in Maasbracht – The Netherlands
Restaurant Da Vinci in Maasbracht has been a respected name in the Dutch fine dining scene since its establishment in 1993. Originally a Grand Café with an Italian kitchen, the restaurant was transformed by SVH Meesterkok Margo Reuten and SVH Meestergastheer and sommelier Petro Kools when they took over. Their vision was to create a refined culinary destination, combining a French-inspired menu with locally sourced Limburg ingredients.
Margo Reuten, born in Maasbracht, developed her culinary expertise through years of experience in prestigious kitchens. She trained at Hotel-Restaurant Prinses Juliana in Valkenburg, worked under renowned chefs such as Cas Spijkers at De Swaen in Oisterwijk, and refined her skills at Toine Hermsen in Maastricht and Der Bloasbalg in Wahlwiller. In 1990, she became the first female SVH Meesterkok in the Netherlands. Since opening Da Vinci, she has continuously pursued excellence, earning the restaurant its first Michelin star in 1999, followed by a second star in 2009.
However, Margo’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2013, she was diagnosed with cancer, but her resilience saw her overcome the illness and continue her culinary path. In 2017, tragedy struck again when maître John Lammers passed away in an accident. The following year, Da Vinci lost its second Michelin star. Yet through every setback, the team has displayed unwavering determination, refusing to let hardships define them. Instead, they have continued to refine their craft and push forward.
Upon entering Da Vinci, you are immediately welcomed with warmth. Smiling faces set the tone for a dining experience where hospitality is just as important as culinary excellence. Petro Kools, the maître, ensures that each guest feels at home, while Margo reigns over the kitchen, crafting dishes that reflect her passion and precision. Together, alongside their dedicated team, they create an atmosphere where guests feel valued and cared for.
Petro takes the time to explain the menu, offering insights into the dishes as if sharing a personal creation. His enthusiasm makes each course feel intentional, and in every dish, you can sense the love and care poured into its preparation.
For my birthday, we visited Da Vinci for lunch, and they added a thoughtful “congrats” to one of the final dishes—a small yet meaningful gesture that encapsulated the warmth of the experience. Each year, as Michelin announces its new ratings for the Netherlands, I find myself hoping that Da Vinci will regain its second star. Margo, Petro, and their team truly deserve it. Their journey is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. Regardless of accolades, Da Vinci remains a place where fine dining is about more than just food—it is about heart, history, and hospitality.
Chef: Margo Reuten
Date of visit: July 27th 2023
Website: https://www.restaurantdavinci.nl/
Michelin: 1 star
Gault & Millau: 16.5
