Opening of Alma Bistro in ‘t Ginneken in Breda
Alma Bistro Breda v.l.n.r. Jasper Verhagen, Wouter van Laarhoven, Malou Hagenaars en Paul Ruiten credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro brioche langoustine credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro Breda credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro baba au rhum credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro Breda credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro beef Wellington credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro Breda terras credits Pieter D'Hoop
Alma Bistro Dutch yellowtail kingfish credits Pieter D'Hoop
Opening – Chef Wouter van Laarhoven and hostess Malou Hagenaars opened Alma Bistro in the Dutch city Breda earlier this month. The gastronomic bistro is the couple’s third establishment after Michelin star restaurant Alma Fine Dining and Alma Bodega in Oisterwijk. Guests can enjoy high-quality bistro dishes and fine wines in a relaxed atmosphere with high-level service.
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Location Alma Bistro in ‘t Ginneken
Alma Bistro is located in the monumental building ‘den Bonten Osch’ on Ginnekenstraat 88 in Breda, dating from around 1785, and has place for 40 guests. The building has two floors, an open kitchen, a bar and a romantic courtyard garden. ‘t Ginneken is a neighbourhood in Breda with a cosy little square.
Gastronomic bistro with ambition
The menu clearly shows the signature of Wouter van Laarhoven. Wouter van Laarhoven: “Alma Bistro is a gastronomic bistro without barriers, but with ambition and is positioned in between the bodega and the star restaurant in terms of level. We cook traditional dishes with high-quality and fresh products and this translates itself in dishes with rich, pure flavors, tasty sauces and not too much fuss on the plate.”
The à la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner and includes dishes such as marbré, langoustines, chicken from the French region Bresse, turbot baked on the bone and sea bass baked on the skin. Starters and entrees range from € 18 to € 35 and main courses from € 29 to € 36. Additionally there is a lunch menu with deluxe salads and dishes such as steak tartare and okonomiyaki.
Wouter van Laarhoven: “Chef of the bistro is Paul Ruiten, he worked, among others, at restaurant Vista in Willemstad and De Blauwe Camer in Oosterhout. In recent months he has gained experience in the kitchen of Alma Fine Dining. Paul will cook according to the Alma principles.”
Unique vertical kitchen for Alma Bistro
On the first floor you will find the restaurant and bar, and upstairs is an area for private dining. A unique feature is the so-called “vertical kitchen”. Through the open loft, guests have a view of the kitchen located on the upper floor.
Malou Hagenaars: “The building has been renovated and furnished with respect for its historical value. Sleek modern elements form a nice contrast to the centuries-old wooden beams. Tables and walls are microtopped and open travertine is used for the finish of the bar and washbasins in the toilets. Walnut was also used for the chairs and for part of the table tops. For the interior design, we chose ZOUT Ontwerphuis from Oisterwijk again and they provided a harmonious interplay between the 18th century and the present.
We are also very pleased with the courtyard garden, which features beautiful furniture by Borek and is an unexpected oasis behind the busy shopping street.”
Strong team
Jasper Verhagen, who has gained experience at Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen and Amarone in Rotterdam, has been hired as manager and maître sommelier. His right hand is assistant sommelier Ynze Peters, who comes over from Rotterdam’s The Millèn. Malou Hagenaars: “We are proud that we have been able to put together a strong team in the kitchen and at the front. In addition, we are a recognized training company, which is also something to be proud of.”
Wine list & cocktails
Alma Bistro’s wine list features more than 200 wines, and that number is being expanded. Guests also have at least 12 open wines to choose from, including top wines from Burgundy. Champagne lovers are able to enjoy three champagnes by the glass, including Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé and Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. In addition, creative cocktails, both with or without alcohol are available.
Open Thursday through Monday
Alma Bistro is open Thursday through Monday for lunch and dinner. An additional opening day will eventually be added. There is ample parking and several hotels in the immediate area.
About Wouter van Laarhoven and Malou Hagenaars
Chef Wouter van Laarhoven (44) cooked a Michelin star in the former restaurant De Molen in Kaatsheuvel. Later he put top restaurant Wynwood in Eindhoven on the map, where he worked with restaurant manager Malou Hagenaars (30).
Together, the life partners opened Alma Bodega and Alma Fine Dining in Oisterwijk in 2019. In 2021, the bodega was awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin and in 2022, the fine-dining restaurant received a Michelin star. Also in 2022, Malou was awarded the Sommelier Award by Michelin. In July 2024, the couple opened Alma Bistro in Breda.
Website: Alma Bistro
