Connoisseurs of old-school French cuisine, albeit with a passing nod to the North Sea, immediately feel at home in this inn. Stéphane Buyens, who is a fan of the catch of local fishing boats and regional produce, has no truck with fussy frills. He seeks above all to respect traditional recipes and time-honoured culinary techniques. Perfectly cooked hare is reinforced with a punchy jus and winter side dishes, a subtle velvety langoustine and savoury caviar tartare might be served on toast, while Normandy pancakes are flambéed in front of you by a crack professional team. The focus is on textbook Gallic fare, illustrated by the decadent dessert trolley and enticing wine list. Plush and sleek, Hostellerie Le Fox is a landmark on the Belgian coast and can be relied on for top-notch produce, exquisite sauces and nostalgic recipes that are sadly a rarity nowadays. Stylish guestrooms available upstairs in the boutique hotel.