Barbizon Returns: A Belgian Culinary Icon Reopens in Overijse
One of Belgium’s most storied restaurants has found a new lease on life. The Barbizon, a former two-Michelin-starred institution nestled on the edge of the Forêt de Soignes in Overijse, reopened its doors in May 2026 under fresh ownership — and this time, the emphasis is on accessibility, not accolades.
A Storied Past
The Barbizon first rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s under the command of Chef Alain Deluc, who trained under culinary legends Troisgros and Chapel. At its peak, the restaurant was considered one of Belgium’s finest tables, drawing high society and business clientele to its elegant villa on the Drève de Bonne Odeur — “Good Scent Lane,” a fitting address for a gastronomic landmark. As La Libre Belgique reported, the restaurant was the place to be for memorable business lunches and romantic dinners alike.
But in 2018, unable to find a successor — his son Olivier declined to take over — Chef Deluc closed the Barbizon for good. A first revival attempt in 2022, which transformed the venue into a multi-concept space with an oyster bar, cocktail lounge, and late-night club, failed to recapture the magic. DHnet described that iteration as a “bling bling” project with poor-quality cuisine that “completely denatured the interior of the building.”
New Owners, New Philosophy
Enter Delphine Roberti de Winghe and Arnaud Le Grelle, a couple of seasoned entrepreneurs who already run Le Corbier, a well-regarded restaurant in the Sablon district of Brussels. In September 2024, they took over and renovated Le Corbier with the help of interior designer Gérald Watelet — a well-known Belgian TV personality — and Chef Olivier Chanteux. The formula worked: Le Corbier earned a respectable 13/20 from Gault & Millau.
Now they’re applying the same approach to the Barbizon. The restaurant’s official website describes the vision as “a warm and friendly atmosphere” where guests come “to feast, but also to reconnect with loved ones, share precious moments, and savor the pleasure of being together.”
No Stars in Their Eyes
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the new Barbizon is what the owners are not chasing. In an interview with La Libre Belgique, Roberti de Winghe was emphatic: “We want to do things well, but we don’t want to get into the Michelin-starred category.”
She elaborated: “At Le Corbier, we got a score of 13/20 from Gault & Millau. That’s very satisfying and motivating for the team. But if you aim for a star, you enter a completely different mindset — that’s not our vision. We want to remain accessible to everyone.”
This anti-Michelin stance comes at a time when the Belgian restaurant scene is evolving. The 2026 Michelin Guide saw notable shifts in rankings, with some restaurants losing stars. The Barbizon’s positioning — quality food without the pressure of star-chasing — may resonate with diners seeking genuine, unpretentious experiences.
What to Expect
The new Barbizon is housed in the same beautiful villa on the edge of the forest, now at Drève de Willerieken 95. The property features a main dining room, a bar area, two terraces, a garden, a petanque court, and a reception hall for private events. The menu focuses on classic revisited dishes — think frog legs, shrimp croquettes, and cheese croquettes — without pretension.
Weekend DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays add a festive evening atmosphere, while families are welcome with a playground available for children from 12:00 to 18:00. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and serves lunch on weekends only.
A Calculated Bet
The reopening of the Barbizon represents more than just another restaurant launch. It’s the revival of a true Belgian culinary institution — a landmark that was a source of local pride during its heyday. By deliberately steering clear of Michelin ambitions, the new owners are betting that the “accessible quality” segment has room for a restaurant with this kind of pedigree.
For residents of Overijse and the broader Brussels periphery, the return of the Barbizon brings back a familiar name with a fresh identity. Whether it can recapture the spirit of those golden years without chasing stars remains to be seen — but for now, the doors are open, and the classic dishes are back on the table.
For reservations and more information, visit the official Barbizon website or call +32 (0)2 469.30.83.