Daring to dream of a beautiful future

Is a luxury fish specialist in a large building on the Wijnhaven really such a good idea? Anyone stepping into Just Fish will see and smell the answer all around them: ‘Yes!’ Especially in the post-corona era, passionate entrepreneurs like Justin and Tamara van den Berg prove they have the future in their hands. They dare to dream.

It all started in De Lier, with a fish shop in the Hoofdstraat that was quite ambitious for a Westland village. Visitors are greeted by a giant octopus on the wall; in Delft, a massive lobster has taken on that role. “Our goal,” Justin begins, “is to offer fresh and sustainable fish, whether you come for a delicious meal, a sandwich or salad, or opt for sushi or a poké bowl. And it’s already catching on. We’ve been open since June 2025, when the new herring arrived. We’re already seeing many familiar faces coming in.”

A home away from home

Thanks to mentors like the renowned chef Cas Spijkers and Delft’s culinary mind Yuri Verbeek, Justin gained a solid foundation. He dove—literally, as the metaphor suggests—into the world of fish and seafood for five years and knew: we might be a bit more expensive than average, but what Just Fish sells must be top quality. “That was a condition for Tamara and me,” he explains. “We don’t want to be a fish and chips shop with white tiles on the wall and a fryer in the corner. What our guests eat must be top-notch. But also affordable. Anyone who loves fish should feel at home with us. And we should enjoy cooking delicious fish dishes. That’s the challenge.”

Potential

When the building in Delft came into view, Tamara immediately saw its potential for a fish shop combined with a restaurant. “It’s so nice to give guests a place to enjoy their meal in peace. This space is perfect for that. You can grab a quick bite, but you can also meet a group for a culinary evening. We got this opportunity, and we didn’t even think twice about it.”

Blindfolded

That’s what defines Justin and Tamara: just do it! While others hesitate, they embrace the challenge. “We basically jumped into a big black hole blindfolded,” Tamara says, laughing as she holds their youngest of four children on her lap. “That’s mostly thanks to her,” Justin adds. “I sometimes lie awake worrying about things, but Tamara doesn’t have that problem. She keeps the big picture in mind, and I make sure the guests enjoy themselves with the team. I think that’s our strength.”

Gems in the display case

And enjoying themselves is no challenge at Just Fish. Although top chef Spijkers once told Justin, ‘You won’t become a Michelin-starred chef, but you are a good entrepreneur,’ the gems in the display cases tell a different story. Here, culinary masters are at work, knowing exactly how a lobster, herring, hake, oyster, or cod tastes best. Not to mention the variety of fish salads that make excellent lunches or dinners. And it’s not just random passersby who enjoy them.

Truck with a logo

“We also deliver to caterers and restaurateurs,” Justin says not without pride. “We want to expand that side of the business.” And there’s that dream again, as Tamara adds: “It would be great if one day a big truck with our logo on it drives around.” If Justin and Tamara can keep up their enthusiasm and energy, that truck will definitely come to be.

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