Lekker500 Restaurant Listings in Groningen 2026
Lekker is a Dutch culinary magazine that showcases the best of the country’s gastronomy. Each year, the magazine publishes the ‘Lekker500’. This is a major highlight in the Dutch fine dining scene, and many restaurants hope to earn a place in the ranking! On November 3rd, the nominations and presentation of the 2026 edition took place. We compiled a list of the newcomers and the fastest riser for this edition.
How much does the Lekker500 Magazine cost?
We just bought this beautiful, thick glossy magazine at Boekhandel van der Velde on the Grote Markt for €23.99. Years ago, I discovered the magazine ‘Lekker’ through the restaurant Vive La Vie, where we often dine with friends. The magazine was also featured prominently in the stylish accommodations of Overnachten in Stijl.
My Personal Favorite Restaurants in Groningen
While writing this, I realize there are still many restaurants I haven’t visited yet! Once a month, I try to have dinner in the city of Groningen with my group of girlfriends. Our Wednesday night dinners! We catch up over delicious food and great wines — always a treat in a city like Groningen. Our current personal favorites in Groningen: De Betere Tijden (I was surprised it didn’t make the list), Pacha Mama, Vive La Vie, Brasserie Prinsenhof, Olijfboom Cantina, and Bellami's. Okay, not all fine dining — but that certainly doesn’t spoil the fun! I’ve also had wonderful meals at Niemeijer and Bisque. At the end of November, we’ll try restaurant Nassau with friends, and with my girlfriends, our next stop will be Cicci’s! Of course, I may not be the ultimate gourmet — let’s leave that to Lekker! You can also order the magazine via their website.
Reviews of 500 Dutch Restaurants
The Lekker500 guide presents reviews of 500 Dutch restaurants. A portion of these are ranked in the top 100, which receives the most attention. In addition, the annual Lekker500 edition includes recipes, reports, and interviews. The magazine focuses on Dutch gastronomy and features personal stories from chefs, sommeliers, and hosts. It’s a great read!
Lekker500 Top 10 for 2025 in the Netherlands
Brut172 once again holds the number 1 position in the Top 100 this year. Hans van Wolde connects food and love at Brut172, where guests in Reijmerstok enjoy a culinary experience from start to finish. With his unique style and passion, he also focuses on training new chefs and is seen as a true culinary trendsetter. He has also opened Hotel Brut En Suite.
Over the years, De Librije has consistently held a top spot. Sadly, top chef Jonnie de Boer passed away last year — a great loss for the entire culinary world. Let’s look at the changes in the Top 10 compared to 2025.
| Position | Restaurant | Location | vs. '25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brut172 | Reijmerstok | - |
| 2 | De Librije | Zwolle | - |
| 3 | De Leuf | Ubachsberg | +7 (biggest riser!) |
| 4 | De Groene Lantaarn | Staphorst | -1 |
| 5 | Spectrum | Amsterdam | - |
| 6 | De Nieuwe Winkel | Nijmegen | - |
| 7 | Tribeca | Heeze | -3 |
| 8 | Fred | Rotterdam | +1 |
| 9 | Flore | Amsterdam | -1 |
| 10 | Gem | Gemert | new entry |
Biggest Climber– Lekker500 2026 Edition
Eleven years after the passing of top chef Paul van de Bunt, his family, led by Sandra, has brought haute cuisine restaurant De Leuf in Ubachsberg back to the top. Son Robin, a talented chef, and daughter Michelle, a sake sommelier, combine Eastern influences with a modern French twist. With refined flavors and explosive dishes, De Leuf has earned a well-deserved spot in the Top 10.
Newcomer in the Top 10 of Lekker500
From a small living-room restaurant to fine dining at Restaurant Gem in Gemert, located in the historic Gemert Castle where you can also spend the night. Top chef Soenil Bahadoer proves himself this year as a newcomer to the Top 10 with unforgettable dishes!
Lekker500 – Restaurants in Groningen
Back to my beloved city of Groningen! We highly recommend treating yourself to a fine dining experience here. Behind every restaurant is a hardworking team dedicated to creating the best products and menus. So, if you want to experience something special and have the budget — book a table!
Lekker500 2025 – Restaurants in Groningen
November 4, 2025, was once again a celebration for Noor in Hoogkerk, as they earned 36th place in the Lekker500 ranking! Last year, they debuted as a newcomer for the province of Groningen, and now they’ve solidified their position. Only 100 restaurants make it into this ranking nationwide. 51st place went to Restaurant Onder de Linden in Aduard, and 71st place to one of our absolute favorites, Dick Soek and his team at De Piloersemaborg in Den Ham.
The other 11 Groningen restaurants highly recommended according to Lekker500:
- Bellami's – Bar à Manger: a French bistro where you can even dine at the bar. Not overly formal, but definitely culinary! Located in the charming Ellebogenbuurt area. Try their various stuffed eggs — I love them! Other small dishes like duck or braised beef are also delicious.
- Bistro LouLou (still haven’t been — really time to go!).
- Bisque (had a wonderful meal here!)
- Restaurant Blumé: formerly Bistro Het Gerecht under Hotel de Ville, where we often dined with friends after work. In 2023, it became Blumé. The hotel is now Halbert, part of Garde Hotels.
- Restaurant De Haan: owned by chef Dennis de Haan, who runs a unique self-service concept — guests pour their own drinks and serve their own bread and coffee. Impressive and very popular, so book early!
- Restaurant Niemeijer: a memorable experience! We even made an Instagram reel about it. You can even get an exclusive gourmet “eierbal” here. From Thursday to Saturday, they serve a business or private lunch for around €32 per person.
- Restaurant De Molenaar in Onderdendam: we once had a staff dinner here — fantastic! We even stayed overnight in the mill afterward, perfect after a wine pairing.
- Restaurant Nassau in Hotel Prinsenhof. I’ve dined often at the Brasserie Prinsenhof — stunning atmosphere, especially for Easter or Christmas brunch. We’ll soon visit Nassau itself (reservations required!).
- Sepia: a lunch restaurant — quite unique for Groningen’s fine dining scene. I’d love to visit with my friends!
- Vive la Vie (our all-time favorite — lovely owners Jeroen and Lara Sportel, with ambitious hostess Nina Veldhuis). Jeroen was named JRE Chef of the Year 2023, and Nina placed 8th in the National Hennessy Hospitality Award.
- De Basiliek in Appingedam: located in the old Nicolaas Church, serving seasonal and mostly local ingredients. You can go for both lunch and dinner. I haven’t been yet, but it sounds fantastic!
National Hennessy Hospitality Award 2025
For the 24th time, the annual Hennessy Hospi_
