Reserving, Dining, and Tipping Etiquette in the Netherlands: A Guide for Expats

Reserving a Table (Boeken)

For popular restaurants, especially on weekends or for groups, making a reservation (een tafel reserveren or boeken) is highly recommended.

• Online: Many restaurants use online booking systems directly on their websites or through platforms like Couverts.nl or TheFork.nl (which often have English options).
• By Phone: You can always call the restaurant. In larger cities, staff will often speak English.
• Walk-ins: For casual 'eetcafés' (eating cafes) or during off-peak hours, walk-ins are often fine, but be prepared to wait or be turned away at busy times.

It's also polite to arrive on time for your reservation. If you anticipate being late, a quick phone call to inform the restaurant is appreciated.

Arrival and Seating

• Wait to be Seated: In most mid-to-high end restaurants, it's customary to wait at the entrance to be greeted by staff who will show you to your table. In very casual settings or smaller cafes, you might simply choose an available table.
• Coats: Many establishments, especially in winter, have a coat rack or a cloakroom (garderobe). You can hang your coat there or keep it with you, depending on the space.

Ordering and Meal Pace

• Asking Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your server for recommendations, clarification on menu items, or for information about allergens. Many menus in touristy areas or international cities will have English translations, but always confirm if unsure.
• Dietary Needs: Inform the staff about any dietary restrictions or allergies when ordering. Dutch restaurants are generally accommodating, but it's best to be explicit.
• Relaxed Pace: Dining in the Netherlands tends to be a relaxed affair. Service can appear slower than in some countries, but this is often intentional to allow diners to enjoy their meal without feeling rushed. Servers won't typically interrupt unless you signal them.
• Getting Attention: To get your server's attention, a polite eye contact and a small hand gesture (a raised hand) are usually sufficient. Avoid snapping your fingers or shouting.

Splitting the Bill and Payment

The Netherlands is largely a cashless society, and splitting bills among friends is exceptionally common and easy.

• Payment Method: You will almost exclusively pay by debit card (PIN). Credit card acceptance is improving but not universal, especially in smaller establishments. Cash is rarely used.
• Splitting the Bill: It's very common to say "apart betalen, alstublieft" (paying separately, please) when the bill arrives. The staff will bring a mobile PIN device and you can each pay your share individually. Alternatively, one person can pay, and friends can quickly reimburse using Tikkie.
• Tikkie: This popular Dutch app (by ABN AMRO, but works with all Dutch banks) is used to easily send payment requests to friends via WhatsApp or other messaging services. It streamlines splitting costs and is practically ubiquitous in social settings.

Tipping Etiquette: Not Mandatory, but Appreciated

Unlike some countries where a large tip is expected, tipping in the Netherlands is not mandatory, as service charges are included in the price by law. However, tipping is customary and appreciated for good service.

• Rounding Up: For casual settings or smaller bills, simply rounding up to the nearest convenient euro amount (e.g., from €18.50 to €20) is common.
• 5-10% for Good Service: For excellent service at a restaurant, a tip of 5-10% of the total bill is considered generous and appropriate. For exceptional service in high-end establishments, you might go slightly higher.
• How to Tip: When paying by card, you can often tell the staff the total amount you wish to pay (including the tip) before they process the payment. Alternatively, you can leave cash on the table.
• No Tip for Poor Service: If the service was genuinely poor, there is no obligation to leave a tip.

Types of Eateries (Briefly)

For a deeper dive into Dutch eating establishments, refer to our 'Restaurant and Cafe Culture' guide. In summary:

• Restaurant: Typically offers a multi-course menu, can range from casual to fine dining.
• Eetcafé: A more casual hybrid of a restaurant and a pub, serving good quality, often diverse meals at accessible prices.
• Brown Cafe (Bruin Café): Traditional Dutch pub, primarily for drinks, but often serves simple snacks like bitterballen.
• Cafetaria/Snackbars: For quick, inexpensive bites like fries (frites) and other deep-fried snacks.