Rebelle
Marke, Belgium
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Behind the unassuming façade of Rebelle, you will discover a warm, minimalist interior decked in salmon and terracotta colours. Fuss-free and casual, Rebelle aims to serve excellent nosh in an easy-going vibe. The man behind the creative score, Martijn Defauw, rustles up fascinating food and knock-out seasonings, often with an oriental twist, that come up trumps every time. He has a knack for sourcing the best produce, such as flawlessly fresh North Sea fish or locally grown tender young hop shoots. His close ties with his producers are a source of inspiration, as are his travels. For example, he may spread flavoursome tapioca pearls, slices of green apple and radishes over a fleshy raw oyster, all of which is paired with a seaweed roll and then even further enhanced courtesy of a warm beurre blanc of plankton that underscores and balances the other ingredients. Heavenly! The big-boned flavours of each dish are further enhanced by a superlative wine cellar and the sommeliers suggest natural or classical tipples to pair with chef Defauw’s culinary masterpieces. To quote them: “Warm, Pure, Unique” - a meal at Rebelle is felicitous from start to finish.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique or unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Rebelle in Marke:
1. Fusion of Local and Oriental Flavors with Creative Seasonings
Chef Martijn Defauw is known for combining high-quality local produce, such as North Sea fish and young hop shoots, with inventive seasonings often inspired by Asian cuisine. For example, a dish might feature raw oyster topped with tapioca pearls, green apple, radishes, and a seaweed roll, enhanced by a warm beurre blanc made with plankton. This blend of local ingredients and oriental twists creates bold, surprising flavor combinations that define Rebelle’s cuisine.
2. Minimalist, Warm Interior in the Town’s Oldest Building
Despite being housed in Marke’s oldest building, Rebelle’s interior design eschews traditional Flemish decor in favor of a warm, minimalist style featuring salmon and terracotta colors, clean lines, muted hues, and matte concrete floors. This creates a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere that contrasts with the historic exterior and complements the modern culinary approach.
3. Carefree, Fuss-Free Dining with a Focus on Authenticity and Togetherness
Rebelle positions itself as an accessible, young, and relaxed restaurant where guests can enjoy excellent, balanced dishes without pretension. The kitchen’s minimalist approach emphasizes the product’s authenticity and passion, while the sommeliers enhance the experience with thoughtful wine and non-alcoholic pairings. The restaurant fosters a cozy, welcoming environment for all ages, emphasizing shared enjoyment and comfort rather than formality.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Rebelle in Marke include:
North Sea fish: Exceptionally fresh seafood from the North Sea is a cornerstone ingredient, reflecting the chef's commitment to sourcing top-quality local produce. It is used in refined dishes that highlight its natural flavors.
Young hop shoots: Locally grown tender young hop shoots are notable for their freshness and unique flavor, often incorporated to add a delicate, vegetal note to dishes.
Tapioca pearls: Used creatively, for example, scattered over raw oysters alongside green apple and radishes, adding texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the seafood.
Plankton beurre blanc: A warm beurre blanc sauce infused with plankton that enhances and balances dishes such as oysters, underscoring the oceanic theme and adding umami depth.
Langoustine: Featured in signature preparations paired with elements like gianduja soft serve and sea buckthorn curd, showcasing the chef’s inventive approach to combining seafood with unexpected flavors and textures.
These ingredients are significant as they exemplify Chef Martijn Defauw’s philosophy of combining local, fresh produce with creative, often Asian-inspired seasoning and presentation, resulting in dishes that are both bold and balanced.