Jean Marie restaurant is known for their excellent game meat dishes, but also their wine collection. I don’t normally like game meat dishes but since I’ve been there I am open to it now. Jean Marie introduced me to dishes that I really enjoyed with matching wines. I learned to appreciate both game dishes and wine. Now I also appreciate it more. Read on my blog.
Jean Marie restaurant in Gouda
How We Met
Meeting Jan and Marieke Hartman was like stepping into the warm kitchen at the heart of their passion. This cordial and charming couple are the proud owners of Jean Marie, their beloved restaurant nestled in Gouda. The restaurant’s name weaves together their own first names—Jan and Marieke—with their deep affection for France, and you can feel that French influence everywhere: in the thoughtfully curated kitchen, in the carefully chosen decor, in the way the whole space breathes European elegance. Their roles are beautifully complementary: Jan commands the kitchen with the precision and artistry of a true head chef, crafting exceptional game dishes alongside his talented team, while Marieke glides through the dining room as a gracious host, making every guest feel genuinely welcomed.
Recognition: A BIB Gourmand Award
For 28 years, Jean Marie has thrived in a landscape where most restaurants fade. That longevity alone speaks volumes, but what truly impressed us was their latest achievement: yet another prestigious “BIB Gourmand Benelux” award from Michelin. It’s an honor reserved for restaurants that deliver exceptional quality—a full three-course menu of real substance—for under €37. In a world obsessed with fine dining’s price tags, that’s no small feat. Congratulations to the entire Jean Marie team.
The Space: Elegance Meets Warmth
Step through Jean Marie’s doors and you’re enveloped by a distinctly French-inspired, country-style elegance. Rich, saturated colors dance across the walls; beneath your feet, a beautiful wooden floor worn smooth by countless dinners, its honey tones creating an immediate sense of comfort. It’s the kind of space that feels both refined and genuinely welcoming—luxurious without pretension. Marieke’s eye for detail is evident in every corner: the way the colors complement each other, the balance between statement pieces and intimate nooks. If she ever decides to leave the restaurant business, I’m definitely hiring her for my home.
Beyond the Plate: A Community Table
What moved us most was Jean Marie’s commitment to their community. Each October, they participate in the campaign “All of Gouda Bakes,” marking the week dedicated to fighting loneliness. Guests—particularly those dining alone—are invited to share a table over coffee and fresh-baked cake, creating unexpected connections. The initiative was so meaningful that Jean Marie made it permanent. Now, solo diners can request the “loneliness table,” where they’re welcomed to share conversation and a meal with fellow guests. In a world increasingly fractured, this simple gesture of human connection is profound.
Sustainability Through Respect
At Jean Marie, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a philosophy. Every part of an animal is honored and used; nothing goes to waste. The menu shifts with the seasons, following what hunters bring in and what the local land offers at its peak. Jan’s decades of culinary experience shine here: he can look at whatever fresh, seasonal, local ingredients arrive and conjure something genuinely delicious. It’s cooking rooted in respect—for the animal, for the farmer, for the seasons, and ultimately, for the diner’s plate.
Allergies & Dietary Needs: Taken Seriously
If you communicate your allergies or dietary requirements ahead of time, Jean Marie takes them seriously—genuinely seriously. They proved this with us, handling a severe nut and dairy allergy with such care that our companion could relax and enjoy the experience fully. If you need accommodation, give them advance notice, and you’ll eat here with complete peace of mind.
The “BOB” Wine Arrangement: A New Way to Taste
If you’re driving, Jean Marie offers an ingenious solution: the “BOB wine arrangement” (BOB stands for the Dutch equivalent of “designated driver”). Rather than a full glass, you receive a small taste of a carefully chosen wine with each course—enough to experience the pairing without compromising your sobriety. The sommelier, youthful but remarkably knowledgeable, matched a wine to every single dish with impressive precision. I arrived at the table skeptical about wine; I left as a believer. The wines didn’t just complement the food—they elevated it, revealed hidden dimensions I hadn’t noticed before.
The Culinary Journey: A Five-Course Wild Dinner
Update
Since this post was published, Jan and Marieke have embarked on a new chapter in their story. In 2020, they made the bold decision to sell Jean Marie and follow a long-held dream: starting their own bed and breakfast in the south of France. It’s a testament to their passion for hospitality and good living. While we’ll deeply miss their masterful cooking and warm presence in Gouda, we’re thrilled for them as they create new culinary memories in the French countryside.
The Amuses: A First Impression
Dinner began not with a menu, but with theatre. Marieke wheeled out a cart bearing a stunning house-smoked salmon fillet, its surface glistening with smoke flavor. She explained the process with genuine pride—how they smoke the fish in-house—then, with practiced grace, sliced it paper-thin with a large, sharp knife. Watching her work was mesmerizing; each slice fell away like silk, revealing the fish’s deep coral flesh. Topped with briny capers and tart pickled onions, it was utterly incomparable to any store-bought smoked salmon. Next came an amuse spoon: Stellendam shrimp—delicate, sweet—dressed in a ginger-soy reduction with wisps of onion. That spoonful promised more to come, and it delivered.
Game: Breaking Through My Comfort Zone
I’ve always steered clear of game—the idea of it made me hesitant. But Jan and his team had other plans, and I’m grateful they did. The first course arrived: delicately smoked goose, resting on a silken onion compote with earthy sautéed mushrooms. Skeptical, I took a bite. The smoke was subtle, refined; the onions had melted into a sweet-savory silk; the mushrooms brought an earthy depth that grounded everything. Suddenly, game didn’t seem intimidating—it seemed inevitable. Next came a fried walleye fillet, its delicate white flesh still faintly steaming, scattered with capers and tender corn kernels. But here’s the genius: some of the corn had been popped into tiny, crunchy popcorn scattered across the plate. That playful texture—the pop against the tender fish—made me smile. For the main course, a pheasant sausage appeared on a bed of tangy sauerkraut with a softly stewed pear beside it. On paper, it sounds unusual; on the plate, it was perfectly balanced. The rich sausage, the acidic kraut, the sweet pear, the sauce tying it all together—it was a masterclass in flavor composition.
The Grand Finale: Dessert
My dessert was simple elegance: stewed pears with silky ice cream, scattered nuts, and a delicate milk-based sauce that pooled around everything like liquid silk. Across the table, Priya‘s dessert had been completely reimagined to accommodate her allergies—no dairy, no nuts, but equally thoughtful and delicious. That attention to detail, even in the final course, spoke volumes.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Go
Jean Marie restaurant is essential for anyone curious about game, wine, or simply food prepared with genuine care. Our evening was a revelation—not just the food, though that was exceptional—but the values that run through everything they do: respect for ingredients, attention to every guest (including those with life-threatening allergies), hospitality that feels authentic rather than performed. They took me completely out of my comfort zone and showed me why game cuisine deserves its place at the table. If you’re ready to expand your palate and experience cooking rooted in real passion and principle, Jean Marie is the place. Our thanks to Jan, Marieke, and the entire team for an unforgettable evening.
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