Den Haag
The rear salon in this cute cafe has a granny-style decor, replete with petit-point creations, knick-knacks and a floral carpet. It's a popular spot for…
Must-see restaurants in The Netherlands
Overijssel
Authentic southern-Italian fare is the draw at this family-run establishment. Chef Raffaele hails from the Apulia region, origin of the local pasta,…
Southern Canal Ring
It's all cosiness and comfort food at this red-lamp-lit place, with a menu including Dutch staples such as pea soup with bacon, and stamppot (veggie mash)…
Den Bosch
This little rainforest of hanging, potted plants is both garden shop and vegan cafe, noted for its selection of smoothies and chai lattes, salads and…
Southern Canal Ring
Conviviality is the name of the game at the 'Golden Boot', which offers a textbook gregarious Italian welcome, plus awesome pizzas and pastas. Italian…
Amsterdam
The second branch of the local Surinamese fast-food eatery Tokoman has proved to be just as popular for its Surinamese spice, with sensational fiery…
Delft
Sustainably sourced seafood is given the gourmet treatment at this unassuming restaurant – everything from oysters, scallops and lobster to fish such as…
Amsterdam
On a quiet street, facing a flower shop, this charmingly serene neighbourhood cafe is a pleasant escape for a simple breakfast of egg dishes, lunch …
South Holland
The Gouda branch of this national franchise is friendly, comfortable and well located – a winning combination. The policy of employing workers with…
South Holland
Regional produce is utilised well here, ensuring that the modern French and Italian dishes devised by the chef are always fresh and tasty. In summer, dine…
Utrecht
In an unfussy, effortlessly relaxed cafe atmosphere, Syr serves reliably delicious Middle Eastern food with a European fusion twist, cooked and served by…
Amsterdam
Great ice-cream shop with locations across Amsterdam, including this one close to the zoo. Scoops of dairy-free sorbets or creamy treats, such as salted…
Maastricht
Predominantly a takeaway but with a couple of two-person stool-tabes, Gembira provides superb, precooked Indonesian fare at very sensible prices that you…
Leiden
Specialising in French favourites such as oysters, steak tartare and lobster, this small restaurant is made exceptional by its wine list, which is strong…
Amsterdam
A long-running favourite, this is a stylish branch of Amsterdam's Chinese icon; the best-known Nam Kee is in the Medieval Centre. You may have to queue.
Southern Canal Ring
Cafe de Klos is a carnivore's temple in the form of a typical Dutch brown cafe. Slip into a wooden booth and tuck into brawny dishes like spareribs and…
Den Haag
More stylish than the average museum cafe, this brasserie in the Mauritshuis is a good choice for a coffee and pastry, light lunch or afternoon drink.
Amsterdam
In the upmarket shopping area around Cornelis Schuytstraat and Willemsparkweg, IJsboutique has fittingly sophisticated, seasonal ice cream flavours, such…
Haarlem
The interior of this old merchant's house glows from stained-glass windows and reflections off the vintage art from Java. The rijsttafel (array of dishes…
Southern Canal Ring
This elegant Turkish eatery has been serving meze and grilled meats by candlelight for over 20 years. The back terrace, right against the water, is a…
Vispaleis Rokerij van der Star
Texel
Fresh-from-the-ocean seafood is dished up at this cafe, including garlicky seafood soup and sublime smoked fish. Seating is basic – go for a plastic chair…
Middelburg
The modern French cuisine served at this classy restaurant highlights seasonal, locally sourced produce and the resulting plates are a joy to both behold…
Haarlem
Line up at this local institution for a cone of crispy, golden fries made from fresh potatoes, with one of a dozen sauces, including three kinds of…
Southern Canal Ring
Salsa Shop lets you create your own burritos, bowls and taco salads. The interiors are modern and simple; good for an easy stop near Rembrandtplein.
Maastricht
Join the takeaway queue at this iconic snack bar, which has been turning Limburg potatoes into scrumptious double-fried frites since 1909.
Rotterdam
Adopted Sciedammer Toshimi Saito makes her slurpable Yokohama-style ramen noodles using flour milled in the town's De Vrijheid windmill.
Rotterdam
Koen's head ice cream maker was trained in Italy and it shows: this is excellent artisanal gelato, made with fresh seasonal produce.
De Pijp
Ghoulish vintage memorabilia, including headless family portraits and gruesome figurines, graces this low-lit bar-restaurant. Meat-lovers can sink their…
De Pijp
Behind a full-length window, this cosy place has an intimate atmosphere and authentic Vietnamese fare, including its signature pho. A chalkboard with hand…
Jordaan & the West
In a far-flung location 1.8km northwest of Westerpark (300m south of the nearest bus stop), adjoining the Sint Barbara cemetery, this community centre…
De Pijp
This unassuming little restaurant has forged a loyal client base thanks to its affordable Surinamese specialities, including saoto soup. This steaming…
De Pijp
Crammed to the rafters with hard-to-find products from Asia, North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and beyond, this international grocer has a…
Southern Canal Ring
This sleekly modern Vietnamese eatery is a cut-above affair with low lighting and an arty 'camouflage' mural. Try the bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette) for…
Amsterdam
Geometric red, white and blue murals grace the walls of this happening little spot way off the beaten track, where felafel pittas whizz out of the open…
Amsterdam
An inviting deli-bistro that's all rustic bare boards under glittering chandeliers, where you can pick up or tuck into good-value gourmet sandwiches,…
Amsterdam
Perfectly placed for a Vondelpark snack, this little place is devoted to toasties, and does them superbly well. Fillings include goat's cheese and pear…
Rotterdam
Nestled between the trees of the bustling Vroesenpark, this wooden-framed, glass-fronted pavilion has a menu offering everything from sandwiches to…
Rotterdam
A mere castanet's click from Rotterdam Centraal, this busy tapas bar is open for lunch and dinner, offering sandwiches, tapas and a few desserts. Its…
Amsterdam
This harbourside restaurant, with exposed brick walls and a terrace that's great in warm weather, overlooks IJburg's boat-filled marina. The menu spans…
