't Aards Paradijs

The story

't Aards Paradijs in Gent: Belgian Restaurant with Gault&Millau 15 (2026)

't Aards Paradijs, at Merendreedorp 65 in Gent, is a Belgian kitchen that earned 15 points from Gault&Millau in 2026. The guide called it a wonderful restaurant for vegetable lovers, and the menu is built around that focus.

Chef and cooking style

Chef Lieven Lootens cooks with the seasons and chooses the best ingredients each year. The kitchen aims to show each product in its natural form, aroma and texture, with as little manipulation as possible. Gault&Millau notes that he approaches vegetables purely, putting them at the center of the plate.

Seasonal menus

Each season brings a new menu of up to ten courses, which the guide praised for its structure and originality. A 2024 Valentine menu offered Irish oysters in three preparations, langoustine with turmeric and mandarin, and Iberico pluma with smoked potato. The European and Belgian base shows in the way classic produce is handled.

Rooms and drinks

Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant. The site also lists 7de Hemel Suites for guests who want to stay overnight, and a separate whisky menu is available. The Smart Green Guide awarded the restaurant five radishes in 2026.