Bistrot

Bistrot is a cocktail and tapas bar on Monacoplein, the small square a minute’s walk from the Kursaal casino and the promenade. Behind a covered front terrace with high tables and potted palms sits a long, warmly lit bar backed by shelves of spirits, with a checkerboard floor and a few tables further in.

Cocktails are the main draw, with an emphasis on tropical and tiki-style drinks served in carved tiki mugs, alongside gin and tonics, draught beer, wine and a choice of mocktails and hot drinks for anyone skipping the alcohol. The kitchen stays open late and keeps things simple: sharing plates such as chicken wings, bruschetta and quesadillas, mixed tapas platters and pasta, including a house “pasta Bistrot”.

It works as an aperitif stop after a day on the beach, or as a place to eat something before a night out in the nearby Langestraat. Later in the evening the mood shifts: Bistrot has two resident DJs and hosts regular party nights, so expect music and a busy bar rather than a quiet dinner at weekends.