Dinner at Restaurant de Zwaan: an evening at a historic inn in Elspeet
24 September 2026Game at the Veluwe: Wild Boar and Venison at Restaurant de Zwaan
At Restaurant de Zwaan in Elspeet, game is a regular feature on the menu, inspired by the forests and heathlands surrounding the inn. For us, a dish featuring wild boar or venison is a quintessential part of Veluwe cuisine—just the way we like to serve it.
In short: where can you eat game in the Veluwe? At Restaurant de Zwaan in Elspeet, game is a regular feature on the menu, with wild boar and venison dishes inspired by the natural surroundings of the inn.
Why Wildlife Belongs in the Veluwe
The Veluwe is one of the few places in the Netherlands where wild boars and red deer live in the wild. For centuries, these animals have roamed the forests and heathlands around Elspeet, Vierhouten, and Nunspeet. That explains why game dishes at De Zwaan are a natural part of Veluwe cuisine: it’s simply what has traditionally been served here.
The difference between wild boar and deer
Wild boar and venison differ significantly in taste and texture. Wild boar is slightly fattier and has a more intense, earthy flavor that pairs well with hearty sauces made from wild mushrooms or red wine. Venison is lean and tender, with a more subtle flavor that calls for lighter accompaniments, allowing the meat itself to take center stage. Do you prefer a bold, savory flavor? Then wild boar is the safer choice. Are you looking for a more refined dish that’s still just a little different from beef or veal? Then venison is often the better match.
Cooking with Game
Our cuisine combines game dishes with Mediterranean influences and the rich flavors of Veluwe cuisine, with an eye for both taste and presentation. Think of the lukewarm venison carpaccio as an appetizer starting at €18.95, or the game duo of wild boar tenderloin and venison steak as a main course for €34.75. A well-prepared game dish isn’t just about the meat itself, but also about the accompaniments: wild mushrooms, a creamy mashed potato, or a slightly sweet element that balances the earthy flavor.
A wine that pairs well with your game dish
A good game dish calls for a fine wine—one that complements the dish’s rich flavors and rounds out the dining experience.
Our hostesses will be happy to recommend wines from our carefully curated wine list. In addition to our excellent house wines, we offer a selection of wines specially chosen to complement our dishes.
"Game requires a different cooking method than beef or pork. You have to keep a close eye on the temperature, otherwise it will dry out quickly. We take the time to ensure it stays tender and the flavor really comes through."
Eating Game in Elspeet: More Than Just the Dish
When you enjoy a game dish at De Zwaan, you’re dining in a building that has been connected to the Veluwe for centuries: as early as around 1600, there was already an inn and brewery here; the current building dates from 1882. That history and the natural surroundings make a game dish at De Zwaan more than just a meal—it’s a piece of the Veluwe on your plate.
Reserve your table at Restaurant de Zwaan in Elspeet and taste for yourself what game from the Veluwe has to offer.
