Celebrated table

The Black Knife

Name: The Black Knife
Address: Plattestraat 41, 3830 Wellen, BE, Yellowknife, CA
Telephone: +32 472 97 59 25

Chef Yanaika Skrzyszkowiak leads a fixed-menu kitchen in a converted Wellen farmhouse, blending Belgian, French, and Eastern techniques for a Gault&Millau rated dining experience.

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The story

The Black Knife in Wellen: Modern European Cooking Meets Zero-Waste Precision

The chef and the kitchen

At The Black Knife in Wellen, Belgium, modern European cooking balances precise technique with seasonal sourcing. Chef Yanaika Skrzyszkowiak runs the kitchen alongside partner Niels Vranken, applying a strict zero-waste philosophy that dictates their fixed tasting menus. Her background includes winning the BRU Ladychef of the Year award in 2011 and leading the former Exquisa restaurant in Hasselt. That foundation now supports a kitchen where ingredients drive every plate rather than chasing trends.

Signature preparations

A signature preparation features wagyu beef carved into a chioggia beet rose and finished with ponzu glaze. Other plates pair hamachi with Japanese pear and dill, or introduce pigeon braised with root celery and white miso. These combinations reflect how modern European cooking weaves Belgian, French, and Eastern techniques into a single menu. The Gault&Millau guide recognized this balanced direction with a score of fourteen points for 2026.

The dining room and service

Housed within a converted farmhouse, the dining space prioritizes quiet concentration over theatrical presentation. Maître Thomas guides guests through curated wine selections that match each course precisely. Pastry chef Kirsten closes the meal with delicate desserts inspired by classic European patisserie traditions. Every element operates on a shared commitment to attentive service and refined simplicity.

Recognition