The story
De Cuylhoeve, at Hollandsebaan 7 in Geel, is a modern French restaurant that earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026. The restaurant has been run by the same family since it opened in 1979, and its cooking follows the French tradition with a seasonal focus.
Monique Rutgeerts opened the restaurant in 1979, and she was named Lady Chef of the Year in 1999. Her son Bart later took over the business together with Riet, and the restaurant says they raised it to a higher level. The kitchen works only with fresh products and says it will leave off an ingredient when the quality is not right.
The festive "sint dimpna" menu follows the season. It includes green asperge with optional caviar, turbot served with cauliflower and pea, and Norway lobster with asparagus, nicola and goose liver. Veal arrives with morels and spring vegetables. Dessert options include strawberry with mascarpone and white chocolate, or rhubarb with apricot and chocolate.
The restaurant sits in the forest, and its outdoor seating makes the most of that setting. The wine list is marked as interesting, and the restaurant accommodates dietary needs, including vegetarian diners. Guide recognition from Gault&Millau, which scored the restaurant 15 for 2026, adds to its standing among French-style kitchens in the region.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
Facebook
Instagram