Maastricht restaurant Bouchon d'en Face has been named by readers of Life in France, the glossy magazine for France lovers, named the finest French restaurant in the Netherlands. This was announced on Monday evening at a festive gathering at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam. The award was presented by French ambassador Luis Vassy. The jury prize went to Auberge Jean & Marie in Amsterdam.

The annual election of "the Dutch restaurant that in many ways best approximates the French gastronomic atmosphere" was held for the tenth time this year. The results were initially due to be announced on 28 March, but the event was rescheduled for tonight. Bouchon d'en Face had been nominated twice before in its nine-year existence for the title 'The Finest French Restaurant in the Netherlands', but it did not come to an actual award. However, readers and the professional jury of the France magazine Life in France named the restaurant the 'Finest French restaurant below the rivers' in 2017

Besides 'de Bouchon', nine other Dutch restaurants that 'cook and enjoy with the French touch' participated this year: Brasserie Bellevue (Eindhoven), Bistrot du Bac (Rotterdam), Florent (Utrecht), Louise Petit (Rotterdam), Marie (Amersfoort Villa Coucou (The Hague) and Auberge Jean & Marie, Bistro Bonjour and Le Hollandais in Amsterdam.

The jury consists of Frenchman Alain Caron (chef and host of the TV programme BinnensteBuiten and owner of four restaurants in Amsterdam with his sons), Tom Kellerhuis (editor-in-chief of HP/De Tijd and also a chef), Jacques Hermus (culinary journalist) and Cathelijne van Vliet (editor-in-chief of Leven in Frankrijk).

Bouchon d'en Face opened its doors in autumn 2013 and has been a staple in Maastricht ever since. The romantic restaurant breathes France. Or rather Lyon, because Bouchon d'en Face has the look and feel of a Lyonnaise bistrot, also known as a 'bouchon'. The narrow restaurant carries an authentic French menu full of classic French bistro dishes, including steak tartare, confit de canard, escargots and bouillabaisse. The charcuterie is cut fresh on the slicing machine in the middle of the shop. The casual French atmosphere is reflected everywhere, from the menu to the playfully designed interior.

The audience prize, counts as an equally honourable award as the jury prize. The big difference is that the first prize is votes from readers and users of the site of Life in France. Anyone who wanted to could cast their vote for any of the items on the list.

Wycker Brugstraat 54, Maastricht (NL) - bouchondenface.co.uk