De Jonkman is a restaurant which has moved quickly upwards the ladder into culinary stardom. The restaurant is located close to the heart of Brugge (Bruges) in Belgium. Chef Patron Filip Claeys worked as the Sous Chef for almost seven years at De Karmeliet which is one of the most recognised food temples in Belgium. Claeys also spent half a decade as the Sous Chef for the highly acclaimed Chef Patron Sergio Herman at his legendary Oud Sluis before he took action and bought his own restaurant – De Jonkman.

Chef Patron Filip Claeys was born in Brugge in 1974 and has spent his whole culinary career in Brugge or not far from it. A wise choice considering the fact that the region has several of the best restaurants in the world. After several years spent at some of the very best restaurants the Chef finally bought his own restaurant in 2006 together with his wife Sandra Claeys. The role as the Lady of the House is handled impeccably by Sandra and Filip’s innovation and focus on simplicity in the kitchen is flawless.

What was once the hunting lodge of the castle of Male has been turned into a cosy restaurant with a fireplace, an intimate setting and a lovely staff to make sure that you feel more than welcome. In addition you also have access to the garden for a perfect start of the evening.

Filip Claeys has grown into his role as Chef Patron perfectly over the years and his innovative Flemish cuisine has developed into paradise food for your taste buds. In addition to the rich flavours with focus on just a few ingredients you will also have an interesting meal to feast your eyes on. It is obvious that Claeys has been taught by some of the best in the business when you have a look at his presentations, like the one “Message in a bottle from the North Sea”. The dish is arriving to you in a bottle with an amazing attention to detail. Chef Claeys has a devotion to the local delicacy brown shrimps and he keeps them alive for absolute top freshness and it tastes delicious. Just one example of many dishes you can not miss.

It is incredible how many fantastic restaurants there are in the region around Bruges and De Jonkman is one of the “must reservations” you have to make during your stay in one of the best gastronomic regions in the world.

Written by Andy