Thalassa

A family-run beach pavilion in Zandvoort, open all year, for oysters and sole in beurre noisette 200 metres from the station.

Thalassa is a beach pavilion on Zandvoort's Boulevard Barnaart, open all year and 200 metres from Zandvoort aan Zee station. Huig Molenaar jr. trained as a maritime officer and was at sea near Singapore when his parents bought it in 2004; he now owns it. The kitchen runs from 10:00 to 21:00 and cooks mostly fish. Irish Mór oysters cost €5.50 each, Fines de Claire €4. The Bordje Thalassa puts herring, tuna, crab, Dutch shrimp and smoked salmon on one plate. Slip sole, Dover sole and brill on the bone come in beurre noisette, and lobster comes half or whole. In 2018 Thalassa was voted Best Beach Pavilion in the Netherlands and Most Sustainable Pavilion, with jury and visitors praising its hospitality and quality. Guests now praise the spot on the beach and the terrace, and several rate the fish and shellfish. Many guests complain of slow service and long waits, while calling the staff friendly; some find the portions small or the prices high.

Book through the Guestplan button on the site or by phone on +31 23 571 56 60; email bookings are not accepted. The take-away kiosk on the beach is open from 10:00 until sunset.

Photo: Thalassa Zandvoort

Photo: Thalassa Zandvoort