A spiralling red-brick staircase leads up to this exquisite restaurant inside Hoorn's historic Hoofdtoren. In a candlelit bare-boards space, it serves high-end fare – truffle risotto; beef steak with polenta, ruccola stamppot (mash) and red-wine jus; sole with sautéed spinach – at good-value prices; reservations are recommended. On the ground floor, its bar has outdoor pavement seating in summer.
De Hoofdtoren
Top choice in North Holland
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Overshadowing surrounding historic buildings, the massive defensive gate Hoofdtoren (1532), topped by a tiny belfry, now houses an atmospheric restaurant.
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