Hof van Herstal

The story

Hof van Herstal in Sittard: Michelin-Recommended Fine Dining in a Historic Monastery Guesthouse

A Historic Setting for Fine Dining

Just outside Sittard, in the village of Peij, Hof van Herstal occupies a former guesthouse of Abdij Lilbosch, built in 1890. The Bruggeman family took over the property in 1992 and carefully restored it, preserving the original mosaic floor laid by the monks. Stepping through the heavy front door, that floor immediately sets the tone for an experience rooted in craftsmanship and history.

Chef Martin Bruggeman's Kitchen

The kitchen is led by Meesterkok (Master Chef) Martin Bruggeman. He built his foundation in Michelin-starred kitchens, including Chateau Neercanne, Restaurant Scholteshof in Belgium, and Schillinger in Colmar, earning his Master Chef title in 1993. His cooking is defined by a "symphony of taste, scent, and color," with dishes crafted using local and regional products wherever possible. The menu changes with the seasons, and guests can choose from a four-course Menu Pepijn, a five-course Hof van Herstal menu, or the six-course Gastronomique menu, which offers a surprise selection of fish and meat courses. A sample from the Menu Pepijn might include house-dried coppa with Cavaillon melon, a creamy mushroom and tomato soup, poached cod with white wine sauce or Limburg pork with celeriac mousseline, and a house-made mascarpone ice cream with local strawberries.

Warm Hospitality and Personal Attention

Giny Bruggeman welcomes guests in the dining room, offering personal attention that extends to those with dietary needs or allergies. The kitchen is happy to adapt menus for vegetarian guests or create a carefully composed six-course meal tailored to specific requirements. When weather permits, the spacious garden terrace provides an additional setting for lunch or dinner. Hof van Herstal’s commitment to this level of care and quality has earned it a place among Michelin’s recommended restaurants for 2026, a fitting recognition for a restaurant that combines a historic atmosphere with genuinely skilled, ingredient-focused cooking.