There's no shortage of choice in the Hague, with the cuisine of so many nationalities represented.

Local Dishes
The Hague is especially well known for its Indonesian restaurants. A great opportunity to sample 'rijsttafel' that consists of up to fifty dishes and is a typically Dutch version of Indonesian cuisine. The best original Dutch herring can be tasted on the famous stall just outside the Binnenhof and for people with a sweet tooth, try Haagsche Hopje- The Hague's very own sweet!

Outdoor café culture
Wit its many large squares, The Hague is a great place to enjoy Holland's famous outdoor café culture. For a spot of celebrity spotting visit the Plein square and you might come across some Dutch ministers enjoying lunch or drinks after work. A more student-like audience can found at the Grote Markt square. For great ice creams, visit Florencia on Torenstraat. De Denneweg, Frederikstraat and Noordeinde have some great chic outdoor cafés.

Fusion
WOX, (Buitenhof 36, City Centre, Den Haag)
Phone 0031 70 365 37 54 / Fax 0031 70 364 8379
kitchen open noon-3.00pm, 6.00pm-9.30pm, Tues-Sat no lunch, closed Sun-Mon
On the other side of the huge window at Wox, the phenomenal view of the Hague Parliament buildings and the Hofvijver pond, form a nice contrast to the modern interior. 'The charming and overpowering Moroccan hostess' Bahija and her husband Lucien have opted for 'a cosmopolitan look'. Achieved by the comfortable black soft leather chairs, the 'bright KLM-blue' walls and the lounge music. 'The à la carte menu is small and subtle' and the surprise set menu, where you share every course you are served with your table companion, will satisfy your every whim. This leads to ‘intimate and delicious nibbling’ at fusion dishes with a strong Japanese accent. 'The wine list has been drawn up with a lot of care and knowledge.'

New Hotspot
Toff (Scheveningen boulevard)(Strandweg 55-57, Den Haag)
Phone 0031 70 355 33 22
Fusion / International, recently opened, eat outdoors on terrace hip/trendy, entertainment. Designer Dining
Statig (Aert van der Goesstraat 21/23, Statenkwartier, Den Haag)
Phone (070) 358 53 30
kitchen open noon-11.00pm, closed Sun

Statig-hip in the Statenkwartier
Statig eten & drinken is a new and trendy restaurant in the Statenkwartier. It has a varied and surprising menu with unexpected combinations. There are no traditional starters on the menu, all dishes are the same medium-small size. The trendy location in this old residential neighbourhood, the surprising menu, the relaxed atmosphere and the hip styling make this restaurant a combination well worth checking out.

Culinairy Experience
Basiliek (Korte Houtstraat 4a, City Centre, Den Haag)
Phone 0031 70 360 61 44 / Fax 0031 70 399 55 99
kitchen open 6.00pm-10.00pm, closed Sun-Mon
Basiliek is a lot more casual and modern than you'd expect.' 'Large silver mirrors decorate the walls, the tables are beautifully laid and the jazzy lounge music is set at just the right volume.' 'In short; designer but with bags of atmosphere.' The French-inspired menu is small, but carefully thought out and it changes regularly. 'Everything that's served up is good, including a wonderful carpaccio.' 'The aged sherry is a very special accompaniment to the cheese.'

Snack & Drink
Spijs (Wassenaarsestraat 147, Scheveningen)
Phone 0031 70 358 69 75 / Fax 0031 70 358 82 95
kitchen open 6.00pm-10.00pm, closed Sun & Mon
Website www.spijs.com
In a large former house in the old part of Scheveningen, you will find a spacious and soberly decorated restaurant with a stunning Jugendstil ceiling. 'Understated trendy.' Small details make it a friendly place, such as the crayons for drawing on the paper tablecloths. 'The kitchen is creative in all the right ways: enough to titillate and surprise, but without resulting in a cacophony of unnatural combinations.' 'Wonderful pan-fried sea bream. Like being back in Sicily again.'

Trendy restaurant
Dekxels (Denneweg 130, City Centre, Den Haag)
Phone 0031 70 365 97 88
kitchen open 6.30pm-10.00pm, Fri & Sat till 10.30pm
Where can you still dine sitting on gilt chairs with purple cushions?!' 'In a decor of restrained, trendy department store-style Indian kitsch', the 'efficient and well-informed staff serve delicious and beautifully presented dishes'. 'Not a restaurant to go to if you're in a hurry', but the 'unsurpassed menu - changed every three months -' and the 'open kitchen' make 'every minute one to be savoured'! The 'extremely nice owners' only add to the experience.

Favourite for romance
Scallywags (Wagenstraat 144, tel. 0031 70 363 34 48)
In the open kitchen a surprise four-course menu is prepared for you. In Scallywags you will have a fun evening with guitars, caring smiles and friendly atmosphere