Le Bar du Bassin

Le Bar is the tapas and wine bar of Le Bassin, the hotel and brasserie at the start of the Visserskaai, the quay lined with fish restaurants. It is run by Zoé Vanhaecke, a sommelier, cheese specialist and beer expert, and pairing good drinks with cheese and charcuterie is the whole idea.

Cheese comes from affineur Van Tricht, served as boards of one to seven kinds (€12.50–35), and the charcuterie from butcher Dierendonck and others, including Pata Negra ham and a five-meat ‘Battle of the Butchers’ board. Small bites start at €5 for Ardennes fuet; warm plates include shrimp croquettes, lamb albóndigas and a croque made with Ostend’s Ensor cheese. From 17:30 the chef’s specials add oysters, Ostend langoustine tails, pulpo and a North Sea fish taco. In winter the cheese fondue, served only in the bar, is the house tip.

There is a no-smoking terrace on the quay. You don’t need to book for a drink, but phone ahead if you want to eat. Opens daily from 16:00 (Sundays from noon), which makes it a good spot for a long aperitif.