Achterwerk

LOVE your food. I go to Achterwerk every once in a while because it is so delicious and special every single time. We did the Valentines menu last week and even though we had to eat it at home, it was such a nice experience again! They even made a playlist on Spotify for it. The food of Achterwerk is pure art ❤️.

Whoever says Achterwerk says chef Areeda van der Marel. She wanted to set up a vegan fine dining restaurant in Groningen. The owners of a techno club believed in her. She more than succeeded. The owners should praise themselves lucky. We entered the entrance of Achterwerk with a real speakeasy feeling. Via the venue's old cinema stairs, we walked deeper and deeper into the mysteriously empty building at nightclub Oost. Just when we thought, "We're wrong," we walked into the restaurant part of the building—a bustling back room in the old cinema, which is now a COVID-ceased techno club. After a somewhat awkward entry, there were three men prominently at the bar, taking all the waiters' attention, and there was no one to welcome us, led to a small table. The waitress appeared to have her first day and was just as uncomfortable as we were. After she noted our drinks very professionally, she broke the ice, and we felt that this could be an unforgettable evening. As a gentleman, however, I sat down with my face to the three men's buttocks and gave my girlfriend an unobstructed view of the restaurant area. The right choice for me in the end because it also gave me a picture of the kitchen—a kitchen where I fell in love with the culinary arts of chef Areeda van der Marel. But more about that later. At Achterwerk, it is easy to choose; four or five courses and a pairing of drinks. The pairing can be with or without alcohol. We went for a four-course menu, and my girlfriend chose half a wine pairing. I have chosen an alcohol-free beer as an aperitif. Now I assume you are considering eating here, and I don't want to reveal too much. But the first snack beforehand was the very best mini-hamburger I've ever had, and after that, it only got better. The portioning was excellent too. You certainly do not go home hungry in this vegan restaurant. And why I fell in love with the chef? She makes almost literally all dishes herself. It was an outmost pleasure to see her work in the kitchen. Every course was on point. Delicious. Nothing was a copy of traditional recipes. She has a fantastic vibe. It is an excellent experience. And the possibility to show her skills to people who are eager to taste her vegan works of art; It drew me into her world of flavors. Yes, she had an assistant in the kitchen, but she was mainly busy with small tasks. If you eat at Achterwerk, you eat at Areeda van der Marel. Do that quickly, because if I won the state lottery? Then she would be in my kitchen every evening.

When you eat at this restaurant, it becomes a whole experience. You definitely need to have a lot of time, apart from relishing each bite of each dish, it also takes a while before all courses are served. I really like that you don't have to think about what to order, only if you want 4 or 5 courses and if you want accompanying drinks. After that, you just sit back and enjoy the ride. The kitchen staff really takes so much care of each ingredient and detail, it's just amazing what the result is. Each bite of each meal results in a true explosion of flavours in your mouth. The waiting staff is also very friendly and often will ask you if everything is alright or if you have any other wishes. The restaurant itself has a cozy ambience with natural influences, so the atmosphere feels very comfortable as well. Of course, the price might be on the expensive side, but you definitely get what you paid for.

The food is an experience. Incredibly many aromas that have been selected and brought together well. A suitable wine is served with each course if desired. The service is extremely friendly and attentive. And on top of that it is also inexpensive. I would definitely eat here again.

Great food and service. We also really liked the virgin cocktail pairing.