Simonis aan de Haven — Restaurant in The Hague

Absolutely loved my visit to Simonis aan de Haven! This place is a true gem for seafood lovers and definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the best spots in The Hague. The location right by the harbor gives it a unique and authentic atmosphere—you can actually see the fishing boats and feel the lively energy of the area, which adds so much to the dining experience. The seafood here is incredibly fresh and you can really taste the difference. I tried the oysters, mussels, and their famous kibbeling, and every dish was delicious and perfectly cooked. The seafood platter is also a fantastic choice if you want to sample a bit of everything. The portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable considering the quality you get. The ordering system is efficient: you order at the counter, get a buzzer, and your food is brought to your table when it’s ready. Even though the place was quite busy when I visited, the staff were friendly, helpful, and managed everything smoothly. It’s clear they know how to handle a crowd without sacrificing quality or service. The atmosphere is casual and bustling, which I really enjoyed. It’s not a fancy or quiet restaurant, but rather a lively spot where you can relax and enjoy great food with friends or family. The terrace is a great place to sit on a sunny day and watch the activity in the harbor. All in all, Simonis aan de Haven is a must-visit if you’re in The Hague and love seafood. The combination of fresh fish, generous portions, fair prices, and the unique harbor setting makes it a standout. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m in town. Highly...

Friends recommended this restaurant well off the beaten path from the beach. It was very crowded when we arrived. The modus operandi is basically self serve with a few caveats. The menu is on a piece of paper (double-sided) that you use to order inside. After placing the order you move down to pay, get your receipt with a number on it, and a beeper that vibrates when you can come and pick up (or guide a waiter to your table). If you order drinks then you must go to the bar, and get additional napkins (highly recommended) and sauces. Our orders (stir-fried shrimps) came out quickly, but we had to wait some time for our friends' order (fish and chips). Our shrimp meals had no flavor despite being stir-fried in garlic, and they were not fresh. Our friends' fish and chips were just so-so. One piece was dry while the other was quite good. The size of the orders is gigantic, no doubt about that! I was told by the customer ahead of me (who is a local and dines here often) that the menu is hit or miss. He got the Calamari fritti 2 weeks ago and thought it was not fresh, but had the same meal yesterday and was very pleased. So, short story long it doesn't live up to my expectations of a seafood restaurant so close to the ocean, and the price we paid for our meal was not to be considered inexpensive nor even moderate. 3 stars,...

If you like your seafood and you are not up for fine dining, Simonis aan de Haven is the place to be. Excellent choice serving most tastes, you first make your choice and pay and you will get a sort of alarm you bring with you to a table and once your order is ready you can collect it.

The food is just great, I have had dinner here about 30-40 times and they never failed once. They might run out on a really busy day yet normally that should not be a problem. Lobster here is a big favourite of mine. The salads are worth it and most choices come with chips (and mayonaise :-) so expect a lot. If you like it a lot, you can follow my example: I first have dinner and then order more to take with me when I leave :-)

Given the fact that prices are reasonably low and the distance to the beach, expect long long rows in summer time and you can easily wait for quite a bit. Just keep in mind that the reason for queuing is totally worth it and if you want to eat in a more formal atmosphere and your wallet will strecht a tad further, Catch by the same owner is great too. Mind the parking around the area as it is not always free. If local or a tourist,...