This is the coziest star restaurant in the Netherlands

Just as I can hardly believe that ‘people’ ever planned to demolish the medieval buildings in De Jordaan, I also cannot fathom that the location of Tante Koosje in Loenen aan de Vecht almost had to make way for - oh horror - new construction.

But it really was like that. When Koosje Edema, one of the notable residents of Loenen aan de Vecht, passed away, the building where she and her parents had lived for so long stood empty. “Great, then that old junk can be torn down and fresh new construction can go up,” thought a few aldermen. Thank goodness architect Leichner was there, who put a significant spoke in the wheel of the new construction plans.

The building was renovated and a restaurant was established, which was indeed named after the woman who had lived there her entire life. Initially with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and a simple fish pot, but when a different chef came, the broom went through it and Tante Koosje received a Michelin star in 1998. They have managed to keep it, except for a year in 2004, and for me, Tante Koosje is one of the coziest star restaurants in the Netherlands.

Here, there is no formal fuss above the starched linen, but just a very cozy restaurant that “coincidentally” has a Michelin star. I find Tante Koosje at its coziest in winter, because it feels like you are entering the set of a Christmas movie when you drive into Loenen aan de Vecht in the dark. But in summer, on the terrace down by the church, you feel like you are in a French village.

You don't come here for a quick snack, of course. You start with four courses and can push through to seven courses.

Advantage: reserving here, unlike many other star restaurants, is not bizarrely difficult. I even saw some spots available for next week.

Tante Koosje, Kerkstraat 1, Loenen aan de Vecht

Image: Tante Koosje