June 13, 2023 · Culinary Journalist
On the edge of the Noorderplantsoen, on Koninginnelaan, you will find the cozy neighborhood restaurant De Markies. It has been a household name in Groningen for years. The restaurant was closed for a few years but acquired Benjamin Kappers as its new owner in 2021.
Pure flavors, genuine hospitality, that is what it is all about. The Marquis That is what it’s all about. No fuss, just good food. ‘Everyone should feel at ease here and be able to be themselves, including the staff,’ says Benjamin. ‘In terms of budget, we do get guests here quite often who have just a little bit more to spend,’ he continues. A 3-course menu costs €33.50, and a 6-course menu will set you back €56.00. That latter menu also always includes a soup course.
Meanwhile, Benjamin's girlfriend, Anne, also joins them. She also owns a restaurant in town. According to the two, the cuisine can be described as Mediterranean/French, with a traditional twist. For example, a fine bouillabaisse or a ‘steak au poivre’. ‘Pieter, the chef, certainly does not shy away from using large quantities of butter in the kitchen,’ Anne explains. It is then Benjamin's pleasant task to find suitable wines to pair with it.
The à la carte menu serves as the basis for the surprise menu. To minimize waste, they use many ingredients from the fixed menu for the daily specials. Dishes are rotated or changed on the menu every few weeks, depending on the season, availability, or inspiration.
The wines Benjamin selects are generally classic. French and Italian. He really likes a Shiraz or a Primitivo and enjoys serving them. Or a Vermentino. ‘I’m serving that now with a fish starter,’ says Benjamin. ‘Then you have a very nice, light, mineral wine to accompany your dish.’
The strength of De Markies is its familiarity. Benjamin explains: ‘We find it very important that people know we remember them from a previous visit. Guests also appreciate it when you welcome them with: ‘Oh, how nice to see you again.’ Or when you just say hello as they walk past. That makes people feel at home here.’
During Noorderzon, De Markies is the perfect base if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the festival for a while and relax on a terrace. You can find De Markies at Koninginnelaan 45 in Groningen. The terrace is open Tuesday through Sunday from 3:00 PM, and the restaurant from 5:00 PM. You can find more information on the website of the Marquis
