Chef Martin Kooijker joined the hospitality world at the age of fifteen, washing dishes at a restaurant in his hometown. He enjoyed it so much that he started to envision a career in the hospitality industry for himself. At eighteen he started working as an apprentice chef at restaurant De Heeren van Harinxma in Beetsterzwaag on the Lauswolt estate. In the 5-starred restaurant, he was once under the chef's guidance, but soon had responsibility for the hotel's breakfast. After this, he started working at the Michelin-starred restaurant De Basiliek in Harderwijk. Next, Martin decided to go back north, and return to his roots. In 2016 he took over restaurant De Molenaar from star chef Steven Klein Nijenhuis. According to the 2019 Michelin guide, De Molenaar is a restaurant featuring a chef who runs a wonderful and creative kitchen.
De Molenaar
Onderdendam, NetherlandsRestaurant De Molenaar is located in a special place: a former grain mill from 1855 in the beautiful village of Onderdendam in the north of the Netherlands. Here, owner-chef Martin Kooijker has been running restaurant De Molenaar since November 2016 and since December 2023 with Lauret Logtenberg. This unique location under the wings of the historic mill offers fine dining, followed by an overnight stay in one of the two luxurious bed-and-breakfast rooms.
Book a table @ De Molenaar
Make your dinner reservations through our website for a high-quality gastronomic experience – it’s quick and easy. Book your table here and get ready for an unforgettable culinary event.
