La Moulinière

La Moulinière is Ostend’s specialist mussel restaurant, on the Visserskaai with a terrace where you can watch the boats come into the harbour. Allisson has run it since 2011, with chef Benjamin cooking in the open kitchen.

The menu lists more than forty ways to prepare mussels, from a plain pot or the classic white wine version to richer cream-based recipes, some finished with grey shrimp, and every recipe can also be ordered in a lighter version without cream. The mussels come from Zeeland and are delivered fresh before each service. If mussels are not for you, there are shrimp croquettes, tapas-style starters and a three-course menu de la mer, plus a menu for two and a wine deal for couples.

Families are well looked after, with a children’s menu, high chairs, a baby-changing table and a play corner, and dogs are welcome. Bookings are taken online only, up to two months ahead; there is no phone line. Payment is by Payconiq, banking app or cash.