Bistro Francis

The story

Bistro Francis in Maastricht | Refined French Cooking in a Restored Convent

The chef and the kitchen

Recognized in the Lekker500 Top 500, Bistro Francis in Maastricht delivers a precise approach to French cooking that honors a multi-generational lineage. Chef Paul Keijdener opened the dining room in November 2023 inside Hotel Kint, a structure originally built for German Franciscan nuns. His culinary education happened at home, learning directly from his father, the late Paul Keijdener of Chez Paul, and his grandmother Ida van den Hurk, who earned the second Michelin star ever awarded to a woman in the Netherlands. Claudine Keijdener joined as restaurant manager in 2025, steering daily operations with a focus on steady hospitality.

Signature preparations

The kitchen pairs classic French cuisine with controlled modern techniques. A lightly seared portion of fresh tuna arrives with dashi and an antiboise sauce that cuts through the richness without overwhelming the fish. Vegetarian plates feature a coeur de boeuf accompanied by burrata, toasted onion broth, and a buckwheat crisp that introduces satisfying crunch. Main courses frequently showcase cod served beside slow-cooked fennel, cauliflower, and a delicate mushroom foam, demonstrating how simple vegetables carry substantial flavor when executed correctly.

Space and surroundings

Meals unfold within a converted monastery where original stone architecture meets clean, urban furnishings. The layout supports both intimate table settings and larger group gatherings, while a paved terrace extends the dining area into fresh air during favorable weather. The beverage program emphasizes Burgundy and Alsace vintages, with staff guiding selections like a mineral-driven Laurenz V Grüner Veltliner or a fruity Coteaux Bourguignon. Weekly Joie de Vin events invite guests to sample three paired wines alongside small bites, establishing a relaxed rhythm for weekend evenings.