Lekker500 — Top 500
The warm welcome awaits you in a former large warehouse along the Spaarne, seating 55 guests. This is a deliberate choice made by chef-owner Jozua Jaring, ensuring ample space, privacy, and plenty of time for every guest. The inviting tables are arranged across three distinct sections, with the rear area overlooking the open kitchen and a floor-to-ceiling wine cabinet boasting an impressive selection of 750 different wines. Hues of honey, gold, and silver lend Ratatouille a warm, atmospheric, and sophisticated ambiance. The attentive, smartly dressed staff ensure the atmosphere remains relaxed and unpretentious. As we enjoy a glass of Parés Baltà’s Cava Reserva Brut Nature from Catalonia, we order the classic Oyster Rockefeller from the bites menu. First, however, comes a house specialty: a tribute to the cucumber presented in three variations—a gazpacho, a cumin-infused ice cream, and an olive mousse topped with crumble. Following this refreshing start, three more enticing amuse-bouches arrive, including a crisp sweet potato roll stuffed with mackerel mousse and finished with a bastogne and rye bread crumb topping. At the table, caviar and crème fraîche are added as a finishing touch. Next comes sea bass tartare bound together by a sesame cracker and chili-oil escabeche, accompanied by jalapeño cream, kefir-lime mayonnaise, melon, caviar, sea cucumber, and samphire. A visual delight, perfectly paired with the Riesling Lieu-Dit Harth 'Tradition' by Schoffit, poured by sommelier Paul Geerts. For the main course, it’s all about meat. We have our choice between veal tenderloin larded with rich ham for extra flavor and crispy-fried sweetbread, or (for an additional charge) a Japanese Wagyu entrecôte. We decide to order both. The accompaniments are nearly identical for both dishes: green asparagus, potatoes prepared two ways—as a terrine and as light pommes soufflé—alongside eggplant compote, a velvety foam, and a smoked garlic jus. The veal tenderloin is served with its own rich jus. We round off the meal with verbena tea and delicate pastries. Inspired by the film Ratatouille, chef and owner Jozua Jaring and his team deliver a truly memorable evening right here in Haarlem—you certainly don’t need to travel to Paris for it.