The story
De Hemel occupies a building that was once a printing press, Van Harte, which operated from 1903 for over seventy years. Tucked into a picturesque residential street in Bergen op Zoom’s city centre, the space surprises with its dramatic roof construction and double voids that connect the upper floor. A veranda opens onto a courtyard that becomes a favourite spot in summer, offering outdoor seating in an unexpectedly tranquil setting.
Eddy and Emmy run the kitchen and dining room with a clear philosophy: no unnecessary bombast, no fuss. The menu is built on a classic French base, but the cooking is straightforward and personal—what the owners call "home cooking" executed with modern precision. The result is a cuisine that feels both refined and welcoming, squarely in the Modern French tradition yet without pretence.
The choice menu allows guests to compose their own three or four courses from a seasonally changing selection. Dishes such as steak tartare with pastrami and Parmesan crumble, or grilled coquille with pumpkin and lobster sabayon, show the kitchen’s confidence with traditional techniques and clean flavours. A la carte ordering is also possible, and the kitchen notes any allergies when booking. For those who prefer dining at home, takeaway is available.
De Hemel buys from trusted suppliers and even supports an olive grove in Andalusia, selling their own cold-pressed olive oil in personalised tins. The Michelin guide’s 2026 recommendation confirms what regulars already know: this is a restaurant that delivers sincere, skilful cooking in memorable surroundings. Whether beneath the striking roof inside or in the courtyard on a mild evening, the atmosphere is relaxed and genuinely welcoming. Just as the name promises, dining here feels a little heavenly.
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