These culinary gems have a chance at a star

The culinary world is eagerly awaiting October 7, 2024, when Michelin will announce which restaurants will retain their stars, earn new stars or unfortunately lose them. This year, a number of special restaurants have a great chance of winning a coveted star. From the refined dishes at De Mark in Amsterdam to the creative kitchen of Het Arsenaal in Doesburg, MASTERS lists the culinary contenders.

Restaurant De Mark | Amsterdam

This new culinary gem on the water is definitely a contender for a Michelin star. The menu, composed by chef Koen Marees in collaboration with Amsterdam culinary greats Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot, focuses on local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. According to Michelin: ''It is cozy dining at De Mark. On the plate, everything revolves around 3 main ingredients that are united by the wood fire. Think of textures of onion - from fresh and crispy to sweet and grilled - that are pimped with ice cream of Zaanse mustard. ''

The Amsterdammertje | Nieuwersluis 

On the idyllic Vecht in Nieuwersluis you will find Bistrotel 't Amsterdammertje, a bistro and hotel in one. This unique location invites you to celebrate life in your own way: from a relaxed breakfast on the sunny terrace with homemade apple pie to ending the evening with a refreshing espresso martini at the bar. According to Michelin: ''André Gerrits has appointed a team here that knows his bistro classics and worldly tastemakers. Whether you choose steak tartare, the spicy rendang or the farm chicken from the spit: this is the kind of place where everything is allowed and nothing is required.'' 

Dockjard | Groningen

Located at the Noorderhaven you will find brewery-bistro Dokjard. This unique restaurant brews its own beers in a historic warehouse, once home to shipyards and later an iconic Chinese restaurant. Dokjard's kitchen is an adventure in itself, with a changing bistro menu full of modern and classic dishes.

TRUMP | Amsterdam

Troef, the new restaurant by chef Raymond Plat, is a true asset to the Amsterdam culinary scene. After his experience at star restaurant 212, the chef brought his refined cooking style to this place. The restaurant has an open kitchen and a wine room where guests can make their own choice; so reserve a spot at the bar, so you can experience the culinary spectacle in the kitchen up close…

The Arsenal | Doesburg

Enjoy pure, honest Dutch products, straight from local farms and the monastery garden at this gem in the Achterhoek. Chef Patron Björn de Waal invites you to this restaurant for an exclusive culinary experience, where you can choose between a 2- or 3-course lunch, or a refined 4- or 5-course dinner. Since 2022, this restaurant has been known as the best vegetable restaurant in the region, with a mention in the Michelin guide and a solid 14 points in Gault&Millau.

Gitane | Amsterdam

With a Greek father and a Dutch mother, founder Angelo Kremmydas grew up in a friendly village in Greece, on the Aegean Sea. From a young age, he looked into his mother's kitchen, where she cooked for the family of four. Later in life, Angelo uncontestedly chose to train as a chef and started his career in Athens at various hotels and restaurants. He recently opened Gitane, which he claims is located in the most pleasant street in Amsterdam-West: the Jan Pieter Heijestraat. According to Michelin: ''You can come here every day of the week from 10 am to enjoy yourself in a relaxed way. The Mediterranean dishes have a certain Ottolenghi quality, such as the braised pork cheeks with creamy orzo, crunchy oyster mushrooms, petroto cheese and a fresh yoghurt/celeriac puree. Now that's what they call a party on a plate!''