The story behind
Restaurant de Paerdestal in Hoorn
For 25 years the cosiest restaurant in Hoorn, on the Dubbele Buurt in the heart of the city. Discover the people behind the Paerdestal and what drives us.
One family, two generations, the same restaurant in Hoorn
The beginning
How our restaurant in Hoorn started
In 2001, Michel and Pauline opened the doors of De Paerdestal on the Dubbele Buurt in the heart of Hoorn, within walking distance of the harbour and the Roode Steen square.
What began as a small eatery grew into one of the most popular restaurants in Hoorn. A place where everyone is always welcome to enjoy great food and drinks.
With a simple yet carefully crafted menu, they built a loyal following over more than two decades. The steak quickly became the house speciality: fresh meat from Nice to Meat, seasonal dishes, and a menu with something for everyone, from fish to vegetarian.
September 2023
A new generation behind the grill
On 15 September 2023, Peter Koomen and Joe Goebel signed the takeover of De Paerdestal. No strangers to the place. Peter has worked at the restaurant since 2011 and Joe is the son of Michel and Pauline.
The passion that made the restaurant great remained.
What changed? Joe took over the grill from his father and introduced the Steak of the Week featuring fresh products from Nice to Meat. What stayed the same? The steak, the lovely terrace on the Dubbele Buurt, and the warmth with which every guest is welcomed — whether you come as a couple or with a group of twenty.
The team
The owners of our restaurant
Two owners, one mission: every plate that leaves the kitchen should bring a smile.

Peter Koomen
Owner & Host
With over 15 years of experience at the Paerdestal, Peter is the quintessential host of Hoorn. His warm welcome and eye for detail make all the difference.

Joe Goebel
Owner & Chef
Joe grew up in the kitchen of the Paerdestal and took over the grill from his father Michel. His love for quality meat and honest flavours shines through in every dish.
Our values
Our values as a restaurant
Quality
Fresh meat from Nice to Meat, fish from Jantje Hoogland, and seasonal ingredients that we carefully select ourselves. Vegetarian dishes and dietary requirements? No problem.
Hospitality
Peter knows his regulars by name and makes sure everyone feels at home. Personal attention, no rush. That is how we see hospitality.
Warmth
Whether you come as a couple or with twenty, the atmosphere in our restaurant makes every evening special. For 25 years the cosiest place to dine in Hoorn, with a terrace on the Dubbele Buurt.
Questions about us
Frequently asked questions about the Paerdestal
Peter Koomen and Joe Goebel are the owners of the Paerdestal in Hoorn. Peter is an experienced hospitality professional who has worked at the restaurant since 2011. Joe is the son of founders Michel and Pauline and literally grew up in the restaurant.
The Paerdestal was founded on 17 July 2001 by Michel and Pauline on the Dubbele Buurt in Hoorn. On 15 September 2023, Peter and Joe signed the takeover. A household name in Hoorn for over 25 years.
Our meat is supplied by Nice to Meat, an award-winning butcher that also supplies the Dutch royal household. Our fish comes from Jantje Hoogland. We work exclusively with suppliers we personally trust.
Of course! We are regularly looking for enthusiastic staff. Send your application to info@eetcafedepaerdestal.nl or check our jobs page for current vacancies.
Restaurant de Paerdestal is known as the best steak restaurant in Hoorn. Our meat comes from the award-winning butcher Nice to Meat and is prepared on the grill by chef Joe Goebel. With a 4.5 rating on Google from nearly 800 reviews, the steak is our most-ordered dish.
Absolutely. For groups of 20 or more, we offer special group packages, from a simple 3-course dinner to a luxury menu evening. See all options on our groups page.
Dining out in Hoorn?
Come and enjoy a meal at our restaurant on the Dubbele Buurt, where you get restaurant quality with a cosy pub atmosphere. No fuss, just the tastiest steak in Hoorn.