World Vegan Day: where to dine at star level

November 1st is World Vegan Day. And what better way to celebrate than with a star-level vegan dinner? Whether you're vegan yourself or just fancy surprising your taste buds with something new: these star restaurants serve the most beautiful plant-based menus.

Bolenius** | Amsterdam

Bolenius, located in Amsterdam's Zuidas and run by chef Luc Kusters, has been known for its sustainable approach and focus on local products since 2010. With a Michelin star since 2016 and a Green Michelin star since 2021, Bolenius is considered the figurehead of sustainable gastronomy in the Netherlands. Everything here revolves around the power of vegetables: Kusters harvests fresh ingredients daily from his own vegetable garden next to the restaurant and creates refined dishes in which vegetables play the leading role. The six-course menu offers the choice between a vegan and a menu with additions of meat and fish. 

Spectrum** | Amsterdam 

Chef Sidney Schutte of Spectrum knows how to surprise his guests with an unprecedented spectrum of flavors and textures. After his experience at De Librije and Amber in Hong Kong, he has created a unique style in which Dutch ingredients perfectly combine with international finesse. At Spectrum in the Waldorf Astoria you can enjoy a ten-course menu that – if you want – is served completely vegan, including a matching wine arrangement. So let yourself be pampered here for an evening.

The Librije ****| Zwolle

Perhaps the most famous restaurant in the Netherlands is located in a former prison in Zwolle. This iconic three-star restaurant by Jonnie and Thérèse Boer exudes history and authenticity, with original details that enhance its special character. In the kitchen, chef Jonnie plays with regional products and contemporary techniques, resulting in surprising dishes with a unique Dutch twist. Guests can choose from a menu with meat and fish or a full vegetable menu, and a vegan menu is also possible on request. 

Flore *** | Amsterdam

In Hotel De L'Europe on the Nieuwe Doelenstraat you will find Flore, where chef Bas van Kranen is in charge of a concept that revolves entirely around conscious fine dining. Here, high-quality, local ingredients are processed into surprisingly simple but layered dishes that change with the seasons. The menu, which changes constantly, is based on 'vegetables of the moment' and is always prepared dairy-free, with the possibility of vegan options.

Restaurant M* at MASTERS EXPO 

The most famous Michelin chefs in the Netherlands, including the chefs in this article, 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 in 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 a top-level lunch or dinner and visit the trade fair at the same time. Reserve a spot here.