Viki Geunes (°1972) is the best evidence that a natural talent can reach the culinary top even without hospitality or high-profile internships. After his studies in industrial sciences, he resolutely committed to gastronomy as an autodidact. He primarily opted for a simple and tasteful kitchen at first. However, this extraordinary connoisseur soon developed a broad interest in innovative kitchen techniques. Based on his sense of creativity, personal cuisine and an above average sense of taste, temperature and texture contrasts, Viki Geunes was awarded a first Michelin star in 2004. The Red Guide was just the beginning of a whole series of awards that were soon to follow. In 2005, Viki Geunes was praised by the Gault & Millau guide as the best young top chef in the country and two years later the same renowned culinary publication awarded him the trophy for the best dessert menu. In 2008 the second Michelin star was a fact and the following year Gault & Millau named him best chef of the year. In January 2021, the top chef received the ultimate award for his exceptional work. Viki Geunes has been awarded 3 Michelin stars by the Michelin Guide. The award of a third star had not happened by the Michelin Guide in Belgium since 2012. At the moment, Zilte with Viki Geunes is one of the only two three-star restaurants in Belgium. Since 2023, Zilte is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux network, and in 2024 Zilte joined Les Grandes Tables Du Monde.