Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Just a stroll away from Saint Stephen's Church, perched by the River Waal with views from the terrace, you will find Witlof — a place where joy and gastronomy collide. The interior strikes a balance between elegance and comfort, featuring parquet floors softened by cozy carpets, soothing shades of green and gray, and brightened by cheerful flower arrangements. Quirky fish illustrations adorn the white walls, adding a playful charm to the inviting space. What truly makes this spot stand out is the team's infectious passion — you can feel their love for what they do in every detail, and the warmth is palpable from the moment one steps through the door.

A haven for produce-obsessed foodies and those who fancy a bit of exclusivity, Witlof presents a weekly rotating menu that keeps you excited to discover your next culinary obsession. Just for a hint of what to expect, the cuisine plays with French classics, subtly infusing it with Eastern flavors. True to its distinctive concept, the restaurant adheres to an unconventional schedule: a surprise dinner is served from Wednesday to Saturday, while lunch is an exclusive Saturday event, offering three, four, or five-course options. To complement those vibrant plates, Witlof boasts a respectable wine collection. However, they might be more proud to get you hooked on Brand Pilsner brewed in the Netherlands and a few local Nijmegen brews.

5-course surprise dinner menu — € 72.50

Stepping into Groenewoud, you’d hardly suspect it's a historic gem dating back to 1763 — unless you read it from their sign, of course. With its modern and trendy vibe, it’s a pleasant surprise to learn that this spot has been delighting diners since the late 18th century. With a variety of rooms and a knack for orchestrating memorable events, it’s a top choice whether you’re celebrating or simply stopping by for a casual lunch. You may bask in the sun on a picturesque terrace or cozy up inside, where white walls, marble tables, and plush chairs create an elegant setting. The wine shelves and floral arrangements add a touch of festive charm, making your visit feel like a special occasion.

Under the deft guidance of Chef Maurice Kersten, the kitchen offers a nice flexibility, inviting you to go with à la carte options, dive into set selections, or dare to embrace the thrill of a surprise menu. The main course lineup might be brief, but it covers all bases with flair. Seafood lovers can relish sea bass with green asparagus and a curry sauce that’ll tickle your taste buds or whole turbot served with potato and an enticing Antiboise sauce, transporting you to the Côte d'Azur. Carnivores will be thoroughly indulged with delicacies ranging from sweetbreads paired with tubetti and anchovies to succulent lamb rump accompanied by eggplants and pomegranate, bringing a hint of Eastern allure. For vegetarians, there’s crispy cauliflower with truffle, Parmesan, and mustard. And to cap off, even the pickiest eaters would be thrilled to dig into a reimagined tiramisu, masterfully revived with a zesty twist of limoncello and lime.

3 course menu — € 47

The minds behind this spot have injected a dose of Berlin cool into the heart of Nijmegen. What does that mean? None of that fake glitz, forced politeness, or over-the-top flash. Instead, you get unfiltered creativity, a bold culture, and an abundance of style. Inside, the vibe is a bit on the moody side, with sleek graphite surfaces mingling with brick, wood, and exposed pipes. Pick your position: a table or a bar seat downstairs, or head upstairs for a quieter, more intimate scene where candlelight does wonders for those conversations. With a real tree stealing the spotlight and greenery scattered throughout the space, Bistrobar Berlin feels like a chic urban oasis. 

The culinary concept revolves around sharing small plates, crafted with the expertise of Michelin-starred chef Ron Blaauw. Expect an imaginative journey through flavors, starting with refined oyster with fennel sorbet, bergamot and salted lemon or artful walnut macarons with chicken liver filling and red cabbage — as stunning to look at as they are to devour. The green section features Asian-inspired shiitake dimsum with pandan and tamarind or Italian-accented burrata with tomatoes and potato waffle. Exploring fish and meat offerings, you will find rouleau of lamb with wild garlic and spring ragout and langoustine ravioli accompanied by tempura shiso and lemongrass. These gourmet morsels are ideal for pairing with a dynamic wine list that spans the globe. For instance, you can splash out on a bottle of sophisticated Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé from Château Jean Faure Bordeaux 2020, savor a glass of Grüner Veltliner Reserve “Joe” from Dockner, Lower Austria 2021, or perhaps venture for a Blanc de Blanc “Vintage” from Nicolas Feuillatte.

6 oysters with fennel sorbet — € 28,50 

Langoustine ravioli — € 16,50

We hope you’re already plotting your next gastronomic adventure in Nijmegen, with these Michelin-acclaimed spots firmly on your must-visit list. For more culinary escapades in the Netherlands, check out our guides to the top Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurants in bustling Amsterdam or tranquil Maastricht.