Where (star) chefs themselves love to eat
It’s always great when people come up with restaurant recommendations. Even better: when those tips come from (star) chefs. Chefs know what quality means, not only in terms of taste, but also presentation and service. Their recommendations guarantee that you’ll eat somewhere fantastic, even if it’s a small, lesser-known restaurant.
We asked (star) chefs where they themselves love to eat
Culinary gems you might otherwise never discover; be inspired by our chefs’ tips!
Yornie van Dijk (Basiliek*)
“I recently ate at De Leuf, and it was truly fantastic. It’s a shame they’re so far away.” (De Leuf is in Ubachsberg, South Limburg, ed.)
Guido Braeken (restaurant Julemont** at Château Wittem, from Jan. 2025 Van Oys)
“There’s a Thai lady in our village who prepares delicious dishes. You can find us here every week.”
Niven Kunz (Triptyque*)
“There are quite a few! Fuku Ramen, Rijsel, Troef, Coulisse, Choux and, last but not least, De Nieuwe Winkel**. We recently had an incredibly good meal there.”
Marleen Brouwer (Noor*)
“Tribecca** in Heeze and Colette – De Vijvers** in Averbode (Belgium).”
Yuri Wattimena (YANO)
“At Sumo with my wife and children—nothing too complicated, and I know they enjoy it. It’s so nice to spend time there as a family after a busy week and having missed them. And at The Jane (Sergio Herman’s restaurant in Antwerp, ed.) with my wife. Enjoying some quality time together.”
Jord Althuizen (Black Smoke)
“BAR SIL, the best Neapolitan-style pizzas and appetizers in our neighborhood.”
Michiel Deenik (Visaandeschelde)
“Puur Ted in Leerdam. This man cooks on his own for 40–50 people, everything in a wood-fired oven, with no fuss—honest, fresh and featuring beautiful ingredients from the surrounding area.”
Arie Visscher (Café Visscher)
“Comfortably at home on the couch.”
Leonardo Pacenti (Toscanini)
“At Rijsel and Café Parlotte.”
Thomas Val (Wils*)
“I rarely eat out because I’m almost always working, but I think Troef in Amsterdam East is really good. Rijsel is also one of my favorites, and the guys at Europa are doing a really great job.”
Casimir Evens (Odile*)
“I love discovering the top end in Spain; in terms of design, taste and experience, I think this country is absolutely amazing! Closer to home, I enjoy going to Sala Thai in Eindhoven.”
Tim Golsteijn (Restaurant Bougainville*)
“At Silom Thai Brasserie in Amsterdam.”
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Image: Rijsel – Cote de boeuf © Rene Mesman
