When in Haarlem, you must make your way to the city's signature windmill - and dine in the Dutch restaurant below! Located under the magnificent Molen de Adriaan and by the shore of River Spaarne, Restaurant Zuidam has an unbeatable location with a view that is unparalleled especially in good weather and serves delicious food that is equally hard to beat.
Haarlem was our first city in the Netherlands, and Restaurant Zuidam was our first meal in the country. After a long journey on the overnight ferry from England, we entered this restaurant and was greeted by the friendly staff. Despite being in foreign lands for only minutes, we immediately felt at home.
Here, the lunch menu has a decent and affordable selection, ranging from small bites to full entrees - many of which are at affordable prices (about 10 EUR per dish). Our lunch began with a Dutch classic bites: bitterballen, or fried croquet balls. This simple-looking fried dish was unexpectedly delicious! The meat filling was perfectly flavorful without being overwhelming. Our second dish, the fish soup, was delicious as well; the ordinarily-named dish was in fact a surprise packed with flavors including a mild spiciness. After this great start, we finally tackled the unexpectedly large sandwiches that were overfilling from the brims. The overall meal was terrific from the beginning to the end.
Aside from the great view and the delicious food, the staff was also a highlight of the meal. Because I just arrived in Holland, I was full of questions, and have a merry conversation with our waiter and his friend who were both enthusiastic about introducing the beauties in their country.
We have many great meals throughout Holland in the days after, but the meal at Restaurant Zuidam remains one of my most memorable in my travel and I leave with the regret of not revisiting there before my departure. Whether you are seeking a meal or simply a snack in Haarlem, I highly recommend Restaurant Zuidam. read more