Sky-high gastronomy experience at VANE
There are meals you enjoy. And then there are meals that feel like a revelation - a perfectly choreographed dance of taste, texture and setting. Our dinner at VANE Restaurant & Skybar in Eindhoven was exactly that: a literal and figurative culinary high point.
Setting the scene
Located at the top of the NH Collection tower, VANE Skybar offers one of the best panoramic views over Eindhoven. As we sipped cocktails and watched a hot air balloon floating by, we knew we were in for something special.
The atmosphere strikes a rare balance: refined but relaxed, elegant yet unpretentious. Comfortable seating, soft acoustics, and attentive service (a good dose of “Brabantse gezelligheid”) made us feel right at home.
At VANE Restaurant, chef Carlo Chantrel delivers dishes that don’t just showcase premium ingredients. They tell a story. The menu seamlessly blends European structure with vibrant, often unexpected international, mostly Asian touches. A menu with a vision.
Corvina, corvina
One dish in particular stood out as pure Michelin-star potential: the course of Corvina, baked with bread crumbs on the skin, pistache, coconut and hints of lemongrass. Everything about it was in balance: the silky texture of the fish, the crispiness of the bread crumbs and pistache and the creaminess of the coconut. Spot on.
The wine pairing? A full-bodied Esporāo Reserva Branco from 2023, with the depth and richness of a Chardonnay, matching the creaminess and weight of the dish.
Other highlights & impressions
• Amuses and Champagne: playful and fun, with a grilled melon bite that intrigued us, though we weren’t entirely sure what the intended centerpiece of this little dish was. We loved how we could pick our favorite Champagne from a trolley - of course we had to go for the special VANE Champagne (a recommendation).
• Starter dish of mackerel, cucumber and mint: delicious and refreshingly healthy, yet we found the mackerel a bit generous in portion with the rest of the dish and also for a first course. Still, we appreciated how this pure fish was honored in the center of this dish.
• Main course of lamb, polenta, anchovies and legumes: paired with a sublime Nero d’Avola from Sicily’s only DOCG region. Such an indulgent and harmonious wine that still managed to put the impressive main course with all its interesting flavors on a pedestal.
• Dessert of strawberry, pink pepper and rhubarb: a classic combination served in a beautiful way; familiar, comforting and impossible to go wrong.
Service that completes the experience
What elevated the evening even further was the service. The team was attentive, warm, and present, striking the ideal tone between professional and personal.
We felt completely at ease and pampered from start to finish.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned gourmet traveler or simply someone who enjoys beautiful food in beautiful places, VANE Restaurant & Skybar is worth the journey. Come for the view, stay for the food.
Tip: start upstairs with a cocktail at the Skybar while the sun sets over the city - it sets the tone for a great night out.
