Restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel

Imagine a place where culinary arts turn into genuine botanical magic. De Nieuwe Winkel is a renowned gastronomic restaurant located in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. The establishment is housed in a charming 14th-century historic building, yet inside, a spirit of absolute innovation and sustainability prevails.

De Nieuwe Winkel. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This restaurant has gained worldwide fame thanks to its concept of botanical gastronomy. Head chef Emile van der Staak creates masterpieces exclusively from plant-based ingredients, completely eschewing meat and dairy. For its revolutionary approach and impeccable taste, the establishment was awarded two Michelin stars, as well as a "Green Star" for its outstanding contribution to ecology.

The uniqueness of the cuisine lies in the use of rare plants, herbs, and nuts harvested in the unique Ketelbroek "food forest" in neighboring Groesbeek. Dishes served here cannot be found anywhere else: from fermented chestnut satay to an unusual blue seaweed broth. This is a place for those seeking a unique sensory experience and wishing to see the future of haute cuisine.

For those planning to visit De Nieuwe Winkel, it is highly recommended to book a table in advance through official channels, as the restaurant is extremely popular among foodies.

The main reason to visit De Nieuwe Winkel is for the breathtaking culinary journey in the form of a tasting menu. Visitors can choose a set of three or nine courses, each demonstrating the incredible possibilities of plants. Be sure to try the famous fermented chestnut satay, prepared over an open fire, or the amazing "foie gras" created from walnuts.

In addition to the food tasting, guests are offered a unique drink list. The restaurant's sommeliers will select rare organic and biodynamic wines for you or suggest exclusive botanical cocktails and craft beers. Each pairing is carefully selected to emphasize the subtle flavors of forest herbs and roots.

The atmosphere in the restaurant is welcoming and relaxed despite its high status. Here, you can not only enjoy the food but also learn a lot about sustainable farming and experimental preservation techniques. It is an ideal place for a romantic dinner or celebrating a special event, where every guest feels like a participant in an important gastronomic discovery.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Nijmegen-Centrum at Gebroeders van Limburgplein 7. This is a historic district where it is a pleasure to take a walk before dinner, admiring the ancient architecture of one of the country's oldest cities.

If you are arriving by train, Nijmegen Centraal station is within comfortable walking distance—the stroll to the restaurant takes about 15–20 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, many buses stop near the center, from where it is just a few minutes' walk to the restaurant through charming pedestrian streets.

Drivers should keep in mind that the restaurant is located in a pedestrian zone. You can leave your car in one of the public parking lots in the city center located near the square. Alternatively, you can always use a taxi service, ordering a car to the edge of the historic quarter.

De Nieuwe Winkel opened its doors in 2011, choosing a magnificent 14th-century building as its home. This juxtaposition of medieval walls and an ultra-modern kitchen creates a unique contrast that highlights the restaurant's philosophy: respecting roots while reaching for the future.

Founder and head chef Emile van der Staak traveled a long path from training in Eindhoven to working in the best restaurants in Amsterdam before realizing his dream of "botanical gastronomy." His approach to cooking as a way to make the planet more sustainable and healthy quickly bore fruit. Today, the restaurant is the proud recipient of two Michelin stars and a prestigious Green Star for environmental responsibility.

The restaurant's name translates to "The New Shop," which fully reflects its concept—a fresh, innovative look at the products nature provides. The establishment has been repeatedly recognized as the world's best plant-based restaurant by the We're Smart TOP100, confirming its status as a global leader in sustainable dining.

A visit to this restaurant is not just a meal, but a complete cultural performance that shouldn't be rushed. To fully enjoy the tasting menu, which can include up to nine courses, guests are recommended to set aside 3 to 4 hours.

As the establishment only operates in the evenings, it is the perfect way to conclude a day in Nijmegen. The unhurried service, the sommelier's stories about the drinks, and the immersion into the philosophy of each dish require time and full emotional engagement.

The De Nieuwe Winkel restaurant specializes in evening service and welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday. The doors are open from 18:00 to 00:00. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Given the limited number of seats and high demand, it is crucial to check the current schedule and table availability on the official website before planning your visit.

The restaurant's location in the historic center of Nijmegen allows guests to combine an exquisite dinner with a tour of the city's iconic landmarks. A walk through the ancient streets is the perfect complement to the gastronomic experience.