As one of the liveliest seaside resorts in the Randstad, just a stone's throw from Amsterdam, Zandvoort has a busy and varied dining scene, from beach pavilion to Michelin-starred restaurant.
Where the eateries gather: the greatest concentration of places to eat is around the Kerkstraat and the Haltestraat, and along the Boulevard Paulus Loot and Boulevard Barnaart, where the terraces look out over the sea.
Buzzing and cosmopolitan: as the beach closest to Amsterdam, reachable in under half an hour by train, Zandvoort has an international, big-city feel, especially on sunny days and during the races at the Circuit Zandvoort.
Dutch flavours from the North Sea: be sure to try the coastal classics such as Dutch new herring (Hollandse nieuwe), fresh kibbeling, smoked eel and fish straight from the fish stall or beach pavilion.
Cuisine from around the world: thanks to the international crowd, alongside Dutch fare you'll find a wide choice here, from Italian and Mediterranean to Asian, in every price range.
Regional products: the taste of Zandvoort
Zandvoort is more than beach and racing circuit: the village and the surrounding dunes yield some surprising, genuinely Zandvoort regional products that you can taste to your heart's content here.
Biodynamic dune potatoes: the dune potato, or "duinpieper", has been grown here for centuries in the special dune sand, where the salty sea air and the minerals in the soil give it a unique flavour, a true Zandvoort delicacy.
Getij beer: this fresh, summery blonde beer is brewed by two young Zandvoort entrepreneurs, with a light alcohol content and a twist of lime, the ideal beer for a sunny terrace.
Honey and herbal tea from the dunes: beehives in the dunes yield delicious Zandvoort honey, and the wild herbs and plants are made into a mild, healthy dune herbal tea, both pure from the dunes.
Sweet with a salty edge: typically Zandvoort are the treats that nod to the fishing past, such as the Zandvoortse Kaatje (a local take on advocaat), the salty-sweet mature cheese and the Zandkorrels, sweets flavoured with haddock brine.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and Zandvoort. 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.
From the local dunes and soil: many places like to cook with local produce, from biodynamic dune potatoes and Zandvoort honey to the local Getij beer, so you'll find the taste of the dunes on your plate and in your glass too.
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 Zandvoort., 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 Zandvoort. 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
Zandvoort is known for its lively nightlife, centred largely on one street, the beach and the casino.
Around the Haltestraat: in and around the Haltestraat you'll find the greatest concentration of nightspots, from brown cafés and cosy bars to clubs and discos, where you can grab a drink, a bite or a dance.
For every kind of night out: from a quiet beer on a terrace to dancing till late, the choice is varied enough to hop from pub to club all evening.
Buzzing summer nights: in high season and during events the fun carries on deep into the night, along the boulevard and at the many beach clubs.
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.
