't Nieuw Walnutje

The story

't Nieuw Walnutje, Brugge | A Rustic Bistro with Modern Flair

The kitchen vision

Siblings Glenn and Lynn Vanden Broucke established 't Nieuw Walnutje in 2017 to serve grounded bistro cuisine inside a centuries-old Brugge building near the market square. They designed the menu around their core belief that food should be tasty, flavorful, and accessible. Their approach keeps the structure’s original rustic character intact while updating familiar recipes with contemporary techniques. This steady philosophy earned the Gault&Millau guide a 12.5 rating last year, noting the venue delivers reliably prepared bistro classics without chasing unnecessary trends.

Standout plates

The kitchen balances shareable tapas with structured mains, letting seasonal ingredients drive the plate composition. Grilled octopus rests on chorizo mayonnaise with shaved fennel, while green asparagus arrives alongside fresh peas, mint, and toasted nuts. Heavier options include a slow-braised Flemish stew served with young greens or a bone-in steak paired with regional blond ale reductions. Guests often order the house shrimp croquettes or langoustine carpaccio dressed with fennel and grapefruit before moving to the pasta vodka featuring burrata and spicy chorizo.

The room and drinks

Natural light fills the dining area during afternoon service, highlighting wooden tables and open sightlines toward the kitchen pass. Evening seating brings a warmer tone as guests gather around the bar to explore extended dessert wine selections and aged spirits. This approach to Belgian cooking stays rooted in those foundational flavors, balancing richness with clean acidity. Sweet finishes arrive through vanilla ice cream paired with chocolate sauce or a speculoos-topped tiramisu, rounding out a meal built on straightforward quality.