Jerome

The story

Jerome in Diest, Belgium: Franco-Belgian Restaurant with Gault&Millau 13 Points

Jerome is a Franco-Belgian restaurant at Felix Moonsstraat 28 in Diest, and Gault&Millau awarded it 13 points for 2026. The French-leaning bistro kitchen sits close to the Graanmarkt, where a single address now carries a serious culinary reputation.

Chef and cooking style

Chef Jente Van der Stappen opened Jerome to run a kitchen of his own. He trained under Wim Dejonghe at Het Land aan de Overkant and later cooked at the two-star Colette. Laurens Van Gelder works as his right hand in the kitchen, and the cooking stays close to classic technique with precise, unfussy plating.

Standout dishes

The printed menu leans on French and Belgian classics. Garnaalkroketten, gebakken kalfszwezerik with caramelised onion, and onglet de boeuf with bordelaise and bone marrow sit alongside a sea bass baked in a salt crust for two, served with seasonal vegetables and beurre blanc. Desserts follow the same tradition, with flan caramel, moelleux au chocolat, and a dame blanche served at the table.

Room and service

The dining room follows a Parisian bistro style, with black and white tiles, dark green ceilings, and walls hung with characterful lampshades. Alexe Matthijs manages the front of house and chooses the wines. Michelin lists Jerome as Recommended for 2026, a useful marker for diners planning a first visit.