Hert

The story

Hert Restaurant Turnhout | Modern Gastronomy in the Turnova Tower

The View from the Top Floor

Hert brings a refined approach to Belgian cooking to the upper floors of the Turnova tower in Turnhout. Diners overlook the city skyline while watching chefs prepare each plate through a glass partition. This setting earned the restaurant its first Michelin star in 2022, a recognition that matches the quiet confidence of the room. Guests arrive to observe the open kitchen, which turns every service into a transparent exchange rather than a staged performance.

The Open Kitchen and Philosophy

Chef Alex Verhoeven directs a kitchen that prioritizes honesty over theatrical flair. He builds his menus around local seasonal produce and avoids unnecessary layering, allowing individual ingredients to carry their natural weight. The Gault Millau young chef award in 2025 highlights how this restraint translates into precise flavor balancing. Every dish leaves the pass with minimal garnish and maximum clarity, reflecting a refined Belgian kitchen that respects both the land and the palate.

Seasonal Plates and Signature Dishes

The lunch and dinner rotations feature straightforward combinations like nori with cashew and raisin, or a Zeeland mussel paired with fennel and lavas. When guests request the chef’s favorite option, the XL langoustine arrives alongside Royal Belgian caviar and a devilled egg. Roast Challans duck follows with girolles and yuzu, while the apricot dessert finishes the meal with almond and verbena notes. This seasonally driven cuisine keeps prices accessible while maintaining rigorous technique across all courses.