Kop Van de Haven B.V. — Restaurant in Velsen

Famous fish restaurant at the end of the harbour of IJmuiden. On the opposite side of the harbour the enormous bulk of Tata Steel. Busy restaurant, reservation strongly recommended. On entering we noticed some too loud music which however fortunately was subdued quickly. Service was quick, friendly and efficient. Prices were quite high; a glass of wine costs 9 euros, a bottle 45. Cheapest main dish was fish and chips at 17 euros. We had the 'oil fried fish' plate for two or more people at 38 euros per person. The breaded prawn, octopus rings, plaice and 'kibbeling' were well fried, crispy and delicious, the fish croquettes I found unremarkable but we couldn't finish them anyway as the portions were very generous. Finished off with some good coffee although the roast was a bit too dark for my taste. Total cost...

A unique place at a unique location, with a view on the port of IJmuiden and the heavy industry across the water. The locate has a lot of history related to the local fishing fleet, and there’s a bronze statue of a fisherman in heavy weather.

There are two parts: a fish-and-chips place with a simple menu, mostly for pick-up )with a few outdoor tables); and a fancy restaurant. Because it was very windy we chose the latter. We lucked out with a corner table for our family (7 people including one child). The food was great (mussels, a whole sea bass, smoked eel, fish soup, a fantastic salmon salad, and more). There was only one small issue, the order for the youngest family member got lost and when it arrived it wasn’t very tasty (a fried fish item). But the restaurant took responsibility and removed it...

The location of the restaurant is very nice. At the end of IJmuiden Haven. Hence the name, Kop van de Haven. I eat mostly at their snack area, not in the restaurant. If you have companies, eating in the restaurant maybe more comfortable. The service is quick. You can even place the order from the machine. Their fish and chips is my favorite. In Dutch, it's kibbeling. The chips are great too, it's not the thin version but the thick wide ones. The parking is just opposite of the restaurant. Maybe busy if it's at the period closer to DFDS check-in time. Yes, the location is next to Felison terminal, where the DFDS Cruise it taking passengers to New Castle. You can sit outside but beware...