Restaurant Alexander

On the Denneweg there are a few ‘classics’ in the restaurant world of The Hague, one of them though is just open. When you enter restaurant Alexander, you might feel you are stepping back in time. No light, bright colors or ultra modern design lamps, but sober, dark and cozy tints, round lamps hanging from the ceiling above each table. Very friendly staff all speaking English but with an eastern European accent. Chef Alexander and Svetlana Van Der Geest run this restaurant, both come from Russia.

While at Viszooi you can expect innovative food, at Alexander you are surrounded by classics, great dishes like Turbot on spinach with a Noilly-Prat beurre blanc or tournedos Rossini. They don’t try to be something they are not, but make sure that what they are is well demonstrated on the plate and in your glass. We enjoyed homemade, green ravioli, filled with spinach en ricotta (€7,00) and tortelloni stuffed with lobster and salmon (€8,50) in a rich and fine tasting sauce. This was followed by nice lamb (€18,75) stuffed with dry prunes and served in a red wine sauce with rice pilaf and a fresh ratatouille beside it.

On the opposite side there was the classic combination of Turbot served on a bed of spinach (€21,50) surrounded by a mix of fresh vegetables, thin French beans, cooked ‘al dente’ and a julienne of carrot. Well soaked in a creamy sauce based on one of France’s wonderful products, Noilly Prat.

Service is really kind and attentive, giving you the feeling of being at home. We heard staff speaking quite a word of French and fluent English, the menu is also translated in English.

Wines are well chosen and are realistically priced. The fine Pol Roger Brut Champagne will set you back €65,- and the round, soft tasting creation from Veneto in Italy called Ripassa (by top winemaker Zenato) will put €37,50 on the tally. If you are out for a super dinner within a strict budget, then look at the house wines, all served by the glass. Tips in this field are the juicy and crisp, prize winning ‘Colomblanc’ from the Gascogne in France, or the dark and concentrated Sangiovese by Caldora, maybe the best ‘house red‘ we tasted in a long time. Due to the very friendly pricing Alexander is often full, reserving a table is wise.

Restaurant Alexander
Denneweg 138
The Hague
Tel 070 364 81 75
www.restaurant-alexander.info