Salt

Fish takes center stage at this friendly, Mediterranean-styled beach restaurant nestled in the dunes of the coastal town of Noordwijk. Accordingly, the menu features numerous impressive seafood dishes built on classic foundations and prepared with super-fresh ingredients. You can come here for a cup of coffee after a long beach walk, a leisurely lunch, or a romantic dinner while watching the sun slowly sink into the sea. Paired with a flute of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial, we treat ourselves to a plate of six Oysri oysters accompanied by cucumber pearls and vinaigrette. A good start. Since the North Sea turbot is touted as one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, we order it and receive a fine piece of fish, expertly prepared with spinach, shallot-dill butter, and capers as garnishes. No words needed. We conclude with an authentic sgroppino and count our blessings. Kudos to the service staff—they know their craft like no other. A place we will gladly return to again and again.

New to this guide last year, and still featured this year. Salt, where fish takes center stage, is situated on the Noordwijk beach with stunning views over the North Sea. The décor is Mediterranean, with tables dressed in white linens and blue wooden chairs, a color palette that extends to the impeccably maintained terrace nestled in the dunes. Managing director Harm van der Linden and his wife Sharon have their business running smoothly. At Salt, you can stop by for a coffee or tea after a beach walk, enjoy lunch, or begin your evening with dinner. The menu features specials such as gambas and lobster, alongside North Sea turbot with spinach and Dutch prawns, complemented by a generous à la carte selection focused primarily on seafood, though meat and vegetarian options are also available. The wine list is extensive, with a particularly impressive range of champagnes. Paired with a glass of finely sparkling Ruinart Blanc de Blancs comes a plate of crackling-fresh Irish Gold no. 3 oysters, served with cucumber pearls and vinaigrette. This is followed by a lobster duo featuring a tender hand-cut tartare and a generously portioned warm lobster tail, served with a bisque hollandaise and yuzu mayonnaise. Pure flavors; chef Rik Mens truly masters his craft. The main course consists of sous-vide cooked cod with delicate, almost falling-apart flakes, perfectly prepared and accompanied by a fresh red onion compote and piment sauce. We conclude with a delicious espresso martini as we watch the sun slowly sink into the sea.

Dining by the beach with a panoramic view of the sea. This is possible at Salt seafood restaurant, nestled in a dune hollow along the famous Queen Astrid Boulevard in Noordwijk. In the morning you can stop by for coffee and tea, enjoy lunch or drinks, and in the evening savor the most delicious fish dishes built on classic foundations with a modern twist. For carnivores and vegetarians, the menu offers modest selections. Fish, crustaceans, and shellfish take center stage. There is a live lobster tank, and you can opt for Salt specials such as prawns, lobster, oysters, and turbot. We are seated in the conservatory at tables dressed in white, on bright blue wooden chairs that can be fitted with cushions upon request. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, much like the young members of the serving staff. As an aperitif, we enjoy a sparkling La Tordera Prosecco and treat ourselves to half a dozen Gillardeau oysters no. 4, accompanied by a delicate sweet-and-sour vinaigrette with very finely diced cucumber, shallot, and chives. A perfect start. The first course of the tasting menu is kingfish, cut into beautiful thick slices and marinated in kaffir lime dressing, topped with paper-thin slices of crisp radish. Spring on a plate. This is followed by crispy-baked cod in a light asparagus jus, served with double-shelled broad beans, pea purée, white asparagus, and delightful truffle pommes dauphines. It’s a shame that the extra charge for the requested fries is overlooked, even after we ask again. The same thing happens when we receive the bill. It’s likely due to the rush, but a little more attention would be appreciated. Welcome to Delicious!