About - Restaurant Create

Created

for moments

that matter

Brand

At Create, restraint is a form of precision. Every dish begins with a single conviction: the ingredient is sovereign. We do not adorn, we reveal. We do not follow, we distil.

Our cuisine is rooted in the French classical tradition, yet it refuses to stand still. It moves with the world, absorbing, evolving, refining. Global influences are welcomed not as trends, but as perspectives that deepen our craft. The result is a kitchen of clarity: technically rigorous, emotionally resonant, free of excess.

This philosophy extends beyond the plate. It lives in the way we source, from the gardens of Van Oys to the finest purveyors across the globe. It shapes the way we compose, with the seasons as our guide and quality as our only measure. And it defines the way we welcome, with the quiet confidence of a house that knows its purpose.

Create is not a concept. It is a conviction.

Guido & Team

Excellence Is Never a Solo Pursuit.

The team at Create has been shaped over years, bound by trust, skill, and an unrelenting commitment to craft. From kitchen to dining room, every member contributes to the seamless harmony that defines the Create experience.

Guido Braeken

Guido Braeken (Maastricht, 1984) is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential chefs of his generation. His career is defined by an unwavering pursuit of excellence, a path marked not by shortcuts, but by an extraordinary commitment to craft.

What began in his family’s eatery in Maastricht soon became a calling. Years of rigorous training in distinguished kitchens forged a chef whose work is recognised for its elegant compositions, masterful sauces, and a profound respect for the ingredient.

In 2022, Braeken made culinary history as the first chef in the Netherlands to receive a direct ascent from zero to two MICHELIN stars, an achievement accomplished within nine months of opening restaurant Julemont at Château Wittem.

In 2025, he brought that same unrelenting standard to Create by Guido Braeken. Within six months, the distinction of two MICHELIN stars was awarded once more, a testament to the consistency and depth of his vision.

Braeken’s cuisine reflects a philosophy of balance: between innovation and emotion, precision and spontaneity, technical mastery and heartfelt intuition. He leads not with volume, but with clarity. His dishes speak with quiet authority, each one a reflection of a lifetime devoted to the art of taste.

Max van der Sterre - Chef de Cuisine

Max van der Sterren stands alongside Chef Guido at the heart of the kitchen. As Chef de Cuisine, he bears responsibility for the daily execution of every dish that leaves the pass, a role that demands precision, consistency, and an unerring eye for detail.

With deep experience in gastronomic kitchens, Van der Sterren brings a meticulous approach to every stage of preparation, from mise en place to final presentation. His work in our open kitchen offers guests a direct view of craftsmanship in motion, technique and dedication made visible.

His creative involvement and steadfast commitment have been instrumental in establishing Create’s identity: refined, technically accomplished, and quietly assured.

Mark Schellingerhout - Restaurant Manager

Mark Schellingerhout is the guardian of the dining room. As Restaurant Manager, he ensures that each guest is received with warmth and guided through an evening of impeccable service.
With extensive experience in luxury hospitality,

Schellingerhout possesses an instinctive understanding of how exceptional gastronomy and attentive, personal service must work in concert. He collaborates closely with the kitchen team, ensuring that every course arrives not merely as a dish, but as part of a complete and considered experience.

His conviction is clear: a truly memorable evening is shaped as much by the care in the room as by the artistry on the plate.

Experience

A meal at Create unfolds as a carefully composed journey. From the moment you arrive at the historic estate of Van Oys Maastricht Retreat, every detail has been considered, not to impress, but to invite.

The restaurant interior, designed by renowned Dutch architect Paul Linse, reflects the same philosophy that governs our cuisine: refinement without ostentation. Clean lines, natural materials, and a sense of space that allows the mind to settle and the palate to sharpen.

At the heart of the dining room lies our open kitchen, a window into the discipline and artistry behind each course. Here, there is no theatre for its own sake. What you witness is the craft itself: measured, precise, purposeful.

The experience is further guided by our sommelier, who curates a wine programme of equal depth and intention. Each pairing is chosen not merely to complement, but to elevate, creating a dialogue between glass and plate that enriches every course.

At Create, we believe that true luxury is not found in grandeur, but in the quiet perfection of every detail. We invite you to take your seat, and allow the evening to unfold.

Van Oys Maastricht Retreat

Create by Guido Braeken is situated on the grounds of Van Oys Maastricht Retreat, a five-star superior hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The fully restored estate of Kasteel Oost in Eijsden offers 81 rooms and suites across three distinctive buildings, each reflecting the refined character of the property. Beyond Create, the domain is home to Maes Cuisine du Terroir and Wine Bar César, both open daily.

For those who wish to extend the evening into a complete retreat, Oysana Spa provides a wellness environment of exceptional quality, featuring saunas, steam baths, cold plunge pools, relaxation spaces, and a fully equipped fitness and yoga studio.

Reservations that include an overnight stay at Van Oys grant early access to dining reservations at Create.

We invite you to discover the full domain.