From Brussels to Ostend: A Chef’s New Culinary Chapter by the Sea
From ABrussel (city centre) to Le Tartisan (Ixelles), the veteran Brussels restaurateur has teamed up with Peter Aerts to launch a new venture by the sea.
Some chefs never truly hang up their aprons. Marc Lejeune, 62, a former stalwart of the Brussels restaurant scene (ABrussel in the city centre, Le Tartisan in Ixelles), had supposedly left the business to organise boat cruises. But the call of the kitchen proved too strong. On 14 March 2026, he and his partner Peter Aerts (52, who changed careers after a heart attack) opened a lunch restaurant in Ostend, Carte Blanche, at Kerkstraat 9.
The perfect bistronomy for lunch at the coast 💙
3-course menu at €39
‘Freestyle Bistronomy’
It’s the restaurant’s own motto. A commitment to honest, accessible cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, featuring regional and seafood products. On the plate, this translates to a crispy tomato-mozzarella corolla that crunches under the fork, and a sun-yellow panna cotta drizzled with a passion fruit coulis, crowned with raspberries and blueberries. The kind of dish you can’t help but photograph before taking a bite.
📸 In Pictures — A Visit to the Restaurant
From 1000 Brussels to 8400 Ostend
ABrussel was a key dining spot right in the heart of the City of Brussels. Le Tartisan, in Ixelles, was a renowned deli-restaurant known for its traditional, grandmother-style homemade products. Marc earned his stripes there, weathered the dinner rushes, and trained many staff. Now, he’s headed to the coast, focusing on the lunch market with affordable prices and impeccable service. It’s bistronomy, but without the stuffiness.
Why It Matters for Brussels
Because when a Brussels native exports their expertise to the coast, it’s a win for our city’s culinary reputation. And when you’re looking for a weekend lunch spot in Ostend, why not go where you’ll still be greeted with Brussels charm? Marc and Peter are reopening on Tuesday 21 July after a short summer break — perfect timing for a train, sea, and gourmet getaway.
Practical Info
- 📍 Kerkstraat 9, 8400 Oostende
- 📞 0485 17 42 41
- 🌐 carteblancheoostende.be
- ⭐ Google Reviews
- 🍽️ 3-course menu (starter + main + dessert) at €39
- 🕛 Lunch — booking highly recommended
Where is Carte Blanche Oostende?
At Kerkstraat 9, 8400 Oostende, a few minutes from the seafront. Phone: 0485 17 42 41, website carteblancheoostende.be.
Who opened Carte Blanche in Ostend?
Marc Lejeune, 62, a former Brussels restaurateur (ABrussel in the city centre, Le Tartisan in Ixelles), together with his partner Peter Aerts, 52. They opened on 14 March 2026.
How much is lunch at Carte Blanche Oostende?
€39 for a three-course menu (starter, main, dessert). It is a lunch restaurant and booking is highly recommended.
🔗 Verifiable Sources & Links
- Official Carte Blanche Website
- KW.be — Opening announcement 14 March 2026
- LinkedIn Marc Lejeune (ABrussel)
- Brusselslife — Le Tartisan (Ixelles)
— Ketje, BXLove correspondent
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