It is a bit hidden in the nicest shopping street in Groningen, but once you find it, it will certainly surprise you: restaurant Naud, formerly restaurant Midi. The two young owners, Tess Haarsma and Kasper Lich, decided to set their own course from January 2023. And so restaurant Naud was born. A contemporary business with hip, but warm decor. With lots of dark and natural colours, round benches against the wall and cozy lighting.
Acoustics
Behind the modest entrance in the Folkingestraat hides a long, narrow shop. With a 'private dining' area at the beginning, where the acoustics are so well arranged that all the sound immediately dies. 'Ideal for people who are more sensitive to a lot of noise or for small groups whose guests still want to understand each other,' says Tess. Incidentally, this is well organized throughout the place because acoustic plates hang from the ceiling everywhere.
3+1 concepts
Naud works with a 3+1 concept. Three dishes that you choose yourself, plus a dessert. For 39 euros. The menu is very extensive and consists of cold and warm dishes from which you can compile your own menu, ranging from 12 to 15 euros, with a small additional charge for some dishes. The approach of this concept is not necessarily to share, but of course you can. There are also a number of tasty side dishes on the menu that you can order separately, such as oysters, French fries Benefit with avocado aioli and mojo sauce or delicious pitas with tzatziki and olive tapenade.
The cuisine is fusion. “That means we get something from all over the world,” says Tess. 'There are Asian dishes on the menu, but also a lot of European, a bit of everything really. Inspired by what we like ourselves.'
Extensive selection of drinks
Because of all those different flavors, it may be difficult to choose which wine to drink with it. But Naud takes that into account. Ten different types of wines can be ordered by the glass; four white, four red and two dessert wines. In addition, a nice selection of port. For beer lovers, there are beers such as Oedipus, Straffe Hendrik and IJwit on the menu, supplemented with a small selection from the local brewer Bax. And for the non-drinker, Naud has three delicious mocktails to choose from.
'The team is our strength'
According to Tess, what makes Naud special is without a doubt the team. 'We have a young team that is very enthusiastic and driven and we are very proud of that. That is definitely our strength.' In addition, they think it is important that you can eat well for a good price and also receive good service. Everything is homemade and only fresh ingredients are used.
You find restaurant Benefit at the Folkingestraat 42 in Groningen. Naud is open Tuesday to Thursday from 17.00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 15.00 p.m. Reservation is recommended.