August 21, 2023 · Culinary Journalist
It is one of the most beautiful hospitality locations in our province: Garnwerd aan Zee. Right on the Reitdiep in GarnwerdA lovely spot to sit by the water and enjoy the view and the passing boats, while you relax on one of the comfortable sofas on the terrace. And are your children with you? Thanks to the huge sandbox with trampolines, you have your hands free for a while. The sand play area is fenced off, so the children can play freely without you having to constantly check if they are in the water.
In December 2022, Gido Waalkens became the new owner of Garnwerd aan Zee Together with manager Jelte Toxopeus, he takes care of the day-to-day running of the business. ‘Although it is a pleasant place to be with children, the restaurant is accessible to a very broad audience,’ says Toxopeus. ‘The clientele comes largely from Groningen, but also from the surrounding area. From young to old, a great many different types of people. Hikers from the Pieterpad, cyclists, but also many young people. They come, for example, for our Loungy Saturday.’
‘The location is also perfectly suited for weddings and parties,’ adds Waalkens. ‘Especially in the month of September, we received a huge number of requests for weddings.’ That is certainly something the business wants to put itself further on the map with. ‘This place is naturally perfect for that, right by the water in an idyllic setting,’ says Waalkens.
‘Simply good food’
The menu caters to everyone. "Not haute cuisine, just good food," says Waalkens. For lunch, you can indulge in a Surinamese chicken sandwich or a Bavette toast. According to Toxopeus, these are the bestsellers on the menu. For dinner, there is a choice of satay, schnitzel, or a good burger, among other options. But the spareribs are really what many guests come back for specifically, says Toxopeus. What makes them so special? "They are so tender, they almost fall off the bone."
‘But overall, of course, it’s really the ambiance, the atmosphere, the setting that people come for,’ adds Waalkens. ‘You’re sitting by the water here, there’s plenty to look at, and boats pass by all day long. It’s just a top-notch spot.’ So you can actually compare it to a beach bar, but right in the heart of Grunn.
And should you wish to stop by with your own boat? You can moor it in the restaurant's private harbor. However, only if it is no longer than 20 meters. Restaurant Garnwerd aan Zee is open every day from 10:00 AM to 11:59 PM (except Tuesdays).
