The Seafood Bar Van Baerlestraat

Van Baerlestraat 5H is not an arbitrary branch: Fons de Visscher opened the first Seafood Bar here in 2012, having started with a fish shop in Helmond in 1984. The business still presents itself as a De Visscher family enterprise. Its position by Museumplein makes it an alternative to steak after the Rijksmuseum: leave an afternoon of Dutch painting for a fish dinner in a lively dining room.

The offer centres on fish, oysters and shellfish, with dishes for someone wanting a straightforward serving and others designed to share. That range does not automatically make it inexpensive; large seafood platters and drinks can change the bill substantially. Consult the current menu on the official website before booking, particularly if anyone in the group has a crustacean or mollusc allergy. The company lists Van Baerlestraat separately from its Spui, Damrak and Ferdinand Bolstraat branches.

Diners frequently praise the freshness of the seafood and the staff’s attention, even in a full restaurant; others report a less agreeable experience with the service. Go with an idea of what you want to order and spend, not simply because the museum is nearby. The official site provides +31 20 670 8355 and links to its Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts. Its public listing shows service until eleven at night, but a late museum visitor should confirm a table and the kitchen’s last-order time.