Restaurants and bars in Old Holland
When you're on a day trip in Old Holland, chances are you cycle - a lot - so there's always a need to refuel. Thankfully there are many restaurants, brunch cafes, tea gardens and more, whether in one of the historical towns or on the way, hidden away in the beautiful green countryside. Here's our list of the best local flavours to explore.
Jongwijs, Westzaan
For artisanal bread, hearty multi-course dinners, creative vegan lunches and warm hospitality look no further than Jongwijs, a family-run restaurant and boutique hotel in the stunning Westzaan region. Here, the menu is inspired by two concepts: Jong (Young) - for an ever-changing selection of innovative plant-based dishes - and Wijs (Wise) - which breathes new life into age-old recipes and regional ingredients. Find a spot in their lovingly restored farmhouse building or take a seat in the idyllic picnic garden.
De Mark, Durgerdam
In the picturesque village of Durgerdam, you will find the restaurant of the boutique Hotel De Durgerdam, De Mark. The menu is composed by star chefs and contains only homegrown ingredients, such as a salad of shallots with ice cream made from Zaanse mustard, sole with white asparagus, or rhubarb with sabayon of salted lemon. Eat at the long bar next to the crackling fire, in the wine cellar or, if the sun is shining, on the waterfront overlooking the IJmeer.
Theetuin ‘t Einde, Zuiderwoude
In Zuiderwoude, right in the middle of the beautiful Waterland landscape, Theethuin ‘t Einde is a true oasis. Tea and sweets, all made from pure and local products, are served in the garden next to the water. Choose from their stunning selection of traditional cakes or treat yourself to a high tea with sandwiches, warm scones, or a homemade lunch.
De Kraai, Zaanse Schans
Feast on traditional Dutch pancakes in the heart of the Zaanse Schans at De Kraai. The beautifully rustic restaurant has a cosy interior and sunny terrace that is perfect for enjoying lunch, coffee and cakes, and of course, the famous 29-centimetre pancakes with loads of tasty toppings. Its the perfect pitstop to refuel during a day of windmill sightseeing.
Taverne De Visscher, Marken
Located in the picturesque harbour on the former island of Marken, Taverne De Visscher (the fisherman’s tavern) is a traditional restaurant café famous for its cake and coffee. Enjoy the beautiful view on the Markermeer from the (heated) terrace. For something more substantial, there’s also a delicious range of soups, salads, fish and meat dishes on offer.
De Hoop Op d’Swarte Walvis
A riverside restaurant in Zandaam with an extraordinary history, De Hoop Op d’Swarte Walvis (‘hope for the black whale’) was named after a 19th-century whaling ship. Whether you choose to sit on the sunny terrace or within the historic buildings you can enjoy a refined take on classic Dutch dishes. With windmills on the horizon, antique Delft tiles lining the walls and local produce on the menu, it doesn’t get more traditionally Dutch than this!
Effe Anders, Purmerend
Whether it’s the slow-cooked comfort food, the dark stained wood interior or the crackling open fire, Effe Anders draws you in and makes you never want to leave. Nestled in the centre of Purmerend, just a short trip from Amsterdam, the quaint and cosy restaurant has a firm emphasis on classic European dishes with a gourmet twist.
Smit Bokkum, Volendam
Founded in 1856 by brothers Jan and Evert Smit, Paviljoen Smit Bokkum in Volendam offers a full fishy experience with a smokehouse for eel and herring, a restaurant and even a museum devoted to eel sounds. The focus is on historical processes with the traditions from 150 years ago still in use today. While the buildings have been extensively renovated over the years, traditional smoking methods remain in play. The restaurant serves a wide array of local fishy delights including a classic Volendam dish of stewed eel with red cabbage and butter sauce. Visit the Eel Sound museum to learn all about a particular style of music from the 1960s/1970s that has come to be associated with Volendam.
LAB-44, Zandaam
Whether relaxing on the sunny terrace or taking shelter in the industrialist interior, at LAB-44 at the Hembrugterrein in Zandaam you will get a real taste bud experience. As well as a brasserie menu featuring Dutch classics and international cuisine, they serve pizzas and special beers from local van Hoop and Breugem breweries. And if you want to get your hands doughy (not dirty), Lab-44 also offers pizza workshops.
Restaurant van den Hogen, Volendam
This picturesque restaurant, Restaurant van den Hogen, is located in the heart of Volendam. The harbour and the Markermeer make for a perfect backdrop to enjoy the famous dishes. We’d recommend tucking into the delicious fish and seafood dishes including salmon, traditional smoked eel, shrimp, mussels and fried cod.
