Bistro 't Zeevarken

Bistro ’t Zeevarken – your home port on the Oosterschelde

Right by the tidal harbour of Stavenisse, on the island of Tholen, you’ll find Bistro ’t Zeevarken. It’s the kind of place where you stop for coffee, lunch, dinner or a drink and somehow end up staying a little longer. Cosy and welcoming inside, with a waterfront terrace overlooking the harbour outside. Here, you don’t just taste Zeeland – you experience it.

A taste of Tholen

At ’t Zeevarken, we love good, uncomplicated food, with a focus on quality and local produce. Our potatoes come from Tholen, and we peel and cut them ourselves to make our homemade fries.

We take what goes into your glass just as seriously. Our wine list was created together with a sommelier, because we believe you should be able to enjoy a truly good glass of wine in a relaxed local café too.

And, of course, there’s our own Zeevarken Wit beer. With every glass, we support Stichting Rugvin, a foundation that researches harbour porpoises in the Oosterschelde. In the past, harbour porpoises were also known locally as ‘zeevarkens’ – sea pigs. That’s where our name comes from, connecting our bistro, our beer and the Oosterschelde.

A place to experience Zeeland

’t Zeevarken makes a great stop during a cycling or walking trip around Tholen, although we think ‘stop’ doesn’t quite do Stavenisse justice. It’s a place worth making a destination in its own right.

Walk along the dykes, take in the views across the Oosterschelde, explore the tidal harbour and then settle down on our terrace. No mass tourism here – just water, wide-open views and the peaceful side of Zeeland.

From the terrace, you can watch the harbour change with the tides. Boats come and go, cyclists stop for a break and walkers pull up a chair. And if the Zeeland weather decides not to cooperate, it’s every bit as welcoming inside.

The living room by the harbour

What makes ’t Zeevarken truly special is its people. Locals sit alongside sailors, cyclists, walkers and visitors from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and beyond.

Conversations start naturally around our tables and stories are shared. That’s exactly why we like to call ourselves the living room by the harbour.

We regularly host live music and other events, but even on an ordinary day there’s usually something happening: a chat at the bar, a spontaneous conversation on the terrace, or someone who came in for one drink and is still happily sitting there two hours later.

Personal hospitality matters to us. We’re always happy to tell you more about Stavenisse, Tholen and the Oosterschelde, or point you towards a beautiful walking or cycling route.

Discover a different side of Zeeland

Zeeland is about more than beaches and well-known seaside resorts. Venture away from the busiest destinations and you’ll find places where water, nature and the landscape still take centre stage.

Stavenisse is one of those places.

So cycle, walk or drive towards this beautiful corner of Tholen. Explore the Oosterschelde and Stavenisse harbour, then join us for lunch, dinner, drinks or a good glass of wine.

Perhaps order a Zeevarken Wit, find a spot overlooking the harbour and stay for a while.

There’s a good chance you’ll stay longer than you planned.

Bistro ’t Zeevarken – your home port on the Oosterschelde.