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Hours
Tue
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Wed
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Thu
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
MICHELIN
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PRICE RANGE
$0.00 – $296.00
CUISINES
French, Belgian, Seafood, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
meals, features
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
The Butte aux Bois luxury hotel is exquisitely located in the grandiose countryside of Hoge Kempen National Park. From the tree-lined terrace to the da...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideTwo MICHELIN Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour!
Does this restaurant accept bookings?
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About
Restaurant Ralf Berendsen formerly known as Restaurant La Source Nothing is due to chance The gourmet Restaurant “Ralf Berendsen” holds two Michelin stars and a Gault&Millau score of 17 out of 20 points, and is one of Belgium’s 40 best restaurants. Chef Ralf Berendsen serves the finest haute cuisine creations to prove that opposites attract, and that global culinary influences can come together in perfect harmony. Gourmets make regular pilgrimages to the two Michelin star restaurant in Lanaken to indulge in the chef’s signature dishes such as Trio of Langoustine with Tandoori Masala, Miso and Couscous, and French Foie Gras with Chinese Yuzu Tangerine and Ginger Beer.
PRICE RANGE
$0.00 – $296.00
CUISINES
French, Belgian, Seafood, European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
334 reviews
Excellent
259
Very good
55
Average
11
Poor
7
Terrible
2
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
Paul S
Utrecht129 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
When we stayed in La Butte aux Bois for our 10th wedding anniversary, we had a 6 course menu in restaurant La Source. Food was extraordinary, but the total experience with the way the plates were dressed up, the staff, the interior of the dining room, it was all fantastic. Not to mention the glass of Champagne that was offered for our wedding day. Very good advice by the sommelier on the wines (great pairing with the food). And what a trolley with petit fours with a coffee. A truly amazing experience and unforgettable night out.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraMartinelliLbab
Dear Paul S,
First of all, thank you for choosing La Butte aux Bois and La Source for such an important anniversary.
We are really happy to read you enjoyed your experience as much as you did, this is our purpose!
Hopefully we may welcome you again in the near future.
With kind regards
Laura Martinelli
Guest Relations Manager
Written 25 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephane Vanassche
Kortrijk70 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Enjoyed it phenomenally with Ralf Berendsen, what a wonderful evening, a total experience you will never forget. An experience that never leaves us, the luxury that was palpable in every detail. Before we even took our first bite, we were overwhelmed by a special feeling. Dinner was wonderful, the only pleasure we had was having the opportunity to watch it, our taste buds were used abundantly. These were all works of art, phenomenal flavor bombs that exploded in the mouth. We were fully used yesterday, the service was smooth, friendly and professional. The adapted delicious wines were perfectly presented by the sommelier. We are professionally trained by Chef Ralf Berendsen at the top of the Hostess Soumia Chouaf in our entire team, where we have been waiting for you to do it for a long time.
Restaurant Ralf Berendsen is... experience, genius, perfection, passion, atmosphere, unique location, pampering, enjoying together...
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel- cmanager
Beste Meneer Stéphane,
Bedankt om de tijd te nemen om ons te beoordelen.
We zijn verheugd te horen dat de kunstwerkjes op uw bord en de fenomenale smaakbeleving een onvergetelijke indruk op u hebben gemaakt. Het is ons doel om met de creatieve talenten van onze chef en de individuele aandacht voor klassieke producten een harmonieuze en succulente ervaring te bieden. Uw complimenten over de vlotte, vriendelijke en professionele bediening, alsmede de kennis van onze sommelier, worden zeer gewaardeerd.
We verwelkomen we u een volgende keer graag opnieuw!
Met vriendelijke groet,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**, Guest Relations Manager
Written 13 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
philippemW3537RY
Knokke-Heist205 contributions
May 2022 • none
What an experience ! This is a real Michelin two starred restaurant, with an obvious difference with a one starred restaurant. Every dish is a master piece of taste, colour,...and the sommelier knowns very well how to impress every individual with surprising excellent wines
Written 29 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura Martinelli
Dear PhilippemW3537RY
First of all thank you for your visit to our Restaurant Ralf Berendsen** and your very nice feedback ! We are happy to hear these nice comments from our guests.
Hopefully we may welcome you soon again !
With warm regards,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**
Guest Relations Manager
Written 1 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carabistouille
83 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
After booking with friends this gastronomic hotspot and after a road of almost 50' we arrived in a superb place...
Sober welcome, in place.
We are guided through different rooms of the place to open the doors of this two stars....
Felted atmosphere despite a rather large room
The staff is very helpful.
After a successful aperitif, we are asked if there are any allergies (yes no email on the site to share this kind of information)
My wife tells of her marked intolerance to mushrooms as well as for the moment some dishes may have to be avoided given her pregnancy in progress...
It's written!
Everything goes pretty well until the time of the first course with the said mushrooms (white truffle on top and porcini in the preparation)
It has to be said that the information had been completely forgotten (perhaps because we were the only Francophones, easy yes I know) and that despite the fact that my wife did not touch anything, nothing is done to compensate...
Too bad especially for an establishment of this standing that practices the prices that go with...
Too bad because apart from that, the timing was perfect
Too bad as more and more often that the Chef was in ghost mode... Now considering the Halloween season that had just ended it is perhaps understandable 😜
Too bad, then, this absence and this fault ruining what was a beautiful moment with friends
Automatically translated
Written 8 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel- cmanager
Cher hôte,
Nous vous sommes reconnaissants de prendre un moment pour rédiger ce retour qui nous est très utile.
Nous sommes enchantés que vous ayez apprécié l'atmosphère feutrée et le personnel charmant de notre restaurant, une expression vivante de la passion que nous portons à l'accueil et au service de nos hôtes.
Cependant, nous sommes navrés d'apprendre que la gestion des allergies n'ait pas été à la hauteur de vos attentes, et que l'absence du Chef Ralf Berendsen ait été remarquée. Nous prenons très au sérieux la communication de ces informations essentielles afin d'assurer le confort et la sécurité de tous nos convives. De plus, nous comprenons l'importance de la présence du Chef pour une expérience complète et nous regrettons qu'il n'ait pas été disponible lors de votre visite.
Néanmoins, nous sommes ravis que vous ayez trouvé le cadre de notre établissement superbe. Notre restaurant est effectivement situé dans le magnifique domaine de La Butte aux Bois, offrant un environnement unique pour une expérience culinaire d'exception.
Au plaisir de vous accueillir de nouveau,
Soumia Chouaf - Restaurant Manager Ralf Berendsen**
Written 20 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grands A
18 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
A visit to this Belgian restaurant is essential.
The refinement, the search for dishes is extraordinary. A mouthful presented as a cocktail with a green olive is worth a visit. Just like the rest.
The setting is quiet. This is it.
Congratulations to the chef. I asked verbally: When are the 3 stars?
The only downside that is not acceptable in such a high quality establishment: to have been placed at a table with dirty tablecloth. There were 5 large orange stains, a sign that the stains had been washed but the stains had not gone away. There's no way they weren't seen by whoever set the table.
The quality of the chef's cuisine does not deserve to be served on a neglected table
Automatically translated
Written 5 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel- cmanager
Cher hôte,
Nous vous sommes reconnaissants de prendre un moment pour rédiger ce retour qui nous est très utile.
Nous sommes ravis d'entendre que la finesse et l'innovation de nos plats ont retenu votre attention, des produits classiques honorés avec créativité tels que les Saint-Jacques, les langoustines et le canard de Bresse étant au cœur de notre offre culinaire.
Toutefois, nous sommes navrés d'apprendre que la propreté de la nappe n'était pas à la hauteur de nos standards habituels. Nous comprenons l'importance d'une présentation impeccable et prenons votre commentaire très au sérieux afin de garantir une expérience sans faille à l'avenir.
Enfin, il nous fait grand plaisir que vous ayez apprécié l'ambiance tranquille du restaurant et les félicitations adressées à notre chef Ralf Berendsen. Nous sommes dédiés à offrir une expérience mémorable à chacun de nos hôtes.
Au plaisir de vous accueillir de nouveau,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**, Guest Relations Manager
Written 7 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erwin
Kampenhout293 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
What an experience!
We booked a package at La butte aux bois with dinner at Ralf Berendsen.
The breathtaking decor of the hotel makes the picture even more complete.
Enjoyed aperitif and some 4 amuses on the terrace, after we were brought to our table in a very professional and super friendly way.
Dinner was served inside. Delicious dishes combined with pearls of wines. Not only paintings but also taste explosions.
We celebrated my wife's birthday there and were received by the chef in the kitchen.
An unforgettable experience that we would like to repeat!
Congratulations to the whole team!
Automatically translated
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel- cmanager
Beste Meneer Erwin,
Bedankt voor uw review, leuk dat u de tijd ervoor nam.
Het is voor ons een genoegen te vernemen dat uw bezoek aan Restaurant Ralf Berendsen u zo goed is bevallen.
We zijn verheugd dat u de ambiance, de aperitieven en amuses op het terras, en onze professionele en uiterst vriendelijke service heeft gewaardeerd. Dat u de dinerervaring, inclusief onze zorgvuldig geselecteerde wijnen, heeft omschreven als 'smaakexplosies' en 'schilderijtjes', toont aan dat chef Ralf Berendsen en zijn team hun doel hebben bereikt in het eren van klassieke producten, zoals vermeld op onze website. Bovendien, dat uw vrouw's verjaardag door een persoonlijk ontvangst van de chef in de keuken tot een onvergetelijke ervaring is gemaakt, vult ons met trots. Wij streven ernaar om elk bezoek speciaal te maken en het is altijd een eer om deel uit te maken van dierbare herinneringen.
We hopen u in de toekomst opnieuw te mogen verwelkomen.
Hartelijke groet,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**, Guest Relations Manager
Written 18 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tine R
6 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
This was our 1st time at a 2* restaurant so expectations were high. It has exceeded our expectations. We were led to our table and the (dinner) party started immediately. The 3 amuses were tongue-in-cheek and even the bread we could not leave so tasty. Then came the 7 course menu.... It is too much to mention but the sunfish with eel and the sea bass were our favorites. The matching wine pairing was completely to taste.
The dessert was delicious but what comes after that is indescribable I will not do because then the surprise is gone😉. In short, an evening to remember.
Automatically translated
Written 17 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel- cmanager
Beste gast
Hartelijk dank voor uw positieve feedback.
Het verheugt ons enorm dat uw bezoek aan Restaurant Ralf Berendsen zo positief is geweest.
Wij zijn bijzonder blij dat u genoten heeft van de amuses en ons brood, dat wij met zorg en aandacht bereiden. Het doet ons goed te horen dat de zonnevis met paling en de zeebaars tot uw favorieten behoorden en dat het wijnarrangement perfect aansloot bij de gerechten. Onze chef-kok Ralf Berendsen zet zich met zijn creatieve talent in om de unieke smaken van klassieke producten zoals schelpdieren, langoustines en Wagyu-rund tot hun recht te laten komen, en het lijkt erop dat dit succesvol is geweest tijdens uw diner. Daarnaast zijn wij blij dat het dessert en de verrassing nadien bijgedragen hebben aan een onvergetelijke avond.
We hopen u in de toekomst opnieuw te mogen verwelkomen.
Hartelijke groet,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**, Guest Relations Manager
Written 19 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Theo P
13 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Completely pampered, top location, top food, top service. I'll be brief, we had already eaten at De Librije, Ralf Berentsen and team… worthy of 3 Michelin stars!!
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura Martinelli
Beste theop913,
Hartelijk dank voor uw bezoek en positieve feedback ! We kijken ernaar uit u in de nabije toekomst weer te mogen vewelkomen.
Met hartelijke groet,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**
Guest Relations Manager
Written 3 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scooby1305
Brussels149 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
I treated my parents to a family dinner here, and we thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of our evening.
As we very much appreciate and regularly indulge in the finer things in life, our culinary expectations are very high from the get-go. Ralf Berendsen and his team fully deliver. And indeed, creating, maintaining and continuously evolving a customer offering at this standard takes a team effort and a mountain of work both back- and front-of-house. Well done Team Berendsen!
Several aspects stood out in particular.
It started with the very relaxed and beautiful setting of this location embedded in the local coutry-side and continued with a warm and tastefully interior design. We felt immediately at ease.
Service was also absolutely on-point from the moment of greeting us to bidding us farewell. A special round of applause goes to the sommelier who is exceptional at pairing all drinks with the dishes. The man is filled with passion for his metier, which is palpable, and he does a great job explaining the 'why' he chose a particular drink to marry with a given dish & taste / aroma flavors...exceptional and a very rare ability to find so well-formed in sommeliers. We also really appreciated the well-stocked 'Champagne wagon' that he presented to us at the outset.
Another highlight were the dishes. Several of the amuse bouche stood out for their clever 'engineering' and taste sensation. Same also for the dishes that followed, with numerous ones leaving a lasting impression on us and made is long for more of these in times to come. In short, very good cooking and combined with strong artistic flair in the presentation of the dishes.
As expected, the experience did not come cheap. We paid ca. 1200€ for the 3 of us. At first glance many reading this will probably either faint or react with 'that's way too much'...and indeed it is a lot of money. But, for those who know what they are getting and have the repertoire to appreciate this level of expertise from A-Z renders that pricing absolutely fair.
I highly recommend the Ralf Berendsen restaurant to all serious foodies, bon vivants and others wanting to experience the top-shelf of the culinary world...and we are sure to return for more culinary delight here in times to come. In the world of Michelin-star restaurants this one is definitely a strong player, and we rank it much higher than many of its direct competitors both in the immediate region, as well as well as internationally. If you can fit it in your schedule then this one is worth a detour.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura Martinelli
Dear scooby1305,
Thank you for your lovely feedback and top score!
We are very happy to read that you enjoyed it so much. Reading your nice comments make our day!
We look forward to welcoming you again in a near future.
With kind regards,
Laura Martinelli - Team Ralf Berendsen**
Guest Relations Manager
Written 7 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aijki
230 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Perfect
9 services menu. Staff is perfect. I appreciate that they did not tried to serve the same thing at all the tables at the same moments (happens to much in Michelin staar restaurants to make the service easier, but then you finish your dîner at the same time that clients who came later... Very annoying).
Last préparation at the table.
Only things that can be improved are the small desserts with coffee... Cannelés too dry... Less delicate than the rest of the meal... But after 9 services you are more forgiven...
We have booked again, sad that we have too book so long before... We just love to pop in a great restaurant after a hard day...
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraMartinelliLbab
Dear Aijki,
Thank you so much for your kind review !
We are delighted to read you enjoyed your dinner as much as you did. This is the purpose of our hotel and our Michelin Restaurant : to give a TOP experience to our guests.
We are looking forward to welcome you again in the near future, I will look up your next reservation.
Very kind regards
Laura Martinelli
Guest Relations Manager
Written 21 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ilovefood7788
Amsterdam26 contributions
Nov 2019 • couples
From a 2-star Michelin restaurant I had expect errorless service, unfortunately this is not what we get here. Service is chaotic and the many movements among service team. Poor coordination or channeling of information between reception (certain food hindrances indicated during booking), the restaurant key person, and the kitchen.
Food: 3/5 average. The only 'wow!' were the amuses.
Experience: 2/5
Written 28 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraMartinelliLbab
Dear Ilovefood7788,
First of all thank you for your visit to our Restaurant La Source**.
Unfortunately we cannot retrieve your actual name by your TripAdvisor name, so we cannot retrieve the reservation you had.
It's a pitty you did not mention these points directly to our Maitre and on the evening itself...
Could you contact us personally to elaborate your points? We can only improve by learning from the comments of our guests, preferably on a personal base.
Thank you for sending me an email : laura.martinelli@labutteauxbois.be
With kind regards
Laura Martinelli
Guest Relations Manager
Written 29 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dani c
Lyon2 contributions
Jul 2019 • couples
We had a delicious 3 course menu, but we spent almost 4 hours in the restaurant. My coffee in the end was completely forgotten, so that we decided to leave.
The service is really friendly and rather young, but inattentive. We understand that it takes time to prepare and arrange the food with regard to the quality, but it was the first time we spent so much time in a restaurant, especially in Michelin star rated one.
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cieven
Aarschot25 contributions
Jun 2019 • couples
For the third time we were surprised by the creations of Chef Ralf Berendsen. Really art on a plate. Extremely friendly staff. I have a lactose intolerance and the kitchen made fantastic variations on the dishes where necessary. In short, we were pampered! Excellent service, excellent food and a sereen atmosphere, what more can one desire ?
Written 13 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura19752206
Dear Cieven,
Thank you very much for your lovely comment on TripAdvisor.
We are looking forward to welcome you again for a fourth time... and more!
Very kind regards
Laura Martinelli
Guest Relations Manager
Written 14 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter S
Paris64 contributions
Mar 2019 • friends
Everything her is perfection. We dine here every time we stay at the Hotel. The Michelin stars are truly well deserved
Written 13 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel L
Leuven892 contributions
Feb 2019 • friends
third visit and once again pleased with all appetizers and dishes served. This is 'haute cuisine' close to perfection. Very friendly staff, pleasant ambiance. Interesting winelist, but not the cheapest one... Count some 250€ p.p. for food and wine.
Written 26 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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