Alter
Tongeren, Belgium
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Alter means “different” or “other”, which illustrates Jo Grootaers’ career. He was just 19 when he became the chef of the Altermezzo brasserie, gradually forging his own culinary signature to the point of being awarded a Michelin star. Today he and his partner, Lana in charge of the front-of-house, are at the helm of this restaurant, established in the former village school, which has been treated to a hip, designer makeover. The couple’s shared passion can be tasted in the fine wines and remarkably delicate, creative cuisine. The chef’s attention to detail and genuine passion for the ingredient are particularly notable in the exquisite plating. For example, raw langoustine is presented in a tartlet with wafer-thin slices of pumpkin, a subtle bitter crème of mandarin, a drizzle of verbena oil and iced pearls made from langoustine bisque. In addition to cutting-edge precision, the chef firmly believes that sauces should be tasty and generous. Your meal will be rounded off with a tea ceremony to soothe and pamper your tastebuds. Jo Grootaers’ youthful enthusiasm is maturing and blossoming thanks to immaculate craftsmanship.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Innovative and Out-of-the-Box Cuisine: Alter is known for its creative and technical cooking style developed by chef Jo Grootaers, who started his culinary journey independently at 19. The cuisine is seasonal and market-driven, with menus that change according to the freshest available ingredients, offering 3- to 6-course meals and à la carte options.
Historic Setting with a Sunny Terrace: The restaurant is beautifully located in the historic heart of Tongeren, providing a unique ambiance that combines top gastronomy with an informal atmosphere. It also features outdoor seating to enjoy Belgium's temperate seasons, enhancing the dining experience with a cozy yet vibrant environment.
Exclusive and Thoughtful Dining Experience: Reservations at Alter require a deposit, ensuring a smooth and exclusive service. The attentive and professional service complements the exquisite plating and genuine passion for ingredients, such as the notable use of raw langoustine, reflecting the chef's meticulous attention to detail.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Alter in Tongeren include:
Raw Langoustine: Featured in a tartlet with wafer-thin pumpkin slices, mandarin crème, verbena oil, and langoustine bisque iced pearls. This ingredient showcases the chef's precision and creativity, highlighting delicate seafood flavors with complementary citrus and herbal notes.
Turbot: Served with caviar, fennel, cockles, combava, and parsley. The turbot dish emphasizes refined technique and balanced flavors, combining luxurious seafood with aromatic herbs and citrus elements.
Partridge (Game Season): Prepared sous vide with goose fat and baked, accompanied by figs, Jerusalem artichoke, and a sherry sauce. This dish reflects the chef's skill in game cooking and the use of rich, seasonal ingredients with complex sauces.
Monkfish: Paired with white asparagus, kombu seaweed, and galangal. This combination highlights umami and fresh seasonal produce, blending seafood with Asian-inspired flavors for a striking main course.
These ingredients are significant as they represent the chef Jo Grootaers’ focus on seasonal, luxurious products, precise technique, and harmonious flavor contrasts, which define Alter’s creative and refined cuisine.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Small: €100 (3 courses), €130* (4 courses), €160** (5 courses)
- Alter Wine Experience: €50 (Small), €60* (Big), €70** (Full)
- BOB Pairing: €35 (Small), €45* (Big), €55** (Full)
- Non-Alcoholic Pairing: €40 (Small), €50* (Big), €60** (Full)