Lunch service from 12:00 PM.
À la carte dining from 5:00 PM.
about Brasserie Dirk
Enjoy exquisite modern dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, all in a stylish setting tinged with nostalgia. Brasserie Dirk is the restaurant of the 4-star Hotel De Schildkamp.
Enjoy Local, From Local
At Dirk, we take pride in our surroundings and in Asperen’s history. You can taste this in the ingredients we source as much as possible from the immediate neighborhood. You’ll also see it in our brasserie, where historical photos line the walls to highlight Asperen’s centuries-old heritage. And you’ll see it in our name, which you can read more about below.
Distinctive Dishes: Plenty of Vegetarian and Vegan Options
A nod to the past doesn’t mean we lose sight of modern diners’ preferences. On the contrary. Our dishes are genuine and honest, just like our namesake. We’re the only restaurant in the area with more vegetarian and vegan options on our menu than meat dishes. Whenever possible, our head chef Ivan de Bruijn selects products carrying organic and Beter Leven labels, so you can always be sure your meal is crafted with the utmost care.
Historical Asperen
Asperen is centuries old. It was probably known in Roman times as Caspingium and lay along the Romans’ A15—the main road from Nijmegen to Katwijk. Asperen appears on various historical maps, several of which we’ve reproduced in large format on the wall by the hotel entrance.
On the walls in the brasserie you’ll see photos of Asperen’s rich past. These images were kindly provided by the Vereniging/Museum Oud-Asperen. Shown here and below are a few of these collages.
About Our Namesake
The name of our brasserie comes from Dirk Willemszoon. He was persecuted for his faith and imprisoned in Asperen’s dungeon. He escaped, but while fleeing across the ice he saw the guard chasing him fall through a thin patch. Dirk rescued the guard from the icy water. The guard then wanted to grant Dirk his freedom, but the mayor who had rushed to the scene forbade it. Dirk was arrested again and ultimately met his end at the stake in 1569. Jan Luyken immortalized this story in an etching in 1685.
A remarkable man who valued his fellow human being above himself and made authentic choices throughout his life. It is in this spirit that we aim to serve our guests.
