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Monday 9 February 2026 • 10 minutes reading time
Where can you find the best food in Groningen? The new edition of the Gault&Millau restaurant guide once again provides an overview of the culinary highlights of the Netherlands. Twelve restaurants in Groningen that scored highly with the expert jury have been included for 2026. In addition to restaurants that have once again confirmed their culinary quality over the past year, the selection also welcomes two new establishments: Bisque and De Oude Tijden. You can always be sure of a good meal at these restaurants.
The Gault&Millau restaurant guide is comparable to the Michelin Guide. Instead of stars, restaurants are symbolically awarded chef’s hats. The rating is based on several factors: naturally, the taste and quality of the dishes, but also the service, wine recommendations, atmosphere, and creativity play an important role. In addition, Gault&Millau presents various annual awards, such as Chef of the Year, Sommelier of the Year, Terrace of the Year, and Bistronome of the Year. Below, we highlight the restaurants in Groningen that, according to Gault&Millau, distinguished themselves the most in 2026.
At Bellami’s, you can enjoy high-quality food in an informal setting. The restaurant also functions as a bar à manger and (wine) bar. Bellami’s distinguishes itself with a wide and carefully curated selection of wines, complemented by refined small dishes and delicacies.
The dishes are prepared with attention to detail and are characterized by recognizable, classic flavors with a refined twist.
The menu changes regularly and is supplemented with various dishes on the moment, always including fresh fish.
Photo: Bellami’s
Restaurant Noor is a hidden gem in Hoogkerk, on the west side of Groningen. This restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with fresh, local ingredients and refined flavors.
At Noor, you will be welcomed into a warm atmosphere with a contemporary interior. Soft lighting creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy get-together.
Enjoy seasonal dishes such as smoked salmon with dill cream or lamb with roasted vegetables. The drinks menu offers excellent wine and food pairings and craft beers from the region.
The friendly staff is ready to ensure you have a wonderful evening, whether you come for an intimate dinner or a special occasion with friends.
Curious about restaurant Noor? Make a reservation today and indulge in the delicious dishes and welcoming atmosphere of this unique restaurant in Hoogkerk.
Photo: Ewoud Rooks
Be surprised by restaurant De Haan, a special dining venue in the heart of Groningen where dining gets a unique twist. At De Haan, they have a surprising concept: guests are welcomed within a specific arrival time, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
What makes De Haan truly special is its surprise menu, which changes daily, and its self-service drinks. Instead of table service, guests can walk to the bar to get their own drinks or bread. This contributes to an informal and interactive experience. “It remains a somewhat unique establishment because there is no service, so you are free to get your own bread and so on. The whole thing remains a real success formula,” according to Gault & Millau 2025.
The culinary highlight of the evening is the five-course menu, which begins with surprising appetizers that tantalize your taste buds. Each dish is carefully prepared with fresh ingredients and served with a complementary wine, making every course a unique taste experience. Cheese lovers have the option of adding a cheese platter to their dinner.
Photo: Restaurant De Haan
Experience France in Groningen at Vive la Vie, a place in the heart of Groningen where the atmosphere is French charm and hospitality. This restaurant offers an experience that takes you on a culinary journey to the flavors of France.
Vive la Vie welcomes guests with a warm atmosphere and French décor. The cozy seating areas, colorful flowers, and charming details create an atmosphere of romance and conviviality, perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a pleasant gathering with friends.
The menu at Vive la Vie focuses on French cuisine, with classic dishes prepared and presented with love. Taste the refined flavors of changing dishes. Each dish can be served with matching French wines, which have been carefully selected to bring out the flavors of the food.
Photo: Vive la Vie
Step inside Bisque and be enchanted by a culinary experience that is anything but ordinary. Located just outside the city of Groningen, in Helpman, Bisque distinguishes itself through a combination of creativity, quality, and hospitality.
What makes Bisque so special? It starts with the dishes. Here, traditional flavors are presented in an innovative and daring way. The menu is a combination of creativity, with surprising flavors and beautiful presentations.
At Bisque, quality comes first. The chefs love working with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. Every dish is prepared with passion and served with attention to detail, allowing the flavors to really shine on your plate.
But what really sets Bisque apart? Innovation. Every time you return, there is something new on the menu. The chefs continue to experiment and surprise, making every visit unique.
Photo: Bisque
Bistro de Grote Frederik is a charming restaurant in the heart of Groningen, where culinary passion and creativity come together. What makes this bistro unique is their dedication to innovation and embracing German wines.
Every 8 weeks, De Grote Frederik offers a new menu, full of seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients from local suppliers. This regular change ensures that guests can experience new flavors time and time again.
Another highlight is their love of German wines. The wine selection has been carefully curated and offers a range of German wines that pair well with the chef’s culinary creations.
Photo: Bistro De Grote Frederik
Experience an unforgettable evening at De Betere Tijden, an intimate living room restaurant located in Groningen, which was taken over in 2017 by two brothers with a shared passion for good food and drink.
What makes this restaurant so special is its unique atmosphere, where the kitchen and service blend seamlessly together, allowing guests to take a peek into the open kitchen and experience the process up close.
The brothers strive to offer their guests an unforgettable culinary experience, with hospitality and service at the forefront.
Photo: de Betere Tijden
Be surprised by the kitchen brigade at De Oude Tijden, where seasonal cooking takes center stage. The restaurant serves a fixed four-course menu, complemented by appetizers and homemade bread, prepared with the finest products the season has to offer.
Those who dine here can expect familiar classics with a modern twist. The cuisine can best be described as modern Dutch, with a clear focus on high-quality ingredients from Groningen and the surrounding region.
De Oude Tijden is the smaller sibling of De Betere Tijden and recently opened as a new location on the same street. This move offers more space for guests, but also for the kitchen brigade and a more extensive wine collection. In our opinion, it’s the best of both worlds, brought together under one (new) roof.
Photo: De Oude Tijden
Discover Fine Dining Restaurant Nassau, located in the historic bedrooms of the Prince of Nassau, with a beautiful view of the monumental Prinsentuin. Here you can enjoy a luxurious dining experience in an enchanting setting.
At Nassau, they are proud of their heritage and the land they stand on. The north of the Netherlands offers a wealth of high-quality ingredients, and chef Christian de Vries, sous chef Dion te Velde, and the team are passionate about working with local products.
They draw inspiration from the stories of farmers, fishermen, hunters, and breeders. This translates into sustainable choices when selecting ingredients for their dishes, which are prepared with great care.
Photo: Prinsenhof
At Restaurant Niemeijer, a passion for fresh produce and local ingredients comes to life. Run by a dedicated team, this restaurant prefers to source its vegetables, herbs, and flowers directly from its own garden.
At Niemeijer, the emphasis is on home-grown ingredients. The menu is inspired by seasonal produce that is cultivated with care and attention. Guests can enjoy dishes that sparkle with freshness.
“Niemeijer is an asset to the city and province of Groningen,” according to Gault & Millau in 2025. The restaurant exudes charm, and the open kitchen reflects the transparency and passion of the team. While you dine, you can even catch a glimpse of the chef.
“Niemeijer is an asset to the city and province of Groningen” – Gault & Millau
Photo: Janick Leonie Niemeijer
At Blumé, it’s about more than just food; it’s a total experience. The menus are composed with an eye for detail and balance, making each course a new discovery of surprising combinations and refined flavors.
Chef Henrice Dijks creates a unique experience for young and old alike, using seasonal influences and honest products from his own garden. Nature is a source of inspiration for this.
“Our cuisine is characterized by recognizability and quality. We like to complement the finest ingredients with herbs and spices from all over the world,” says the Blumé team. The chef considers the harmony of ingredients and the different structures of the dishes to be very important.
Photo: Blumé
Experience an unforgettable evening at CICCI’s trattoria, a tribute to modern Italian cuisine with a touch of Venetian flair. Here, traditional recipes are prepared, incorporating Mediterranean influences through the use of spices and herbs.
In addition to an extensive à la carte menu, CICCI’s offers a unique specialization in Ciccetti, small bites and dishes to share. You’ll have a table full of delicious bites, perfect to combine with a glass of wine or a refreshing Venetian spritz.
Wine lovers are spoiled with an extensive selection of wines by the glass and a beautiful wine list representing every region of Italy. Discover wonderful Barolos, refined Amarones, and enjoy a wide collection of Timorasso from Walter Massa.
You can’t go wrong at any of these twelve restaurants in Groningen. Groningen has a fine selection of Gault&Millau restaurants within its borders. Thanks to the changing menus tailored to the seasons, you can try different dishes every time you visit. I hope this blog has inspired you to try one of these restaurants yourself and experience the different flavor combinations. Enjoy your meal!
