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Willem Hiele

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About Willem

"Here, we cook to the rhythm of the sea, inspired by the unpredictability of nature, the individuality of the region and the rich offerings of local farmers and fishermen"

About Willem Hiele

Chef Willem Hiele (°1981)

Willem Hiele grew up in both Ostend and Koksijde in a family of fishermen. As a passionate surfer, he explored the most beautiful seaside spots in the world. Everything he does and makes, is in a way connected to the sea.

Based on his education as baker and pastry chef, Willem Hiele has developed his own style into the terroir cuisine he is known for today: both complex and simple at the same time.

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His career

2022

Start of the new restaurant Willem Hiele in an architectural building, a brutalist gem from 1971 by Belgian artist/architect Jacques Moeschal. It is located amidst the beautiful nature of The Big Keignaert, the polder area in the backyard of the vibrant city Ostend.

2021

  • A year full of awards: Willem Hiele obtains his first Michelin star, he rises to the 57nd place in the European list of OAD and gets a place at number 77 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
  • He decides to end this story on a high: in December of that year, he closes his restaurant in Koksijde, taking time to thoroughly resource and renew himself.

2020

Start of Boutique and Bar/Brasserie Raphaël, first a unique boutique, later a popular outdoor brasserie in the restaurant’s garden.

 

2019

  • Willem Hiele’s book ‘Zeevuur- Seafire’, published by Kannibaal Publishers.
  • He wins the ‘Restaurant Philosophy award’ by Gault&Millau.

2018

As an advocate for North Sea fish, Willem Hiele becomes a member of NorthSeaChefs and he is committed as a member of the research team.

2017

First mention in the Michelin guide and a score of 15/20 by Gault&Millau and three chef’s hats.

2016

Awarded as ‘Discovery of the year’ by Gault&Millau with a score of 15/20 and two chef’s hats.

2015

Willem Hiele transforms the old fisherman’s house from 1832 of his ancestors -up to seven generations back- into a gastronomic restaurant in Koksijde. In previous years, he already organised guest tables at this inspiring place.

“Willem Hiele is pure talent.”

– Chef David Martin, double Michelin star winner, of the Brussels restaurant ‘La Paix’.

“He brings the philosophy of the terroir of the polder landscape into his dishes in a magnificent way.”

Sven van Coillie of Gault&Millau.

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Willem Hiele
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Opening Hours

Open:

  • Wed: evening [19.00]
  • Thu till Sat: noon [12.00] and evening [19.00]

Closed:

  • Sun, Mon, Tue
     

Reservation

+32 (0)468 00 66 99
info@willemhiele.be

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Address

Kapittelstraat 71,
8460 Oudenburg – Ostend, Belgium

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