Cantine Copine

Cantine Copine returns to the essence of gastronomy, aiming for simple pleasure: good food and good company. It is the personal kitchen of Karen Keygnaert, who after more than twenty years in Michelin kitchens closed Restaurant A’Qi — which she opened in 2009 with Arnold Hanbuckers and later ran solo — to found Cantine Copine. Her background in architecture, jewellery design, writing and painting informs the inventive presentation, and the team comprises sous-chef Ruben and front-of-house Päivi. The restaurant is recognised by the Michelin Guide (Selected) for its market and creative cuisine. The dining room adopts a convivial canteen philosophy, inviting guests to relax around a good table. The space is simple and intimate, and service is friendly and personal so Cantine feels like a home-away-from-home. The kitchen operates a market-driven, weekly-changing set menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and inventive flavour combinations, blending traditional technique with contemporary creativity. Karen Keygnaert is Chef Copine. Specialties include beef tartare with marinated mushrooms and tarragon; Parmesan dumplings with green curry and Brussels sprouts; Pieterman (red gurnard) with cauliflower, salsify and hazelnut vinaigrette; Skrei with celeriac purée, sofrito, olive crumble and green herbs.