Humus & Hortense: when plant-based cuisine becomes a full gastronomic experience!
100% plant-based menu tested in Brussels
I had the opportunity to discover the cuisine of Humus & Hortense in Brussels, a 100% plant-based restaurant awarded one Michelin star. For this first visit, I chose the lunch menu, which was ideal for getting a feel for the restaurant’s universe and the philosophy behind it.
From the very first plates, the experience speaks for itself. The meal is remarkably well judged: the flavours are precise and balanced, never chasing spectacle for its own sake. The presentation is refined and controlled, serving the ingredients rather than showing off. Altogether, it creates a coherent, fluid journey, thoughtfully conceived as a whole.
Even though I’m already familiar with plant-based fine dining, I was genuinely surprised.
A cuisine driven by a clear vision
Behind this cuisine is the work of chef Nicolas Decloedt, a leading figure in plant-based gastronomy in Belgium.
His approach is built on clear principles: local produce, strict seasonality, a whole-ingredient approach to vegetables, and a strong command of techniques such as fermentation.
Each dish seems guided by the same intention: finding the right balance without ever overloading the plate. It is a committed, readable, and deeply gastronomic cuisine.
“ A committed restaurant, with plant-based cuisine already firmly established in its place.
Pairings that redefine the experience
One of the highlights of the experience lies in the food and beverage pairing, created by Caroline Baerten.
Here, the experience goes far beyond a traditional food and wine pairing. The beverages take on a central role in the story of the meal: cocktails, infusions, and fermented drinks, all conceived as a true extension of each dish.
I was skeptical at first. But very quickly, the pairings revealed an impressive level of precision, perfectly integrated into the rhythm of the menu. Each drink interacts with the dish without ever overpowering it. An intelligent, bold, and perfectly mastered approach.
A committed plant-based gastronomy, without unnecessary rhetoric
Humus & Hortense also stands out for the consistency of its approach:
only local and seasonal ingredients,
a committed plant-based cuisine
a genuine thought process behind every creation, from the ingredient to the plate.
Why does Humus & Hortense deserve its place on Best Veggie Tables?
Humus & Hortense is one of those restaurants redefining plant-based gastronomy, far from clichés and passing trends.
It is an address that proves plant-based cuisine can be deeply gastronomic, with no compromise on taste, technique, or emotion.
Best Veggie Tables' opinion
Areas for improvement: a truly excellent fine dining destination.
Last visit: january 2026
Where can you find this exceptional veggie & vegan-friendly restaurant?
Humus & Hortense
Pant-based cuisine
2 rue de Vergnies, Brussels
+32 4 384 72 92
Open Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner
Open Wednesday and Thursday for dinner only