Zilt & Zoet

The story

Zilt & Zoet, Utrecht: Bib Gourmand Modern Cuisine in Maartensdijk

A Family Affair in Maartensdijk

In the quiet village of Maartensdijk, just outside Utrecht, Zilt & Zoet is the life’s work of Rob and Monica Beckers. The couple opened the restaurant in 2005, bringing decades of experience from top kitchens and hotels in the Netherlands and Germany—Rob having cooked at Michelin-starred establishments like De Wanne and De Hoefslag. They live above the restaurant, and their children now often help out, making this a true family business where work and life blend seamlessly.

Seasonal, Honest Modern Cuisine

The menu at Zilt & Zoet changes with the seasons, roughly six times a year. The kitchen works with fresh, seasonal ingredients, sourcing as many organic and regional products as possible. The result is modern cuisine that is straightforward and driven by quality. Guests can choose from a Bib Gourmand menu of three to six courses, with a choice of fish, meat, or vegetarian for each course. Standouts from the current menu include a Corvina fillet with crispy polenta and mustard foam, and a slow-cooked oxtail risotto alla Milanese. A specials board, presented at the table, offers dishes like asparagus with salmon or Aberdeen Angus. All dishes can also be ordered à la carte.

Recognition and Atmosphere

Since 2014, Zilt & Zoet has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award for good quality and good value cooking. The restaurant is also a member of Euro-Toques and has won the 'Gouden Pollepel'. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious. In summer, the spacious terrace offers views of thatched farmhouses, while the separate 'Proeflokaal' is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or wine tasting. For private dining, the Weteringkamer seats up to twenty guests.