Noble Kitchen, Cromvoirt
Perusing the expansive menu at Noble Kitchen is guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds of even the most discerning epicurean – especially one with a fondness for Asian finesse. Your culinary journey begins with handmade chicken gyoza, followed by a delectable brioche with smoked eel. In between, there is a selection of lukewarm sushi. For your main course, you can savour a perfectly seared rare skirt steak from the robata grill, then round off your meal with a timeless dame blanche. A truly luxurious affair. The setting of this design restaurant is just as alluring: the futuristic building is located next to the picturesque Bernardus golf course. Given the chance, you'd want to come here every day!Starter, main and dessert à la carte possible from €40, two-course lunch at €40, five-course set menu at €80.
Peter Hermeling © Noble Kitchen
Vigor, Vught
In the stylish 17C Villa Beijenburg, you will witness the camaraderie between two master craftsmen: chef Lars Albers and maître d' Randy Bouwer. The beautifully curated wine list (be sure to peruse the selection of sherries) is the perfect complement to the ingredient-led cuisine. The chef knows how to surprise diners with familiar flavours, emphasising the essence of each component. Imagine a pristine white turbot fillet, buttery and beautifully browned on the outside, elevated by the subtle bitterness of Brussels sprouts and intense flavour of a mushroom foam. The harmony achieved on the plate, in the glass and throughout the dining experience is captivating.Two-course business lunch at €42, four-course set menu at €88.
Bo Blitz © Vigor
't Vlasbloemeken, Koewacht
't Vlasbloemeken is committed to serving up the very best of produce from both land and sea. Eric van Bochove is truly passionate about his ingredients, showcasing them with great expertise and a keen awareness of new trends – for example by incorporating Asian seasonings. He always serves a seafood set menu featuring gems such as Eastern Scheldt lobster. Or perhaps you might be tempted by the incredibly fresh langoustines, lightly seared and accompanied by crisp vegetable accoutrements and mayonnaises infused with sambal and soy for added depth of flavour. Hostess Bianca provides consistently charming service and excellent wine suggestions.Two-course lunch at €44.50 (Wed, Thu and Fri only), four-course set menu from €72.50 (Wed, Thu and for lunch only), three-course seafood set menu at €85.
Stephanie Geerts © 't Vlasbloemeken
Eden, Valkenswaard
This place is something of a garden of paradise for fans of creative dining. Herman Cooijmans has the daring and expertise to successfully pull off adventurous pairings such as skate with strawberry or crow with orange, accompanied by a cardamom-infused jus. This audacious approach unlocks a symphony of unexpected and refined flavours. The "JRE Menu" features slightly more luxurious ingredients, "Inspiration Menu" gives the chef free rein to let his imagination run wild. His dedication to sustainability is also reflected in his decision to offer Redefine Meat, a wholly plant-based option, as a main course alternative.Three-course lunch at €48, four-course chef's menu at €60 (Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons only), five-course menu at €72.
Jamie de Leeuw © Eden
Marrees, Weert
Jan Marrees is a culinary veteran who now embraces a more relaxed approach to gastronomy. This manifests itself in a charming interior with a laid-back atmosphere, an appealing international wine list and a wide-ranging selection of dishes that reflect the chef's extensive culinary repertoire. The crispy fried veal sweetbreads with a rich veal jus and notes of apple and melon are a house classic. But perhaps you would prefer to opt for the lobster lasagna or Asian dumplings with spinach and Tomasu soy sauce. A meal at Marrees is always a real treat!Lunch menu for €49.50, four-course set menu at €80.
Irene Van Wel © Marrees
De Kas, Amsterdam
This holder of the MICHELIN Green Star has a commitment to sustainability at its core. "From plant to plate" is the guiding principle at De Kas, evident in everything around you, as the restaurant is housed in an imposing greenhouse surrounded by an expansive garden where a diverse array of vegetables, herbs and fruit are cultivated. The terrace by the garden is the place to be in fine weather! Although Wim de Beer and Jos Timmer do occasionally cook with meat and fish, their primary focus is on plant-based creations. For instance, they make their own XO sauce with vegetables and chilli, giving the earthiness of roasted beetroot and bitter radicchio a unique twist. This less-is-more approach to working with nature will leave a lasting impression!Three-course lunch at €50, five-course set menu (dinner) at €73.
Rinze Vegelien © De Kas
Basiliek, Harderwijk
Yornie van Dijk, an aficionado of Nordic Cuisine, has adopted this purist style of cooking. His culinary creations are characterised by their intensity and emphasis on zingy acidic notes. His light approach puts vegetables centre stage, so vegetarian options and a plant-based set menu are a given at this cosy restaurant. Following an imaginative combination of Jerusalem artichoke, bay leaf, sunflower seeds and black garlic, you might wish to move on to a classic foie gras dish. Not a problem… But you can be sure that Van Dijk will add his own refreshing twist here, too.Three-course lunch at €55, five-course set menu at €75.
JL Visuals © Basiliek
Cheval Blanc, Heemstede
Nestled inconspicuously in the heart of Heemstede, Cheval Blanc is the epitome of elegance. Once you enter, you'll be charmed by the warm welcome you receive. The staff here pull out all the stops for their diners. Chef Van der Velden lets the quality of his ingredients, such as halibut and guinea fowl, shine through; he incorporates creatively crafted garnishes for a playful touch, and his rich sauces tie everything together beautifully. This master craftsman is backed by a maître d' armed with excellent wine recommendations.Three-course lunch at €55, four-course set menu at €75.
Cheval Blanc © Cheval Blanc
LIZZ, Gouda
Technical precision, a delicate touch and a penchant for subtle Asian flavours are the qualities attributed to Remco Kuijpers, the chef of this upscale designer restaurant housed in the high-end boutique hotel Weeshuis. Whether he is cooking a plant-based concoction of radish, wasabi, the Japanese citrus fruit Jabara and andaliman pepper, or turning out a delightful winter dish of pheasant with foie gras and a gravy made from the carcass, you can bet it will be meticulously crafted with original details and bold flavours. The surprising wine pairings are essential if you want to fully immerse yourself in this culinary experience.Three-course set menu at €59 (Wed, Thu, Fri lunchtime and Sat lunchtime only), four-course menu at €85.
Typhoon © Kara Lilley/LIZZ
De Juwelier, Amsterdam
Like its little sister Bistro de la Mer, De Juwelier is a vibrant place where you can get a great à la carte meal seven days a week, for lunch and dinner. Yoran Jacobi has no qualms about incorporating less mainstream ingredients such as pike-perch and bone marrow into his uncomplicated yet impactful dishes. He presents a refreshing take on time-honoured recipes, retaining their essence while adding innovative twists. For instance, he pairs roasted calf's kidneys with lamb's ear and a briny oyster and hazelnut velouté. The discerning chef's taste is also reflected in the wine list, which features some real gems.Starter, main course and dessert à la carte for an average of €60.
Chantal Arnts © De Juwelier
Zoldering, Amsterdam
At this lively neighbourhood bistro, the wine in your glass is just as important as the food on your plate. Featuring both small-scale producers and iconic estates, the extensive wine list is sure to please even the most discerning palate. And what could be a better match than unpretentious cuisine that eschews any unnecessary frills. Be sure to sample the vegetarian take on filet americain (Belgian-style steak tartare)! As a main course, for example, you can savour an unctuous roulade of farmhouse chicken, crispy on the outside and generously smothered in a delicate poultry jus infused with morels. The wide-ranging à la carte selection will set the heart of any foodie racing. One thing is for sure: at Zoldering, an unforgettable dining experience is guaranteed!Starter, main and dessert à la carte for an average of €60.
Femke Teensma Zoldering
De Woage, Gramsbergen
De Woage, a charming restaurant in picturesque Gramsbergen, promises to reimagine old and familiar flavours with a fresh twist. Classic combinations such as tournedos and foie gras or lobster with risotto reveal their full depth here, elevated to new heights by imaginative accompaniments and rich sauces. What might appear simple is in fact bold and generous. Our inspectors were enthralled by a curry jus – delightfully spicy and infused with fresh herbs – that imparted a flavourful kick to a perfectly seared cod fillet. The à la carte menu is a reflection of the restaurant's commitment to providing guests with a truly memorable dining experience.Four-course surprise menu at €69.50.
Nino Brouwer © De Woage
Bistro de la Mer, Amsterdam
This cosy bistro is like a slice of Paris right in the heart of Amsterdam. Upon entering, your gaze is immediately drawn to the impressive oyster bar. Bistro de la Mer puts these briny treasures centre stage in no-nonsense seafood dishes that put a new spin on old recipes. The team assembled by Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot takes seafood cuisine to the next level. Be it sole à la meunière, roasted on the bone, or skate wing with black truffle and a truly original chicory and ham jus, each plate strikes a chord. And there's even more good news: they are open every day, offering à la carte dining!Starter, main course and dessert à la carte for an average of €70.
Chantal Arnts © Bistro de la Mer
Brass Boer Thuis, Zwolle
At Brass Boer Thuis, they put everything they have into making foodies feel right at home, and they pull it off with aplomb. Jonnie and Thérèse Boer have assembled a team of chefs who frequently practise wood-fire cooking, embrace local ingredients and understand that creativity need not be complicated. This is casual dining that revolves around fun. Foie gras cooked the old-fashioned way wrapped in a towel, wood-roasted cauliflower with almonds, raisins and Madras curry... There are so many mouthwatering options to choose from, but the highlight is the plant-based set menu!Four-course surprise menu at €70.
Daisy Von Dutch © Brass Boer Thuis
See also
Hero image : © Kara Lilley /LIZZ
