These 7 Michelin-starred restaurants are closing in 2025: what’s going on?
News from the world of fine dining: now that another three Michelin-starred restaurants have announced they are closing, the tally has reached seven. In the south of the country, Pikaar* in Hilvarenbeek and Flavours* in Weert are pulling the plug, and the much-praised Fitzgerald* in Rotterdam is also closing its doors. They are not saying goodbye to the hospitality industry; the chefs behind these establishments are choosing a new direction. And no, that is not necessarily bad news – quite the opposite, in fact. But what does this say about the future of fine dining in the Netherlands?
Haute cuisine in the Netherlands is largely struggling with economic headwinds. Those dark clouds are also hanging over Fitzgerald. After service on Saturday, July 12, 2025, an end will be put to ten wonderful, but simultaneously intense years at the top of Dutch gastronomy.
Michelin-starred restaurants closing
So far, we can say that a Michelin-starred restaurant is announcing its closure in 2025 every month. In addition to the aforementioned Pikaar, Flavours and Fitzgerald, these are Coulisse in Amsterdam, Meliefste in Wolphaartsdijk, Flicka in Kerkdriel and De Dyck (with a Green Michelin Star) in Woubrugge. The reasons are virtually identical: sky-high costs, staff shortages, and guests who would rather step into a bistro than put their entire savings balance on the table.
From star to stylish and simple
When financial viability is at risk, there are three options: stubbornly carry on with the risk of bankruptcy, stop, or change course. After much deliberation, Fitzgerald’s owners – Jeffrey and Christy Chan – have opted for the latter. At the same location, Gelderseplein between the Oude Haven and Blaak Station, they are beginning a new chapter with an accessible hospitality concept. This more approachable concept seamlessly meets the wishes and needs of the modern diner. Exactly what the formula will be and what name it will carry will be announced shortly.
More affordable and accessible
Chef Cas Pikaar is closing his eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant in Hilvarenbeek, but is moving to Riethoven, where he too will be cooking in a more affordable and accessible way. In Weert, Ron Lemmens is also changing course: he is closing Flavours and opening bistro Luux, with à la carte dishes and fewer multi-course theatrical productions on the menu. Does that mean the end of their Michelin star? Not always. Perhaps they will simply earn another one – as long as the quality remains.
Investing in fine dining: daring or dreaming?
Still, it is not all doom and gloom at the culinary top. Investments are still being made in spectacular newcomers such as fine dining restaurant Create (at Van Oys Maastricht Retreat, with two-Michelin-starred chef Guido Braeken), the long-awaited new restaurant Gem by two-Michelin-starred chef Soenil Bahadoer (known for De Lindehof) in Gemert, and restaurant Azurite by star chef Mario Ridder in Delft. There is a good chance that all of these will earn new stars.
Big vision, small restaurant
But the rise of the bistro – with smart menus and smart margins – can no longer be stopped. It is not only the economy putting pressure on fine dining. Guests want things to be different. No long evenings with twenty small courses and six amuse-bouches beforehand, but rather a relaxing evening with an equally appealing atmosphere, without having to pay top dollar.
Fine dining, but different
Clever chefs are responding to this. The ever-inventive Ron Blaauw, for example, is opting for an experience centered around ‘live cooking’, while other chefs are seeking each other out for collaborations such as ‘four hands dinners’ with chefs from other establishments. And my personal favorite: the collaboration between Amsterdam’s restaurant Europa and Samsung, which together serve a Cutting Edge menu at an incredible price (yes, I joined them for the second time this week, and happened to run into several fellow foodies there who are also absolutely thrilled by this concept).
Michelin ceremony 2025
At the beginning of October, it will be that time again: the famous guide will descend on Maastricht. New stars, old favorites – and undoubtedly new surprises. But one thing is certain: the world of Michelin-starred restaurants is constantly evolving. And a ‘Michelin-starred restaurant closed’ announcement no longer means that the adventure is over. Sometimes it is simply the beginning of something better.
Also read:
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Source: Misset Horeca
