Must-see restaurants in The Netherlands

  • Supermercado

    Rotterdam

    On Rotterdam's most happening strip, this taqueria serves tacos, ceviche, nachos and empanadas that wouldn't cut the mustard in Mexico but seem to satisfy…

  • Spanjer en van Twist

    Western Canal Ring

    Spanjer en van Twist's tables on the Leliegracht are great for watching the boats cruise by. The eclectic, constantly changing menu is good – say, grilled…

  • In de Keulse Kar

    Den Bosch

    This great-value pub-cafe counterpoints beer signs and religious images, while the narrow street terrace has fine cathedral views. Unpretentious but high…

  • Jan de Groot

    Den Bosch

    With its pink-and-white love-heart decor, this otherwise unassuming patisserie-cafe is the place to try the local speciality Bossche bol (Den Bosch ball),…

  • Umaimon

    Southern Canal Ring

    This stylish ramen eatery is a sister to the famed Takumi restaurants in Düsseldorf and Berlin, delivering many of the same dishes – namely noodle soups…

  • Rolph's Deli

    Rotterdam

    A haven off the wind tunnel that is Otto Reuchlinweg, this friendly deli offers all-day breakfasts and lunch options including salads and sandwiches. The …

  • Stubbe’s Haring

    Western Canal Ring

    Overlooking the Singel, footsteps from Centraal Station, Stubbe's open-air fish stall has been providing pickled herring to Amsterdammers for more than a…

  • Yam Yam

    Jordaan & the West

    The wood-fired oven at this contemporary trattoria turns out thin-crust varieties such as salami and fennel seed, and the signature Yam Yam (organic…

  • Picknick

    Rotterdam

    Known for its generous 'Picknick platters', this casual cafe near Markthal has a particularly alluring breakfast menu offering globally inspired dishes…

  • Van 't Spit

    Amsterdam

    At stripped-back Van 't Spit it's all about roast chicken, with piles of wood ready for the rotisserie. Choices are simple – select from a half or whole…

  • Golden Temple

    Southern Canal Ring

    You can't miss this vegetarian restaurant thanks to a bold shopfront painted to resemble temple carvings. Inside, psychedelic paintings and colourful…

  • Eddy Spaghetti

    Amsterdam

    Eddy's is an intimate neighbourhood spot that does fantastic pizzas and pastas from its short and sweet menu, including linguine vongole (clams, chilli,…

  • Grand Café Het Wijnhuis

    Overijssel

    The wine's the thing here: the extensive list includes various organic selections, and the food complements it nicely. The fish is fresh, salads zestily…

  • De Werf

    Zeeland

    De Werf's menu has a Mediterranean slant, but its overall package is international, with sleek surrounds, an outdoor terrace overlooking the yacht harbour…

  • SLA

    Southern Canal Ring

    With several locations across Amsterdam, SLA offers quick, well-priced healthy lunches in a bright, modern space. The menu spans salads and bowls loaded…

  • Brasserie Ome Bernard

    Den Bosch

    Popular since 1838, this enticing brasserie doesn't attempt the nouveau cuisine of several other superpricey restaurants nearby but you get remarkably…

  • Dapp Frietwinkel

    Leiden

    If you're going to indulge in a paper twist of French fries, it's best to opt for ones like those served at this branch of a national chain, which are…

  • Spijshuis de Dis

    Delft

    Fresh fish and soups served in bread bowls take centre stage at this old-fashioned option, but meat eaters and vegetarians are catered for too. In summer,…

  • Tai Wu

    Rotterdam

    The hallmarks here are gargantuan servings and brusque service, the first making the second forgivable. The cuisine is largely Cantonese, with a few…

  • De Bosbaan Cafe

    Amsterdam

    Located in Amsterdamse Bos near the forest's entrance, De Bosbaan Cafe is a grand lodge-like refuge for coffee or meals. Its terrace overlooks the lake,…

  • Het Kompas

    Texel

    Behind a blueberry-coloured exterior, Slow Food restaurant Het Kompas serves excellent modern Dutch dishes featuring vegetables and herbs from its own…

  • IJs Van Jans

    Delft

    Enjoying a cone or cup of the artisanal ice cream and sorbet sold at this parlour is a popular pastime when promenading through the town centre. The rich…

  • Lokaal Negen

    Utrecht

    Around the corner from the Domtoren, you settle in the impressive if not dauntingly formal living room of a sturdy old house and simply choose the number…

  • Beter & Leuk

    Amsterdam

    Bright prints and artwork adorn the whitewashed walls at cute, pocket-sized Beter & Leuk, a haven for those looking for organic, vegan and gluten-free…

  • De Vlaminck

    North Holland

    The hand-cut fries are superb at this storefront counter, as are the 17 different sauces, including peanut, sambal oelek (Indonesian chilli sauce), garlic…

  • Wormsbecher

    North Holland

    Turquoise tiles front this classic fresh-fish takeaway outlet on the harbour, selling locally loved smoked eel, raw herring, Zuiderzee cockles and bargain…

  • Van Vlaanderen

    Southern Canal Ring

    One of the best French restaurants in town, Van Vlaanderen purrs with class, with white tablecloths, sophisticated French cooking (how about some spring…

  • Eatmosfera

    Southern Canal Ring

    Hidden behind an orange door down a quiet alley, Eatmosfera is an Italian eatery that's comfy and modern. Exposed brick, dim lights and ample artwork set…

  • Zeezout

    Rotterdam

    One of the few restaurants in the city centre to open on Sundays, Zeezout (Sea Salt) is located in the quiet residential Scheepvaartkwartier neighbourhood…

  • SAP

    Maastricht

    Predominantly vegetarian with many vegan options, this contemporary low-key cafe specialises in fresh juices as well as stuffed buns, bagels and salads.

  • Passionata

    North Holland

    This stylish Italian deli is a perfect source for picnic supplies you can take to enjoy out on the town walls. Fantastic sandwiches include fillings such…

  • Monte Pelmo

    Jordaan & the West

    Apple pie, stroopwafel (traditional caramel-filled waffle), cinnamon, and white chocolate with hazelnut are just some of the intense flavours concocted by…

  • De Stroper

    South Holland

    Gaze out on the canal while enjoying excellent seafood dishes at this long-standing favourite. The menu focuses on fishy treats cooked Mediterranean-style…

  • 't Goede Uur

    Haarlem

    Six different types of fondue made from organic Gouda and Gruyère, which it has been bubbling up for more than four decades, is the speciality of this…

  • Roc Elements

    Amsterdam

    Students of hospitality and gastronomy prepare and serve contemporary international dishes at this minimalist-chic mod restaurant with a monthly changing…

  • IJscuypje

    Amsterdam

    This branch of IJscuypje is well located for a post-dinner treat after dining at one of Amstelveenseweg's many restaurants. Choose from a range of dairy…

  • Casa Perú

    Western Canal Ring

    There's nothing quite like enjoying a chupe de camarones (fisherman's soup) or lomo saltado (beef with onion, tomato and rice) while looking out over the…

  • Soup en Zo

    Southern Canal Ring

    On a chilly Amsterdam day, you can't beat a steaming cup of soup from this little specialist. Daily choices might include potato with Roquefort; lentil…

  • Kaapse Kitchen

    Rotterdam

    Located in the Fenix Food Factory, this open kitchen is operated by the Kaapse Brewery. Each week, a different chef serves up global dishes made with…

  • Restaurant Topido

    Texel

    In the heart of the village, casual Topido uses island produce in creative menus: Texel lamb with roast beetroot; sea bass encrusted in locally grown…

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