Vondels Chefs Bar — Restaurant in Utrecht

In the Dichterswijk, on the Croeselaan, sommelier Tom Appeldoorn and chef Dijko Janssen opened their own place in early 2026. Appeldoorn was previously a sommelier at Hemel & Aarde and Karel V, and Janssen a sous-chef at Huis ter Duin and Ron Gastrobar. The open kitchen with the long bar in front of it is the centrepiece: you watch the cooks at work up close.

There is deliberately no fixed wine pairing. Appeldoorn wants you to discover for yourself, and the staff guide you through conversation — including towards lesser-known wines. The menu covers lunch, bar snacks and dinner, à la carte or as a set menu. Recommended for anyone in Utrecht, just outside the city centre, who wants to eat well at the bar.