Champagne cold, oyster knife sharp: where to harvest oysters

The oyster season is in full swing again and for gourmets the chance to go out and collect fresh oysters themselves. Curious where to find the most beautiful specimens? MASTERS lists the hotspots for you. Champagne cold, oyster knife sharp and start collecting…

Yerseke | Zeeland

Yerseke, the 'oyster capital' of Zeeland, is a must for lovers of this delicacy. This authentic fishing village is located directly on the Oosterschelde and is known for its oyster pits, where oysters are cultivated in a traditional way. For those who want to get their hands dirty: there are numerous oyster banks along the beach where wild picking is permitted. 

De Cocksdorp | Texel

At the northernmost point of Texel, in De Cocksdorp, you can pick up excellent oysters. One of the best places is the oyster bank at the artwork 'het dijklichaam' on the Lancasterdijk. And what do you pick up there? Mainly the Japanese oyster, better known as the 'creuse'.

East Vlieland | Vlieland

Would you rather go to Vlieland? The ideal place to pick oysters is at the Waddendijk, just south of the village of Oost-Vlieland. Here you are allowed to pick wild oysters and at the same time you can enjoy a walk on the mudflats.

Lauwersoog | Groningen

Oyster lovers can also indulge themselves in Groningen. On the Zeedijk, where the ferry to Schiermonnikoog departs, there is an excellent wild-picking spot. 

Wilhelminadorp | Zeeland

This small village with about 745 inhabitants is located along the Goes canal, which ends directly in the Oosterschelde. Walk along the Westhavendijk or Oosthavendijk towards the Goese Sas, and you can get started right away. Don't feel like getting your feet wet, but do want a touch of Zeeland purityThen visit restaurant Meliefste* by chef Thijs Meliefste, located at a picturesque marina at the Veerse Meer. 

Restaurant M* at MASTERS EXPO 

Thijs Meliefste, together with the most famous Michelin chefs of the Netherlands, will come together in December at MASTERS EXPO in Restaurant M*. This makes this stylish pop-up star restaurant the most talked-about gastronomic concept of the Netherlands – the only place where the top of the culinary world celebrates their passion for the profession together. Shoulder to shoulder, afternoon after afternoon, evening after evening. Here you can have lunch or dinner at the highest level and visit the fair at the same time. Reserve a spot here.