The Hielander — Restaurant in Alkmaar

It is such a great restaurant that a couple of years ago I decided that I should make the effort to visit it more often. I have happily managed to do so, and I am never disappointed .

It's a family run restaurant with a great atmosphere and the food is always wonderful. They make pretty much everything themselves (except for the whisky and ice-cream). Whisky lovers will find this place to be heaven. There's 2500+ bottles to choose from, and if you are unsure what whisky to pair with your food, then Wullie can give you plenty of recommendations.

One can easily recommend going there just for everything else if whisky is not your thing. I have tried everything on their food menu. It is very hard to choose a favourite.

Beyond their regular menu, they also have a 3 or 4 surprise menu that can be accompanied by their recommended whisky pairings (wine also possible) for each dish. The surprise menu typically showcases seasonal dishes and other wonderful offerings.

On the 1st Friday of some months (normally they have summer break for this), they organise a 6 course whisky meal. Sometimes, this will have guest speakers. It will always have a theme to it and is a spectacular event to attend.

Weekends (Friday to Sunday evening) tend to be very popular and busy, so it is best that you book in advance to avoid being disappointed. Booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance should normally be...

My honest review of the Hielander. The setting is really nice and cosy. We had the surprise to see our names on a label around a lamp on the table when we arrived, which is a delicate attention. We chose the surprise menu (3 courses). The dishes were really tasty and full of flavors. My girlfriend's fish was a bit overcooked though. We were served generous portions and felt lucky we chose the 3 course menu instead of the 4 course one because we wouldn't have been able to eat anything else. I chose the 'whisky arrangement' for about 20 euros. 1 whisky for every dish. I have to say I was extremely disappointed in the selection. I was served Lidl's cheap whisky 'Ben Bracken' which was really flat and which I don't think should ever be served in a restaurant. It was a shock coming from the owner who supposedly knows his malts. The last whisky made up for the poor beginning, but still, for 20 euros, this was a huge let down for me. I wish I had made the selection myself. Do I recommend this place? Yes. The food is great. If you're a whisky lover though, and if you choose the surprise menu, don't go with the 'arrangement' because you're going to be really...

Can’t say enough good things about this place! Visited this place as my partner is Scottish and we were so glad to make the trip to Alkmaar. The owner was candid and friendly with us. The place is decorated to give that cosy feel with countless bottles of whiskies on the walls. But most of all the food was amazing!! We had the three course meal and we were not disappointed. Managed to steal a few bites from a friend to try the venison and sticky toffee pudding and they were just cooked to perfection. Definitely will...