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 nature of beautiful Waterland. Here's our list of the best hotspots to eat and drink to your heart's content.
Jongwijs
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.
Jongwijs, Westzaan
De Mark
In the picturesque village of Durgerdam, you will find the restaurant of boutique hotel De Durgerdam. 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.
De Mark, Durgerdam
Theetuin ‘t Einde
In Zuiderwoude, right in the middle of the beautiful Waterland landscape, Theetuin ‘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 various traditional cakes, high tea with sandwiches, warm scones, or a homemade lunch.
Theethuin ‘t Einde, Zuiderwoude
Dijks
Watergang is one of the most idyllic villages in Old Holland and is situated only about 10 kilometres from Amsterdam. And water is what’s (part of) the charm of restaurant Dijks: dine here with a view of the water and pastures. And if you're lucky, you’ll secure a spot on the waterside terrace.
Restaurant Dijks, Watergang
De Kraai
Feast on traditional Dutch pancakes in the heart of the Zaanse Schans. 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.
De Kraai, Zaandam
Taverne De Visscher
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.
Taverne De Visscher, Marken
De Beurs Eten & Drinken
In the heart of historic Edam, De Beurs is a cosy eatery and local’s pub with a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to the affordable food and drink menu, it is the authentic interiors - tiled floors, oak beams and stained glass windows - that make this charming establishment so popular. Fill your belly with a selection of bar snacks like deep-fried prawns, nachos and croquettes before tucking into the varied lunch and dinner menu.
De Beurs, Edam
Posthoorn
Restaurant Posthoorn has become one of the Netherlands' most cherished culinary hotspots and has retained its Michelin star since 2008. The eatery offers exceptional value fine dining, with chef Jeroen Bavelaar’s unique five- to eight-course signature menu featuring classic French cuisine using seasonal products and innovative elements. For a true luxury experience, stay the night at the adjoining Hotel Posthoorn.
Posthoorn, Monnickendam
De Hoop Op d’Swarte Walvis
A riverside restaurant 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!
De Hoop Op d’Swarte Walvis, Zaandam
Effe Anders
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.
Effe Anders, Purmerend
Smit Bokkum
Founded in 1856 by brothers Jan and Evert Smit, Paviljoen Smit Bokkum 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.
Smit Bokkum, Volendam
Restaurant Bois
Contemporary flavours and old techniques come together at Het Hem’s Restaurant Bois. By curing, fermenting, smoking and roasting products from Dutch open fields, forests and waters, Bois experiments and searches for the tastiest flavour combinations, offering a monthly changing vegetarian menu consisting of 12 courses and a rich selection of biodynamic wines.
Restaurant Bois, Zandaam
LAB-44
Whether relaxing on the sunny terrace or taking shelter in the industrialist interior, at Lab-44 at the Hembrugterrein 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.
LAB-44, Zaandam
De Verkeerde Wereld
This petit restaurant has been built upon and named after a specific area on Marken called "The Wrong World" (a former swamp). De Verkeerde Wereld offers a wide assortment of snack products, as well as complete menus, to take away or consume inside. The specialities include fried fish, spareribs, schnitzel and steaks.
De Verkeerde Wereld, Marken
Restaurant van den Hogen
This picturesque restaurant 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, shrimps, mussels and fried cod.
Restaurant van den Hogen, Volendam
