There are restaurants whose very names evoke the entire history of Brussels gastronomy. And La Villa Lorraine is certainly one of them. But behind this institution, which has been established for over 70 years in the southern part of the capital, a new chapter is being written. Since January 2026, Ruben Christiaens, a 30-year-old chef, has been calling the shots in the kitchen. And it didn’t take long for his work to be noticed! He has just been named Young Chef of the Year 2027 for Brussels by Gault&Millau.
A Brussels institution undergoing a transformation
Let’s be honest: taking the helm at La Villa Lorraine isn’t exactly like inheriting a small neighborhood restaurant! Founded in 1953, this iconic establishment has long embodied a certain ideal of haute cuisine. Needless to say, expectations were high when Ruben Christiaens arrived last January. But rather than simply following in the footsteps of his predecessors, the chef is gradually putting his own stamp on the restaurant.
The change is particularly evident in the concept. Villa Lorraine has now opted for a single menu. It blends classic French dishes with creations featuring Asian influences, in an experience billed as more relaxed. The idea is to preserve the restaurant’s culinary expertise while offering contemporary cuisine, where ingredients, cooking techniques, and sauces take center stage. It’s a way to evolve the restaurant without losing what built its reputation.
At 30, Ruben Christiaens has already earned a prestigious award
The chef’s career path is far from that of a novice. Before joining La Villa Lorraine, he worked at several major international restaurants, including Nuance and De Leest in the Netherlands, Eleven Madison Park in New York, and Vollmers in Sweden. He also earned a Michelin star at the restaurant Vintage in Kontich in 2023.
This time, it’s Gault&Millau that’s honoring his work. In its 2027 edition, the guide awards him the title of Young Chef of the Year for Brussels, while La Villa Lorraine receives a score of 15/20. This is an encouraging first sign for this new chapter in the restaurant’s history.
For those who’d like to discover this cuisine, the restaurant offers, among other options, a lunch for €68, a five-course menu for €135, and a seven-course menu for €185. One thing is certain: at La Villa Lorraine, the generational shift is now well underway.
📍Address: Avenue du Vivier d’Oie 75, 1000 Brussels
