Jonnie Boer is an internationally renowned chef and co-owner of De Librije restaurant in Zwolle, Netherlands. His restaurant has been was awarded a third Michelin Star in 2004 and a Green Star in 2021, confirming his position among the world's gastronomic elite.
Cover photo: @Gregor Servais
Growing up in Giethoorn, a village known for its canals, Jonnie Boer developed a deep connection with nature and local products. After completing his culinary training, he began his career as a chef at De Librije in Zwolle, Netherlands, in 1989. In 1993, together with his wife Thérèse, a sommelier and maître d'hôtel, he took over the restaurant and turned it into a prominent destination.
His philosophy is based on the use of regional and seasonal ingredients, often personally harvested or sourced from local suppliers. This approach led to the restaurant receiving its first Michelin star in 1993, and its third 11 years later in 2004, making it the second in the Netherlands to achieve this milestone.
The couple expanded their operations in 2008 with the opening of Librije's Hotel, located in a former 18th century women's prison. The complex also houses Librije's Atelier, a cooking and wine school, and Librije's Winkel, a gourmet shop.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including the title of SVH Meesterkok in 1997 and appointment as a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2005. In 2021, his restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Green Star, a title that recognizes those who commit to and adopt responsible and sustainable practices to protect the environment.
