Den Haag sits right on the North Sea coast, which means the city has access to some of the freshest fish in the Netherlands. But not every restaurant takes advantage of that. The best fish restaurants in Den Haag buy their catch that same morning and let the quality of the fish speak for itself. Here's what to look for — and where to find it.
What makes a great fish restaurant in Den Haag?
Three things separate a great fish restaurant from an average one: sourcing, preparation, and honesty. The best places buy from the daily catch at Scheveningen harbour or local fish markets. They don't hide the fish under heavy sauces. And they'll tell you exactly what species you're eating and where it came from.
Den Haag has a long tradition of fish restaurants — from classic Scheveningen seafood houses to modern bistros in the city centre. But there's one approach that's entirely unique to the city: Persian-style fresh fish.
What is Persian-style fish?
In Iranian coastal cuisine, fish is prepared with aromatic spices rather than heavy batters or cream sauces. Think saffron butter, dried lime, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of citrus. The fish is oven-grilled whole or as fillets, allowing the natural flavour to come through while the spices add depth.
This is exactly what Dena does at DENA's Persian Fusion Restaurant on the Prinsestraat. Every morning, she selects the freshest North Sea fish available — typically sole, sea bass, or cod — and prepares it with techniques she learned growing up near the Caspian Sea in Iran.
How does DENA's source its fish?
DENA's buys fish every morning the restaurant is open. There is no frozen fish on the menu. The species changes depending on what the sea delivers that day — which means the flavour profile shifts with the seasons.
In spring and summer, you might get a delicate sole or sea bass. In autumn and winter, it could be a richer cod or plaice. Dena decides the preparation based on the fish, not the other way around. Read more about how DENA's sources fresh fish daily.
What does the fish dish cost at DENA's?
The Oven Grilled Fish is €37.50 and comes with your choice of saffron rice or roasted potatoes. The dish includes daily-fresh North Sea fish, Persian herb marinade, saffron butter, and grilled lemon. It's one of the most generous portions on the menu.
For a lighter option, start with the Fish Tartare (€12.50) — a clean, bright appetiser that showcases the quality of the fish on its own.
Why combine Persian cooking with North Sea fish?
It sounds unusual, but it makes perfect sense. Iran has a long coastline along the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, where fish is a staple. The spices used in Iranian coastal cooking — saffron, turmeric, dried lime, dill — pair beautifully with the mild, sweet flesh of North Sea fish.
DENA's is the only restaurant in the Netherlands that combines these two traditions. It's Persian fusion in the truest sense: Iranian technique meets Dutch ingredients, with nothing lost in translation.
Where is DENA's located?
Prinsestraat 62, 2513 CE Den Haag — a 2-minute walk from Noordeinde Palace in the city centre. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00. Closed on Monday.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday. Book via TheFork or call +31 6 27481111.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I eat fresh fish in Den Haag city centre?
- DENA's Persian Fusion Restaurant on Prinsestraat 62 serves daily-fresh North Sea fish with saffron butter and Persian herbs. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00, two minutes from Noordeinde Palace.
- What kind of fish does DENA's serve?
- Whatever is freshest that morning — typically sole, sea bass, or cod from the North Sea. The Oven Grilled Fish (€37.50) changes with the daily catch.
- Is there a Persian seafood restaurant in the Netherlands?
- Yes. DENA's in Den Haag is the only restaurant in the Netherlands combining Persian cooking with fresh North Sea seafood. Iranian coastal spices meet Dutch fish — a unique fusion you won't find anywhere else.
- How much does fresh fish cost at DENA's?
- The Oven Grilled Fish is €37.50 including saffron rice or roasted potatoes. The Fish Tartare starter is €12.50.
