Restaurant CumLaude
Brussels
At a glance
Restaurant CumLaude offers a distinctive fine dining experience in Leuven's historic Groot Begijnhof. This restaurant embraces a blend of traditional haute cuisine with inventive and creative elements. Situated within an ancient historical setting, it provides a unique atmosphere that complements its refined culinary offerings. Chef Yogi Tabak along with sous-chef Pedro Peres leads the kitchen, crafting menus that highlight seasonal influences and fresh ingredients. Their collaborative skill results in dishes that stimulate the senses and surpass expectations.
Guests are welcomed warmly by Maître Cas Vuerinckx and his team, who ensure that every visitor feels at ease, enhancing the dining experience with their attention to detail. The restaurant accommodates small groups, making it an excellent choice for intimate gatherings or business lunches, with the policy of a unified menu choice for groups of six or more.
CumLaude serves lunch from Monday to Wednesday and dinner from Monday to Friday. During favorable weather, diners can enjoy their meals on the beautiful outdoor terrace, taking in the serene surroundings of the beguinage. While the menu caters to different dietary preferences, those following plant-based diets will find satisfying options available. CumLaude is conveniently accessible with ample free parking nearby, making it a hassle-free destination for both locals from Leuven and visitors traveling from Brussels or beyond.
Reviews
The very most elegant atmosphere, white tablecloths, flowers on every table, and the most delicious cuisine imaginable. The chef makes exquisite dishes that waft to your place from the kitchen, and also sends along a generous pot of extra sauce, which you can pour onto your plate at leisure. Fresh herbs accompany every dish, as garnish. We have returned to Leuven simply in order to dine here! A passion for cooking animates all of this spectacle, and the creativity of the chef is extraordinary. A dessert of strawberry (locally sourced), baby spinach and elderflower has a structure based on a couli with tiny cheesecake on bottom layer, strawberry ice-cream (barbequed!! on a grill with black pepper) and slice of meringue (I have left out a couple of other ingredients, I think). The seasonal menu is finely integrated (fish for a first course, veal with generous sauce, bacon from Ardennes, peas and pea purée, then a choice of strawberry dessert or Dame Blanche, so it is hard to choose between the two!). Cum Laude has the glory of a riotous buzz of conversation all around you, when dining: very, very happy diners. A succession of courses served with the precision of a ballet, by the wait staff, and explanation of each dish. It is a marvel.
I had a wonderful dining experience. The wine pairing was excellent and felt very well thought out—it complemented every course beautifully and created a great sense of balance throughout the meal. Each dish was refined, with delicate flavors that were both precise and harmonious. I really appreciated how everything came together so smoothly. Thank you for such a memorable evening.
Within the centuries-old historical setting of the Grand Beguinage of Leuven, you can enjoy a unique culinary experience at restaurant Cum Laude. The restaurant features various rooms, all situated in an authentic environment. The food is delicious, the accompanying wines are not the usual suspects, and the service is excellent. However, you do need plenty of time: more than four hours for a six-course menu and aperitif. But all in all: a delightful experience.
Yogi and Pedro combine French cuisine with fresh, creative flavours. Their pairings are refined, yet full of delightful surprises. The courses were served at a perfect pace. As sommelier, Machteld brings a wonderful atmosphere to the restaurant. She presents each wine with both expertise and a warm, jovial charm. Highly recommended — 100%!
I can't say anything other than that everything was perfect. The food - beautiful serving, interesting combinations, fantastic taste. The service was top notch, I can't give a single remark. I definitely recommend this place.
