There are so many reasons to take a day trip or weekend trip from Amsterdam, but this list is all about some epic spots to satisfy any hunger you have when you are taking a trip north of the city. This is the area called Laag Holland and includes a few towns that will have your jaw dropping with their beauty.
Each town we’ve visited has its own special charm. While there is the instantly recognizable Dutch architecture everywhere, they each have their own style.
When you are taking the time to discover the real Dutch countryside, check out these restaurants worth getting outside of Amsterdam to dine at. There is a convenient Google map at the bottom of the article so you can easily find each spot!
Restaurant de Taanketel
When I visited Marken for the first time, I didn’t realize how many other people wanted to visit as well! It’s a popular place so there are, obviously, touristy spots with people in traditional dress and ready to impress visitors. While I’m sure these places are just fine, if you want some really good food with a touch of style and an epic view, visit de Taanketel. If you go at sunset, you get an extra treat (for free!).
I was with a group and, I have to say, every single dish looked incredible. I’m a meat-eater #sorrynotsorry, and even the veggie dish looked to-die-for. It’s such a chill place with tasty food that you might not expect in a place filled with tourists.
You can order a 3-, 4-, or 5-course with wine pairing if you are headed there for dinner (which I HIGHLY recommend). Here’s what you might get to see if you are there in the evening.
Watch the vlogs from Laag Holland on our YouTube channel.
Pannekoek de Appel
For a small adventure, rent a bike and head to Twiske for a ride in the woods and maybe even stop by the lake for a swim! I mean…if it’s a hot day. I probably would just hang out on the beach, otherwise. But man, taking advantage of sunny and warm days is what we LIVE for around here.
I want to know, if you’re local, where do you go to swim? Canals? Amstel? Ijburg? Zandvoort? Twiske? Other?
If you are up for this mini-adventure, then your lunch or afternoon snack stop should be Pannekoek de Appel. It opened up in early 2019 and already has my vote! It’s not just pancakes either. (Though, if I’m honest, that’s probably what I’ll eat anyway.)
They also have toasties, poke bowls, acai bowls, and regular Dutch fried snacks like bitterballen and plenty of vegetarian options. I tried those too and the beet version of the bitterballen were delicious. I didn’t think I’d like them at all. Love when I’m surprised by food!
Restaurant Dijks
I can’t wait to go back here and it’s SO easy for us. Less than a 15-minute bike ride from our house and we are at Dijks — this lovely fine-dining restaurant. That’s the crazy thing about this area of North Holland, it’s not far from Amsterdam but feels a world away (in the best possible way).
The decor is modern and slightly upscale while still feeling fairly casual. With lots of glass windows, you can watch the sun go down while the restaurant has candles on each table to create an ambiance that has been unmatched in any restaurant I’ve been to recently.
The food was beyond excellent. This was a place where I put food in my mouth and I almost wanted to cry because it was so good. Please tell me I’m not the only person who does this. I mean, it takes a lot to get me that way, but good food is something to be savored and enjoyed.
If you want a full meal, they have a 3-course make-your-own menu for only €35.50. That’s quite a deal in my opinion for the quality of the restaurant and food.
de Kleine Haag
This wonderful gem might seem a bit far out there but it’s right on the North Holland path — a walking path that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the province. You’ll have to determine where you want to start and end but the whole path for this section is 15 km, find more information on the Noord Holland-pad website, but you’ll want to have Google Translate turned on when using Google Chrome to read it easier.
At de Kleine, they warmly welcome anyone but if you are walking the path, it’s the perfect spot to take a break mid-way. I had hot chocolate as well because it was a chilly day. But they have plenty of snacks for you to chow down on from the menu. Just remember to go to the bathroom before you leave! You don’t want to have to “go” while walking with only the landscape to keep you company.
Fort Resort Beemster
This could be a perfect weekend getaway place in addition to going just for the restaurant. Fort Resort Beemster is an old fort (as given away by the name) but is now a hotel, spa, and restaurant. You can certainly take the bus there which gets you super close, but it’s easiest to get to by car.
A new menu is created each season with as many fresh, local, and organic ingredients as possible. The food is done in a French style with modern and Eastern influences. This all comes together in a delicious and beautiful dish. Always get a pairing of wine because they do pairings especially well. If you aren’t a wine fan, they have epic cocktails at a really good price, too.
My favorite way to order is the tasting menu or the chef’s menu. Here it’s called the gastronomy menu, and you can choose how many courses you want. I’d consider this spot an experience in itself. It’s in a fort for goodness sake. The vibe is totally unique and you are guaranteed a nice evening (or weekend if you are staying!)
Amsterdam is amazing, but there are many reasons to get out of the city. I highly recommend taking a look at the EPIC weekend I created for you so you have the most memorable experience when visiting, or other weekend trips from the city if you want to get farther away.
Whether or not you visit these spots, I hope you discover a new part of North Holland for yourself. It’s an incredible area with so much to offer. If you have explored further, let us know in the comments! We love to hear from you. We’ve had someone let us know they went to Broek in Waterland almost 10 years ago and loved it. That makes us so happy!
Wishing you love and travels.
