Vesper

Vesper is a small sharing restaurant and cocktail bar on the Hendrik Baelskaai, on the Oosteroever side of Ostend’s harbour, with windows looking out over the moored fishing boats. Jimmy and Thomas run it as a two-man team, and the room mixes leather banquettes, a blue neon “Vesper — Shaken, not stirred” sign above the bar, a wall of wine bottles and a large octopus mural.

The menu is built for sharing: small plates inspired by kitchens around the world, with plenty of North Sea fish. Think shrimp croquettes, oysters, smoked salmon with lime and seaweed, beef tataki with mango and ginger, nobashi prawns with yuzu and pomegranate, or green-lipped mussels with teriyaki, alongside a few larger dishes such as sea bass with chorizo purée and a cod burger. Vesper pours its own house wine, made exclusively for the restaurant, and creative cocktails.

There is no booking system: you simply walk in and take a seat. Groups of six or more are asked to order to share.