The Dutch Grand Prix 2025 isn’t just about high-speed drama at Zandvoort’s seaside circuit. It’s also an opportunity to indulge in some of the Netherlands’ best culinary experiences—from trackside bites to Michelin-starred dining tucked into the dunes. Whether you’re looking for quick snacks between practice sessions, beach clubs buzzing with race-weekend energy, or fine dining restaurants that rival any global capital, Zandvoort and nearby Haarlem deliver.
This comprehensive guide explores everything from casual eats to world-class Michelin restaurants, with direct links for booking.
Dining at the Circuit: Trackside Food and Drinks
Formula 1 weekends are high-energy, and sometimes you need to refuel without missing the action. Fortunately, Circuit Zandvoort has stepped up its food game in recent years.
- Mickey’s Bar – A casual café at the end of the pit lane, perfect for coffee, sandwiches, and quick snacks. Think of it as a pit stop for fans.
- Bernie’s Bar & Kitchen – Overlooking the Tarzan Corner, this venue pairs craft beer and hearty meals with some of the best views of the action.
- Paddock Bar – Grab a sandwich, salad, or cocktail in the heart of the racing village.
- Bernie’s Beach Club – More than just a bar—it’s an after-race destination with lounge beds, beachside pools, and DJs spinning late into the night.
Here, food is part of the spectacle. You won’t find Michelin creativity, but you will find atmosphere to match the engines roaring just meters away.
Casual & Local Eats in Zandvoort
Once you step beyond the circuit gates, Zandvoort offers everything from fresh seafood to cozy Dutch cafés.
- Berg Vis – A local favorite for raw herring with onions, kibbeling (fried fish nuggets), and fries. Essential Dutch comfort food.
- ’t Sand – A cozy bar-restaurant offering hearty pub meals and plenty of beer, just minutes from the beach.
- De Meerpaal – The oldest seafood restaurant in Zandvoort, famous for its no-nonsense, fresh fish dishes.
- Bandai Thai – Flavor-packed Thai dishes for those craving spice after a long day at the track.
- La Fontanella – Traditional Italian pizzas and pastas—crowd-pleasers for groups.
- Dune – Known for its 60+ varieties of Dutch pancakes, ranging from sweet stroopwafel-inspired creations to savory bacon-and-cheese combinations.
These spots are accessible, fun, and buzzing with race-weekend crowds—perfect for when you want to keep things casual.
Beachside Dining and Bars
The Dutch Grand Prix has an unusual advantage: it sits right on the beach. After a day of engines, you can unwind with cocktails and seafood while watching the sunset.
These venues combine the best of Zandvoort’s festival vibe with its seaside charm—an experience that makes the Dutch Grand Prix unique.
Michelin-Starred & High-End Restaurants Near Zandvoort
For fans seeking something more elevated, the Dutch GP also offers access to Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants within a short drive or train ride.
De Bokkedoorns – Overveen (Two Michelin Stars)
- Website
Nestled in the dunes just outside Zandvoort, De Bokkedoorns is a legendary Dutch restaurant. With two Michelin stars, it offers refined French-Dutch cuisine with seasonal produce and world-class wine pairings. The setting—calm, leafy, and elegant—feels worlds away from the roar of F1.
Merlet – Schoorl (One Michelin Star)
- Website
A short coastal trip north, Merlet is another Michelin darling. Known for its thoughtful seasonal menus, modern interior design, and balance of innovation with tradition, it’s a worthy destination for fans turning their race weekend into a gastronomic getaway.
Ratatouille Food & Wine – Haarlem (Michelin Star)
- Website
Haarlem, just 15 minutes by train from Zandvoort, offers its own Michelin experience. Ratatouille Food & Wine combines playful, creative dishes with a relaxed atmosphere. Chef Jozua Jaring’s dishes bring global inspiration to the Dutch table.
ML – Haarlem (Michelin Star)
- Website
Another Michelin-recognized restaurant in Haarlem, ML delivers refined, contemporary cuisine in a stylish space. The restaurant also offers a boutique hotel—ideal for fans who want both fine dining and premium accommodation during GP weekend.
Red Orchids – Heemstede (Michelin Guide)
- Website
A unique addition, Red Orchids blends Asian flavors—dim sum, sushi, and Peking duck—into fine-dining presentation. With Michelin recognition, it’s a strong choice for something exotic and adventurous.
High-End Zandvoort & Haarlem Restaurants (Non-Michelin but Excellent)
Not every great dining experience wears Michelin stars. These upscale local favorites also deserve your attention:
Dining in Haarlem: A Worthwhile Detour
If you’re staying in Haarlem during race week, you’ll find an underrated dining scene just 15 minutes from the circuit.
How to Plan Your Dutch Grand Prix Dining
- Friday Night: Kick off with something local and casual in Zandvoort—like De Meerpaal or Dune.
- Saturday Qualifying Night: Celebrate with a beachside dinner at Hippie Fish or Ubuntu Beach.
- Sunday Post-Race: Make it memorable with a Michelin dinner at De Bokkedoorns or Ratatouille in Haarlem.
For the ultimate race weekend, alternate between Zandvoort’s laid-back seaside eats and the refined Michelin scene just beyond the dunes.
Final Lap: Food as Part of the Dutch GP Experience
The Dutch Grand Prix 2025 isn’t just about cars—it’s a full cultural immersion. From Dutch herring eaten with your hands to multi-course Michelin menus, the food scene amplifies what makes Zandvoort special: contrasts of speed and serenity, simplicity and luxury.
So whether you’re sipping cocktails on the beach at sunset, grabbing kibbeling between practice sessions, or dining on two-star cuisine in the dunes, one thing is certain: your Dutch GP memories won’t be confined to the track.
