Anyone who thinks the Royal North Sea Yacht Club is exclusively for sailors is mistaken. Behind the iconic façade on Montgomerykaai lies a place where maritime tradition, refined cuisine and an exceptional setting come together effortlessly. Whilst sailing yachts anchor and set sail and the North Sea constantly changes the scenery, here you can enjoy classic Belgian cuisine that is as timeless as the view.

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It is precisely this combination that makes the Royal North Sea Yacht Club one of the most exceptional culinary destinations on the Belgian coast.

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A Club with Nearly 80 Years of Maritime History

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The Royal North Sea Yacht Club was founded shortly after the Second World War, when a group of passionate sailors set up a new club at the port of Ostend. 

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Since then, the club has grown to become a mainstay of Belgian water sports, with hundreds of members, several marine harbours and more than 20 national and international sailing regattas each year. Thanks to its unique location in the heart of Ostend, it is also the only Belgian yacht club situated literally in the city centre, within walking distance of the beach, shops and the railway station. 

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Yet it’s not just about sailing here. The clubhouse has become a meeting place where even those who enjoy life but don’t own a boat feel right at home. The restaurant is deliberately run by a professional catering team so that both the sailing club and the kitchen can focus entirely on their own areas of expertise.

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The North Sea on Your Plate and Right Before Your Eyes

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Some restaurants win you over with their cuisine, others with their location. Here, you get both. From the dining room and the spacious sun terrace, you look out over the harbour mouth, the marina and the North Sea. Fishing boats, sailing yachts and passing ships ensure that the view never stays the same for a single minute. That scenery adds a touch of something special to every lunch or dinner. 

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Even on the plate, the priority is clearly on recognisable flavours and quality. The menu reads as an ode to Belgian bistro cuisine, with a prominent role for fresh North Sea fish, shellfish and meticulously selected meat. We start with shrimp croquettes just as you’d hope to find them by the sea – with a golden-brown, crispy crust and a creamy filling that lets the flavour of North Sea shrimp shine through. Next, Irish Mór oysters appear on the table – fresh, mineral-rich and elegant. For the main course, we've gone for a perfectly cooked cod, served with homemade tartar sauce and crispy fries. Across the table, a beautifully cooked ribeye, rare to the centre, is being carved. 

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No unnecessary frills or technical feats, just honest ingredients prepared with craftsmanship – and that’s exactly what we love.

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Classics that Never Go out of Fashion

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At a time when restaurants are trying to outdo one another with ever-changing concepts, the Royal North Sea Yacht Club remains remarkably true to itself. The tried-and-tested classics of Belgian cuisine remain the backbone of the menu here. It’s not about trends, but about quality, hospitality and an experience that keeps people coming back time and time again. 

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Even if you’re not a sailor, you can easily book a table and experience the club’s atmosphere. On your first visit, you’ll be introduced to how the club works, and if you wish, you can become a member. You don’t need to own a sailing yacht to do so. Your membership not only gives you the opportunity to dine here, but also supports an association that has been investing in the future of Belgian sailing for decades, through training courses, regattas and an active youth programme.

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A Place You’ll Want to Linger At

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Some restaurants leave a lasting impression because of a single dish. Others because of the view. The Royal North Sea Yacht Club combines both. You come for a plate of perfectly prepared North Sea fish or an excellent steak, but you’re just as likely to linger for the relaxed atmosphere, the maritime history and the feeling that time seems to pass just a little more slowly here. The touch of nostalgia is a lovely, extra bonus.

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Aad Very Much Approved! 

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Royal North Sea Yacht Club

Montgomerykaai 1

8400 Ostend, Belgium