De Hammerhoeve

De Librije is a culinary institution that has held three MICHELIN Stars since 2004. Today, artisanal local ingredients, a vegetable-forward approach, inventive techniques and the use of fermentation to create bright acidity have become commonplace, and that is thanks in part to the late Jonnie Boer. He was the most influential Dutch chef of his generation, whose life was cut tragically short. His distinctive style of cooking lives on, revered by the fantastic team at De Librije. This is bold cuisine that leaves a long-lasting impression. Pike-perch from the IJsselmeer, for example, is cooked u

Many restaurants may claim to have the kind of atmosphere in which diners feel at home, but here it really is the case. This place is located on the charming Nieuwe Markt and has a terrace that overlooks the square. Inside, driftwood and drying herbs hang from the ceiling, and the large wine wall gives the contemporary decor individuality. This is a cosy setting, and diners clearly come to have a good time. Jonnie and Thérèse Boer have built up a kitchen team that loves working with produce from Zwolle and manages to create dishes that are original but not overly complex. Our inspectors were b

Lars Aukema is a chef who does not need top-of-the-range ingredients to create exciting dishes. Having worked under the tutelage of Jonnie Boer for a long time, he has now proven himself to be a dab hand at showcasing flavours from the region and around the globe. He combines, for instance, yellowtail tartare with crunchy kohlrabi, topped with yellowtail sashimi and dusted with black cardamom and kaffir lime zest. Lime gel, marinated green strawberry and a fermented kohlrabi broth add the finishing touches to this understated dish. This is a subtle flavour combination you won't forget. This is

Take in views over breathtaking countryside, either from the spacious terrace, which evokes a Mediterranean ambience with the scent of lavender, or from the restaurant itself, which is replete with country house charm. The seasons are reflected not only in the landscape but also on your plate. Chef Sebastiaan Pals puts his ingredients centre stage, and he likes to incorporate herbs from his own garden. His cuisine exudes French refinement, embraces fresh, contemporary ideas and delivers generous, satisfying dishes. For example, he poaches trout fillet in a tangy marinade and tops it with a lay

Step across the moat, traverse the medieval fortifications and look for the building with a sloping wall. This place certainly makes a magical first impression! Inside, this historical setting has been given a splendid makeover. Here, familiar ingredients are used to produce creative dishes. For instance, the chef combines skate and scallops in a dish reminiscent of a choucroute garnie. This is carefully considered and rich cuisine. At De Voorburcht, new life is breathed into classic fine dining.

The atmospheric L'église feels like a cosy wine bar and is instantly welcoming. You can just pop in for a glass of wine – hostess Kira has put together a list of excellent options – and a few nibbles, but we definitely recommend opting for the set menu or something from the à la carte selection. Chef Niek proves that just a few elements are enough to make a dish come alive. The food is meticulously prepared with an emphasis on zest and punch, as well as a dash of international flair. For example, he creates a ceviche dish in which sweet, fruity watermelon, sweet-and-sour pickled radish and a c

Laura is a warm and welcoming host, and she knows the outstanding wine list like the back of her hand. Her recommendations are absolutely spot on! If you like surprises, chef Vincent is your man. There's no written menu here; your options are presented verbally only, and your trust is rewarded with imaginative, plant-forward cuisine. Whether he's imbuing various textures of celeriac with zingy flavours, or putting pork belly centre stage in an Asian-inspired dish with a bay leaf cream sauce, his elaborate culinary creations are full of flair.