Bistro Mathilda

Bistro Mathilda is a modern bistro on Leopold II-laan, near Leopoldpark and a stone’s throw from the Kursaal. It is named after the statue of The Sea, known locally as Fat Mathilda, which stands opposite the restaurant. The owners describe the cooking as contemporary bistronomy: an accessible, product-focused kitchen that follows the seasons, sometimes playful but never far-fetched.

Fish and shellfish from the North Sea are the backbone of the menu, bought directly from coastal fishermen, and grey shrimps turn up as croquettes, in a salad or, when the market allows, with cauliflower. Alongside come brasserie classics such as steak tartare prepared at the table with chips and salad, Flemish beef stew and a Normandy pancake, plus a few Moroccan-leaning dishes such as a lamb tagine. There are vegetarian starters and mains too, and a set menu of three or four courses is served to the whole table.

It is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Tables are booked through the online reservation module on its website, and groups of six or more reserve by email. The restaurant cites a 13.5/20 from Gault&Millau 2026 and a mention in the 2026 Michelin Guide on its own site, and it also offers holiday suites above the restaurant.

Bistro Mathilda took part in the 2026 edition of Ostendaise: North Sea Food Fest, the free summer food festival on the Zeeheldenplein, with its festival dish, Zuiderse Zeekat.