Where you can find a Healthy Meal in Brugge, Belgium

From what I've seen and heard, finding vegan fare in Brugge wasn't going to be a very easy task. 
With the locals feasting on the likes of Moulle, Frites, Waffles, Crepes, and lots of lots of Beer, who has the time for a "Healthy Meal"?!
Quite luckily I came upon reading a review on a restaurant named 'Reliva'; Where the food comes in all shapes and sizes to satisfy and please any appetite or dietary need!

Located in the historic center of Bruges in a building dating back to the 15th century, Lien Vandeputte created a cozy space with respect for tradition, and the view of the Saint Saviour just adds to this unique experience. The restaurant is located in a building that was erected in 1452 - yup you read that correctly the year 1452 - that was definitely quite some time ago! Just think about it...have you ever even stepped into a building from that era? Now, imagine the experience of eating in a structure from the 15th century! Wow!!
Reliva first opened their doors in October of 2012, and the unique name is derived from Re = Restaurant, Li = the first 2 letters of the chef's name Lien, and Va = for the first 2 letters of the chef's last name Vandeputte.

Dining here was an easy choice for us, and it wasn't even all that difficult to locate in the labyrinth streets of this Medieval City!

Dave B and I had both ordered the 4 course vegan dinner:
1. Courgette chutney met avocado 
2. Carpaccio van coeur de boeuf
3. Vegan lasagne van zomerse groenten
4. Chocolademousse 'Raw'

Bread Service

Carpaccio van coeur de boeuf

Cappuccino with vegan cookie

Courgette chutney met avocado

Vegan lasagne van zomerse groenten

Chocolademousse 'Raw'

Both vegetable appetizer dishes were lovely! Farm fresh goodness and you could definitely tell that each of the flavors were precisely thought out.
My favorite was of course the Lasagne course (there's a reason they call me Tanya Lasagne!)
Freshly made noodles, perfectly cooked summer veggies, meaty bits of TVP (textured vegetable protein), and a very delicious sauce. 
I thoroughly enjoyed each and every bite of this generous helping! 
This was one of my the best entrees that I had on this 3+ week trip!!

It was no surprise to find out that Lien started her love for cooking at the young age of 10 years old, cooking Italian food along side of her parents (who also shared a love for cooking), and with her father being of Italian decent, it's no wonder that Italian food is still so close to her heart!
The dessert course was a "Raw Chocolate Mousse". Something that our server, 28 year old Brecht Blomme explained that the chef (his girlfriend), has been working on for over a year. Tweaking the recipe and that it has evolved into something very special! 
After dinner, we had some lengthily conversation with our friendly server, who gave us much of the history of the building, as well as Lien's future plans and dreams for Revila. 

Réliva offers a unique range of fresh fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Lien works with honest ingredients and local organic fruits and vegetables. There are several vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu, cooked in coconut oil. The range varies depending on the season.

In addition they also offer Belgian beers Belgian wines of high quality.

It also happens that this sweet, young, and talented couple also reside onsite. They live on the 2nd level of this same 1452 building and every Thursday-Monday for both lunch and dinner services they are there pouring their hearts and souls into making each visit something healthy, memorable, and delicious! 
With the warm atmosphere, great food, and wonderful service, you certainly don't want pass up on this one! Stop in and tell Brecht & Lien, that we said "hello!"


-T

For further information:
RELIVA 
Goezeputstraat 6,
8000 Brugge