An Expert’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in The Hague

Not so long ago, The Hague had something of a dour reputation as a centre of government, a pedestrian sort of place with a handful of expense-account restaurants that lacked a certain verve and vigour. Things have changed – and so very much for the better.

There is still a scattering of smart – sometimes very smart – restaurants in The Hague, but these now play second fiddle to more inspiring establishments, where a new breed of Dutch and foreign chefs have developed creative menus that often feature local, organic ingredients. All of this is very much to the delight of writer and foodie Suzanne Morton-Taylor, who talks to Culture Trip about her favourite restaurants in The Hague. And, as she points out, visitors shouldn’t forget the Scheveningen district, the fishing port on the coast just four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city centre, where you can sample the freshest of seafood among the old docks.

Bacco Perbacco

Restaurant, Italian, €

In the city centre, close to several of The Hague’s main attractions, narrow Denneweg is flanked by several of the coolest restaurants in town, and Dekxels is right up there, with its long and deep premises offering a boho-meets-industrial vibe. The menu is adventurous, and although it includes European cuisine, the most distinctive are its Asian fusion dishes. For example, try the beef tataki with shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice), garlic, chives, nori (seaweed) and ponzu (a citrus-based Japanese sauce). More regular dishes include truffle risotto and peking-style duck; mains are in the region of €14 (£12). Come early or make a booking to be sure of a seat.

Best seller menu

Insalata Della Cassa The classic Italian house salad, made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette

€ 9

Penne Al Arrabiata Made with a sauce of tomatoes sautéed in garlic and chili peppers

€ 8

Tiramisu Della Cassa Classic Italian no-bake dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and incredible mascarpone cream

€ 5

Dekxels

Restaurant, European, Asian, €

In the city centre, close to several of The Hague’s main attractions, narrow Denneweg is flanked by several of the coolest restaurants in town, and Dekxels is right up there, with its long and deep premises offering a boho-meets-industrial vibe. The menu is adventurous, and although it includes European cuisine, the most distinctive are its Asian fusion dishes. For example, try the beef tataki with shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven spice), garlic, chives, nori (seaweed) and ponzu (a citrus-based Japanese sauce). More regular dishes include truffle risotto and peking-style duck; mains are in the region of €14 (£12). Come early or make a booking to be sure of a seat.

Best seller menu

Shitake Gyoza With kombu, soy, mirin fu, shimeji and enoki

€ 12

Beef Tataki With gochujang, pine nut, sesame, garlic and chili

€ 15

Salmon Sashimi With coconut, calamansi, aji amarillo and corn

€ 12

Simonis aan de Haven

Restaurant, Seafood, €

Morton-Taylor – along with just about every other foodie in The Hague – reckons that this is “the best seafood restaurant in town”. Simonis aan de Haven is a large and airy place, whose garish decor – think fishing nets, plastic crabs and other nautical knick-knacks – adds to the lively atmosphere. The seafood is served canteen-style, so you order at the counter and wait until they call your number. However, it’s reliably delicious. Portions are generous and prices inexpensive – the sea bass is around €20 (£17), for example – and the fish soup is delicious. Simonis lies among the clutter of Scheveningen harbour, a tram ride from the city centre.

Best seller menu

Simonis Zalmsalade met Hollandse Garnalen With palingfilet, heilbotfilet, pepermakreel, sprotfilet, haringbrado, forelfilet

€ 15

Simonis Borrel Plateau for 4-6 person With palingfilet, zalmfilet, garnalen, octopus, makreel, crabsalad, brado, zalm, tuna tataki, olijven, wrap

€ 70

Schaal met 10 Hollandse Maatjes Haringen With a soused raw fish with a strong taste

€ 27,5