Magis
Tongeren, Belgium
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This historical house has an entirely refurbished, contemporary interior. The terrace - garden has an ornamental pond and offers views over the basilica. Tasty cuisine with hints of the Mediterranean.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Unconventional Career Paths: Chef Dimitry Lysens and his partner Aagje Moens, the restaurant manager, both left their careers in marketing and economics to pursue a life in hospitality.
- Extensive Pre-Dinner Snacks: Magis is notable for serving a wide variety of pre-dinner snacks, not just a couple, which sets it apart from many other fine dining establishments.
- Historic Setting with Modern Twist: The restaurant is located in a historic building in the oldest town in Belgium, yet it offers modern, contemporary French cuisine with a focus on simplicity and local ingredients.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Magis in Tongeren include:
Langoustines: Featured in a signature duet dish, one langoustine is served classically with wafer-thin asparagus slices and a punchy shellfish bisque, while the other is glazed and paired with a frothy, Asian-leaning jeow som dressing. This highlights the restaurant's focus on fresh, high-quality seafood and refined simplicity.
Asparagus: Used in thin slices to accompany langoustines, asparagus adds a delicate, fresh vegetable note that complements the shellfish bisque, emphasizing seasonality and local produce.
Wild Mushrooms: Central to their celebrated wild mushroom risotto, these mushrooms capture the essence of the forest, enhanced with truffle oil and fresh herbs to create a creamy, aromatic dish that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal, earthy flavors.
Truffle Oil: Used to elevate dishes like the wild mushroom risotto, truffle oil adds depth and luxury, underscoring Magis’s balance of rustic and refined elements.
Duck Breast: Featured in a pan-seared dish served with a cherry reduction, this ingredient exemplifies the restaurant’s mastery of flavor balance, pairing rich meat with a fruity, tangy sauce for harmony on the plate.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Magis’s culinary philosophy: sourcing ultra-fresh, local, and seasonal produce, and presenting dishes with minimalist finesse that allows each ingredient’s natural flavor to shine.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Menu Options at Magis, Tongeren
Set Menus
- Lunch Menu (All-in, 3 courses): €89
This menu offers a selection of dishes, though specific courses are not detailed. - Magis Menu (6 courses): €99
This menu provides a more extensive culinary experience, but specific dishes are not listed. - Verrassingsmenu (Surprise Menu):
Details and prices for this menu are not specified.
A La Carte Options
- Handgepelde Grijze Garnaal: Grey shrimp with white asparagus and basilicum.
- Langoustine: With leek and jeow som.
- Zeetong: With morel and vin jaune.
- Groene Asperge: Green asparagus with quail egg and garden peas.
- Kalf: Calf with wild garlic and peas.
- Aardbei: Strawberry with rhubarb and sorrel.
- Chocolade: Chocolate brownie with coffee.
Special Seasonal Menus
No specific seasonal menus are detailed, but the restaurant emphasizes using seasonal products with international influences.
Prices
- Lunch Menu: €89
- Magis Menu: €99
Note
Specific prices for a la carte options are not available.