Mistinguett

The story

Mistinguett Aarschot: seasonal bistro kitchen rated 13 points by Gault&Millau (2026)

Mistinguett is a small bistro kitchen at Gasthuisstraat 19 in Aarschot, and Gault&Millau awarded it 13 points in 2026. The kitchen works only with fresh seasonal produce, so the menu is short and shifts from day to day. Diners can order the three-course menu in the evening or a lunch of soup, main course and coffee on weekdays.

Chef and cooking style

Francesca Sterckx trained at Hotelschool Ter Duinen in Koksijde and spent a year on specialty and world cuisine there. She added a year of patisserie and chocolate work at Ter Groener Poorte in Brugge. Before opening her own bistro in 2018, she cooked for five years in starred kitchens, including De Tuinkamer in Beerzel and 't Fornuis in Antwerp.

What is on the plate

The menu moves between classic preparations and more experimental ones. Starters have included steak tartare with scrambled egg and parmesan crumble, and grilled watermelon with feta and sunflower seeds. Mains range from rib-eye and picanha with bearnaise or stroganoff to cod with crispy potato. Desserts include a strawberry and white chocolate dish, a classic chocolate mousse, and banana parfait with salted peanut caramel.

Room and atmosphere

The room is small and cosy, and the menu is kept deliberately limited. Guests with dietary needs are asked to mention vegetarian requirements when booking, since the kitchen works with a restricted range of ingredients.