BRAND-NEW LEKKER500 EDITION 2027

De Librije is the new number 1 in the Lekker500 2027: surprising climbers and plenty of movement in the Top 10

The brand-new 2027 edition of Lekker500, the Netherlands’ leading restaurant guide, brings some surprises at the very top of the culinary world. De Librije in Zwolle has claimed first place, taking the top spot from Hans van Wolde’s Brut172. There have also been notable shifts further down the Top 10. For instance, Create in Eijsden and Azurite in Delft have made impressive leaps, whilst Zarzo in Eindhoven has secured a place amongst the top 10 restaurants in the Netherlands. The 49th edition of Lekker500 is entirely dedicated to the chefs and the craftsmanship behind Dutch gastronomy.

De Librije back at the top

Following the unexpected death of Jonnie Boer in 2025, De Librije has demonstrated that his culinary legacy is in safe hands. Under the leadership of Thérèse Boer, their children Jimmie and Isabelle, co-owner and chef de cuisine Nelson Tanate, and the entire team, the restaurant continues to perform to an exceptionally high standard. With respect for the past and a firm eye on the future, Jonnie Boer’s gastronomic legacy is being carried forward. This combination of craftsmanship, a drive for innovation and consistent quality has been rewarded with first place.

Brut172 in Reijmerstok, Limburg, comes in at number 2. With his distinctive vision and exceptional all-round dining experience, chef Hans van Wolde remains among the very best in the Netherlands. De Leuf in Ubachsberg retains its third place. The family-run business owned by Sandra, Robin and Michelle van de Bunt proves once again that refinement, hospitality and intergenerational collaboration make for a powerful combination.

Significant changes in the Top 10

There’s plenty of movement outside the top three as well. Restaurant Fred in Rotterdam has climbed from 8th to 4th place. Chef Fred Mustert and hostess Mirjam Mustert demonstrate that classic French finesse, high-quality produce and a personalised approach still make all the difference. De Nieuwe Winkel in Nijmegen has climbed to 5th place. Chef Emile van der Staak continues to impress with his innovative plant-based cuisine, which combines sustainability and creativity.

Azurite in Delft also makes a strong impression. Chef Mario Ridder’s fine-dining restaurant has climbed nine places, from number 15 to 6. Flore in Amsterdam has risen two places to 7. Soenil Bahadoer is also continuing his upward trajectory. With GEM. in Gemert, he has secured 8th place.

Two restaurants have made their debut in the Top 10. Create in Eijsden, led by chef Guido Braeken, has made the biggest leap within the Top 10, climbing no fewer than 10 places to number 9. Zarzo in Eindhoven, run by chef and entrepreneur Adrian Zarzo, climbs from 16th to 10th place. Both restaurants prove that a distinctive style and refined craftsmanship are rewarded.

Notable newcomers and rising stars

There is plenty of movement outside the Top 10 as well. Monarh in Tilburg is this year’s biggest climber, jumping no fewer than 18 places, from number 90 to 72. Château Neercanne in Maastricht climbs 15 places to number 29, followed by Rijnzicht in Doornenburg (+13), Basiliek in Harderwijk (+12) and Choux in Amsterdam (+11).

In addition, the Top 100 welcomes no fewer than seven new entries. Le Epifaan in Veeningen makes an immediate impression by entering at number 15, whilst Suis in Schin op Geul comes in at number 17. Rozewied in Kortgene, Bij Sidney in Loenen aan de Vecht, Restaurant Bouchot in Nuenen, Spoon in Cuijk and Ratatouille Food & Wine in Haarlem have also secured a place in the Top 100.

A tribute to the chef and culinary craftsmanship

Following previous editions that focused on the guest and the service staff, this year Lekker500 is turning the spotlight on the chef. Behind every exceptional dish lie years of experience, creativity and dedication. From classic French techniques to innovative plant-based gastronomy: Dutch chefs demonstrate just how diverse the culinary landscape is. It is not trends or fads, but quality, craftsmanship and the overall gastronomic experience that form the basis of this independent ranking.About Lekker500
For 49 editions now, Lekker500 has been providing an independent guide to the 500 best restaurants in the Netherlands. The new collector’s edition is packed with restaurant reviews, interviews and culinary background stories. The striking cover illustration by Piet Paris forms the final instalment of a colourful trilogy centred on the guest, the waiting staff and the chef.