Chapter IV
Where we dine and sleep in Overijssel
From the canals of Zwolle to the estates of Twente and the waterways of Giethoorn. Overijssel has a remarkable number of starred restaurants with rooms of their own.
In Overijssel the book holds four addresses for now. When we come across more that belong here, they go in. If we had to pick one, it would be De Lindenhof. If you are coming for a star, try De Lindenhof, De Bloemenbeek, De Swarte Ruijter and De Librije & Librije's Hotel. The next place is still empty: that is the address we are trying next.
Two-star restaurant with suites
Out on the water in the chef's boat first, then dinner.
A thatched farmhouse in Giethoorn where Martin Kruithof has been cooking at the top level since the nineties. What draws us is that steady hand, and a night with the kitchen garden next door.
Country house hotel with starred restaurant and spa
Two chefs with over half a century in this kitchen between them.
A country house hotel near De Lutte with French-Mediterranean cooking, its own spa and herbs from the garden and greenhouse. We go for a long weekend with dinner as the high point.
Starred restaurant with rooms
Mushrooms and game from the woods that start at the door.
A thatched 1930s villa on the Holterberg, with ten garden rooms and the national park next door. We go in autumn, when the woods and the plate are telling the same story.
Three-star restaurant with boutique hotel
Sleeping behind an old cell door after an evening in the courtyard.
A former women's prison where you now stay the night of your own free will. We come for Nelson Tanate's cooking and stay because bed is just round the corner.
Our book lists four addresses in Overijssel: De Lindenhof in Giethoorn, De Bloemenbeek in De Lutte, De Swarte Ruijter in Holten and De Librije & Librije's Hotel in Zwolle.
De Lindenhof in Giethoorn. A thatched farmhouse in Giethoorn where Martin Kruithof has been cooking at the top level since the nineties. What draws us is that steady hand, and a night with the kitchen garden next door. If it is full, we ring De Bloemenbeek.
For two, count on € 340 at De Swarte Ruijter up to € 1,430 at De Librije & Librije's Hotel, for dinner, one night and breakfast. Amounts come from their own booking systems, for a weeknight in November 2026.
Yes: at De Lindenhof in Giethoorn, De Bloemenbeek in De Lutte, De Swarte Ruijter in Holten and De Librije & Librije's Hotel in Zwolle. After dessert you just walk upstairs.
