Breaking news: top chef Soenil Bahadoer closes De Lindehof**after 30 years
It still feels almost unbelievable. Yet it really is true: after 30 years, top chef Soenil Bahadoer is closing the doors of De Lindehof**. The restaurant in Nuenen has been a fixture on the list of Michelin-starred restaurants for many years, but the end of a beautiful era is approaching. Bahadoer is taking a different path — still as a top chef (fortunately).
Bahadoer announced the news in an email to his regular guests. Exactly what the chef will do after the closure is not entirely clear yet. One thing is certain: the rumor mill is running at full speed.
Bahadoer and his long relationship with De Lindehof
It is clear that Bahadoer has poured his heart and soul into De Lindehof. He has been at the helm of the restaurant ever since it opened 30 years ago. In 2004, he received his first Michelin star, followed by his second 10 years later. Since then, De Lindehof has always remained at the top. Bahadoer’s culinary skills undoubtedly played a major role in this; in 2019, he received the title of ‘Chef of the Year’ from Gault&Millau.
Moving to Gemert?
De Lindehof has been quietly for sale for some time now. On May 1, 2025, the restaurant will close its doors permanently. Rumor has it that Bahadoer will move to Gemert in Brabant, just a 20-minute drive from Nuenen. In 2026, the Curio Collection by Hilton will open there. The hotel will have at least 70 rooms in Piet Boon style, along with two restaurants: a fine-dining restaurant and a more accessible one. Both restaurants will eventually aim to earn Michelin stars, with the latter hopefully going for a green star. So far, it is clear that several top chefs have been approached about a position at the Curio Collection by Hilton in Gemert. Misset Horeca spoke with owner Bas van de Laar at the end of last year, but unfortunately he would not reveal anything about Bahadoer’s possible arrival. We will know more in March, Van de Laar says.
To be continued
Whatever happens, De Lindehof will close permanently in a few months. A different, probably wonderful future lies ahead for Bahadoer. What that will be should become clear in the coming months. For now, it remains a secret. At least one thing Bahadoer was unable to keep secret from us is his guilty pleasure: McDonald’s fish burger, with ravigote sauce. And that he secretly enjoys eating raw canned frankfurters. Well, at least we can reveal that to you with certainty already.
Also read:
- This restaurant in the Netherlands has held a Michelin star for the longest
- 5 Michelin restaurants in Japan you don’t want to miss
- 12 extremely affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris
Sources: Misset Horeca, Omroep Brabant
