One of the real highlights of our recent trip to Bruges was a dinner we booked at Goesepitte 43. It is tucked away from the busiest streets, and from the moment we walked in it felt calm, welcoming, and quietly confident. There was no rush, no noise, just a relaxed dining room and the sense that we were about to have a really good meal.
We started the evening with drinks, including a beautifully balanced cocktail that was light, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing. It set the tone straight away. Everything felt considered but not overdone, which turned out to be a good summary of the whole meal.
The food came out at a comfortable pace, giving us time to enjoy each course properly. One of the standout dishes for me was the venison tataki with butternut squash, beech mushrooms, and ponzu. The venison was perfectly cooked and full of flavour, and the balance between sweetness, savoury depth, and acidity just worked. It felt refined but still very approachable.
Another favourite was the mussels with parsnip and pomelo. Light, fresh, and full of contrast, it was one of those dishes that keeps you going back for another bite just to work out how everything fits together. It managed to feel both comforting and interesting at the same time.
For the main course, we had pheasant with green cabbage, endive, and potato confit. This was proper comfort food done well. Rich, satisfying, and beautifully cooked, with vegetables that added both bitterness and sweetness to balance everything out. It was the kind of dish that makes you slow down and really enjoy what is on the plate.
Dessert was the perfect way to finish. A light cheesecake with mandarin and speculaas was fresh and not too sweet, and the cheese course was a real treat. A simple, well chosen selection, served at just the right moment when you are not quite ready for the evening to end.
What really made the night special was how easy everything felt. The service was friendly and relaxed, the food spoke for itself, and we never felt rushed. Goesepitte 43 gave us one of those meals you keep talking about long after the trip is over, and it is a place we would happily return to without hesitation.
