Seek and find
Fancy a culinary weekend getaway in your own country, completely dedicated to delicious food and unique regional products? Set course for Zeeland! As a native of Middelburg, I know better than anyone that it always feels like a holiday here. Your foodie heart will beat faster when you taste oysters straight from the oyster beds, discover briny vegetables, drink local Zeeland wine, and eat seafood at the foot of a dike. In this new travel guide to Zeeland, I share wonderful culinary hotspots and more addresses you might just drive right past if you didn't know about them. Travel with me to three of my favorite "islands," perfect for a mini road trip full of... Zeeland flavorsSchouwen-Duiveland, North and South Beveland, Walcheren, and Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. From local beers to bolus-flavored ice cream, freshly baked kibbeling, and fantastic restaurants: Zeeland tastes amazing, and you simply have to try it for yourself!
Discover the tastiest culinary addresses in Zeeland
The food tips in this Zeeland guide are perfect for a long weekend or a (mid)week tour of the province. Of course, you can add an extra night anywhere. Besides the culinary tips, I'm also sharing my favorite places to stay. With the tips from this guide, you can hit the road right away!
© Your Little Black Book
7 Food hotspots & Zeeland flavours on Schouwen-Duiveland
This part of Zeeland is the perfect kickoff for this culinary mini-road trip. Why? Discover Bruinisse, or "Bru" as the locals call it, where you'll find seafood and everything that comes from the Oosterschelde estuary. Think mussels, cockles, and of course oysters, straight from the water onto your plate. Wander through beautiful Zierikzee, one of Zeeland's most charming towns, full of great places to enjoy coffee in a secluded courtyard garden and dinner with a harbor view. You'll immediately taste it: seafood is at its best in Zeeland.
fresh fish straight to the plate © Your Little Black Book
3 X Delicious restaurants on Schouwen-Duiveland:
Restaurant 't Oliegeultje (Burgh-Haamstede)
Tucked away in Burghsluis harbor, nestled in the Zeeland polders and right on the water, lies 't Oliegeultje. The view over the Roggeplaat alone is enough to make you want a table on the terrace—with a bit of luck, you might even spot porpoises or seals (don't forget to ask for the binoculars; they're readily available). The cuisine revolves around pure flavors and local ingredients, with a menu that changes with the seasons. Here, you'll find classic dishes with a creative twist, always fresh. I personally had sole for my main course: perfectly cooked, kept simple, just the way it should be, and so flavorful. More info & reservations >>
Brasserie Maritime (Zierikzee)
Looking for a great spot for lunch or dinner with a waterfront view? Brasserie Maritime is located right on the harbor of Zierikzee and is one of those places I keep coming back to. The focus is on fish and shellfish, and the atmosphere feels like you're on holiday in the South of France. Trust me, it's a wonderful place to sit on a summer evening! More info & reservations >>
The Zeeland Heaven (Zierikzee)
In the heart of Zierikzee, you'll find De Zeeuwse Hemel: an all-day hotspot where you can enjoy everything from breakfast to drinks. The menu offers so many delicious dishes, from sourdough with Zeeland bacon to fresh pie, that it's hard to choose. The secluded courtyard garden is delightful, but the interior is also charming and cozy. A bonus: they have their own delicatessen and a few B&B rooms for those who want to stay overnight. A place where you can easily linger longer than you planned. More info & reservations >>
The Zeeland Sky © Your Little Black Book
4 x Fun tastings in the Schouwen-Duiveland area
Fruits de Mer at Bru 17
If you want to enjoy seafood in Zeeland, it's BRU 17. A charming local restaurant and fishmonger right on the Bruinisse harbor. Here, they serve whatever's fresh that day: oysters, cockles, razor clams, crab—all incredibly fresh and delicious. The name is a nod to the "Zeelandia" BRU 17, a mussel boat from the village, and you can feel that in everything: from the no-nonsense atmosphere to the love of the sea and craftsmanship. The platters of seafood are perfect for sharing and taste delicious with a glass of Zeeland wine or a local beer. More info & reservations >>
Bru 17 © Your Little Black Book
Cheese farm De Stolpe
Not far from De Kleine Schorre, you'll find the working cheese farm De Stolpe. Take a look around the stables and have some cheese sliced to taste at the picnic tables on their small terrace. They also sell other delicious Zeeland products in the farm shop! More info >>
Visit the saltworks of Zeeuwsche Zoute
Ever wondered how salt from Zeeland's water ends up in a jar? At Zeeuwsche Zoute in Bruinisse, you'll get a unique behind-the-scenes look. During a tour of the saltworks, you'll see step by step how this artisanal product is made and sample different types of salt—from classic to smoked or seaweed-infused. Zeeuwsche Zoute salt is definitely one of those culinary souvenirs you'll want to take home! More info & reservations >>
Zeeland Salt © Your Little Black Book
Wine tasting at De Kleine Schorre
One of the best stops on Schouwen-Duiveland for foodies: Wijnhoeve De Kleine Schorre in Dreischor. Here you can sample wines specially crafted to pair with Zeeland's salty dishes. You can try various wines in the on-site tasting room or outside on the terrace. Delicious paired with delicacies from the seasonal menu! Tip: book a vineyard tour for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Netherlands' finest wine estates. More info & reservations >>
Wine tasting at De Kleine Schorre © Your Little Black Book
YLBB's 3 favorite places to stay on Schouwen-Duiveland
Traveling without kids? Then De Heerlijkheid van Noordwelle, in the center of the island, is a particularly lovely place. A small, adults-only B&B with a garden surrounded by palm trees and a swimming pool. Prefer to stay in Zierikzee? Then Boutique Hotel Zeeuws-Meisje and Hotel Mondragon are excellent. Also great: the luxury holiday home Buitenplaats De Weelde.
The Lordship of Noordwelle © Your Little Black Book
9 Food hotspots & Zeeland flavours in North & South Beveland
In North and South Beveland, everything revolves around the combination of land and water—and you'll see (and taste) that on your plate. From mussels in Yerseke to orchards bursting with apples, pears, and cherries in the summer. Here you'll find pick-your-own gardens, farm shops, and a surprising number of Michelin-starred restaurants where they cook with local produce or freshwater. This is one of the destinations I'm definitely returning to this year!
oyster pits in Yerseke © Your Little Black Book
5 X Delicious restaurants in North & South Beveland
Meliefste (Wolphaartsdijk)
Restaurant Meliefste holds a special place for us. It was the first fine dining restaurant we went to after our son was born, as my parents were conveniently able to babysit in Zeeland. This waterfront restaurant in Wolphaartsdijk is absolutely fantastic and has a Michelin star. They recently announced they will be closing their business on September 1st to spend more time with the family. So if you'd like to dine here again, don't wait too long to book a table! More info & reservations >>
Inter Scaldes (Kruiningen)
This is the one restaurant in Zeeland that's still high on my culinary bucket list. Nestled between the Oosterschelde and Westerschelde estuaries, nestled in the polders, lies Inter Scaldes. Chef Jeroen Achtien took over in 2023 and quickly put the iconic restaurant back on the map: in 2024, he immediately received two Michelin stars. When I see the dishes on their social media, they're daring, well-thought-out, and so refined in composition. I'm already saving up for a visit ;-). More info & reservations >>
Codium (Goes)
When I first dined at Codium, I immediately declared on the way back that this new restaurant would surely receive a Michelin star very soon. What a crowning achievement for the brand-new entrepreneurs that this has indeed happened! Located on the Vlasmarkt in the center of Goes, you'll find Codium: a fine dining restaurant where everything is perfect without feeling formal. Chef Wouter Kik's cuisine is light, fresh, and layered, with Zeeland flavors as the foundation and international influences that give everything that little something extra. Think shellfish from the Oosterschelde, perfectly balanced acidity, and colorful plates with edible flowers. The dish in the photo below, with the oyster and Codium, has always stuck with me! More info & reservations >>
Codium © Your Little Black Book
Lilou (Goes)
I've already mentioned that South and North Beveland are teeming with Michelin-starred restaurants. For those who don't need all that, there are plenty of fun and delicious alternatives. Lilou in Goes is the perfect example! Paris suddenly feels a lot closer when you step into Lilou in Goes's city center. The menu features French classics like Gillardeau oysters, escargots, Chateaubriand, and a truly delicious crème brûlée. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the dishes are exactly what you'd expect: simple in the best sense of the word, with an eye for quality. Start with a glass of crémant, and you're in for a wonderful evening. Bon appétit. More info & reservations >>
Kale & the Glasses (Goes)
Kale & de Bril is the dream restaurant of chefs and owners Marc and Niek, and easily one of the nicest and most delicious restaurants in Goes. Here you'll find seasonal and creative cuisine, with menus ranging from 3 to 7 courses that change every two weeks. They can also be fully adapted for vegetarians and vegans, something you won't find everywhere at this level in Zeeland. Don't expect a formal atmosphere, but a relaxed evening with good wine (or an alcohol-free package that's just as good) and surprising dishes. More info & reservations >>
Roseweed (Kortgene)
In a centuries-old building in Kortgene, you'll find Rozewied: an intimate restaurant run by chefs Ferdy and Noëmie. The menu changes with the seasons and revolves around pure flavors, with a slight preference for fish, delicate sauces, and surprising combinations. Think scallop with watercress, Oosterschelde eel with turbot, or veal with wild garlic. Here, they do everything together, from cooking to serving, which makes lunch or dinner here extra special. This restaurant is one of the best (yet relatively under the radar) restaurants in Zeeland. A fun fact: the name Rozewied means "poppy" in Zeeland. More info & reservations >>
Rozeweed © Your Little Black Book
4 x Fun tastings in the area around North & South Beveland
Emelisse Brewery (Goes)
Fancy a beer with a story? Then you'll want to join a tour of Brouwerij Emelisse in Goes on Saturday. This independent brewery is known for its creative beers and experimental barrel aging, which allows them to create rich, complex flavors. During the tour, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look, from the brewing room to the fermentation and storage tanks, and learn how they brew with great craftsmanship and freedom. You'll conclude with a tasting of four beers, from classic to robust and surprising. More info & reservations >>
Tasting at De Oesterij (Yerseke)
One of our regular stops on our way to Middelburg for a weekend with family is De Oesterij in Yerseke. Of course, the best way to eat the beautiful Zeeland oysters is to eat them raw. But after a few days of consistently ordering oysters with drinks and devouring at least a couple dozen, I was really craving au gratin. Still, the best way to order a tasting of raw oysters at De Oesterij is by far the best. They always have a selection of oysters at their peak at that moment, marked on the large chalkboard. Just add a glass of bubbly and you're done! De Oesterij also organizes Oyster Farm Tours on various dates, and I still want to do those. You'll visit the oyster ponds and the tasting garden, finishing off with a delicious lunch. More info & tours >>
The Oyster Farm © Your Little Black Book
Blossom & Cycle Route along fruit growers (South Beveland)
South Beveland is known for its orchards, and spring is truly the most beautiful. Rent a bike at your hotel, because Zeeland.com has mapped out a beautiful 50-kilometer cycling route past blossoming fruit trees, old dikes, and picturesque villages. Along the way, you'll pass stalls selling fresh fruit and terraces where you can enjoy a drink. After all that delicious food, this is the ultimate slow-food outing on two wheels. View the cycle route here >>
Taste safari with Wild Weed
I'm definitely booking this culinary activity when I'm back in Zeeland this summer! At Neeltje Jans (near Noord-Beveland), you'll take a walk along the coastline with experienced guides and learn all about the wild seaweed you'll find here. After the walk, you'll enjoy a lunch or dinner with salty flavors. More information about the Taste Safari >>
sunset in Zeeland © Your Little Black Book
YLBB's 2 favorite places to stay in North & South Beveland
There's no shortage of great places to stay in this part of Zeeland. A favorite is Hotel Katoen in Goes, where you can both explore nature and be in the city. Another great base are the eco-lodges of In De Zeeuwse Oase in Kats. Unique accommodations where you have the luxury of a hotel room, but experience a true sense of freedom.
Quality time in Zeeland © Your Little Black Book
12 Food hotspots & Zeeland flavours on Walcheren
Walcheren feels like coming home to me! I was born in Middelburg, so this region always holds a special place in my heart. Especially now that I'm a mother, I really appreciate that everything here can just slow down a bit. The air is salty, the light is soft, and there are so many great places to visit. Truly, this is one of those places in Zeeland where it always feels like a vacation.
You're in good hands here for culinary delights too! I'm so thrilled to see how a whole new wave of fantastic restaurants and fun food hotspots has opened in recent years. From dining with a view of the dunes to the tastiest kibbeling (fried fish) at the foot of the dike in Veere. Here you eat locally and seasonally – without fuss, but with flavor. Walcheren is, in my opinion, the perfect ending to this culinary road trip through Zeeland.
Eating cod at the fish stall in Veere © Your Little Black Book
6 X Delicious restaurants on Walcheren
Hof aan Zee (Koudekerke)
Hof aan Zee is one of those restaurants where you can completely step back in time. Tucked away at the foot of the dunes near Koudekerke, in an old Scandinavian farmhouse, lies this culinary gem you won't soon forget. Everything here revolves around the seasons, pure, locally sourced ingredients, and techniques inspired by New Nordic Cuisine. Think fermenting, smoking, and drying—everything is done in-house. What you get on your plate is unique, surprising, and above all, absolutely delicious. Here you'll taste the flavors of Zeeland with a Scandinavian twist. More info & reservations >>
Bombaai Beach Bar (Westkapelle)
Bombaai in Westkapelle proves that you don't have to be limited to the Randstad for good beach bars. It's one of my favorite spots for drinks when I'm in Walcheren. This colorful spot is right on the beach and feels like an instant vacation. Order a bottle of bubbly or a local Zeeland beer and some tasty snacks to share. The menu always features Zeeland flavors, served with a fun international twist. From burgers made with Zeeland beef to seaweed bitterballen! If you go here, I wouldn't make any plans, because there's a good chance you'll end up staying longer than planned. Just saying ;-). More info & reservations >>
Bombaai © Your Little Black Book
The Mosque (including Vlissingen)
If you grew up in Zeeland, you're definitely familiar with 't Smoske sandwich shop. And if you've never been, this is your cue to go. From students to businesspeople and from beach walkers to tourists: everyone flocks here for a well-filled baguette that's guaranteed to make you... gobble down. Yes, literally. 'Smossen' is Flemish for "messing around," and this word could easily be added to the Zeeland dictionary by now—that's how ingrained it is among Zeelanders. The sandwiches are generously filled, always fresh, and simply delicious. My favorite remains the tuna, or the garlic shrimp. I prefer to get these sandwiches from the shop on the boulevard in Vlissingen and eat them on a bench overlooking the sea. Pure enjoyment! More info >>
The Greenhouse (Oostkapelle)
This is one of those places where you instantly feel time slow down. Nestled in a former horticultural greenhouse, surrounded by greenery, lies Het Kaslokaal: one of those hidden gems where you can easily spend an entire afternoon. Especially if you have kids, because they'll have a blast here. In good weather, you can sit in the garden among the flowers, and in less pleasant weather, cozy up inside the greenhouse. I love coming here for coffee and a delicious homemade cake, which you choose from the display case. The ingredients come as much as possible from the greenhouse, the garden, or from local artisans in the area. A truly memorable place! More info & reservations >>
The Greenhouse © Your Little Black Book
Mezger (Domburg)
After a day of beach fun, Mezger in Domburg is the perfect place to head. This stylish restaurant, owned by Jeroen and Sanne Tanis, is located on the edge of the village, in a bright orangery with wooden accents and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. The menu? Always seasonal and with a passion for Zeeland flavors. Think: seasonal shellfish and crustaceans, beautiful fish from the North Sea, and sauces that demand an extra piece of bread. Because that plate will be returned to the kitchen clean if you eat here! More info & reservations >>
Zeeland Regions (Middelburg)
Right in the heart of Middelburg lies Zeeuwse Streken: a restaurant where the love of local produce isn't just on the menu; it's truly evident in every dish. Think fresh fish from local fishermen, game from local hunters, and vegetables sourced from far away. The delicious seafood platter is highly recommended! Whether you're looking for a leisurely lunch, a shared dinner, or simply a treat with a good glass of wine, this Middelburg restaurant is the perfect place for seafood lovers. More info & reservations >>
Zeeland Regions © Your Little Black Book
6 x Fun tastings in Walcheren
Wine estate De Boe
Have you ever heard of Wijndomein De Boe? A relatively new vineyard in Walcheren, nestled in a location with a rich history and stunning views. The grapes here grow on unique soil: precisely where sand transitions to clay. Sand provides fresh aromas, while clay gives the wine more depth and color. And the fact that both soils are chalky and full of shells makes the terroir truly unique. During a tour, you'll discover everything about viticulture here, from the vines to the cellar. The tasting afterward will introduce you to De Boe's style: their own white wines and a rosé brut sparkling wine, served with Walcheren cheeses and sausage. This winemaker is one of Walcheren's best-kept secrets, if you ask me! More info & reservations >>
Schellach cheese farm
Whenever I'm in Zeeland with my son, Schellach Cheese Farm, not far from my parents' house, is a regular stop. They have a lovely farm shop where you can buy all sorts of Zeeland products, including their own farm cheese, which is truly delicious. There's always something to see in the stables, but the newborn calves remain a favorite. It's a lovely stop to play in the playground and enjoy a homemade ice cream on the terrace. Then, I head home with a well-stocked shopping bag full of Zeeland flavors. More info >>
Schellach Cheese Farm © Your Little Black Book
Tearoom De Pluktuin
A perfect spot for a break during a culinary tour of Walcheren: that's Theeschenkerij De Pluktuin in Koudekerke. This cozy spot is run by a mother and daughter team and is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, or just a delicious cup of coffee or tea with homemade cake. In good weather, the garden is a wonderful place to relax! Next to the tearoom is—how could it be otherwise—the pick-your-own garden. In the summer, you can cut your own bouquet here, full of colorful annual flowers. Also fun: they regularly organize seasonal markets and small-scale events. More info >>
Wine tasting at 'T Vliegendt Hert
If you're a wine lover like me, then a visit to 't Vliegendt Hert in Middelburg is a must. This wine merchant has been a household name for years and is located just a stone's throw from the market square, in a beautiful, historic building with a rich history. They don't offer standard wine tastings, but rather a unique experience in the historic rooms or the courtyard. During a tasting, you'll be immersed in the world behind the wines, and you can also opt for a wine tasting with wine and food pairings. A lovely way to enjoy drinks at the end of the day, after a visit to Middelburg. More info & reservations >>
'T Vliegendt Hert © Your Little Black Book
Loverendale Ter Linde farm
Loverendale Ter Linde in Oostkapelle is one of those places on Walcheren that feels like a real discovery. In the organic farm shop, you can find home-grown vegetables, fresh bread from the bakery, cheeses from the cheese cart, and even tap your own milk. They have a lovely selection of regional Zeeland products, and I always leave with a basket full of goodies. Also, try the homemade ice cream with surprising flavors like Zeeuwse bolus or sorbet made with Zeeland fruit. Sit comfortably on the terrace while the kids enjoy the natural playground, where there's plenty to do. More info >>
Mini food tour through Middelburg
Whenever I travel, I always plan my own food tour of the city's best spots and must-try bites. It's been such a success that it's now a separate business from Your Little Black Book. Of course, I couldn't resist ending this culinary road trip with a mini Taste Trail through my hometown of Middelburg! From bolus to babbelaar cheesecake and from shrimp croquettes to a local beer at the foot of the Lange Jan. You'll taste it all.
Frozen yogurt & coffee at Sint John
Start your food tour with a coffee and Sint John's homemade frozen yogurt. A Middelburg institution, where I've been going since I was a teenager. In good weather, you can enjoy the tranquil terrace on the Vismarkt – easily one of the most charming spots in the city. The ice cream is fresh, creamy, and has that perfect tang. More info >>
A real Zeeland bolus at Bakkerij Bliek
No visit to Zeeland is complete without a bolus. Blick Bakery Get the classic version, sticky and spicy just the way it should be. Enjoy it as you stroll through the old streets of Middelburg.
Zeeland babbler cheesecake at Cluys
There are several places in Middelburg where you can enjoy cheesecake with the flavor of Zeeland boterbabbelaar, but only Cluys in the Markt square has it permanently on the menu. The cake is soft, creamy, and has that delicious boterbabbelaar caramel flavor. Need I say more? More info >>
Fries with Zeeland stew at the Frietboetiek 't B'tje Anders
This little shop is nestled in one of Middelburg's most charming streets – the perfect stop for a hearty meal! At this trendy chip shop, you can order a cone of fries made with potatoes from Zeeland. Load it up with Zeeland beef stew or go for the Zeeland shrimp croquettes from De Ambachterie. Both are also an option, of course ;-). More info >>
Zeeland beer at Jells
Time for a drink! At Jells Lunchcafé, right at the foot of the Lange Jan canal, you can order a beer brewed in Zeeland. The menu changes, but you can always try something from the region. Tip: ask what's on tap from Emelisse, or from another Zeeland brewery like Middelburgse Brouwerij Kees. More info >>
Discover Middelburg with a Taste Trail © Your Little Black Book
YLBB's 4 favorite places to stay in Walcheren
Choosing your final accommodation is going to be a tough one! What are some unique places to stay in Walcheren? For a charming overnight stay in the countryside, I recommend B&B Terboede, tucked away in a beautiful estate surrounded by greenery. In Middelburg, you can sleep in style at Boutique Hotel The Roosevelt and wake up with a view of the Lange Jan canal. Or will you opt for the characteristic Timmerfabriek, a new design hotel with an industrial edge in Vlissingen? Prefer to stay near the sea? Then Mezger in Domburg is a wonderfully luxurious base.
Hotel The Roosevelt © Your Little Black Book
on my bucket list: Food hotspots & Zeeland flavors in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen
A culinary road trip through Zeeland is a must-see for any visit to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. But let me tell you something: It's been over 35 years since I was last here! That's about to change, so this summer I finally booked a few nights in Cadzand. In this travel guide full of food hotspots for Zeeland, I'm also giving you a sneak peek at my LITTLE BLACK BOOK for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Below, I'll share a sneak peek at the culinary hotspots on my to-visit list.
STAYING: This summer, the whole family is going to Cadzand and staying at the Strandhotel. I'm already looking forward to waking up with a sea view and walking straight onto the boulevard for a beach walk in the morning.
TASTINGS: From local shops to vineyards and breweries, I've already compiled a nice list of places we can visit during our weekend in Zeeland Flanders.
- Vineyards: Vineyard 't Biezenhof in Eede.
- Breweries: D'n Emma Brewery in Nieuw Namen & Vermeersen Brewery in Hulst.
RESTAURANTS: High on my wish list is lunch or dinner at Demain. This is the new restaurant in the Strandhotel, run by chef Dani Hoefnagels. He quickly earned a Michelin star, and I'm incredibly curious about the refined dishes featuring Zeeland products and surprising flavors. I'm also very curious about Brasserie LouLou, which I've heard good things about. Of course, I've also shortlisted a few beach clubs and beach restaurants for our family weekend, such as Le Sommet, StrandRuig, Moio Beach, and De Zeemeeuw.
I hope you find the tips from this culinary road trip itinerary for Zeeland helpful! It was a joy to write this for you. I'm so curious to see what Zeeland flavors you'll discover. Enjoy!
Middelburg © Your Little Black Book
In collaboration with the Province of Zeeland
Middelburg Tips
To do
Read more?
