The story
LEV Foodbar sits on the edge of Doetinchem, where the IJssel slows down and the day naturally changes pace. The name is the singular of “leven” – life – and the place lives up to it. By day, it is a light, open spot for coffee to go, a working lunch, or a relaxed family afternoon. As the sun drops, the bar comes alive: drinks, finger food, and dinner flow into one another. You come for a glass of wine and a bite, stay for several courses, and leave feeling the evening was exactly right.
The kitchen, led by Mike Vrijdag (who gives his signature to the dishes) with Marlon Natrop as the face of the FoodBar, works with seasonal ingredients from the region. The cuisine is described as “internationale streekkeuken” – international yet rooted in the Achterhoek. Expect dishes that are bold but accessible: regional products meet world flavours, without fuss but with real quality. The menu changes regularly and offers dishes that are all the size of a starter, designed for sharing or building your own tasting journey. Standouts from the current menu include a tamme eend (duck) with loempia, tauge, nasi, and cashew, or a vegetarian bloemkool with linzen, kappertjes, and mierikswortel. For the full experience, there is a Proeverij van de Chef (Chef’s tasting) – four courses, eight dishes – only available per table.
The open kitchen lets you watch the cooking happen. The wine list features more than fifteen open wines, alongside good beers and cocktails. The setting is honest: “Achterhoekse nuchterheid met culinaire ambitie” – no pretence, but plenty of ambition.
Michelin awarded LEV Foodbar a Bib Gourmand for its excellent value-for-money cooking, a recognition that fits naturally with a place that prioritises quality without formality. Whether you come for a quick lunch, a long dinner, or just to linger on the terrace by the water, LEV adapts to your tempo. It is a destination for an hour or for the whole day.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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