If you are in Leiden, I recommend dine here. If you are not in Leiden, you should be. This university town is full of canals, history, and some really good eats. The name of this terrific little restaurant means "At the Beer Rascal"; I have no idea why. Several dishes are prepared with Gulpener beer as an ingredient. This excellent beer is more than matched by the cuisine and the warm, intimate atmosphere. Either plan your visit or arrive on a Monday night, as the Bierbengel appears to be popular with locals and readers of the "Rough Guide" alike. There is a monthly menu. In April it comprised a swordfish and fennel carpaccio, braised veal with rosemary, and a rhubarb tart. Duck with a non-sweet blueberry sauce was excellent - and not foolishly undercooked - as was a mussel appetizer. The hostess was everywhere in this small establishment with intelligent good humor and efficiency. The room itself is warm with old wood. read more

I'd ordered the daily special and it was quite disappointing. The white fish was full of bones. Once I reached out to the waitress, they told me that was a mistake. But later on, another table pointed out the same problem. Very, very disappointing. read more