De Prinsenkelder

General information

The "Prinsenkelder" restaurant has been situated since 1948 in the arched cellar under the "Prinsenhof" which is located in the centre of Delft.

The location has a long history. Around 1400 the cellar which lay under the refectory - the common dining hall - was the storage cellar for food and supplies belonging to the nuns of the third order of St. Fransciscus whose patroness saint was St. Agatha.

During the 80 year war the "Hof" was offered to Prins Willem as court. Willem of Orange, the founder of the Netherlands was murdered by Balthasar Geraerts in the Prinsenhof on his way to the refectory. Following the death of Willem of Orange, who is buried in the
New Church in Delft, the buildings were used to receive and lodge important guests in Delft, as a hall where fabrics and linens were inspected and sold, as gathering place for church synods and finally as barracks.

It wasn't until 1884 that it was decided to restore the buildings as monuments, the restoration wasn't completed until 1948.

What is now the "Prinsenkelder" served for centuries as a storage place for food and wines as can be seen by the meat hooks which are still in the ceiling. It is clear that the "kelder" (cellar) has been imbued with the traditions of food and drink for hundreds of years.

The "Prinsenkelder" has, in spite of its long history, a completely equipped modern kitchen. The menu is French/Dutch. In addition to "à la carte" choices there are menu's which change regularly (the specialties).

The restaurant can seat 80 "à la carte" guests or a group of up to 120. In the summer months lunch and dinner can be served in the garden.