IJmuiden is a working fishing port — which means the seafood is exceptional, the atmosphere is authentic, and the restaurants along the harbour are some of the best-value fish eateries in the Netherlands. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before heading to Amsterdam or spending your whole shore day in the area, here’s where to eat near IJmuiden cruise port.
Best Places to Eat Near IJmuiden Cruise Terminal
1. Bistro De Strandgaper — Beachfront Dining
Boulevard IJmuiden | 15-minute taxi from terminal
One of the most popular beachfront restaurants in IJmuiden, serving fresh North Sea fish, Dutch seafood platters, and classic Dutch comfort food. The terrace overlooks the beach and dunes — a perfect spot for lunch on a sunny shore day. Arrive early as it fills up fast in summer.
2. Fish & Chips at the Harbour — IJmuiden Visafslag
Near IJmuiden Fish Auction | 10-minute walk from terminal
IJmuiden has one of the largest fish auctions in Europe, and the harbour area around it is dotted with fresh fish stalls and simple seafood restaurants. Try freshly fried North Sea plaice (schol), smoked eel, or a classic uitsmijter alongside local fishermen and market workers.
3. Restaurant Noorder IJ Hallen (Haarlem)
35 minutes by bus — Haarlem city centre
If you’re heading to Haarlem on your shore day, the Grote Markt is surrounded by excellent café-restaurants serving Dutch and international cuisine. The Saturday flower market and lively terrace culture make it a wonderful place for a long lunch.
4. Foodhallen Amsterdam
50 minutes from IJmuiden terminal
If you’re heading to Amsterdam for the day, Foodhallen in the Oud-West neighbourhood is the ultimate food hall experience — 20+ stalls, craft beer, and the best of Amsterdam’s diverse street food scene under one roof. Perfect for a leisurely lunch mid-sightseeing.
Dutch Seafood to Try at IJmuiden
Being a working fishing port, IJmuiden is the ideal place to try authentic Dutch seafood. Look out for: gerookte paling (smoked eel), verse schol (fresh plaice), haring met uitjes (raw herring with onions), and kibbeling — battered and fried white fish that is arguably the Netherlands’ greatest street food. Most harbour stalls sell it fresh from mid-morning.