On 31 July 2026 at 12 PM, the Dutch experiential restaurant Zusje will open its doors in Düsseldorf. This new location on Mühlenstraße, within the historic Andreas Quartier, marks the gastronomic brand's second branch in Germany. The choice of the Andreas Quartier underscores the intention to welcome guests in a high-quality and historically rich environment. The establishment is scheduled to operate daily from 12 PM to 11 PM.
The expansion into Düsseldorf follows a successful market launch in Aachen in February 2026. There, Zusje established its first German location on Aachener Marktstraße, where tables have seen high occupancy since opening. This positive response forms the basis for anticipating similarly strong demand at the new Düsseldorf location.
Zusje's gastronomic concept focuses on a decelerated experience that goes beyond mere dining. An ambiance is created where guests' perception of time is modified; symbolic of this are the stationary hands of the wall clocks in the restaurant. This signals a departure from the often prevalent practice of short stays in gastronomy and prioritises quality of stay over high processing speed. The aim is to offer a place that encourages conscious time-taking and social interaction.
The culinary offering includes over fifty international tapas-style dishes designed for sharing. These include dishes such as Crunchy Gamba Rings, Steak Tartar Sandwich, or Shiitake Rendang, as well as the dessert classics “misslungener Apfelkuchen” (failed apple pie) and Bastogne Parfait. The dishes are served in multiple courses to make the evening an extended event. The interior design, with its historic elements, warm lighting, and comfortable furnishings, supports the desired feel-good atmosphere.
Peter Smits, founder and managing director of Zusje, expressed his delight at the opening in Düsseldorf. He emphasised that Zusje stands for a culture of the here and now, as well as the connection between food and community, and consequently highlights shared meals as a valuable element that requires time. The choice of the Andreas Quartier for the Düsseldorf location is considered ideal. This area, which offers a mix of history, culture, and an exclusive ambiance, provides a fitting setting for the experiential gastronomy concept and is centrally located in Düsseldorf.
