De Victorie

The story

De Victorie in Leuven (Linden): French and Modern Cuisine on a Wine Estate

De Victorie is a French and modern cuisine restaurant at Kerkdreef 1 in Linden, about ten minutes from Leuven. The Gault&Millau guide gave it a score of 14 for 2026. It sits in a square farmstead next to the Wijnkasteel Vandeurzen vineyard, and it is run as a family business.

The kitchen of Sébastien Kister

The chef is Sébastien Kister, who is French. He completed his training under two-star chefs Jean Pierre Bruneau and Yves Mattagne, among others. The restaurant says it works with fresh daily produce and seasonal menus. A recent lunch menu opens with beef tartare, white asparagus, wild garlic and scamorza. The Michelin Guide lists the restaurant as Recommended for 2026.

Courtyard, terrace and vineyard

The farmstead has an inner courtyard, and in good weather a large terrace serves cocktails and wines from the estate's own vineyard. Wine is central here. Menu suggestions are paired with bottles from the neighbouring domain, and guests can arrange a guided tour among the vines with a tasting. Inside, one guest describes tables spaced widely enough that nobody sits back to back. The Chef's Table room is glazed on all sides, with a view of the kitchen and its own terrace. Parking at the door is free.