Egmond aan Zee has always been a true fishing village, and you can taste it: fresh fish, convivial terraces and eateries with a view of the sea, all in the characterful old village.
Where the eateries gather: the greatest concentration of places to eat is around the Voorstraat and the Boulevard, within walking distance of the beach and the lighthouse.
Fish from the village: thanks to its rich fishing past, fresh North Sea fish is held in high regard here, from kibbeling and smoked fish at the fish stall to a refined fish dinner in a restaurant.
Dining with a sea view: from the elevated Boulevard, by the striking J.C.J. van Speijk lighthouse, you look out wide over the North Sea while enjoying a bite or a drink.
Regional products: the taste of Egmond
Egmond aan Zee has been a fishing village for more than a thousand years, and you'll find that rich past on your plate and in your glass, with a few genuinely Egmond specialities.
Fish from the Egmond coast: thanks to the centuries-old fishing tradition, fresh North Sea fish is held in high regard here, from kibbeling and smoked fish to fresh flatfish, once landed straight off the beach by flat-bottomed boats like the historic Egmonder Pinck.
Egmond abbey beer: in the municipality, Brouwerij Egmond brews the organic abbey beer Sancti Adalberti, under licence with the centuries-old Egmond Abbey and brewed with spring water from the abbey, from a fresh Egmondse Blonde to a robust dubbel, tripel and bock.
Beer with a story: the same brewery also makes the Egmonder Pinckbier, a red ale whose proceeds help preserve the historic fishing vessel De Egmonder Pinck, a real regional classic with a local heart.
Cheese and something sweet from the region: let yourself be surprised too by creamy North Holland farmhouse cheese from the polders around Bergen and the Egmond villages, and by artisanal bakers and ice-cream parlours for something sweet with your coffee.
Restaurants
For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and Egmond aan Zee. 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.
From local land and sea: many places like to work with regional produce from the surrounding area, from day-fresh North Sea fish and North Holland farmhouse cheese to the Egmond abbey beer, so you'll find the taste of the region on your plate and in your glass too.
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 Egmond aan Zee., 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.
Seven beach pavilions
The beach in Egmond aan Zee is a treat in summer and winter alike, with as many as seven 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 Egmond aan Zee 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.
Overview: these are the seven beach pavilions you'll find on the beach at Egmond aan Zee:
In the evening Egmond aan Zee is above all cosy and easy-going, with a nice mix of terraces, traditional brown cafés and trendier bars in the centre.
Around the Voorstraat and Zuiderstraat: here you'll find the greatest concentration of nightlife spots, from heated terraces to atmospheric brown cafés and more modern bars.
A drink, a bite or a dance: whether for a convivial drink, a small bite or a turn on the dance floor, you can shape the evening entirely to your mood.
Livelier in season: especially in summer and during village events it fills up nicely, sometimes with live music.
More nightlife in Alkmaar: for a bigger night out, the nearby city of Alkmaar is a short hop away, with far more pubs and clubs.
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.
