A stylish Scheveningen harbor restaurant with creative sushi, seafood and shared plates, but the premium pricing and sharply inconsistent service make it best approached as a special-occasion gamble rather than a dependable luxury experience.
Encore by Simonis delivers strong food quality anchored by praised sushi and seafood, but inconsistent execution on premium dishes and variable service attentiveness prevent a higher grade. The Scheveningen harbor setting and waterfront views add genuine destination appeal, yet operational lapses in consistency and hospitality keep it from approaching grade A territory.
Encore by Simonis is a polished Scheveningen harbor restaurant where the setting does much of the opening act: dark, mirror-led interiors, dim lighting, outdoor views and occasional live entertainment create a distinctly celebratory mood. Guests describe it as stylish and cozy, with one recurring caveat—the music can become loud enough to compete with conversation, and event seating may put diners far from the atmosphere they paid to enjoy. The food leans creative Asian fusion rather than restrained traditional Japanese dining. Sushi, seafood and shared plates are the safest territory: black cod, tiger prawns and maki receive repeated praise, while the menu adds truffle, miso, kimchi, wagyu and other cross-cultural touches. The restaurant can deliver a memorable night when service is coordinated, but detailed reviews also describe long delays, forgotten requests and disappointing complaint handling. Expect to pay a premium: a realistic full meal is around €70-95 before drinks, with luxury ingredients and event fees pushing higher. Families can find recognizable food on the menu—chicken, fries, rice, noodles, edamame and approachable desserts—but this is not an easygoing family restaurant. The dark, sometimes loud atmosphere and shared-dining style may suit adventurous older children better than picky young eaters. Dietary needs deserve advance confirmation, especially for gluten-free or pregnancy-related restrictions.
Area vibe: Governmental and cultural heart near the coast with shops, offices, and tourist sites.
Safety: Generally safe with good lighting and regular foot traffic, though quieter at night away from main streets.
What's nearby: Near the Lange Voorhout, embassies, museums (Mauritshuis), tram stops and a short ride to Scheveningen beach.
Bring a generous budget and patience, because the polished harbor setting comes with loud music, adventurous food, and service that can vary sharply.
The harbor views and dark, glossy design make it feel special-occasion ready, although the music can take over the room.