As an elegant seaside resort on the South Holland coast, Noordwijk has a wide and stylish dining scene, from a lunch with a sea view to a refined dinner.
Where the eateries gather: the greatest concentration of places to eat is around De Grent, and along the Koningin Astrid Boulevard and the Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard, where the terraces look out sweepingly over the North Sea.
Two centres, two moods: by the sea in Noordwijk aan Zee it's lively and touristy, while in historic Noordwijk-Binnen you dine more quietly among the old village streets.
Flavours of the bulb region: Noordwijk lies in the heart of the Bollenstreek flower region, and you taste it on the menu, with regional produce, fresh fish from the coast and, in spring, plenty of seasonal vegetables.
Regional products: the taste of Noordwijk and the Bulb Region
Noordwijk sits on the edge of sea and land, and you taste it: the menu combines fresh North Sea fish with the flavours of the Bulb Region, one of the richest growing areas in the Netherlands.
Fresh from the coast: as a true seaside resort, fresh North Sea fish and seafood naturally feature on the menu, from fried plaice and North Sea sole to Dutch new herring, landed via the nearby fishing harbours along the coast.
Asparagus from the sandy soil: the lime-rich dune and sandy soils of the Bulb Region are ideal for growing vegetables, with plenty of local asparagus in spring, the white gold that takes centre stage on many Noordwijk menus in season.
Something sweet from the region: let yourself be surprised too by regional fruit such as locally grown strawberries and other seasonal fruit, straight from the land, ideal with coffee or as a refreshing dessert.
Flowers on your plate: in the land of the tulip, edible flowers also turn up in the dishes, a surprising and typically Bulb Region touch that adds colour and flavour to a plate.
A culinary trip into the region: combine your visit with an outing into the flower fields, for instance during the colourful Flower Parade in April, which travels from Noordwijk right through the Bulb Region to Haarlem.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and Noordwijk. offers plenty of scope for it.
For every moment: pull up a chair in a pancake house, a restaurant or an eetcafé. From a quick, tasty bite to a beautifully prepared multi-course dinner, there is something in every price range.
Breakfast and lunch: many hotels and eateries serve breakfast until 10:00, and in the Netherlands lunch is usually taken between 12:00 and 14:00.
Dinner and later: dinner is generally served between 17:00 and 20:00. Many restaurants close around 22:00, but various venues, terraces and bars still serve dishes and snacks after that.
Current opening hours: for a full overview with details and opening times for each restaurant, see TheFork.nl and Eet.nu.
Terraces
Thirsty after a warm day, tired from an outing, or simply fancy a drink? In the centre you're well served all day long.
For every thirst: all day long they pour soft drinks, beer, cocktails and more, whatever you're in the mood for.
The right spot: settle down at one of the many cosy terraces or cafés in the centre of Noordwijk., nicely in the sun, in the shade or out of the wind.
Convivial until late: at the bar or around the table, with friends or to meet new people, enjoy the atmosphere and let yourself be indulged into the small hours.
Beach pavilions
The beach at Noordwijk. is a treat in summer and winter alike, and the beach pavilions turn it into a full day out.
From a snack to dinner: on the sandy beach you'll find several pavilions where you can stop for a drink, a bite or a full meal, while the sun casts its last light across the beach.
Handy for the beach: some sell beach gear such as kites, the toilets are open to everyone on the beach, and there is often hire of beach cabins, beach chairs and windbreaks. In summer there's usually a volleyball net too.
Open in winter as well: especially at weekends, a number of pavilions now stay open. Wonderful after a bracing walk through storm and wind along the roaring sea: gazing out over the wild water from behind the glass, with a hot coffee or a good drink in hand.
Nightlife
Noordwijk is known for its lively nightlife, which in the evening centres mainly on one square, within walking distance of the boulevard and the beach.
The heart of the nightlife: the De Grent boulevard is the place to dance and have a drink, with dynamic cafés, bars and clubs popular far beyond Noordwijk.
And beyond it too: it isn't only De Grent that buzzes, for throughout the resort you'll find convivial pubs and lounges that are a pleasure of an evening.
From a drink to dancing: the mood ranges from a quiet cocktail bar to clubs where dancing carries on into the small hours, so every kind of reveller finds their spot.
The boulevard in summer: on fine summer evenings the conviviality carries on late on the terraces along the boulevard, with the sunset over the sea as a backdrop.
Handig om te weten
Een paar praktische tips maken je uitje uit eten net wat soepeler.
Reserveer in het hoogseizoen: in de zomer en op mooie weekenddagen zitten de populaire zaken snel vol, dus een tafel vooraf reserveren voorkomt teleurstellingen.
Pinnen kan bijna overal: betalen met pinpas of contactloos is in de meeste zaken vanzelfsprekend, maar kleinere strandtentjes rekenen soms een minimumbedrag voor kaartbetaling.
