Michelin-starred chef Thijs Meliefste appointed Global Executive Head Chef at Tomorrowland
18 October 2025 – Boom, Belgium – Following the closure of his acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant Meliefste in Wolphaartsdijk, the Netherlands, top chef Thijs Meliefste embarks on a new culinary journey as Global Executive Head Chef at WEAREONE.world, the company behind Tomorrowland. In his new role, Meliefste will lead the global food strategy of the brand, which has evolved far beyond its origins as a music festival to become a worldwide symbol of creativity, unity, and experience design.
From Michelin star to global brand
Meliefste earned his first Michelin star the same year he first collaborated with Tomorrowland, curating fine-dining experiences during the summer festival. What began as a one-off partnership soon turned into a lasting creative relationship that deepened over the years.
“After so many years dedicating myself entirely to my restaurant, I felt it was time for something new,” says Meliefste. “The magic and creativity of Tomorrowland have always fascinated me. When the moment came to take the next step, joining a brand that shares the same passion for experience and perfection felt like the most natural move.”
Having worked closely with the Tomorrowland team for nearly a decade, Meliefste has previously collaborated on the menus of the Tomorrowland Restaurant, alongside renowned chefs such as Roger van Damme, Nick Bril, and Marcelo Ballardin.
“When the news broke that I was closing my restaurant, the WEAREONE.world F&B team reached out almost immediately,” he explains. “What excites me most about this new role is that it’s not only about the festival itself. Together with the in-house culinary team, I’ll be developing a global food strategy – from signature dishes to new concepts worldwide. Food is becoming a core part of the Tomorrowland brand experience.”
Food as a key element of the Tomorrowland experience
Tomorrowland is renowned for its unparalleled attention to detail, design, and storytelling – and its culinary offerings are no exception. According to Meliefste, the collaboration between chefs and the festival’s creative teams has grown increasingly immersive in recent years.
“We work closely with Tomorrowland’s designers and storytellers,” he explains. “Ideas flow freely between the culinary and creative worlds, resulting in dining experiences that reflect the festival’s annual themes. When the theme was Life, we built a restaurant setting with a pond, mist, and lush vegetation. This year, under Orbyz, guests dined in a mysterious ice-cave room.”
Shaping a global culinary identity
As Global Executive Head Chef, Meliefste will refine and expand the culinary identity of WEAREONE.world across its diverse portfolio of events and experiences.
“It’s about more than what’s on the plate – it’s about creating emotional connections through food,” says Meliefste. “Think of dishes that become inseparable from the brand itself, like the Tomorrowland Waffle or Tomorrowland Burger.”
The chef is already involved in several new international projects, including Essence in Ibiza, a multi-sensory concept combining food, music, and design – currently in development.
“That project truly represents the direction WEAREONE.world is heading,” Meliefste adds. “A future where gastronomy, music, and art merge into one seamless experience.”
From the kitchen to the dancefloor
When asked about his relationship with the music that built Tomorrowland’s legacy, Meliefste smiles:
“I’ve always loved electronic music – many of my friends are DJs, including D-Block & S-Te-Fan. When I first ran the Tomorrowland Restaurant, I had one condition: one day off to enjoy the festival and lose myself on the dancefloor.”
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About WEAREONE.world
Tomorrowland is one of the world’s most iconic brands in music, culture, and lifestyle. In addition to its renowned festivals in Belgium, Brazil, and France, the brand continues to expand its creative universe into fashion, design, gastronomy, and hospitality. Under the umbrella of WEAREONE.world, Tomorrowland unites a wide range of festivals, events, and experiences around the globe.