A wine fan in The Hague

Wine in The Hague? Absolutely. From chic pairings to funky natural wine or even bringing your own bottle to a Chinese restaurant: this city is bursting with places where wine is served and life is celebrated. I'll take you along to my favorite spots.

1. Bouzy: The Noble Rot of The Hague?

What began as a single wine bar on Denneweg has now grown into a veritable wine empire: Bouzy on Denneweg, Bouzy on Prinsestraat, its own restaurant, and a wine shop. All under that delightful name, inspired by the famous Champagne village.

Is this The Hague's version of Noble Rot? Perhaps. The atmosphere, the concept, and the expansion to multiple locations are reminiscent of the London bar. Just like Noble Rot, Bouzy is all about good wine, good food, and a team that knows what they're talking about without being overly pushy. Those are the best places, right?

And if that's not enough, Bouzy also organizes Somm Nights. How cool is that? On these evenings (which often start around 10:30 PM), Bouzy stays open extra late for wine lovers. Everyone comes along with their favorite bottle to share with others who share their love of wine. You won't want to miss it!

2. Bowie: The Coolest Newcomer

Bowie is a name to remember. He's the youngest brother of Walter Benedict and Franklin, two established names in the city.

Whether you opt for a leisurely dinner or pop in spontaneously for a glass of wine on the (sunny!) terrace, you're always in good hands at Bowie. The wine list emphasizes French wines, alongside carefully selected gems from across Europe. And take note: the Champagne and Burgundy selections are remarkably generous and affordably priced for the discerning eye.

Bowie's is open daily from 9:00 AM. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays, they're even open until 1:00 AM—perfect for a late-night drink.

3. Flora: Filmhuis meets feel-good at a high level

Flora has only just opened, but it's already a favorite. Hidden on the sixth floor of the former KPN telephone exchange on Constant Rebecquestraat is this surprise: a combination restaurant and cinema.

Upon entering, you follow the red tape on the floor, like a red carpet leading you to the elevator. Once on the sixth floor, you enter a completely different world. The menu is seasonal, the atmosphere has a touch of Berlin, and the wine list? Creative and excellent, with a strong focus on small, (biodynamic) independent winemakers.

The menu features wines from all corners of Europe, with an emphasis on producers who offer something unique. Think wines produced ethically and sustainably. You'll find both familiar names and newcomers you might not know yet, but definitely want to try.

The restaurant is run by brothers Sijbren and Sjoerd Bartlema, who focus on a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The menu offers a nice balance between light, fresh dishes and hearty, flavorful options, usually featuring vegetables.

4. Portfolio: if you know you know

Restaurant Portfolio is regularly called the best restaurant in The Hague—and rightly so. Fine dining at a high level, but without the fuss. That's what we like. The pairing menus are spot-on, the service attentive and relaxed.

The cuisine is a fusion of classic French dishes with Japanese influences. Think dashi, yuzu, or miso as flavor accents, incorporated into well-balanced dishes. Everything is perfect: from presentation to texture to timing.

The wine list is a treasure trove for wine lovers. Sommelier Remco van Antwerpen has compiled a fine selection, paying particular attention to terroir, small producers, and natural viticulture. From the Jura to Jerez, and from classics to natural wines, here you'll discover wines with character, purity, and a story.

💡 And for those who don't drink wine: the non-alcoholic pairings are just as exciting. Think infusions, homemade kombucha, and fermented juices that effortlessly match the cuisine's level of excellence.

This is where you come if you have something to celebrate, or because you believe life deserves to be celebrated anyway. Thank me later.

5. The Chinese escalator

If you're looking for me on Sundays, you'll find me (more often than I care to admit) at Full Moon City, better known in The Hague as De Escaltrap Chinees (Chinese Restaurant). If you type that into Google, you'll find the right address.

This is authentic, no-nonsense Cantonese cuisine. This is the place to go for the tastiest dim sum and the best pork belly. What makes it even better is that you can bring your own wine. We always ask for it in advance when we make a reservation. And yes, there's a corkage fee, which is only €10 per bottle (even if it's a 3-liter bottle).

If you ask me, there's nothing better than the food here paired with slightly juicy red wines. But hey, you do you <3.

Don't think fancy, but delicious, cozy, and simply good. Lots of it, and with lots of friends!

6. The Hague Wine House, Bartine, Basaal and more

The best wine shop in The Hague? Haags Wijnhuis , hands down! Why? They truly have everything here. They buy old cellars, allowing them to often offer older vintages, something you rarely find in wine shops these days. Looking for a bottle from your birth year? No problem! In the center of the shop is a large round table with vintage wines, often priced between €5 and €10 and dating back to 1985 or even earlier. A perfect spot for those looking for something special or just want to browse.

Bartine is without a doubt the hippest and most fun bakery in The Hague. They're known for their crispy sourdough bread, croissants, buns, and yes: your natural wine fix.

Besides the bakery, there's also a café on Herengracht that's open from early morning until late at night. And keep an eye out: every now and then they host a Thai pop-up. Keep an eye out, because you won't want to miss this one!

And if you're craving even more wine and food, be sure to check out restaurant Basaal . This Hague favorite has been located on the idyllic Dunne Bierkade since 2001 and was revived in 2021 by chef Daan van Munster and hostess (and wine connoisseur) Edmée van Zwieten de Blom. Here you can enjoy flavorful seasonal dishes with a view of the water and a glass of fine wine in hand. What more could you ask for?

La Rana and Bodegón are the places to be for lovers of Spanish wines and good food — think jamón, sardines and hearty glasses of garnacha.

Around the corner, you'll find De Kade and the new listening bar Onda . All within a few minutes' walk of each other, and each worth a visit.

Oh oh The Hague — how I love you! The city is full of wine. Now it's your turn. Cheers! 🍷