The story
Rebelle brings contemporary gastronomy to Marke, just outside Kortrijk, inside a thoroughly updated laborer’s house. The space blends earth tones with natural materials to create a relaxed environment that feels immediately familiar. Owners Martijn Defauw and Tessa D’haene opened the doors in October 2017, transforming the historic building into a cozy meeting place for diners who value simplicity over pretension. The design prioritizes comfort while maintaining a subtle, refined elegance.
Chef Martijn Defauw leads a focused operation that strips away unnecessary complexity. His culinary approach centers on the product itself, using fresh ingredients sourced from nearby producers to highlight their natural character. Soft textures and contrasting temperatures appear frequently across the plates, creating a deliberate sense of balance. This meticulous attention to detail helped secure a score of sixteen from Gault&Millau for the 2026 guide, validating the kitchen’s commitment to contemporary gastronomy.
Guests navigate a structured tasting journey that shifts between lunch and dinner formats. A six-course evening begins with gambero rosso paired with watermelon and sakura, followed by North Sea sole dressed with ponzu and eel. The coquelet course introduces girolle mushrooms and apricot, while the finale features sobacha coffee infused with caramel and yoghurt. Sommeliers curate both wine and non-alcoholic selections to maintain equilibrium throughout every plate of this modern cuisine.
Recognition
Ambience
Location