Why We’re Fans of the New Brasserie Runners in The Hague
A new culinary hotspot has opened in Benoordenhout in The Hague: Brasserie Runners. Does the name sound familiar? It might; it’s the revamped version of the well-known neighbourhood café Runners, but completely refreshed. The microwave is gone, the neighbourhood feel remains. And the dishes? They’re genuinely delicious.
All-day brasserie
Runners is an all-day brasserie. Whether you drop in for a quick coffee, breakfast to start the day, lunch with colleagues, drinks with friends or an extensive dinner, the restaurant exudes an open and welcoming character. The interior is new, but the familiar feeling of coming home that made the old Runners so beloved remains.
Scandinavian simplicity
The new Brasserie Runners is the initiative of Mariëlle Tonnon, also known for Café Soof in The Hague. Runners’ interior is understated Scandinavian simplicity. Light wooden chairs and cognac-coloured leather benches, a bar and a partly open kitchen create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The heated terrace is a lovely place to sit all year round.
Packed every evening
When we arrive at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, a table of 10 is already having a starter. People clearly eat early here. Dropping by spontaneously at 7:00 p.m.? Forget it—every table is occupied. Since opening at the beginning of September, it has been packed every evening. The neighbourhood had genuinely missed Runners, and with its high quality at affordable prices, this is a delightful, family-friendly restaurant. Older groups of friends, families, twenty-somethings; the crowd is diverse, and even small dogs are welcome.
Familiar classics, surprising flavours
Brasserie Runners’ menu is compact, accessible and well considered. Everything can be shared. From the fried cannoli with Iberico (€9, ten pieces) and charcuterie to start (€14), a whole artichoke with olive vinaigrette and salt-and-vinegar crisps (€13), to bavette with café au lait sauce (€21). And yes: what comes out of the kitchen here is genuinely good. The charred broccoli with chilli butter, ricotta cream and gnocchi, for example, has everything. Heat, texture, flavour and colour. And all for €10! The fish of the day—market price, cod with cockles—is also incredibly tasty.
For the little ones
And a nice touch: children get kid-friendly versions of the main courses; tasty and healthy. The drinks menu features well-priced good wines, distinctive beers and homemade alcohol-free options, including a delicious lemonade with ginger and mint.
Opening hours and location
Brasserie Runners is located at Van Hogenhoucklaan 168 in The Hague. Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The brasserie is temporarily closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for private dinners, business meetings and events. Reservations are highly recommended.
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