Food and Beverages in Oostduinkerke

In the village of the famous horseback shrimp fishermen, you eat surprisingly well, in an easy-going atmosphere that suits this quiet coastal village.

Where the eateries gather: the greatest concentration of places to eat is around the Albert I Laan and the Astridplein, and along the Zeedijk, where the brasseries and terraces look out over the sea.
Shrimp in the leading role: nowhere is the fresh grey shrimp more at home than here, caught by the horseback fishermen and straight onto your plate, from a classic shrimp croquette to a plateful of peeled shrimp.
In the village too: beyond the eateries by the sea, quieter Oostduinkerke-Dorp inland has a few characterful spots around the village square, away from the bustle of the promenade.

Regional specialities: the taste of Oostduinkerke

As the only place in the world where shrimp are still fished on horseback, Oostduinkerke carries a unique culinary heritage, and you can taste it: here the fresh grey shrimp truly takes the leading role.

The horseback fishermen's shrimp: the grey North Sea shrimp is Oostduinkerke's regional product par excellence, caught by the fishermen on horseback, a craft over 500 years old that has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage since 2013.
Boiled fresh on the beach: after each outing the shrimp are boiled in fresh water right there on the beach, as fresh as can be, and best tasted peeled and eaten by hand, in a shrimp croquette or classically in a tomato.
The story behind the taste: at the NAVIGO National Fisheries Museum, the cultural heart of the village, you discover all about shrimp fishing and the rich North Sea past, a fine complement to a shrimp dinner.
The Shrimp Festival: every year in late June, Oostduinkerke celebrates its most famous resident during the Shrimp Festival, two days of folkloric parades, demonstrations and plenty of shrimp to taste.

Restaurants

For many people, not having to cook is one of the greatest luxuries of a holiday, and the Belgian coast offers plenty of opportunity for it.

For every occasion: settle in at a pancake house, a brasserie, a restaurant or a cosy bistro. From a quick portion of chips or a waffle to a carefully prepared multi-course dinner, in Oostduinkerke there's something in every price range.
Specialities of the coast: be sure to try the regional classics such as mussels, the fine Flemish grey shrimp (delicious in a shrimp croquette), fresh North Sea fish and the many local beers.
Current opening times: for an overview with details and opening hours for each restaurant in Oostduinkerke, see Resto.

Straight off the beach: nowhere does the shrimp come closer to source than here, where the horseback fishermen boil their catch in fresh water on the beach right after fishing, a short chain you can taste in the local shrimp dishes.

Terraces

Thirsty after a warm day, tired from an outing, or simply fancy a drink? In the centre of Oostduinkerke you can stop by all day long.

For every thirst: all day long they pour soft drinks, beer, cocktails and more, exactly as you fancy.
The right spot: settle down at one of the many convivial terraces or cafés in the centre, out in the sun, in the shade or sheltered from the wind.
Convivial into the night: at the bar or around the table, with friends or to meet new people, enjoy the atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt into the small hours.

Brewery St. Idesbald

The Sint-Idesbald brewery on Ten Bogaerdelaan in Koksijde is an atmospheric house brewery on the historic Ten Bogaerde site. For tourists, it is a lovely place where local beer, heritage and conviviality come together. What can you expect at Sint-Idesbald brewery? -

Ten Bogaerdelaan 12b, Koksijde
web. Website More information

Good to know

A few practical tips make dining out that little bit smoother.

Book in high season: in summer and on fine weekends the popular places fill up fast, so reserving a table in advance saves disappointment.
Card payment almost everywhere: paying by debit or credit card or contactless is standard in most places, though smaller beach kiosks sometimes set a minimum amount for card payment.