5 x bib gourmand in The Hague: discover culinary pearls
The Hague is a city full of sophisticated hospitality concepts. We have researched this extensively in recent years. But did you know that some of these hotspots also have a Bib Gourmand? The term 'BIB Gourmand' is an award given by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that serve high-quality dishes at reasonable prices. In other words, restaurants that excel at creating tasty, sophisticated dishes that are accessible and affordable. Sound good? Then join us on a culinary journey through five restaurants with this special recognition.
DATE
27 August 2023
TEXT
Meike Liedenbaum
IMAGE
PR
5 x bib gourmand in The Hague: discover culinary pearls
The Hague is a city full of sophisticated hospitality concepts. We have researched this extensively in recent years. But did you know that some of these hotspots also have a Bib Gourmand? The term 'BIB Gourmand' is an award given by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that serve high-quality dishes at reasonable prices. In other words, restaurants that excel at creating tasty, sophisticated dishes that are accessible and affordable. Sound good? Then join us on a culinary journey through five restaurants with this special recognition.
o1. Restaurant Ñ
Restaurant Ñ (Nobelstraat) can be recognised by its old, ochre-painted building and romantic terrace, including wooden folding chairs and linen-covered tables. With a jumble of small lights and a chilled bottle of white wine, this place in summer is like being on holiday in Spain for a while. The menu is small and pure and consists of medium-sized dishes with Spanish undertones for sharing. The kitchen is open until late. This is where you go to dine long (read: very long). There are regular late-night drinks at this bib gourmand restaurant. Then tables are pushed together and dinner slowly turns into Espresso Martinis and music!
The terrace of Restaurant Ñ.
2. Tapisco
Previously, we wrote about Tapisco from Marcel van der Kleijn on Kneuterdijk. It is not for nothing that this Spanish-Portuguese restaurant is repeatedly included in BOIDR recommendations. For centuries it was a vaunted bookshop, until literature was exchanged for an atmospheric restaurant with southern flair. As far as we are concerned, the place in The Hague for Spanish tapas and Portuguese petiscos. Which, incidentally, is also where the name comes from: Tapisco (tapas petiscos). Quality products shine here in typical dishes, not too complicated but brimming with flavour. Our all-time favourite is and remains the squid macaron with tuna and basil.
Tapisco on Kneuterdijk
3. The Basilica
One thing is certain: at The Basilica on the Korte Houtstraat, things get cosy. Everything that makes life beautiful is generously served here. Think flavoursome, deep sauces, vegetable garnishes that really matter, a huge wine list with ample offerings by the glass and half-bottles, and a menu of generous flavours characterised by a Mediterranean freshness. The atmosphere is vibrant, the service good-humoured. If you haven't eaten here yet, we recommend you change that soon. A bib for good reason.
A full table at the Basilica
4. Basal
Sometimes simplicity is the most refined. That is exactly the motto of bib gourmand Restaurant Basal. Here, they embrace the beauty of simplicity in their 'modern market cuisine' and focus on local and seasonal produce. A cosy neighbourhood restaurant with Scandinavian and vintage vibes and a lovely waterside terrace. A casual taste fest. You'll find Basaal on the Dunne Bierkade. Try the raw mackerel with cucumber and elderflower or the 'burnt tomatoes' with salted yoghurt and XO sauce.
Raw mackerel, cucumber and elderflower from Basal Restaurant
5. Publique
There are few Hague residents who do not know this restaurant on Anna Paulownaplein. The corner building, where retro meets stained-glass windows, plays on fresh dishes with a Mediterranean twist. We recommend you stop by Publique opting for the seven-course signature menu. In which the vegetable menu is at least as tasty as the meat/fish menu. They take their vegetables very seriously here.
Publique's open kitchen
text Meike Liedenbaum image PR
o1. Restaurant Ñ
Restaurant Ñ (Nobelstraat) can be recognised by its old, ochre-painted building and romantic terrace, including wooden folding chairs and linen-covered tables. With a jumble of small lights and a chilled bottle of white wine, this place in summer is like being on holiday in Spain for a while. The menu is small and pure and consists of medium-sized dishes with Spanish undertones for sharing. The kitchen is open until late. This is where you go to dine long (read: very long). There are regular late-night drinks at this bib gourmand restaurant. Then tables are pushed together and dinner slowly turns into Espresso Martinis and music!
The terrace of Restaurant Ñ.
2. Tapisco
Previously, we wrote about Tapisco from Marcel van der Kleijn on Kneuterdijk. It is not for nothing that this Spanish-Portuguese restaurant is repeatedly included in BOIDR recommendations. For centuries it was a vaunted bookshop, until literature was exchanged for an atmospheric restaurant with southern flair. As far as we are concerned, the place in The Hague for Spanish tapas and Portuguese petiscos. Which, incidentally, is also where the name comes from: Tapisco (tapas petiscos). Quality products shine here in typical dishes, not too complicated but brimming with flavour. Our all-time favourite is and remains the squid macaron with tuna and basil.
Tapisco on Kneuterdijk
3. The Basilica
One thing is certain: at The Basilica on the Korte Houtstraat, things get cosy. Everything that makes life beautiful is generously served here. Think flavoursome, deep sauces, vegetable garnishes that really matter, a huge wine list with ample offerings by the glass and half-bottles, and a menu of generous flavours characterised by a Mediterranean freshness. The atmosphere is vibrant, the service good-humoured. If you haven't eaten here yet, we recommend you change that soon. A bib for good reason.
A full table at the Basilica
4. Basal
Sometimes simplicity is the most refined. That is exactly the motto of bib gourmand Restaurant Basal. Here, they embrace the beauty of simplicity in their 'modern market cuisine' and focus on local and seasonal produce. A cosy neighbourhood restaurant with Scandinavian and vintage vibes and a lovely waterside terrace. A casual taste fest. You'll find Basaal on the Dunne Bierkade. Try the raw mackerel with cucumber and elderflower or the 'burnt tomatoes' with salted yoghurt and XO sauce.
Raw mackerel, cucumber and elderflower from Basal Restaurant
5. Publique
There are few Hague residents who do not know this restaurant on Anna Paulownaplein. The corner building, where retro meets stained-glass windows, plays on fresh dishes with a Mediterranean twist. We recommend you stop by Publique opting for the seven-course signature menu. In which the vegetable menu is at least as tasty as the meat/fish menu. They take their vegetables very seriously here.
Publique's open kitchen
