Restaurant Zuidam

“Zuidam will always hold a very special place in my heart. My brother used to tell me about the beautiful windmill and this lovely restaurant along the canal when he and his family first moved to Haarlem. He would see it while running errands in his new neighborhood and often mentioned how much he loved the charm of the area. After he passed away, I made it a point to visit and to see the place he had spoken of with such fondness. Sitting on the patio at Zuidam, watching the boats pass or dock, feeling the gentle breeze from the water, I could almost feel his presence there. It was peaceful, comforting, and bittersweet. It was the perfect spot to reflect on his adventurous spirit and the new life he had been so excited to begin in the Netherlands. The staff were kind, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the bitterballen wonderful. But what stays with me most is the hot minty tea: simple, fresh, and soothing. I’ve been trying to recreate it ever since, though I think part of its magic comes from being enjoyed in that very place. Zuidam isn’t just a restaurant to me. It’s a piece of my brother’s story, and now a piece of mine, too.”

“If you’re looking for incredible food and genuine hospitality, this spot is a must-visit. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere set the stage for a fantastic evening. The warm and welcoming staff made us feel right at home, and their passion for the food was in every detail. The lamb shank was a standout — slow-cooked to perfection, tender enough to fall off the bone, and bursting with rich, aromatic flavours, for sure one of the best I’ve had in years. The shellfish was just as impressive. Fresh, succulent, and beautifully prepared — every bite felt like a taste of the ocean. From prawns to mussels and clams, everything was seasoned perfectly and served with care. The local beers paired wonderfully with the meal. And last but not least, the riverside view is absolutely stunning. Make sure you don’t miss the sunset — it’s one of those postcard-perfect moments that will stay in your memory forever. Highly recommended!”

“You can't miss this place as it is adjacent to a windmill. We planned to only have a beer or two; but with the cloudburst that came out of nowhere, we decided to have an appetizer (their sampler platter). It and the beer were quite good; and the staff were very helpful and kind.”