Where botanical gastronomy meets Michelin-starred excellence, De Nieuwe Winkel Nijmegen pioneers the future of fine dining through chef Emile van der Staak's revolutionary plant-based vision. Nestled within Nijmegen's historic orphanage building, this two-Michelin-starred destination champions the "age of plants" with an entirely vegan tasting menu that has redefined Dutch cuisine.

Since opening in 2019, van der Staak has transformed De Nieuwe Winkel into a global beacon of sustainable gastronomy, earning both two Michelin stars and the coveted Green Star for environmental excellence. Named Gault&Millau Netherlands Chef of the Year 2024, van der Staak draws inspiration from the nearby Ketelbroek Food Forest, where he forages and reflects on nature's infinite possibilities. His botanical philosophy extends beyond mere plant-based cooking—it's a manifesto for climate-conscious cuisine that has earned the restaurant a spot at No. 44 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

The cuisine at this Nijmegen fine dining destination showcases van der Staak's mastery of microseasons through menus that change three times yearly. Signature creations include his innovative SCOBY dish, where kombucha's fermented biofilm delivers umami depth reminiscent of seafood, elevated with pickled radish, mushroom-onion sauce, and rich walnut milk. The legendary "no-chocolate" dessert crafted from roasted Alkmaar groats and the almond-based "Brie" demonstrate how botanical gastronomy can transcend traditional boundaries. Each dish tells a story of sustainability, featuring ingredients like 48-hour fermented chestnuts, foraged seaweeds, and edible flowers.

The restaurant's intimate 30-seat dining room creates an immersive experience where guests witness the passionate team through the open kitchen's theatrical transparency. The industrial-minimalist interior, set within 17th-century vaulted spaces, provides a striking backdrop for van der Staak's culinary artistry. Sommelier Gauthier Cauwels curates an award-winning natural wine program that earned Star Wine List's Grand Prix in 2024, alongside innovative non-alcoholic pairings featuring botanical infusions and fermented juices.

Service embodies the restaurant's educational mission, with staff serving as ambassadors of sustainability while maintaining the refined standards expected of Michelin star restaurants Nijmegen. The atmosphere balances fine dining sophistication with approachable warmth, encouraging guests to reconsider their relationship with food and nature.

Reservations for De Nieuwe Winkel require advance planning due to overwhelming demand for this best restaurant in Nijmegen. The restaurant operates dinner service Tuesday through Saturday, offering multiple tasting menu lengths with optional beverage pairings. This isn't merely dining—it's participating in a botanical revolution that proves plant-based cuisine can achieve the highest culinary heights.