De Godevaart is a cosy gastronomical restaurant in the centre of Antwerp, Belgium’s second biggest city. It is managed by Chef Patron Dave De Belder, a young, dynamic and very enthusiastic chef. Dave was one of first chefs in Antwerp representing the modern and trendy molecular cuisine. The restaurant was opened in the Wolfstraat in Antwerp, but quickly moved to a bigger location to serve Dave’s growing fan club.

De Godevaart is now located in a beautiful historical building in the heart of Antwerp. Guests will discover a stylish interior that is divided into three dining areas in which the original floors were preserved. There is also a small summer terrace at the back of the restaurant. The decoration mixes authentic, classic elements and refined modern details. Artworks displaying famous music artists give the walls a special touch. Dave is currently planning to reopen his restaurant at a new and special location, also in the centre of Antwerp.

Dave De Belder is a great chef and is always looking for new tastes and special sensations. Dave is young and motivated and received a professional training at PIVA Belgium. He worked at top restaurants such as De Librije in the Netherlands and Figueras and El Celler de Can Roca in Spain. His greatest inspiration in the kitchen comes from his former employer Jonnie Boer (De Librije).

Dave and his team are constantly striving to create new food pairings and they prepare light, innovative dishes. The chef specialises in the Flemish primitive cooking style and uses highly innovative ways to bring the Belgian top cuisine to a new level. He uses the most modern techniques and is constantly looking for the best products available. Dave De Belder is also active on an international level and co-manages the restaurant of the Cara&Co Concept store in Australia.

At De Godevaart Dave is assisted by his wife and Lady of the House Tamara Verley, who manages the dining rooms. The staff in the kitchen and the restaurant are young, charming and professional.

On the menu Dave offers around ten dishes, but most guests are seduced to take one of the menu’s options of three to seven courses. The dishes are built around the finest of the Belgian cuisine, complemented with international touches. The starter with crispy pig neck, aioli, egg mimosa, chutney of mustard, sauce of mustard and pickled carrot is a good example of Dave’s ability to offer classical ingredients in a modern, very tasty preparation. The main course with Wagyu filet from the barbeque, onion crumble, buckwheat salad, artichoke, cracker of artichoke and roasted onion jus is rich in flavour and has beautiful textures. One of the desserts, the ‘walk in the forest’, demonstrates Dave’s sense for creativity, both in presentation as in preparation.

De Godevaart is a wonderful gastronomical restaurant in Antwerp. The charming team will make you feel at home and the chef’s dishes impress with refined, recognisable and explicit tastes. Let Chef Patron Dave De Belder and his team take you on a taste trip, sit back, and enjoy.

Written by Sven & Adriaan