A Week of Culinary Excellence
From 8 to 14 June 2026
This June, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp becomes the ultimate destination for gastronomic excellence during the Gourmet Festival 2026. From 8 to 14 June, guests are invited into a world where culinary artistry, world-class chefs, and unforgettable experiences come together in a week-long celebration of taste, creativity, and refinement.
Expect a programme filled with exclusive events, surprising collaborations, and signature moments that define the very best of contemporary gastronomy.
Calendar of Events
Gourmet Kick-off Event
The week begins with the Gourmet Kick-off Event on 8th June, an energetic and immersive opening that sets the tone for everything to come. Guests are taken on a curated culinary food safari, discovering a variety of flavours, textures, and creative expressions from exceptional chefs.
This opening night is all about exploration, surprise, and the joy of shared dining experiences in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Henry’s Bar x The Macallan
Experience an exclusive collaboration between Henry’s Bar and The Macallan, where rare whiskies, signature serves, and sophisticated bites come together for an unforgettable night.
- Monday 8th June until Sunday 14th June 2026
- Friday 12th June: special guest shift bartender by The Macallan
Fine Fleur x Piper-Heidsieck
A sophisticated champagne experience where the culinary excellence of Fine Fleur meets the elegance and prestige of Piper-Heidsieck.
- Lunch on Tuesday 9th of June 2026
Best of Belgium at Bar Bulot
Bar Bulot presents “The Finest of Belgium” menu throughout the week, celebrating the very best local ingredients and refined Belgian seafood cuisine in an elegant and vibrant setting.
- Tuesday 9th of June – Saturday the 13th of June 2026
Dom Pérignon at Hertog Jan
Discover an extraordinary gastronomic journey where each course is carefully paired with iconic Dom Pérignon champagnes in an intimate fine dining setting.
Fine Fleur 6-Course Lunch – Edition 1
Savor an exclusive six-course lunch by Thomas Diepersloot*, joined by guest chefs Pavlos Kiriakis and Salvatore Morello*. This refined culinary experience showcases seasonal ingredients, contemporary gastronomy, and the creative signature of three exceptional chefs.
- Lunch on Wednesday 10th of June 2026
Take-over: Afternoon at Botanic x The Dorchester
From Wednesday 10 June until Sunday 14 June 2026, the festival welcomes an exclusive culinary residency: a Take-over from The Dorchester at Afternoon at Botanic.
This unique collaboration brings the refined spirit of The Dorchester to Antwerp, with signature creations by Roger van Damme and Michael Kwan. Guests can expect a sophisticated afternoon experience where elegance meets innovation, showcasing refined patisserie, delicate flavours, and impeccable craftsmanship in a luxurious setting.
Fine Fleur 6-Course Lunch – Edition 2
Enjoy an exceptional six-course dining experience by Thomas Diepersloot*, joined by guest chefs Mike Cornelissen of Rijnzicht*, Tom Vinke of De Kromme Watergang*, and Yornie van Dijk of Restaurant Basiliek*. Together, they present a refined culinary journey celebrating creativity, flavor, and gastronomic craftsmanship at the highest level.
- Lunch on Thursday 11th of June 2026
Four Hands Dinner – Yves Mattagne x Christophe Hardiquest
Two renowned chefs unite for an exclusive four-hands dinner, blending creativity, signature techniques, and exceptional ingredients into a unique culinary experience, perfectly complemented by an exceptional Ruinart champagne pairing.
- Friday 12th June 2026
Grand Gourmet Brunch
Join us for the Grand Gourmet Brunch on Sunday, 14th June, the closing event of the Gourmet Festival 2026.
Set in a beautiful garden atmosphere, this final celebration brings together everything the festival stands for: relaxed elegance, exceptional flavours, and shared moments in the sun. Guests are welcomed with a sunny aperitif, followed by a generous gourmet brunch featuring seasonal creations and refined dishes.
If the weather is on our side, the experience is elevated with a live BBQ in the garden, where chefs prepare fresh, flavourful dishes right in front of you — adding a vibrant and interactive touch to the day.
To make this closing event even more memorable, expect a few thoughtful extras throughout the experience: laid-back music, small culinary surprises, and a warm, festive atmosphere to end the festival on a high note.
- Sunday the 14th of June 2026
Stay tuned
Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for the full Gourmet Festival line-up. We will be sharing updates, featured chefs, and exclusive experiences throughout the coming weeks.
For any questions, guests can contact us at:
[email protected]
+32 3 269 00 00