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D'Swarte Walvis seen from the opposite bank of the river Zaan

THE BLACK WHALE · ZAANSE SCHANS

D'SWARTE WALVIS

Bar 

Restaurant

Events

Lunch in a living museum, in the heart of the Zaanse Schans
15 minutes from Amsterdam · Open daily 12:00 to 17:00

WELCOME TO D'SWARTE WALVIS

Right in the middle of the Zaanse Schans, between the iconic windmills and the river Zaan, you'll find D'Swarte Walvis (The Black Whale). Our restaurant lives in three monumental buildings: a former orphanage, an old merchant's house and the characterful Vleethuis, once a warehouse for whalers. Together they carry the protected name De Hoop op d'Swarte Walvis.

Dining here feels like stepping into a living museum, except you get to sit down, stay for dessert and raise a glass. Wooden beams, famous blue tiles and windows that frame the windmills: every room tells a piece of the Zaan story, and you become part of it.

Whether you drop in for lunch after exploring the Schans, take a seat on our terrace by the water, or book a private room for a celebration, our team is here to make your visit one to remember.

Set table under green foliage on the terrace at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
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LUNCH · DAILY FROM 12:00

LUNCH IN A LIVING MUSEUM

The only exhibits you are allowed to eat.

Lunch is the heart of D'Swarte Walvis. Every day from 12:00 we serve Dutch classics and seasonal favourites, from our famous Zaanse mustard soup to a true Dutch lunch with a croquette. You eat between wooden beams, Delft blue tiles and old maps, with the windmills outside the window. Not just a good lunch, but a monumental place full of stories.

Vegetarian or gluten free? Just let us know; our kitchen is happy to help.

THIS DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS AT D'SWARTE WALVIS

Candlelight on the old beams, the windmills outside in the winter light and a festive table with the people you love. This December, the monumental rooms of De Hoop op d'Swarte Walvis are dressed for Christmas.

Join us for a festive Christmas meal with family and friends, or plan a Christmas party for your team in one of our private rooms. The Christmas days fill up fast, so book early.

Front facade with Christmas trees at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans

D'Swarte Walvis · The Black Whale · Zaanse Schans

Dark green marble texture with natural veining

GROUPS & PRIVATE ROOMS

BANQUETING AND EVENTS

Planning a business lunch, a wedding or a baby shower? Our historic rooms host anything from an intimate dinner for two to a reception for 120 guests on our Terrace on the Zaan. Choose the Windmill Panorama Room with its view of the windmills, the Delft Blue Room with its blue and white tiles, the intimate Regents' Room, or The Whalers' Bar for drinks.

We take care of everything, from coffee on arrival to a full dinner, and we're happy to open outside our regular hours for your event. And yes: thanks to our own jetty, your guests can even arrive by boat.

Long festive table with balloons under a chandelier at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Meeting table with cups and a flip chart at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Bar with red bar stools and warm lighting at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Set tables in a wood-panelled room with a ship model at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Set terrace of D'Swarte Walvis on a summer day
​“A museum where you don't just look at history: you sit down in it, and stay for dessert.”
Windmills of the Zaanse Schans near D'Swarte Walvis
Restaurant interior with wooden chairs and hanging lamps at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Shared dishes seen from above at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Restaurant D'Swarte Walvis on the Zaanse Schans
Dishes, drinks and a table lamp on a terrace table at D'Swarte Walvis, Zaanse Schans
Atmospheric Windmill Panorama Room (Commandeurskamer) of D'Swarte Walvis

WEDDINGS

​Say yes among the windmills, in rooms full of history. Arrive by boat at our own jetty and celebrate with 20 to 120 guests.

BUSINESS

​Meetings, presentations and company dinners in a monumental setting, less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station.

SPECIALS

​High tea, high wine, a true Dutch lunch and festive Christmas menus. Something extra for every occasion.

YOUR BIG DAY

FOR COMPANIES

HIGH TEA & MORE

UPCOMING AT D'SWARTE WALVIS

Seasonal evenings, specials and festive dinners. Book your table directly.

BEHIND THE SCENES

FOLLOW US

TRUSTED BY

Are you a concierge or travel professional? We'd love to welcome your guests. Contact us for our partner conditions.

We proudly work with partners who share our love for hospitality.

ZAANS.NL logo
Les Clefs d'Or Netherlands logo
De Corner logo
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