The taste of recognition: all Michelin stars 2025 at a glance

Five brand-new Michelin-starred restaurants, two new double stars, and a tribute to a leading figure in Dutch gastronomy: the 2025 Michelin Guide Ceremony in Maastricht had it all. Under the ornate ceiling of the MECC, tributes to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation resounded. But above all, one question was central: who would take home the coveted star(s) this year?

The ceremony opened with the words of culinary icon Jonnie de Boer: "Enjoy every day, and be kind to each other." A fitting tribute to a man who cooked not only with taste, but above all with his heart.

The Green Star

The morning began with the presentation of the Green Michelin Star, awarded to the distinguished chefs who successfully weave gastronomy and sustainability into a unified whole. This year, two innovators were awarded this honorable star:

Demian Parasol – Rabbit Food
Michel van de Grolf – Restaurant Tres

A Rare Moment of Mentorship

One of the most moving moments of the morning was the presentation of the Michelin Mentorship Award, one that is rarely awarded.

This award, intended for the most influential culinary mentor of his generation, was presented posthumously in honor of Jonnie de Boer, a man who not only sought new paths but also dared to forge them. It was accepted by his wife Thérèse Boer and their children.

The one Michelin star category

This year, five new restaurants were added to the list of Michelin stars, and were awarded by:

Olde Marckt – Bram Stoverink
Choux – Merijn van Berlo
CUE – George Kataras
Novaela – Daniel Duijster Gomero
Restaurant Calva – Tom Beckers

Two Michelin star restaurants

In the two Michelin star category, two restaurants were awarded this year:

Created by Guido Braeken
GEM – Suniel Bahadoer

The Three Stars 

And then, the pinnacle of culinary recognition:

De Librije – Nelson Tanate and Thérèse Boer.

A moment of emotion and tribute to Jonnie. De Librije, in all its elegance and innovation, remains a symbol of Dutch gastronomy at the international level.

Awards

In addition to the tribute to Jonnie de Boer, three different special awards were presented for:

Young Chef Award: Bram Stoverink – Olde Marckt
Sommelier Award: Ylja Berends – WY Maastricht
Service Award: Sandra and Michelle van de Bunt – Restaurant De Leuf

Restaurant M. at MASTERS EXPO

After this ceremony, are you hungry for a top-notch culinary experience? During MASTERS EXPO, the Netherlands' top chefs will gather at the famous pop-up Restaurant M. at MASTERS EXPO. Enjoy a sparkling aperitif (as served during the coronation of Charles III) and caviar, followed by a menu created by several top Dutch chefs from the best Michelin-awarded restaurants, accompanied by carefully selected wines from Vinites and live music by Pasta e Basta artists. Seating (from 2 people, based on a "table d'hôte" for 10 people) and tables (10 people) can be reserved subject to availability.

With the recent award of two stars to Restaurant Create, the lunch on Sunday, December 14th, brings the total to an impressive ten Michelin stars. A rare experience, curated by these four culinary heavyweights:

• Jurgen van der Zalm, Vinkeles ** | The Dylan Amsterdam
• Nelson Tanate, De Liberije ****, Brass Boer Thuis * | Zwolle
• Michel van der Kroft, 't Nonnetje ** | Harderwijk
• Guide Breaken, create ** | Maastricht

Curious about the full line-up or want to book directly? Visit the website here.