Sofiane Bons

Joelia sits inside the Hilton Rotterdam on the Coolsingel — the city's main boulevard. The MICHELIN Young Chef Award recognizes Bons as one of the Netherlands' most exciting emerging culinary talents: a chef who brings fresh energy to a restaurant with an established track record.

Sofiane Bons is the head chef at Joelia in the Hilton Rotterdam, which earned its Michelin star and the MICHELIN Young Chef Award in 2024. He took over from founder Mario Ridder in early 2024 and quickly made his mark with a dynamic contemporary cuisine rooted in French classical technique and global influences.

Netherlands — trained in Dutch and French fine-dining kitchens; recognized as a top young Dutch chef

Career

• Chef de partie / Sous Chef at Dutch and French Michelin-starred restaurants, Netherlands (2015–2024)
• Head Chef at Joelia, Hilton Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands (2024–present)

Mentored by Mario Ridder (founder of Joelia).