In the most southern coastal area of The Netherlands, you can find Cadzand. This small village at the North Sea, not far from the border with Belgium, has a beautiful beach and is the perfect spot to make long walks in the dunes.

Cadzand belongs to the city of Sluis, which became culinary famous, because it was there that Dutch top chef Sergio Herman turned the seafood restaurant of his parents into the world class three Michelin star restaurant Oud Sluis. With the closure of Oud Sluis in 2013, Herman might have stopped of standing full time behind the stove of a restaurant, but he has definitely not disappeared from the culinary scene in The Netherlands and Belgium.

Interior/exterior

The interior design of the restaurant is classy and pure. Exactly what is required for a restaurant at this location. The amazing sea views that you get from all over the restaurant are simply stunning and play a major role in the total experience that you get when you indulge in Air Republic.

During the summer months, it is possible to drink a cocktail and try some dishes on the terrace overlooking the North Sea, which is simply amazing. Service is impeccable and flawless but in a down to earth and friendly style, which is typical for the Netherlands.

The Chefs

Since he closed Oud Sluis, Sergio Herman has opened several restaurants in Cadzand. Air Republic, which he created in the yacht harbour of the coastal village, was the first one. Air Republic is a seafood restaurant with an amazing sea view, which was in the meanwhile awarded with one Michelin star.

Behind the stove of Air Republic is chef Nicolas Misera. Herman got to know Misera during visits to the restaurant of Misera’s late father, De Zwarte Ganze in Damme. Misera, who was trained in fine dining restaurants such as Chez Bru in France, knows exactly how to translate the typical style of Sergio and how to execute the dishes of Herman’s father, while he also gives his own twist to what is served in Air Republic.

Gastronomy

In Air Republic, the focus is on fish and seafood. Herman works only with the very best products from Zeeland, the province in The Netherlands where he is born and raised. Many of the dishes on the menu of Air Republic are inspired by dishes that his father served in Oud Sluis, long before Sergio turned it into a 3 Michelin Star restaurant. Guests can enjoy several dishes on the menu as they are perfectly fit for sharing.

Why Go?

A visit to Air Republic is like joining a party. Once you walk in, you get spoiled with very refined feel good food that pleases the most delicate taste palette. Apart from the amazing food, you can enjoy the great views over the North Sea, which is particularly pretty in this area of Cadzand. Even though he is not behind the stove himself, in every aspect of Air Republic you sense the aspiration for perfection of Sergio Herman. And we have to admit that as usual, also here he succeeds in creating a restaurant experience that you won’t forget easily.

Previous Visits

Written by Johan