in Wittem – Netherlands
Restaurant Julemont is located in the historic Château Wittem in Wittem, Netherlands. The castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages, has a long and noble history, serving various roles over the centuries before becoming a hospitality destination in 1958. In 2018, the estate was acquired by Alexander and Nicole Wilden, who oversaw its renovation and reimagined its culinary offerings.
Julemont opened in 2019, bringing fine dining to the castle’s elegant setting. The restaurant was initially led by chef Sven Nijenhuis, who had gained experience at renowned establishments such as Ivy, Parkheuvel, and Beluga. In 2021, Guido Braeken took over as head chef, having previously worked at De Leuf, La Source, and Beluga Loves You. Under his leadership, Julemont quickly gained recognition, earning two Michelin stars in 2022.
Arriving at Julemont feels like stepping into another time. The entrance is marked by a closed gate, setting the tone for an exclusive experience. After ringing the bell, the gate opened, and as I drove toward the castle, someone approached my car and directed me to a parking spot near the entrance. This level of attention continued as I was guided to the terrace, where the weather was perfect for an evening outdoors. We were welcomed with an array of amuse-bouches alongside our aperitif, making for an excellent start to the evening.
When it was time to move inside, we were led to our seats in the dining room. While the castle itself is an impressive setting, the dining space felt unexpectedly sober—almost too plain. No art, some empty walls, and an open seating arrangement that lacked the private, intimate feel I would expect in a two-star restaurant housed in a grand château.
The food was truly exceptional, ranking among the best I’ve had in the Netherlands—possibly even in my top five overall Michelin-star experiences. Each dish was well-executed and reflected the expertise of the kitchen.
Yet, while the food was remarkable, the overall experience felt lacking in warmth. The staff was friendly but operated in a way that felt purely transactional. Several times, plates were cleared without a simple inquiry about how the meal was going. The absence of real engagement made it clear that the service was professional but lacked the personal touch that turns fine dining into a memorable occasion. Adding to this, we didn’t see the chef at all throughout the evening, which felt like a missed opportunity to connect with the heart of the restaurant.
Despite the culinary excellence, I left feeling that the experience could have been more complete. I personally prefer restaurants like Basiliek or De Treeswijkhoeve, where the food may not quite reach the same heights, but the warmth of the staff and the attention to the guest make the evening feel truly special. A restaurant should be more than just a place that serves excellent dishes—it should be an experience shaped by hospitality, ambiance, and personal connection. Julemont undoubtedly delivers on the food, but in terms of overall atmosphere and engagement, it left something to be desired.
Chef: Guide Braeken
Date of visit: August 7th 2024 (closed)
Website:
Michelin: 2 stars
Gault & Millau: 17
