The 12 Best Restaurants in the Netherlands 2026 – The Provincial Champions at a Glance

The Gault&Millau Guide 2026 has been officially presented, and the culinary bar in the Netherlands is higher than ever. Following our deep dive into Groningen, we are now looking further: who are the absolute winners per province?

From the iconic kitchens in Zwolle to the groundbreaking gastronomy in the hills of Limburg: these are the 12 best restaurants in the Netherlands, featuring the number one per province based on the 2026 Gault&Millau scores. Whether you are looking for a unique fine-dining experience close to home or planning a gastronomic road trip through the Netherlands, this list is your ultimate guide to the best our country has to offer.

What makes the Gault&Millau 2026 guide special?

Gault&Millau uses an independent scoring system from 1 to 20. This year, it is striking that the focus is more than ever on purity, craftsmanship, and local identity. While a score of 12 points already earns a mention in the guide, 16 points indicate 'excellent' cuisine. The restaurants on this list belong to the absolute top (16.5 to 19.5 points) and serve as the culinary figureheads of their regions. Furthermore, 2026 is the year of the 'risers': gastronomy continues to reinvent itself despite challenging times.

The 12 Provincial Champions: Ranked by Score

1. De Librije (Zwolle, Overijssel) — 19.5 points

For years, the undisputed number one in the Netherlands. Jonnie and Thérèse Boer continue to push boundaries in their former women's prison. Gault&Millau praises the unique world they create, where local ingredients from the Zwolle region are transformed into dishes that garner worldwide admiration. Hospitality and gastronomy go hand in hand here at the very highest level.

2. Brut172 (Reijmerstok, Limburg) — 19 points

This year's major riser and the pride of Limburg. Chef Hans van Wolde, named Chef of the Year 2026, cooks with extreme precision and deep respect for nature. Located in the heart of the Heuvelland, Brut172 offers an experience that is raw, honest, and yet incredibly refined. An absolute must-visit for those wanting to taste the essence of the south.

3. Ciel Bleu (Amsterdam, North Holland) — 19 points

On the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel, Ciel Bleu offers not only a breathtaking view over Amsterdam but also culinary perfection. Chef Arjan Speelman impresses with international ingredients of the highest quality and a rare technical mastery. The level of luxury and service here is simply in a league of its own.

4. Tribeca (Heeze, North Brabant) — 19 points

With Tribeca, Jan Sobecki continues to set the standard for North Brabant. Gault&Millau praises the balance in his dishes and the constant focus on flavor over display. The atmosphere in the restaurant is intimate, and the cooking style is modern with a classical foundation, resulting in dishes that are both surprising and comforting.

5. Fred (Rotterdam, South Holland) — 18 points

Chef Fred Mustert has risen to the magic threshold of 18 points this year. In his Rotterdam restaurant, he combines classic French cuisine with modern influences. The guide lauds the stability and constant innovation shown by Fred, where the focus is always on the product. An icon in the port city.

6. ‘T Nonnetje (Harderwijk, Gelderland) — 18 points

At the historical Vischmarkt in Harderwijk, Michel van der Kroft cooks with stellar brilliance. His cuisine is a tribute to both the Veluwe region and his love for Portugal. Gault&Millau honors the passion and craftsmanship with which 't Nonnetje has maintained a consistently high level for years.

7. Kasteel Heemstede (Houten, Utrecht) — 17.5 points

Located in a beautifully restored castle, chef Ollie Schuiling offers a contemporary cooking style that impresses. The setting is breathtaking, but it is the creativity on the plate that justifies the high score. With this, Utrecht has a gastronomic attraction of international stature.

8. Noor (Hoogkerk, Groningen) — 16.5 points

Our very own pride of Groningen! In their historic chapel, Jeroen and Marleen Brouwer transform local ingredients into refined works of art. The combination of French tradition with Japanese accents makes Noor the culinary highlight of the Northern Netherlands. The warm atmosphere and consistent quality ensure that Noor remains firmly at the top of the guide.

9. De Vlindertuin (Zuidlaren, Drenthe) — 16.5 points

In picturesque Zuidlaren, De Vlindertuin proves that Drenthe competes at the top level. The classical foundation is executed with modern techniques, while the hospitality and tranquility of the north complete the experience. A beacon of culinary peace and quality.

10. De Heren van Harinxma (Beetsterzwaag, Friesland) — 16.5 points

Situated on the beautiful Lauswolt Estate, chef Seb Smit cooks light and fresh with an adventurous edge. Gault&Millau appreciates the chic ambiance and the exceptionally friendly service. It is where Frisian down-to-earthiness and luxury gastronomy meet.

11. Codium (Goes, Zeeland) — 16 points

Zeeland is known for its briny flavors, and Codium in Goes takes this to a new level. Chef Koen van de Leygraaf cooks with a modern and bold approach, focusing strongly on products from the Zeeland waters. A modern addition that shows Zeeland is bursting with innovation.

12. Bakboord (Almere, Flevoland) — 14 points

Bakboord is the culinary pride of Flevoland. Located by the water in Almere, this restaurant has risen to 14 points this year. The guide praises the attractive and well-executed dishes and the consistent quality delivered by the team. For those who want to taste Flevoland at its best, Bakboord is the only logical choice.

Experience Top Gastronomy during the National Restaurant Week 2026

Do you want to enjoy the qualities of these provincial champions without paying a fortune? The National Restaurant Week 2026 (March/April) is the ideal time. During this nationwide event, hundreds of top restaurants, including many names from the Gault&Millau guide, open their doors for an exclusive menu at a reduced rate.

This year, several highly ranked restaurants are participating, allowing you to get acquainted with their signature style for a fraction of the normal price. Note: restaurants with higher Gault&Millau scores (15+ points) often charge a small supplement, but the experience remains exceptionally affordable. Book early, as tables at the provincial winners are the first to go!

Whether you choose the absolute top at De Librije or an exploration in your own region at Noor, the 2026 Gault&Millau guide shows that the Netherlands is a world-class culinary destination. Bon appétit!

Discover more on StayinHolland.com