Dinner at Restaurant de Zwaan: An Evening at a Historic Inn in Elspeet

Restaurant de Zwaan is located in the heart of Elspeet, in a historic building dating from 1882 with a history that stretches back to around 1600. An evening meal at De Zwaan feels like a moment of tranquility and hospitality, in a setting that still exudes its rich history.

In short: where can you enjoy a great meal in Elspeet? At Restaurant de Zwaan, located in a historic building dating from 1882 with a history that goes back to 1600. We’re open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, serving cuisine that combines Mediterranean influences with the rich flavors of the Veluwe.

A building with a rich history

The De Zwaan building was constructed in 1882 as a hotel, on a site where an inn and brewery had stood as early as around 1600. That history is still palpable today: the building has been carefully restored to its former glory, preserving what has made it special for centuries.

On nice days, the village would gather around the village green, where people drank tea, ate, and chatted on the porch of De Zwaan. More than a century later, that porch still serves the same purpose: a place where people come together and enjoy the view of village life.

A tangible reminder of the past

During the renovation, Erik and Petra met Mrs. Van den Berg, who had owned De Zwaan for many years. She gave them two special mementos: an oil lamp dating from before the fire of 1882, and a wooden chair that had been narrowly rescued from the flames at the time. The burn marks are still visible on one of the chair legs. Both items are now on display in the inn’s lobby. Curious about the rest of this story? Read the full history of De Zwaan.

A hotel and restaurant under one historic roof

Following a complete renovation in 2021 and 2022, the historic building has regained its original function as a hotel, and space has been created for an independent restaurant. Restaurant De Zwaan is thus not only a place for hotel guests but also a culinary destination for visitors from Elspeet, Nunspeet, and far beyond who want to enjoy fine dining, a great atmosphere, and Veluwe hospitality.

The cuisine: a blend of Mediterranean and Veluwe flavors

Erik and his team cook with a passion for quality, flavor, and craftsmanship, incorporating Mediterranean influences—such as pasta dishes—alongside the rich flavors of Veluwe cuisine. Think of refined appetizers starting at around €17.50 and flavorful main courses starting at around €32.50, such as the game duo of wild boar tenderloin and venison steak or a veal tournedos with creamy truffle sauce. Every dish is prepared with as much care as it is presented.

Wine Tasting as a Regular Part of the Evening

We also pay special attention to the wine selection to ensure it complements an evening out. With “Herbergier aan Tafel,” our hostesses curate a selection of wines tailored to the dishes on the menu, and many of these wines are also available by the glass.

The Right Table for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, attending a business meeting, or simply in the mood for a night out, a historic building with a warm, personal welcome is perfect for more than one kind of evening. Our ever-changing Herbergiers menu—which can be paired with a complementary wine selection upon request—is a great choice for those who don’t want to commit to individual dishes.