Simonis aan de Haven
A lively, canteen-style seafood institution in The Hague, famous for its enormous portions of incredibly fresh fish and shellfish.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Simonis aan de Haven
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively, canteen-style seafood institution in The Hague, famous for its enormous portions of incredibly fresh fish and shellfish.
"The best seafood restaurant in town, serving fresh, flavorful dishes in satisfying quantities!"
Portions are huge
Consider sharing main courses or ordering a snack platter, as portions are very generous.
Off-peak visits recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long waits.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Generous Seafood Platters
Experience overflowing platters piled high with the freshest catch, from lobster and oysters to shrimp and mussels.
Vibrant Harbor Atmosphere
Dine by the harbor with an authentic, lively vibe amidst fishing nets and nautical decor for a true taste of Scheveningen.
Crispy Kibbeling
Savor the best fried fish in town, praised for its crispy batter and fresh, flaky interior. Perfect with whisky sauce!
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Portions are huge
Consider sharing main courses or ordering a snack platter, as portions are very generous.
Off-peak visits recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long waits.
Outdoor seating
Opt for outdoor seating on sunny days to enjoy views of the harbor and fishing boats.
Takeaway option
Consider taking your fish to go and enjoying it on the beach, but be wary of seagulls.
Tips
from all over the internet
Portions are huge
Consider sharing main courses or ordering a snack platter, as portions are very generous.
Off-peak visits recommended
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long waits.
Outdoor seating
Opt for outdoor seating on sunny days to enjoy views of the harbor and fishing boats.
Takeaway option
Consider taking your fish to go and enjoying it on the beach, but be wary of seagulls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Simonis aan de Haven is lauded for its incredibly fresh and generously portioned seafood at fair prices, making it a go-to for seafood lovers. While the canteen-style service and lively, authentic harbor atmosphere are appreciated, some diners have noted occasional unfriendliness from staff and concerns about hygiene.
"The seafood here is excellent, both in taste and value! Compared to other restaurants, the prices are very reasonable, and the quality of the food does not disappoint. Every dish was fresh and flavorful, making it a great choice for seafood lovers. The only downside is that it gets quite crowded, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours. Overall, a great spot for delicious seafood at a fair price!"
Bob Jiang
"Nice restaurant close to the sea with fresh herring and fish soup.
Unfortunately the staff pretends that every customer is a regular and must already know everything (where to pay, where to grab the drinks, how the buzzer and delivery works etc.) and was thus quite rude if you ask about it.
Herring was fresh, but the fish soup could have been warmer"
Timi Sanchez
"Simonis aan de Haven is my favorite restaurant in the city. It’s a true institution that serves fresh seafood in satisfying quantities. Its not pretentious, it’s not fancy, has the feel of a working class canteen at times with the way the ordering works.
Yet, the food is fantastic. This time I had the sardines, my wife the fish and chips. It was absolutely to die for. Delicious fresh fried fish, huge portions. We certainly left satisfied. I can also recommend the seafood platter, which is well composed (we had it previously).
I wish there would be Simonis equivalents where I currently live, but it is a one of a kind place."
Fremde Heimat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The kibbeling (fried fish), seafood platters, fresh herring, and mussels are highly recommended by diners.
Yes, the casual atmosphere, generous portions, and varied seafood options make it a family-friendly choice.
While primarily a seafood restaurant, they offer sides like fries and salads that may be suitable. It's best to inquire directly.
Simonis aan de Haven operates on a canteen-style service where you order at the counter. Reservations are generally not taken.
The restaurant is located by the harbor in Scheveningen. Public transport or a taxi are convenient options.
Yes, diners consistently mention that the portions are very generous, often suitable for sharing.
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An Expert’s Guide To The Best Restaurants In The Hague
Morton-Taylor – along with just about every other foodie in The Hague – reckons that this is “the best seafood restaurant in town”. Simonis aan de Haven is a large and airy place, whose garish decor – think fishing nets, plastic crabs and other nautical knick-knacks – adds to the lively atmosphere. The seafood is served canteen-style, so you order at the counter and wait until they call your number.
Running in Kijkduin and Scheveningen, the Hague
Another extensive section of beach, running from the Simonis aan de Haven seafood restaurant, north to pier and then the Strandhotel (Carlton Beachclub), for 3 km. A paved boardwalk, Strandweg, parallels the beach here. From the Carlton Beachclub, continue along the beach for as many km as you like, or take a great run through the paths of Oostduinpark (see above).
Activities in Scheveningen Harbour | DenHaag.com
Simonis has well-known spots, where young and old can enjoy different types of fish. A little further you will find the more luxurious little brother, Catch by Simonis. In this elegantly decorated fish restaurant you eat the tastiest oysters and lobster with a beautiful view of the sailing boats and even the sea.
Insider Tips for Visiting The Hague for the first time - Dreams in Heels
Simonis aan de Haven, on the other hand, offers the best seafood dishes in town. This is a large place that is uniquely lively for its fishing nets, plastic crabs and other nautical knick-knacks. They serve dishes canteen-style, so you order at the counter and wait until they call your number.
8 x uit eten in de leukste restaurants van Scheveningen
Natuurlijk kan je je visje hier halen en thuis opeten, maar de echte Simonis ervaring krijg je als je blijft eten. Stel je geen chic restaurant voor, dit is de rauwe haven experience. Bestellen aan de bar, wachten tot je nummer wordt omgeroepen en smullen maar.
Where The Locals Go In The Hague
This place combines the vibe of a butcher’s shop (where you’ve got to get a number to stand in line!) with a snack bar (where they serve affordable fried fast food). You can either stay here to eat or take your seafood away and enjoy it on the beach.
Liman Restaurant – Turks restaurant in Scheveningen
Lekker eten in Scheveningen begint natuurlijk al snel in de haven. Een mooie plek voor uit eten in Scheveningen, de haven. Het is er authentiek, je maakt er het leven op zee mee en je krijgt er producten van de zee.
5x vis in Scheveningen | FavorFlav
Van een simpele lekkerbek met friet tot een plateau vol fruit de mer en tonijn tataki. Hier kun je terecht voor al je viscravings. Er is een afhaaldeel en een restaurant.
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