Jan van Dobben

Amarone is named after the great Valpolicella wine — one of Italy's most complex and age-worthy reds. The restaurant's wine philosophy shapes its cooking: depth of flavor, time, and the patience of long-cooked sauces and reductions mirror the wine's character. Van Dobben's cooking is simultaneously Dutch and internationally minded.

Jan van Dobben joined Amarone in 2012 at around age 23 and became co-owner in 2017 alongside original owner Gert Blom. The restaurant on the Meent has held its Michelin star since 2007. His contemporary Dutch-Italian cooking is named after the great Valpolicella wine, reflecting the restaurant's wine-focused philosophy.

Netherlands — trained in Dutch fine dining; wine-focused contemporary cooking

Career

• Chef at Dutch fine-dining restaurants, Netherlands (2005–2012)
• Chef / Co-Owner at Restaurant Amarone, Meent, Rotterdam (2012–present)

Mentored by Gert Blom (original owner); Dutch fine-dining tradition.