Admittedly, we Flemings often choose familiar areas when it comes to looking for a nice restaurant. Visiting our Walloon friends is something we do not often do. Nevertheless, it is often pleasant to stay there, the people are very friendly and you are really pampered. Recently, we were invited to visit Les Terrasses du Prince: it sounded heavenly. So we buckled up and geared up for Gembloux!
The gps told us that Gembloux for us, coming from Leuven, was just 50 minutes away. Sometimes we have to wait longer on the Brussels or Antwerp ring road. Everything is relative. Arriving at Les Terrasses du Prince, we immediately noticed the extremely stylish villa. The name of the restaurant was not stolen with the beautiful large terrace. Unfortunately, the weather was not right for sitting outside, but we can definitely see ourselves having a wonderful summer evening here.
So we went inside, where a charming hostess welcomed us. Inside, there was a friendly bustle but because of the atmospheric decoration and good acoustics, it was not disturbing. The presence of many guests indicates that this is a good and well-known address.
Pierre Résimont, the two-star chef with extra impetus for Les Terrasses
A few months before we arrived, they gave the place a revamp under the encouragement of a big name in Belgian gastronomy: Pierre Résimont. This chef had previously obtained two stars (L’eau Vive) and was the youngest chef in Belgium to ever receive a Michelin star. Together with the owner of the restaurant, she appointed a new chef to strengthen the existing team. With a great deal of confidence, because a disciple of L’Eau Vive, he was able to appoint Jonas Tasseroul as head chef.
Together they resolutely draw the card of the gastronomic bistro in which a local product is often central. Our gaze wanders over the menu and we have difficulty choosing between the various dishes which make our mouths water.
Beautifully crafted bistro kitchen
Before we start the so, we treat ourselves to a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail. Rarely have we had such a tasty non-alcoholic aperitif with hints of aperol and freshly squeezed orange juice. My dining partner opts for a glass of champagne. Again, an excellent choice as the champagne comes from the family house Roland-Billecart which has been growing wine near Epernay for 7 generations. The glass of champagne was the perfect opener for what was to come.
Crisp products
For the main courses, we went for 2 bistro classics: one of Belgian origin, the fried sole, and one of Italian origin namely the Spaghetti Vongole (Linguine Coquillage here on the menu, but that can cause confusion. The sole was more than correct in its portion and preparation. The accompanying puree was very tasty but could have done with a little less butter. Detail criticism. For the vongole, we are a little more critical. Despite the intention to please the guests, the portion was really too large and there were also far too many vongole stirred into the pasta. We also noticed that the cook was a bit too lavish with the garlic press. When we shared this later in the evening, an unexpectedly large crowd and extra reservations would have caused this flaw. Can happen.
For dessert, we go for a classic Dame Blanche. You can taste in everything that this freshly made is according to the rules of art. The delicious warm Belgian chocolate sauce completes it all!
Conclusion: if you want to taste a gastronomic bistro at quite democratic prices (the three course menu is at 39 euros and at lunchtime during the week even at 30 euros!), in a luxurious setting then this is really the place to be. Moreover, the restaurant offers a very nice terrace where it is undoubtedly pleasant to stay now with the sunny and long days to come!
Practical:
Address: Address: Av. des Combattants 95, 5030 Gembloux
Reservation: https://www.lesterrassesduprince.be/
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