These are the best places to eat in Zeeland, from dirt-cheap to three Michelin stars
In Zeeland, far away from the city, you can leave the hustle and bustle behind for a while. What do you do there? Eat, walk along the beach, eat, walk along the beach and eat some more. We went to Zeeland ahead of you for a culinary marathon (or Bootcamp, if you will) along the best restaurants, from budget to three Michelin stars. These are our favourites.
The absolute culinary highlights in Zeeland
Vista
Overlooking the water, on a dike: ultimate peace and enjoyment. Yes, officially it’s Noord-Brabant, but it really is on the way to Zeeland, in my opinion, and with a view like this, this spot simply belongs on the list. In the city’s old fortress, they also have two suites where you can stay overnight if you want to make your getaway complete. If you want to go all out for Christmas: the Christmas menu here is always to die for.
De Kromme Watergang
A bit of an open goal, because this may well be Zeeland’s best-known culinary hotspot. But rightly so. Two Michelin stars, so it won’t surprise you that every dish is truly a work of art in its own right. Almost a shame to eat it. Almost, that is, because you won’t want to miss these flavours. So, so delicious.
Inter Scaldes
Wow, wow, wow. From two to one and then, with a giant leap forward, back to three. Yes, this restaurant has three Michelin stars. Having lunch or dinner here is a real experience. You can also stay overnight at Inter Scaldes’ five-star hotel; for the ultimate experience, you should definitely do so. Very luxurious, very beautiful and above all, very, very exceptionally delicious.
Pure C
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Cadzand-Bad, let alone ever visited this Zeeland coastal village. But believe me: that’s about to change. It is increasingly developing into a chic seaside resort on the Zeelandic-Flanders coast, complete with luxury apartments, a marina and culinary gems. Cadzand-Bad may not be on the way—at 245 kilometres from Amsterdam, much of the drive takes you through deserted countryside—for foodies, the pilgrimage is more than worth it! In fact, we’re not exaggerating when we say this is the mecca for anyone who loves outstanding food and drink. How about the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Pure C? The chef is Syrco Bakker, who was previously sous-chef at Sergio Herman’s Oud Sluis. With Pure C, Sergio wanted to create a place where he himself would love to eat and drink sexy cocktails. A dynamic restaurant with a top kitchen where you feel like you’re on holiday. ‘A little bit of Ibiza on the North Sea, with great music in the background,’ as Sergio puts it.
Blueness
Without making too much fuss about it, Sergio Herman opened the Japanese bar Blueness a few years ago. Take one step into Blueness and you feel the calm wash over you. Serenity reigns in the open kitchen, too. You can eat at the bar here, but there are also a few tables in the restaurant, and upstairs there is a private dining room that seats 12 people. Japanese cuisine is Sergio’s favourite, he tells us, especially when combined with the products found here, such as fish, but also seaweed, herbs and berries. In short, Blueness is Japan meets Zeeland: Zeeland products with deep Japanese umami flavours and a fresh accent. Definitely order the Wagyu charcuterie.
AIRrepublic
Although AIRrepublic is an accessible brasserie, Sergio Herman’s restaurant was awarded a Michelin star just eight months after opening in 2016. The restaurant’s location is impressive: the ultra-sleek restaurant is built above the marina, and through the glass windows surrounding it, you look out over the endless beach on one side, all the way to Knokke, and over the sea on the other, where, on a clear day, you can see Walcheren across the water. Absolutely everything here is fantastic, but the pizza, inspired by Alsatian flammkuchen but without bacon and onion, and instead topped with beurre blanc, lobster and lardo, is reason enough to travel to AIRrepublic.
Spetters
Judging by the name alone, I wouldn’t expect it, but yes, yes: this spot is also the proud owner of a Michelin star. It’s located in the harbour, so the view is pretty great too. If you want to watch your spending a little more, go to Eb&Food, the covered terrace next door. Also very tasty and a bit more affordable.
The culinary highlights in Zeeland for every budget
Kaffee ’t Hof
For when you’re simply in the mood for good food without too much fuss. Kaffee ’t Hof is a café-restaurant where you get a generously filled plate for very reasonable prices. Add a beer or house wine and you’re all set. Especially if you’re a meat lover: burgers, spareribs, MEAT. Delicious. There are also regular evenings with live music.
Silvy’s Gusti e Sapori
This Middelburg institution has two locations: one for delicious wood-fired pizzas and a trattoria with many different kinds of fresh pasta. The menus are inspired by Sardinia, so the spaghetti prepared according to a Sardinian recipe is one of the many recommendations.
De Juf
Originally a shop selling homemade cakes, biscuits and other sweet treats, it has since become an institution that offers much more. You can sit here comfortably, and these days they also serve the most delicious sandwiches. The place in Middelburg for breakfast and/or lunch.
De Visbar
Fresh fish is what it’s all about here, but you probably guessed that when you read the name. All the fish is ‘displayed’ in the cabinets, so you can immediately see which one will end up on your plate. If you really don’t like fish at all, they’ve thought of you too, as there are several meat and vegetarian dishes. Deliciously, they also serve sushi.
Image: Vista
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