A food city with a colonial past
The Hague has an unusually good food scene for its size, and the main reason is history. After Indonesia’s independence, many Dutch Indonesians settled here, which gave the city one of the best Indonesian food cultures in Europe. Alongside that, you will find fresh seafood from nearby Scheveningen, classic Dutch cafes and plenty of international options. This guide to the best restaurants in The Hague focuses on styles and areas rather than a fixed ranking, because restaurants change so quickly. Always check a venue’s current menu and hours.
Indonesian food
What to try
- Rijsttafel: literally “rice table”, a feast of many small dishes served with rice.
- Nasi goreng: fried rice, often with an egg.
- Satay: grilled skewers with peanut sauce.
- Rendang: slow-cooked spicy beef.
- Gado-gado: vegetables with peanut dressing.
Indonesian restaurants are found throughout the city, with a concentration in and around the Kerkstraat and the Chinatown area on the Wagenstraat. Many are family run and offer a mix of mild and spicy dishes, so tell the staff how hot you like it.
Dutch classics
For traditional food, look for cafes and brasseries.
- Stamppot: mashed potatoes with kale or sauerkraut and sausage, a winter favourite.
- Erwtensoep: thick pea soup.
- Bitterballen: crispy meat croquettes served with mustard.
- Pannenkoeken: Dutch pancakes, sweet or savoury.
- Herring: raw, pickled or served in a bun with onions.
These dishes are hearty and fairly priced. Many cafes serve them at lunch and in the evening.
Seafood and the coast
Scheveningen’s harbour and beach front are a good place for fish. Look for restaurants that serve grilled fish, mussels in season, fish soup and fish and chips. Fish stalls near the harbour sell fresh herring and smoked fish, and beach clubs combine meals with sea views. Menus change with the catch, so ask what is fresh.
Fine dining
The Hague has several restaurants that earn recognition in international guides, with tasting menus and local ingredients. If you want to try one, book well ahead, especially on weekends. For recent listings, the Michelin Guide is a helpful reference, though availability and ratings change.
International and street food
The city also has Turkish, Surinamese, Moroccan, Italian and Asian places. Surinamese roti is a local favourite. In the market areas and in food halls, you can sample several cuisines at a low cost. The covered market in the city centre is a good place for a casual lunch.
Vegetarian and vegan options
Vegetarian and vegan restaurants are increasingly common, and many mainstream places have plant-based options. Indonesian cuisine is particularly good for vegetarians, with tofu, tempeh and vegetable dishes.
How to find a good restaurant
1. Look at recent reviews, not just the overall score.
2. Choose a place with a short menu.
3. Check whether they take reservations.
4. Avoid places with photo menus and touts on the street.
5. Ask locals or your hotel for suggestions.
Booking and etiquette
In the Netherlands, many restaurants open for dinner at around five or six and take last orders by nine or ten. Reservations are recommended on weekends. Service is usually included in the price, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is appreciated for good service. Tipping is not as high as in the United States.
Budget tips
- Eat the main meal at lunch, when set menus can be cheaper.
- Try market stalls and food halls.
- Look for the dish of the day.
- Share dishes at Indonesian restaurants.
Areas to explore
City centre
Plenty of choice, from cafes to restaurants. Quality varies, so use reviews.
Denneweg and Noordeinde
Boutique restaurants and relaxed lunch spots.
Scheveningen
Seafood and beach views.
Chinatown and Kerkstraat
Indonesian, Chinese and other Asian cuisines.
Drinks and dessert
Finish a meal with a Dutch dessert such as poffertjes (small fluffy pancakes) or stroopwafel with ice cream. For drinks, try a local craft beer or a glass of jenever, the Dutch juniper spirit. Coffee is strong and usually served with a small biscuit. Many restaurants also have a good range of non-alcoholic options.
Final thoughts
The best restaurants in The Hague are as varied as the city itself. Start with an Indonesian rijsttafel, add a plate of Dutch bitterballen, finish with fish by the sea and give yourself time to explore. Check hours, book ahead for dinner and follow your curiosity.
Related reading: Things to Do in The Hague: Beyond the Government District.
