Van Der Veken joined Hof van Cleve early in his career, starting as a trainee and progressing over more than a decade to become the right hand of its founding chef. This long apprenticeship grounded him in a philosophy centered on exceptional ingredients, seasonality, purity of flavour, and refined technique.

On 1 January 2024, he took over as chef-owner, marking a historic transition for one of Belgium’s most celebrated dining institutions. Under his leadership, the restaurant has continued to receive major international recognition, reaffirming its status as a benchmark of contemporary gastronomy.

Today, Floris Van Der Veken is known for honouring the heritage of Hof van Cleve while subtly evolving its style — offering cuisine that is elegant, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Belgian and French culinary culture.