Food Culture in Maastricht Part 3: Treat Yo Self
We have covered now covered your daily student eats and a nice place where you won’t necessarily break the bank. Now it is time to…TREAT. YO.SELF!. Or at least maybe your parents or grandparents can treat you when they are visiting.
Today’s post features some of the more famous restaurants featured on restaurant rating guides such as the Michelin Guide or Gault & Millau (Gault & Millau restaurants favor western namely French and Italian Cooking. Here is a nice article that I agree with). These places are certainly going to make you feel like royalty with bites that will you speechless. And if you’re still hungry after a tasting menu at least you know some cheap eats to go after!
Vino&Friends (Plankstraat 6) As far as tasting type menus in the city this might be the best value for food quality. Admittedly I am biased here because of my relationship with the staff, but there is third party confirmation in the excellence here. They have a garden just outside of the city growing a decent amount of their produce. In a couple of years there will be their own wine too grown on the beautiful hills of Maastricht.
Harry’s (Wycker Brugstraat 2) Another of the amazing restaurants you will pass walking from the train station to city center. You definitely can’t walk by without noticing the beautiful façade as well as the open window view into the kitchen from the street. Their sommelier was just named one of the best in the Netherlands. Could easily have a Michelin star, but has avoided it because of what that distinction can do to the vibe.
Safar at Maison Haas Hustinx (Vrijthof 20) The newest high-end restaurant in the city is a hidden gem that little know about. True Lebanese and Levantine cooking where small plates meant to share creates such a homey environment in a very upscale hotel. It might be odd, but when I went here it stuck out to me the incredible music playing. It turns out they have their curated playlist on Spotify.
Beluga (Plein 1992 12) Maybe the most famous restaurant in town and current holder of one Michelin star after formerly having two a few years ago when Hans van Wolde was the head chef. Recently they have been trying to discover a new identity going through a few concept remodels. Current head chef, Servais Tielman, has a few establishments in Maastricht.
Thais Restaurant Tabkeaw (Rechtstraat 102) The best Thai food in the area by far. Many of the places that claim authentic Thai food leave much to be desired. The thing you desire here is to be hooked up to an IV of any of the many amazing curries! It is also located on arguable the most beautiful street in Maastricht off the main street in Wyck.
Onglet (Wycker Brugstraat 27) You might be confused passing by this place on the main street in Wyck. Why? Because it is one of the best butcher shops in Maastricht. However, on closer inspection there is a secret door in the back that opens into a full restaurant. The dishes are meat heavy, but also have a nice selection of veggie centric dishes too. Very cool concept.
Studio (Wycker Grachtstraat 24) Some Michelin drama as head chef Gilbert von Berg was the chef at Chateau Neercanne (Von Dopfflaan 10) when it had a star but separated from the restaurant about a year ago. Heavily inspired by Asian flavors the tasting menu and overall feel of the place is very elegant.
Brut 172 by Hans van Wolde (Reijmerstokkerdorpsstraat 143, 6274 NK Reijmerstok) Although not necessarily in Maastricht it is the premier restaurant in the region. It does have some connection to the city as Hans was the former head chef at Beluga Loves You and was the reason for its two Michelin stars at the time. As you have realized now there are a lot of politics when it comes to these higher end places. Fun note too, Hans has cooking classes on Master Class.
I hope over the past three weeks you’ve enjoyed learning about what Maastricht has to offer in terms of food. There really is such a wide range of culinary experiences in the city, I’m sure you’ll find something you love!
All the best,
Ken
