Top Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Namur, Belgium

Located not far from Pont des Ardennes and Namur Museum, L'Espièglerie is a unique establishment, being a part of restored 17th-century buildings, now transformed into a luxurious complex that includes a hotel and several dining venues. An ancient tannery workshop, this spot preserves remnants of history, boasting stone floors and arches, exposed ceiling beams, and brick vaults. Sophisticated table settings adorned with white tablecloths and elegant flower compositions add a touch of refinement to these authentic surroundings.

Helmed by the visionary Chef Hubert Quairiat, this culinary gem lives up to its gilded reputation earned through decades, elevating local products to the heights of refined elegance for a Michelin-worthy experience. For lunch, anticipate a fixed 3-course set that gets a makeover every two weeks. When the evening rolls around, L'Espièglerie presents various menu combinations, thoughtfully paired with your choice of beers or wines. Start off strong with beef roulade featuring foie gras, Parmesan, arugula, and quinoa or flame-cooked prawns accompanied by the rich smokiness of eel. Dive deeper with mains like sumptuous turbot filet, served alongside artichoke and mussels in a decadent beurre blanc sauce infused with Champagne. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, the server delivers heavenly desserts: mocha-flavored rice pudding or vanilla mousse with a pistachio biscuit.

3-course lunch menu — 39 €

4-course dinner menu — 57 €

Chez Chen Wépion is an enchanting riverside spot with a spectacular glass terrace stretching out the magnificent view before you. With such a unique setting, booking in advance is essential, as these coveted seats fill up fast. The atmosphere exudes sobriety, elegance, and contemporary charm, with the bright room tastefully furnished and divided into inviting areas, perfect for intimate dining.

Culinary adventurers flock here for a taste of faraway lands — Chez Chen Wépion whisks them away by treats hailing from China's Zhejiang province, featuring everything from shellfish to succulent duck dishes. The wine list, however, takes you on a journey around the globe and promises to surprise. To kick things up a notch, try fiery scallops sautéed with Sichuan peppers or go for safer shrimp donuts and dim sum. For the star of the feast, take your pick from options like sizzling Ti Pan beef filet on a hot cast-iron griddle, tantalizing five-flavored duck, classic chicken in sweet and sour sauce with fresh fruit, or sea bream in Shion Zhi sauce. We suggest going with tasting menus to fully immerse yourself in creations highlighted by both the Michelin Guide and Gault & Millau. At this point, get ready to chillax, as there may be a bit of a wait between services — but well, it's a nice opportunity to hit the pause button and savor the moment.

Menu Chez Chen — 39.50 €

Menu Gourmet — 49.50 €

Located in the Wépion area, near Dave’s island nature reserve, L'O à la Bouche boasts a relaxed ambiance both indoors and out. A wooden terrace calls out to patrons to soak up those rays at pristine white tables, all while staying safe under the shelter of stylish parasols. In its sophisticated interior, soft warm beige tones blend seamlessly with rich dark blue accents, complemented by abstract paintings and glossy floors. If you're hoping for a serene sanctuary, this might not be the spot for you, as it exudes lively brasserie energy, filled with chatter and excitement that's perfect for those in the mood for some fun.

The cuisine is a delightful mash-up of global influences, with each dish telling a tale of travels and encounters from far-flung corners of the world, while also utilizing the freshest local ingredients. True to its name, which translates to “water in the mouth”, this establishment serves up exactly what it promises — mouthwatering gourmet creations that are constantly rotating to keep your taste buds on their toes. Explore the lineup of house-made foie gras, pork confit paired with avocado cream and lemon emulsion, creamy risotto with peas and chorizo, Belgian yellow poultry, or Irish black angus beef. And the pièce de résistance here is pain perdu topped with caramelized apples and artisan vanilla ice cream straight from the chef's brother's production line. 

3-course lunch menu — 39 €

Le pain perdu — 12 €

Michel is a family-run establishment in the Boninne area that prides itself on preserving traditions and delivering consistent quality and authenticity in every dish. They expertly pluck the finest gems from bygone days, which is evident as you step into the elegant old-world space with high-backed leather chairs and a warm brown color palette. Their terrace hidden amidst lush greenery is the ultimate spot for serene relaxation with a delightful glass of wine and local cheese selection platter. Importantly, the restaurant easily accommodates both business meetings and family dining, serving as a versatile venue even complete with special options for the kids.

On fixed degustation sets or à la carte, patrons can relish foie gras served with pickles and raisin brioche, grilled sea bream with fennel confit and citrus butter, or navarin lamb casserole with spring veggies. Stay tuned for the updates, though, as the offerings can rotate. And if you're a seafood lover, don't miss the dedicated lobster menu tempting you to savor this exquisite crustacean in all its glory, whether in the form of ravioli or cappuccino, which is, in fact, a divine bisque topped with foamed cream. 

3-course menu, 2 glasses of wine — 41 €

Le Comptoir de l'Eau Vive is where bold black and red hues, sleek lines, an open kitchen, and an electrifying ambiance come together to create the ultimate trendy brasserie experience. It is the brainchild of the passionate chef Pierre Résimont, renowned for his sophisticated restaurant, l'Eau de Vive, which boasts 2 Michelin stars and is nestled in a picturesque location with a mill. At Le Comptoir, he has chosen a different path, embracing a laid-back, no-frills vibe, while still serving up gourmet delights. Appreciation came swiftly — since its establishment in 2013, it has earned accolades like, for instance, Gault & Millau's Brasserie of the Year award. Today, this stylish space doubles as both a wine cellar and a boutique, striving to share passion for quality products.

On the menu, you'll find refined bistro classics: meatballs in tomato sauce served with fresh French fries and homemade mayonnaise — a cherished recipe from the chef's grandmother, beef burgers adorned with melted Morbier cheese, entrecôte accompanied by béarnaise sauce, and crispy sweetbreads complemented by asparagus cooked in yellow wine. To cap off your meal, indulge in authentic dame blanche with bourbon vanilla ice cream and velvety hot chocolate.

3-course menu — 50 €

Meat balls in tomato sauce — 24 €

Right across from L'Eau Vive, along the main M4 road, Epices et Nous takes the whole “feel at home” thing seriously. Nestled within an inviting residence enveloped in soft gray hues, at first, it can evoke a laid-back get-together at a friend's place. The interior boasts a fresh, modern design with attention to detail, featuring light wood tables and dark walls adorned with vibrant paintings that add life to the space. For a quieter ambiance, you can opt for the beautiful glass-roofed section at the back of the house. On warm days, patrons revel in basking under the sun's rays on a non-smoking terrace.

At Epices et Nous, the culinary team adds depth and intrigue to beloved classic French dishes with a sprinkle of oriental spices — just the right amount of zest without overwhelming (or shocking) your palate. With no fancy frills or over-the-top presentations, it's all about straightforward, honest food prepared with excellence. Kick off your exploration with poached egg in mussel marinière with curry sauce. Then, savor local beef sirloin, char-grilled to perfection, alongside seasonal vegetables, béarnaise sauce, and crispy French fries or roasted filet of duckling, accompanied by butternut mousseline, date chutney, and caramelized apples. Finally, grandma-style chocolate cake or delicate dame blanche will perfectly satisfy any sweet cravings.

3-course menu — 45 €

In a clever play on words, the restaurant's name blends “pot-au-feu”, the national staple in France, with “potes”, slang for good friends. It's a delightful tale of pals united by their love for great food and cheerful times. Conveniently located not far from the Citadel of Namur, it's the perfect pit stop for some post-sightseeing feast. Damien Gorjanec and François Schepens, the maestros behind this gastronomic gem, welcome you in their cozy abode, brimming with conviviality, where you instantly feel at ease. When dishing out creative treats, the chefs eagerly share their philosophy: providing high-quality bistronomic cuisine with a contemporary twist and deep-rooted connections to the local culinary landscape, all in the pursuit of pure pleasure.

For lunch, dive into their ever-changing menus inspired by the freshest products of the moment. If you visit in the evening, brace yourself for an adventure with their unique tasting set featuring inventive flavor combinations, like celery, sardines & Caesar sauce; crab, 63-degree egg & beer; asparagus, Iberian ham, wild garlic & cocoa. And of course, what a pleasure without wines? Here, they've absolutely nailed it, so you will be offered some seriously spot-on pairings. 

4-course dinner menu — 65 €

3-course lunch menu — 52 €

With this lineup of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, you have everything to suit different moods: from cozying up in a quiet garden to joining the chatter of lively bistros. So, as you plan your trip to Namur, make sure to save these culinary gems for your foodie bucket list, delighting your taste buds while saving your budget. Now, the only question left to answer is: which one will you visit first?