In the late nineteenth century, the first plans emerged for a new residential area in an ancient dune area. The Duinoord district was built. An elegant, quiet neighbourhood characterised by beautiful art-noveau architecture. Or as it is more often described: a neighbourhood with 'really Hague houses'.

The Reinkenstraat in Duinoord

For those who do not know the neighbourhood: it is located between Statenkwartier and Zeeheldenkwartier. Ideal, because you can get to the city centre in no time and be barefoot in the sand in ten minutes by bike. The advantage of living in The Hague. Duinoord is also bursting with culinary surprises and delicatessens.   

Michel Boulangerie & Patisserie 

You won't find this 'French' bakery only in Duinoord, so it's a bit of a cheat. Nevertheless, Michel really belongs to Reinkenstraat and thus to Duinoord. At lunchtime and on weekend days, the queue of customers extends outside onto the terrace. No problem. This creates the perfect opportunity to catch up with people from the neighbourhood. At Michel you come for freshly baked croissants, a cup of coffee, sourdough breads (yummy they are!) and richly filled baguettes. I never tire of the vitello tonnato sandwich. 

A shelf full of freshly baked breads at Michel's

Studio Bondi 

Start your day off right? You can do that at Studio Bondi on Valeriusstraat. It is an oasis of calm. The interior is stylish, soothing but inviting, the teachers are attentive and incredibly friendly, and after a yoga or pilates class you plop down on the couch to chat for a while. As they say themselves, Bondi is 'not your average yoga studio'. I agree. 

Studio Bondi

'Rondo' past delicatessens 

The Reinkenstraat would not be the Reinkenstraat without its many delicatessens. At home, we always talk about 'the rondo', or the standard round past all the goodies. It usually consists of some cured hams and meats from butcher's shop P.J. v/d Broek or 't Oude Ambacht, cheese from 't Hollands Kaashuis and olive bread from Sucre Salé (a real treat), and on a treat-yourself day I end up at ADEA for a luxury box of homemade chocolate.  

Colette Antiquarian bookshop 

When you walk down Reinkenstraat, this unique place immediately catches your eye. Books, books and more books. Piles and rows of them. Especially if you are used to the organised, categorised shelves of Paagman, at Colette Antiquarian bookshop your eyes. A Valhalla for every book lover. After owner De Vries wanted to retire and could not find a successor, Colette threatened to disappear from the scene for a while. Fortunately, the neighbourhood stood up and started a crowdfunding campaign. The shop is now run by a small army of volunteers. 

Colette Antiquarian bookshop in Duinoord.

Local Duinoord 

A true Duinoord classic. And for a reason. Local Duinoord is catering as catering should be: approachable, not too much fuss, quality products and attentive, friendly service. Don't expect fancy dishes with ten different components. At Duinoord you eat a juicy burger or surprisingly tasty satay, made from local produce. And these taste even better with one of the many special beers on the beer menu. 

A signature burger at Local Duinoord