Katwijk aan Zee has always been a genuine fishing village, and you can still taste it: fresh fish takes the leading role here, from a herring stall on the corner to a fish restaurant with a sea view.
Where the eateries gather: the greatest concentration of places to eat is around the Koningin Wilhelminastraat and the Andreasplein, and on the seafront Boulevard.
Fishing heritage on your plate: thanks to its rich fishing tradition, Katwijk is the place for a proper Dutch New Herring (Hollandse Nieuwe), fresh kibbeling (battered fish pieces) or fried plaice, straight from the fish stall or from one of the fish restaurants.
Dining on the Boulevard: the renewed Boulevard, with its sea defence and car park hidden beneath street level, offers wide terraces and a sweeping panorama over the North Sea, ideal for sunset.
Down-to-earth and welcoming: Katwijk has a cosy, village character without any fuss, with eateries for every budget and, within easy reach, historic Leiden for those seeking more variety.
Regional specialities: the taste of Katwijk
Katwijk has always been a true fishing town, with a proud tradition still very much on the plate: here the local cuisine revolves around fresh North Sea fish, complemented by the greenery of the surrounding bulb region.
The Hollandse Nieuwe: the people of Katwijk sailed out for herring for centuries, and that tradition lives on in the Hollandse Nieuwe, lightly salted and butter-soft, eaten held up by the tail or on a roll with onions.
From the smokehouse: besides fresh fish, Katwijk is the place for smoked delicacies such as smoked eel and mackerel, and for genuine Katwijk classics like panharing (pan-fried herring), straight from the fish stall or fishmonger.
Kibbeling and treasures from the sea: let yourself be surprised too by fresh kibbeling and lekkerbek, fried plaice, shrimp and the many kinds of North Sea fish, mostly landed locally and served straight onto your plate.
Living folklore: the fishing tradition is felt everywhere, from the characteristic Katwijk costume with its white cap to old crafts such as net-mending, wonderful to discover at the Katwijk Museum and during folklore days.
Green from the bulb region: as the largest town in the Dune and Bulb Region, Katwijk sits amid the flower-bulb fields and the dune landscape, where farm shops and growers supply plenty of fresh local produce.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and Katwijk. offers plenty of scope for it.
For every moment: pull up a chair in a pancake house, a restaurant or an eetcafé. From a quick, tasty bite to a beautifully prepared multi-course dinner, there is something in every price range.
Breakfast and lunch: many hotels and eateries serve breakfast until 10:00, and in the Netherlands lunch is usually taken between 12:00 and 14:00.
Dinner and later: dinner is generally served between 17:00 and 20:00. Many restaurants close around 22:00, but various venues, terraces and bars still serve dishes and snacks after that.
Current opening hours: for a full overview with details and opening times for each restaurant, see TheFork.nl and Eet.nu.
Terraces
Thirsty after a warm day, tired from an outing, or simply fancy a drink? In the centre you're well served all day long.
For every thirst: all day long they pour soft drinks, beer, cocktails and more, whatever you're in the mood for.
The right spot: settle down at one of the many cosy terraces or cafés in the centre of Katwijk., nicely in the sun, in the shade or out of the wind.
Convivial until late: at the bar or around the table, with friends or to meet new people, enjoy the atmosphere and let yourself be indulged into the small hours.
Seventeen beach pavilions
The beach in Katwijk is a treat in summer and winter alike, with as many as seventeen beach pavilions that turn it into a full day out.
From a snack to dinner: on the sandy beach you'll find several pavilions where you can stop for a drink, a bite or a full meal, while the sun casts its last light across the beach.
Handy for the beach: some sell beach gear such as kites, the toilets are open to everyone on the beach, and there is often hire of beach cabins, beach chairs and windbreaks. In summer there's usually a volleyball net too.
Open in winter as well: especially at weekends, a number of pavilions in Katwijk now stay open. Wonderful after a bracing walk through storm and wind along the roaring sea: gazing out over the wild water from behind the glass, with a hot coffee or a good drink in hand.
Nightlife
Katwijk is a genuine fishing village with a convivial, easy-going nightlife, where the traditional pub is as much a part of it as the dance floor.
Around the Badstraat: the area of the Badstraat has the greatest concentration of nightlife venues, from traditional brown cafés to clubs and discos, the place to grab a drink, a bite or a dance.
Propping up the bar in a real pub: in the cosy cafés around the Voorstraat and nearby, it's all about being able to talk and prop up the bar, with a beer and the familiar village atmosphere.
Everything close to the sea: thanks to the compact layout, the pubs, the terraces and the beach are all within walking distance, so you drift effortlessly from a drink to a beach walk and back.
Handig om te weten
Een paar praktische tips maken je uitje uit eten net wat soepeler.
Reserveer in het hoogseizoen: in de zomer en op mooie weekenddagen zitten de populaire zaken snel vol, dus een tafel vooraf reserveren voorkomt teleurstellingen.
Pinnen kan bijna overal: betalen met pinpas of contactloos is in de meeste zaken vanzelfsprekend, maar kleinere strandtentjes rekenen soms een minimumbedrag voor kaartbetaling.
