The story
In the heart of the picturesque village of Winsum, Bistro Refter brings focus to honest, seasonal ingredients. The kitchen works with good, fair products – sustainability, organic sourcing and craftsmanship are the guiding principles here. This straightforward philosophy has earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended status for 2026, a recognition that sits naturally alongside its unpretentious approach to classic cuisine.
The menu changes monthly, built around what is fresh and available. Recent dishes have included Waddenzee shrimp with avocado and vichyssoise, sole fillet with black risotto and fennel, and Dutch lamb with chickpeas and aubergine. Desserts such as strawberries with sabayon and white chocolate round out the offering. The chef’s menu, offered in four or five courses, is a surprise tasting that evolves with the seasons.
The wine list reflects the team’s fondness for traditional European wine regions – France, Italy, Spain, Austria and Germany – and is selected to match the straightforward, flavour-driven cooking.
Bistro Refter occupies a spot on the village square in Winsum, named the “most beautiful village in the Netherlands” by the ANWB. The setting is relaxed and welcoming. On certain Sunday afternoons, the restaurant sets long tables for a communal four-course meal with wine pairing – a convivial affair that starts at 3 pm and runs at a fixed all-in price. For theatre-goers, a three-course dinner is offered in collaboration with the local cultural foundation, timed so guests can be on their way by 8 pm.
The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday evenings, and it is just a five-minute walk from Winsum train station, 14 minutes from Groningen.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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