RESTAURANTS Le Bistro C-3, Juliana van Stolbergstraat 6, tel. (+31)
135 35 13 42, lebistro@planet.nl, www.lebistro.nl. Le Bistro is a small and cosy restaurant as the name would suggest. Each dish is a feast for the eyes and thanks to the open-plan kitchen you can see exactly how the chef prepares the coquilles, foie gras or sweetbread. If you have the time make sure to check out the restaurant’s website where the chef gives cooking tips in an amusing short video. Tilburg doesn’t have many restaurants with unusual menus, but Le Bistro is a great exception to the rule. Food is not cheap, but very tasty. QOpen 17:30 - 22:30. Closed Mon, Tue. (€25 30). PJALBK
Lucebert B-4, Schouwburgring, tel. (+31) 135 43 25
15, lucebert@theaterstilburg.nl, www.theaterstilburg. nl/lucebert. if you’re indecisive about going out for a posh meal or a bite to eat in a more casual café, you can satisfy both options at Lucebert. To the left of the entrance you’ll find a chic restaurant and to the right a cosy bistro. Its location next to the main entrance of Theaters Tilburg means that many a culture vulture, including posh folk over 60, can be spotted here before or after a play. The well off won’t regret the three-course menu in the restaurant with its linen covered tables and beautiful décor, while the budget-minded will be happy with the cheap dish of the day in the relaxed bistro. From the elaborately decorated walls, the deceased poet and painter Lucebert observes the goings on here, but bear in mind that the establishment named in his honour is only open on nights when performances are scheduled in the theatre. QOpen 17:00 - 22:00. (€24 - 28). PJAULGBKX
Riddershoeve M-7, ‘t Zwaantje 1, tel. (+31) 135 33
12 39, info@riddershoeve.nl, www.riddershoeve.nl. This former inn is now a restaurant where dining is a pleasure. It’s situated on the town square of the small village of Berkel-Enschot, which is cycling-distance from the centre of Tilburg. A dinner here isn’t complete without a so-called wine-deal, which will ensure that each dish is served with the proper wine. Although the old inn has received a 21stcentury upgrade, the red tiled floor still reminds one of the distant past. If you want to truly enjoy traditional Brabant cuisine, then be sure to try the foie gras. QOpen 17:30 23:00. (€15 - 20). AB
Sjieque D-3, Sint Josephstraat 138, tel. (+31) 135 43
20 85, info@restaurantsjieque.nl, www.restaurantsjieque.nl. The décor of the Sjieque (Chic) Restaurant is true to its name. Your coat will be taken to the cloakroom while you enjoy a glass of bubbly and are treated to a tasty appetiser. The glasses are so clean, they sparkle, the cutlery is simply immaculate and the napkins are made of pure linen. The purple and silver interior and the high ceilings make guests feel like royalty and although the prices are higher than those at an average café, a meal at Sjieque won’t cost you an arm and a leg. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00. (€25 - 30). PJABKW
Greek Minos Pallas D-3, Heuvelring 224, tel. (+31) 135 35
00 35, info@minospallas.net, www.minospallas.net. You’ll find everything you expect from a Greek restaurant here including a bit of kitsch and a lot of Greek décor like faux columns, wall paintings, ceramic pots and wooden furniture. The menu however, is quite surprising. The Greek dishes are authentic and the seafood, like the swordfish, is excellent. There’s also an outdoor terrace at Minas Palas, which reinforces its Mediterranean atmosphere when knocking back an ouzo or two. Unfortunately, its only view is of a busy motorway. QOpen 16:00 - 22:00. (€19 - 24). ABK
tilburg.inyourpocket.com
Zorba de Griek D-2, Heuvelring 33, tel. (+31) 135 35 86 96, info@zorbadegriektilburg.nl, w w w.zorbadegriektilburg.nl. In contrast to the current turmoil in Greece, Zorba the Greek exudes an atmosphere of peace and calm and although the name doesn’t suggest a high level of creativity, the chefs confound this premise. As soon as you enter you’ll be greeted warm-heartedly with a glass of ouzo that they’ve been serving to all new customers ever since the restaurant was established in 1985. Try the traditional giouvarlakia meatball soup. QOpen 17:00 - 23:00, Sun 16:30 - 23:00. Closed Tue. (€15 - 19). TJALK
Grill Bosporus A-4, Korvelseweg 188, tel. (+31) 135 35 90
20. Bosporus’ motto is ‘something for everyone’ and rarely has a slogan been more on the mark than at this place that offers a simple interior. This upmarket snack shack practises European integration by serving Turkish and Greek as well as Italian and Dutch food. Make sure to try the deep fried ‘fire-eater’, although we’re not quite sure yet what the exact ingredients are. Q JALVKS
De Reunie D-3, Heuvelring 220, tel. (+31) 135 36 35
35, info@reunietilburg.nl, www.reunietilburg.nl. Meateating and drinking have always gone hand in hand and let’s face it: there’s nothing better than an alcoholic beverage after a good steak. The trendy waiters at this somewhat kitschy pub don’t just serve a selection of bottled beers, but also the tasty Erdinger White on draught. But if you think beer’s a bit too ordinary then forgo the peasant brew and try one of 16 different cocktails at a price, which would barely buy you an ice cube at some clubs in Amsterdam. QOpen 17:00 - 24:00, Fri 17:00 - 01:30, Sat 16:30 - 01:30, Sun 16:30 - 24:00. (€15 - 20). PTJAIEBKW
Autumn 2012/Winter 2013
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