Damiano Gastronomia Porte Vita, Krommenie

They come from far and wide to 72 Zuiderhoofdstraat. Because here, in the cosy centre of Krommenie, people have been cooking heerlijk Italian food for over thirty years. First by Marcello and since 2019 by his brother Damiano and wife Maritere. Using fresh ingredients, capocuoco Damiano conjures up the most delicious pastas, pizzas and traditional Italian meat and fish dishes. You can also have lunch there and, very conveniently, take-away at Damiano. Damiano Gastronomia Porte Vita, Zuiderhoofdstraat 72, Krommenie

Gingers Eten & Drinken, Wormerveer

You have probably driven past this one countless times without noticing. But from now on, pay attention because this is one to remember. Gingers, next to the entrance of the Wilhelminapark on the Wandelweg in Wormerveer, is a great place to eat. Gingers is run by two enthusiastic girls who once enjoyed working together in a hotel in Scotland. Swantje in the kitchen and Fleur in the service. Eventually they both went their separate ways but the contact and desire for their own restaurant remained. Their dream came true with the opening of Gingers. Great right! Gingers Eten & Drinken, Wandelweg 51, Wormerveer

Café Brasserie Het Heerenhuis, Wijdewormer

A golden oldie as far as I'm concerned. Because here, in the ancient polder next to 't Kalf, on the edge of Zaandam and Wijdewormer, is a golden spot. From heerlijk dining, delicious lunch or a delectable high tea with friends to a coffee break during your bike ride. Everything is possible at the Heerenhuis. And it is delicious too. Always. Café Brasserie Het Heerenhuis, Zuiderweg 74, Wijdewormer

Zaanse Kathmandu Kitchen, Koog aan de Zaan

I spent nights dancing there and the New Year's Eve parties were legendary. In the 1990s, De Waakzaamheid was the place to be if you wanted to go out of your mind. In fact, De Waakzaamheid is currently the oldest existing wooden bar in the Netherlands! My grandfather danced there and icons like Toon Hermans, Wim Sonneveld and DJ Tiësto were on stage. De Dijk's illustrious concerts were always sold out there. Fortunately, the historic building has been preserved and the inside transformed into an atmospheric restaurant. Let yourself be surprised at the Kathmandu Kitchen in Zaandam if you feel like eating something other than carpaccio or satay. This is where you eat heerlijk Indian and Nepali food. Highly recommended! Zaanse Kathmandu Kitchen, Hoogstraat 4, Koog aan de Zaan

Ciao Foodbar, Zaandam

If you are looking for a nice place in the centre of Zaandam to have a really good meal, I would like to tip Ciao Foodbar on Zuiddijk. In this small but nice Italian restaurant overlooking the Zaan, the chef serves delicious Italian dishes. If you choose the menu della casa, you will be surprised with a three-course tasting menu with various antipasti, fresh pasta and for dessert a mix of the most delicious desserts. Jum! Ciao Foodbar, Zuiddijk 31A, Zaandam.