The story
Dean De Laet leads the kitchen at Poincaré in De Haan, where his approach to coastal cuisine blends classical technique with understated modern touches. A Gault&Millau score of thirteen recognizes how he balances refined execution with everyday accessibility. He structures the dining experience through a flexible lunch menu offering two or three courses, paired with a carefully balanced evening selection. This method allows diners to taste seasonal shifts without committing to an extended tasting progression.
The menu refreshes regularly through daily suggestions that highlight whatever arrives fresh from local markets. Guests often note the inventive nature of these plates, which deliver gourmet-level execution without the typical seaside lunch markup. The kitchen prepares everything on site before serving it directly to seated tables or packing it into take-away containers for visitors heading to the beach. This coastal cooking philosophy keeps flavors sharp and temperatures accurate throughout service.
Kim and Dean maintain a warm, unpretentious environment that functions equally well as a neighborhood restaurant and a dedicated food boutique. Visitors arrive expecting simple comfort rather than formal ceremony, finding clean lines and a relaxed pace that matches the nearby shoreline. The layout encourages quick turnover during midday rushes while still allowing dinner guests to linger over conversation. Every element inside supports the kitchen’s goal of delivering honest, well-crafted meals to anyone walking through the door.
Recognition
Ambience
Location