Bistro Mathilda in Ostend (Belgium)

Bistro Mathilda in Ostend serves typical Belgian dishes with a twist. They try to make the greatest possible use of all the good stuff that the North Sea has to offer. But also “old style” dishes like steak tartare (one of their signature dishes), that is prepared at the table, have a place on the menu. And we can’t forget the seasonal suggestions that change regularly.

You can eat à la carte, but you can also choose one of their fixed menus. We had the à l’Ostendaise menu where Ostend chefs are being challenged by fishermen to get creative with local fish. This is of course right up the alley of Bistro Mathilda. 

We had the “extensive” menu with 3 additional appetizers. These really set the tone for the rest of the evening: delicious fish dishes. The fresh bread with rillette and butter also stirred up our appetite.

The first starter was smoked sprat tartare with green asparagus gazpacho and garlic bread. This dish had a perfect balance: the slightly salty taste of the sprat with the soft asparagus and the crunchy garlic bread.

Then one of their signature dishes: Tatjespap (buttermilk mashed potatoes with a poached egg, melted butter and fresh North Sea grey shrimps. What a delicious dish. And, the perfect portion size because this is a pretty “heavy” dish because of the mashed potatoes and butter.

Catfish with asparagus velouté, fava beans and mangetout were the main course. I love it when a lot of fresh vegetables are being used and especially when it are seasonal vegetables, like in this dish.

I love desserts and this dessert was delicious! Panna Cotta with orange, pear, salted caramel and peanut. I really love peanuts and salted caramel, so this was an excellent combination.

Do you want to have a culinary experience in Ostend? Then Bistro Mathilda is exactly the place for you. I will definitely go back again to try that steak tartare. And of course, tatjespap.

Don’t forget to make reservations, it is a very popular restaurant.