The Netherlands, BrabantSeptember 29, 2025, by Margot van Heijst

Bart's Best of: food and drinks in Hilvarenbeek

The Netherlands, Brabant, September 29, 2025, by Margot van Heijst

Bart's Best of: food and drinks in Hilvarenbeek

hilvarenbeek Most people might know it from Safaripark Beekse Bergen, but this village has so much more to offer. It's charming, welcoming, and packed with great places to eat and drink. From a trendy brunch to a cozy drink or a good bottle of wine to take home: these are our favorite spots in Hilvarenbeek.

Grand Café De Zwaan

Grand Café De Zwaan

Which village doesn't have one? Exactly, almost every village has one. The SwanBut this one in Hilvarenbeek is one to really remember.

Ambience? Absolutely. Good food? Check. Friendly service? Double check. The terrace overlooks the Vrijthof (no, not the one in Maastricht, but the green heart of Hilvarenbeek), and it's just as cozy inside.

Coffee and apple pie, a hearty lunch, or drinks with friends... and good news for gluten-free diners: they have a special menu full of delicious treats. You'll never go wrong here. It's like coming home, but with a touch of Brabant charm.

Grand Café De Zwaan

Vrijthof 16

Vrijthof 16

To the locals still 't Pandje', but officially Vrijthof 16 (Yes, also at the Vrijthof). The smoskes – for the non-Brabos or Flemish among us: simply well-filled sandwiches – have become a household name in Hilvarenbeek and the surrounding area. And not without reason.

Vrijhof 16 has a wide variety of options: you can pick up your order or have it delivered, or you can relax inside for a leisurely lunch. Besides smoskes, the menu also features delicious coffees, fresh juices, poké bowls, wraps, and paninis. Each one is equally delicious.

Vrijthof 16

Tavern Paulus

Tavern Paulus

Paul is, just like De Zwaan, one of those places where you can never go wrong. In this cozy diner, you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a delicious meal. The menu is well-organized, with familiar classics (scampi salad with fries on the side, por favor) and changing specials.

They don't take reservations here, so just walk in, take a seat, and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere that has made Paulus a fixture in Hilvarenbeek for years.

Tavern Paulus

 

We know all about, a village full of regulars and classics, but that is precisely what makes Hilvarenbeek such a wonderful place to discover culinary delights

The holy

The holy

With The holy A touch of urban flair is blowing into the village. This all-day brunch concept feels fresh and trendy, with a menu full of delicious treats: from pancakes and richly filled toast to, yes, the Matcha Latte. Ideal for a relaxed start to the day or a coffee break that feels just a little bit more special.

Extra plus: during the day they use the terrace at Taverne Paulus, so you can also catch some rays of sunshine when the weather is nice.

The holy

Note: The holy is only open from Monday to Friday.

SANTÉ Borrelbar

SANTÉ Borrelbar

Fancy a drink? Then HEALTH je go-to spot in Hilvarenbeek. The name says it all.

The menu is packed with delicious drinks and matching bites, and the atmosphere is typically Brabantian: cozy, warm, and inviting. A place where conversations flow naturally and the weekend is guaranteed to get off to a great start.

SANTÉ Borrelbar

Charlots' Delicatessen

Charlots' Delicatessen

Sometimes we want to unpack at home. And then we know exactly where to go: to Charlottes'From delicious cheeses to luxury appetizers, here you can find everything you need to impress or simply treat yourself. Add a good bottle of wine from Wine merchant van Lieverlee, and you have all the ingredients for the perfect evening.

Since August 2026 sit Charlottes' op a new live on gain Vrijthof. Bigger is NOT ALLOWED always better, maar in your case certainly well. With a cozy terrace, you can now not only stock up on your favorite delicacies here, but also enjoy them right away.

 

Erloom

Erloom

Erloom is without a doubt the most unique dining experience in Hilvarenbeek. At organic farm 't Schop, from May through September, you settle down at long tables in the meadow for a culinary afternoon or evening outdoors. The concept, which launched in 2025, revolves around top chefs from home and abroad who prepare a unique menu over an open fire every weekend, using products straight from the farm. No weekend is the same, but the ingredients are: fire, craftsmanship, good wine, locally grown vegetables, and a generous dose of atmosphere. A must visit if you ask us!