With more than 130 restaurants, Scheveningen is one of the largest and most international dining destinations on the Dutch coast, from fresh fish to cuisines from all over the world.
Around the Pier and the boulevard: the greatest concentration of eateries is near the Pier and along the Strandweg boulevard, with terraces overlooking the beach and sea.
Fresh from the harbour: the fish is landed in Scheveningen's harbour and sold on the spot, and around the harbour in particular you'll find the best fish restaurants, bistros and waterside terraces.
The world on your plate: from classic Dutch and freshly caught fish to French, Greek, Argentinian, Italian and Indonesian, in Scheveningen you can eat almost any cuisine.
In the old village too: away from the boulevard, the historic fishing village of Scheveningen has convivial, often more traditional spots.
Regional specialities: the taste of Scheveningen
Scheveningen has been a true fishing town for centuries, and that tradition is still very much on the plate: here the local cuisine revolves around fresh fish, straight from the North Sea.
Scheveningen herring: the seaside dish par excellence is the Hollandse Nieuwe, lightly salted and butter-soft, traditionally eaten held up by the tail or on a roll with onions, as fresh as it comes.
Vlaggetjesdag: every spring Scheveningen celebrates the arrival of the first herring with Vlaggetjesdag (Flag Day), a big harbour festival with dressed sailing loggers, music and herring everywhere, a real Scheveningen tradition.
Kibbeling and lekkerbek: the fish auction also brings the famous kibbeling and lekkerbek, deep-fried pieces of fresh fish with remoulade sauce, a classic you'll find all along the promenade and around the harbour.
More from the North Sea: let yourself be surprised too by fresh shrimp, mussels, fried plaice and other North Sea fish, mostly landed in the town's own harbour and straight onto your plate at the fish restaurants.
The Hague's city cuisine: as the seaside district of The Hague, Scheveningen is also strikingly international, with a wealth of world cuisines, from the Indonesian rice-table heritage to modern fine dining, often within walking distance of the beach.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and Scheveningen. 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 Scheveningen., 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.
Fifty beach pavilions
The beach in Scheveningen is a treat in summer and winter alike, with as many as fifty beach pavilions that 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 in Scheveningen 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 Scheveningen
Scheveningen has a lively nightlife all year round, from beach parties in summer to convivial cafés on the boulevard in winter.
Summer beach parties: in high season the beach clubs become the setting for parties and DJs in the evening, with your feet in the sand and the sun sinking into the sea.
Boulevard and Pier: along the Strandweg and on and around the Pier you can stop for a drink all year round, with Crazy Pianos a firm favourite full of live music and entertainment.
In winter too: when it's stormy outside, settle into the warm cafés on the boulevard, looking out over the wild North Sea.
The Hague around the corner: for even more choice of pubs, clubs and music venues, you're quickly in the city centre of The Hague (see below).
The Hague
The city centre of The Hague is less than a quarter of an hour away by tram and offers a complete night out, from atmospheric squares to the city's largest music venue.
The Plein: walking from the station towards the centre, you arrive at the Plein, a lively square full of terraces and cafés where most places stay open until 2 a.m.
Buitenhof and Binnenhof: behind the Plein lies the Buitenhof, overlooking the historic Binnenhof, the perfect place to start the evening before slipping into a side street for more music and dancing.
The Grote Markt: on the other side of the shopping streets, the Grote Markt buzzes with cafés, with terraces in the sun and plenty of atmosphere indoors. Around the corner is Paard, The Hague's leading music venue, with everything from DJs to international artists.
The Hofkwartier: the Papestraat, the Noordeinde and the Oude Molstraat are packed with pubs and nightspots, ideal for an evening of drinks with friends.
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.
