like the freshly cooked North Sea crab, the trio of crustaceans (changing per season) and the generous bowl of fish soup.
Is the sun on? Then beach tent Pure Life the place where hip Knokke-Heist hangs out. Frederik and Sophie inherited the piece of beach from grandmother Sonja and gave it a makeover in true Costa Rica style. Tropical scenes in Belgium. Cozy seating areas, exotic cocktails, bamboo and palm leaves of course, and a nice menu. Pura Vida works together with The Pharmacy and makes everything itself; even the syrups.
You will find it at Oosthoekplein Le Bistro de la Mer. The red and white checked fabric is everywhere in the interior and that adds a lot to the atmosphere. It is nice and cozy. Good food, good wine, good atmosphere. That's all you need. Oh yes, good company. You really have to take care of that yourself.
