De Uitkijk

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De Uitkijk – Bib Gourmand Restaurant in Almelo | Modern Cuisine

De Uitkijk: Modern Cuisine at the Edge of the Sallandse Heuvelrug

Restaurant De Uitkijk sits on the grounds of Landgoed De Uitkijk, a boutique hotel perched on the edge of the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park in Overijssel. The kitchen is driven by a simple philosophy: cook with the best the forest and land provide, and let the ingredients speak for themselves. That approach has earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2017, a recognition for excellent value and refined cooking.

In June 2025, chef Sebastiaan Pals took over the stoves. He arrived after five years at De Librije in Zwolle, one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated kitchens. His predecessor, Kyrian Kox, had held the Bib Gourmand for seven consecutive years, building a reputation for honest, seasonal cooking. Pals now brings his own signature — creative, balanced, and deeply respectful of what each season brings.

The menu changes with the calendar. In spring, white asparagus from nearby Raalte. In autumn, wild mushrooms from the estate’s own woods. Salmon and trout from a local smokehouse in Marle. Herbs from the garden. Dishes are presented without unnecessary frills — pure, refined, and direct. The restaurant describes it as "purely natural, straight on your plate, without tampering." That clarity is the hallmark of their modern cuisine.

Guests can choose from a lunch menu, high tea, or a multi-course dinner. The wine steward pairs each dish with classical or surprising wines from emerging regions. The setting is equally inviting: a light conservatory, a cosy living room with a fireplace, a heated veranda, and a sun-drenched patio that overlooks the heathland. In summer, the terrace is a favourite spot for walkers and cyclists.

Whether you come for a long dinner or a simple lunch after a hike, the rhythm here is unhurried, generous, and grounded in the landscape. The Bib Gourmand is the seal on that promise.