Haarlem, The Netherlands

I don't know about that, but my husband and I were in Haarlem for a day and toured the Corrie Ten Boom house. She hid Jews and resistance fighters during ww2. .. . that was a great tour!

There are a number of restaurants around the square that were good particularly on the north side. Don't remember the names. Maybe I can find the names from our pictures.

There are a lot of options. Just walk around the city centre. A couple of our favourites: La Plume - mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, but we've been there 1/2 a dozen times and have always had a great experience. I'd recommend the place. Filled with locals, fresh specials daily, varied menu, open late. Kinda behind the church, south+east. Steps away from the Ambassador hotel. Ask a local. Everyone knows where it is. Spaarne 66 - in front of the canal (Melkbrug bridge), just a couple of blocks away (south) from the church & Grote Markt. Don't know when you're going, but in good weather, we always sit outside. Great people watching & sweet canal views. Filled with locals. Probably the best splurge so far was at: Lambermon's, Korte Veerstraat 1. Close to Melkbrug bridge and the church just a few steps away. Ask around. Well-known locale. Not cheap, but exquisite food. Special treat. Bars: I've had some of the best Mojitos at "Fidel", next to Spaarne 66. Opens late in the night. Cool local bar scene. Quick snack: We never leave without having the fries at: Friethuis de Vlaminck, steps away from Grote Kerk. Only place in the world that I'll have fries with mayo. For the first time in years, we went to the top floor of the V&D. Awesome views - and frankly, I have to say that this was not "cafeteria-style" food. Pretty good food, fresh, and lots of options + wine, beer, etc. Ambiance does have sort of a cafeteria-style - which is what it is, but we sat on the very last level, outside, with the most incredible views of Haarlem city. If cold, you can sit inside - go to the very top floor - there are widows from floor to ceiling. Cheers!

Wow, great tips, folks! Thank you. I've got La Plume and a number of the other ones mentioned on my list. Thank you very much!

We love De Lachende Javaan (the Laughing Javanese) at Frankenstraat 27. It has excellent Indonesian food, including an excellent Rijstafel. BTW - don't judge them by their rubbish under construction website, judge them by the great reviews (I don't think I have submitted one although we have been there nearly a dozen times) on, for example Tripadvisor. Their reviews are at: this link

My husband and I lived in Haarlem for a year and loved every moment of it. The best restaurant in the town is Sublieme on Kleine Hautstraat. The owner/chef is wonderful. Jacobs Pieke and the V and D are great for lunch.

My husband and I lived in Haarlem for a year and loved every moment of it. The best restaurant in the town is Sublieme on Kleine Hautstraat. The owner/chef is wonderful. Jacobs Pieke and the V and D are great for lunch.

No specific restaurant, but you should never take a trip to Holland without making one meal an Indoneasian Rice Table. One caution however, if you cannot handle spicy dishes, forget all of the above!