Dining at Bloem in Arnhem – A Fresh Take on a Familiar Spot
Right at 6:00 PM on a Sunday evening, we arrive at restaurant Bloem, located on Weg achter het Bos in Arnhem. This new restaurant had been on our radar for a while, but we hadn’t had the chance to visit yet.
I had been in touch with Jos, the owner, and I call out to him in the kitchen. A cheerful man with a big smile waves and walks over. It’s always nice to meet the owner in person – it adds a personal touch to the evening.
A New Name, a Well-Known Location
While the name Bloem is new, the location is well-known in Arnhem and beyond. Previously, this was the home of the renowned restaurant De Steenen Tafel. Inside, quite a bit has changed. The interior has been updated and now feels modern, fresh, and welcoming. It’s already quite full inside, with a noticeable number of families. Thanks to the diverse menu, Bloem is a great place for all ages – there’s truly something for everyone.
Drinks and a View to Start
We start off outside with a drink and some fresh bread with spreads. The view from the terrace is stunning – it overlooks Park Klarenbeek with Arnhem’s city center in the distance. If you’re taking a walk through the park, Bloem is the perfect place to stop and recharge. The restaurant is open daily from 10:00 AM.
So Many Tempting Choices…
While nibbling on our bread, we browse the menu. It’s hard to choose: should we go for pancakes or something from the regular menu? Maybe both?
My dinner companion picks the smoked salmon with toast as a starter, and I choose the goat cheese salad with apple. For drinks, I opt for a pink gin & tonic, and she orders a low-alcohol beer from local brewery Het Uiltje. The starters arrive quickly – beautifully presented and generous in portion. We both enjoy every bite.
Main Dishes and a Japanese Pancake Surprise
As we chat about our fun weekend, we take another look at the menu. Choosing a main course is tricky – everything sounds delicious! “To pancake or not to pancake, that is the question…” In the end, we decide to do both: we each pick a main dish and share an international pancake from the menu – the Japanese okonomiyaki.
Bloem’s menu features not only traditional Dutch pancakes but also international varieties. The Japanese pancake, especially the one with pork belly, is a real winner – packed with flavor!
On my plate is a perfectly baked oven salmon fillet with a crispy crust and tasty vegetables. Across the table, a juicy Black Angus steak with fries is being devoured. Hardly anything is left – just a single fry and a small piece of bread.
Dessert Time (But First, a Break)
We order another round of drinks – I go for a Gibson Blood Orange Gin & Tonic, and my friend decides to try the same pink G&T I had earlier.
We take a short break before ordering dessert – time to let things settle a bit. About 10 minutes later, we’re ready. Two desserts arrive at our table: a seasonal mango trifle, and – how could we resist – a chocolate lava cake with Arnhemse Meisjes ice cream. Absolutely divine!
A Chat with the Owner
By now, the restaurant is nearly empty. We take a moment to chat with owner Jos. “So where does the name Bloem come from?” we ask. The answer is simple: flour (bloem) is a key ingredient in many of the dishes they serve!
Jos hasn’t had the easiest time recently. The past six months were a whirlwind, he tells us. He was (and still is) the owner of a pancake restaurant Bloem in Ede, across from the Airborne Monument on the Ginkelse Heide. Sadly, the building burned down completely in December 2024. For the first time in 20 years, he didn’t work on Christmas. “That was a strange feeling,” he says. “It was obviously a huge blow.”
The takeover of De Steenen Tafel happened shortly afterward. The very next day, Jos and his team rolled up their sleeves and got to work. He’s clearly proud of what they’ve built – and rightly so. Perhaps some former guests of De Steenen Tafel needed time to get used to the new concept, but from what we saw tonight, Bloem is already a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re curious about the international pancakes, want to try the special Arnhemse Meisjes dessert, or simply enjoy a relaxing dinner in a beautiful setting – you’re more than welcome at Bloem.
Tip: Make a reservation in advance via the website – it’s a popular place for good reason!
Thanks to Jos and the team for the warm welcome and great service. We’ll definitely be back – there are still plenty of dishes on the lunch and dinner menu we want to try!
Discover Arnhem with ArnhemLife
City tours, company outings and self-guided routes in and around Arnhem
Welcome to ArnhemLife – your local expert for guided city tours and tailor-made company outings in Arnhem and the surrounding area. Whether you’re visiting Arnhem for the first time, live here and want to see the city with fresh eyes, or are organizing a unique group activity: we’ll make it a memorable experience!
Guided tours: See Arnhem from a new perspective
Our enthusiastic local guides will show you the most beautiful, impressive, and surprising parts of the city. These are our most popular guided tours:
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Battle of Arnhem Tours – step back in time and discover the gripping stories behind this historic event.
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Arnhem Highlights Tour – from the Fashion Quarter to the Eusebius Church: explore the city in all its diversity.
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Street Art Tour – experience Arnhem as an open-air museum, full of colorful murals and creative surprises.
Perfect for tourists, companies, schools, or family outings. We also offer custom-made tours, which can include lunch, drinks, or other activities.
Explore at your own pace with our self-guided routes
Prefer to discover Arnhem on your own? In our webshop, you’ll find a variety of digital walking routes that you can download instantly. A budget-friendly way to explore the city on your own terms.
Popular routes include:
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Stag Party in Arnhem Route
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Arnhem Highlights Route
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Street Art Route
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Sonsbeek Park Route
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Audrey Hepburn Route
Each route is 5 to 7 kilometers long and includes at least 10 interesting stops, packed with fun facts, local stories, and photo-worthy views.
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We’re proud of our many excellent reviews on Tripadvisor and Google. Guests especially appreciate our personal approach, the local knowledge of our guides, and the relaxed atmosphere during the tours. That’s why ArnhemLife has become a trusted name for exploring Arnhem.
Discover Arnhem with a story.
Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-guided walk, with ArnhemLife you’ll experience the city in a truly unique way.
👉 Check out our current tours or get in touch for a tailor-made offer!
