Villa Lorraine
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Villa Lorraine


For generations of gourmets, the Villa Lorraine has always symbolised the meeting place of the food excellence and the perfection of a warm welcome. For over a century now, fine dining and elegancy have been on the menu, here in an area that must be among the greenest in the capital of Europe, at the very heart of the Forêt de Soignes. Today, we still don't even know exactly when building began – probably around the end of the nineteenth century – on this elegant construction that takes it name from the nearbydrêve de Lorraine. From the outset, this pretty house has attracted an elegant clientele, looking for an experience of the very highest calibre.

The years passed by, as did its owners. In 1953 the arrival of Marcel Kreusch marked a decisive turning point for the Villa. A self-taught chef, in his time the youngest Maître d’Hôtel in Belgium at the Hotel Palace, Marcel Kreusch took the risk of investing in what he felt would be the first step in an incredible adventure: ten years later, the Villa Lorraine was one of the leading lights in the Belgian gastronomic landscape. The huge talent of the chef Camille Lurkin played a key role in this success. The efforts were rewarded finally in 1972 with the third Michelin star, the first awarded outside France in the entire history of this famous little red guide.

Since then a lot of water has passed under the bridge, but the main priority continues to be customer satisfaction. Part of the furniture since 1962, the current chef, Freddy Vandecasserie, teamed up with Henri Van Ranst to take over the reins of the establishment in 1982 with the passing away of Marcel Kreusch. Since the unfortunate death of Mr Henri, as regulars used to call him, in turn in 1998, Jan De Craemer, who perfected his skill alongside Henri Van Ranst, now reigns over the dining room with a flawless professionalism and friendliness, while Freddy Vandecasserie happily pursues his search for a cuisine that cleverly combines creativeness with common sense.