The nicest terraces in the whole of the Netherlands? We're taking a shot!
Yes, enjoy unabashed people watching again. Skirt day. Beer and bitterballen after work. Dutch culture at its very best, we sign up for it. These are (just a few of) our absolute favorites in the country (after all, the choice is huge and let's face it: sometimes scoring a spot is enough). But still: there are certainly some many more to come: because the terrace season is on and we sometimes ask around... The nicest terraces in the whole of the Netherlands? We're taking a shot! see you there.
- Harbor club:Why? The Harbor Club will be attached to the water and that means a large outdoor terrace including an even better view of beautiful Roffa.
- Restaurant Park Hotel: it is called the hidden gem of the city. You can decide for yourself whether that is the case. It can be said that the whopper of a city garden (by city standards) is a wonderful escape spot. Additionally, everything was nicely decorated and they have delicious food on the menu. Then things can't go wrong anymore.
- Marseille Rotterdam: A pearl of a vibrant Mediterranean city in the French Côte-d'Azur. Culture, history and fish. Lots of fish. No time or desire to travel to the south of France for this? You don't have to! Bee Café Marseille You can also join us in Rotterdam. And, certainly also regarding the terrace!
- Rotterdam beer garden: the ideal place for all beer lovers among us! You will find the Biergarten on the Schiestraat in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is nice. Rotterdam terraces are also very nice, but terraces in the shape of Rotterdam courtyards are even more fun. LUX for example, a best garden that the whole neighborhood seems to enjoy using and where incredibly delicious food is served. For starters: delicious fresh bread from our own bakery. Or Restaurant The Garden of the Four Winds (that name says it all). Or enjoy a freshly tapped and ice-cold (special) beer on the largest terrace at Rotterdam's Merwehaven? We have recently been able to use the new terrace for this purpose Stadshaven Brewery.
- Garden of Bird: A new garden was created which desperately needs to be tested. A delicious one urban jungle with hanging chairs, picnic tables with just the right vibe that makes you forget everything for a while. Those emails will come again tomorrow.
- Alfredo's Taqueria:a tropical garden in the Netherlands, I don't know that! Wrong! Alfredo's Taqueria has a cacophony of color and coziness. Well secret. Until now….
- Dudok in the Park: the name already gives it away; You can find Dudok in Het Park and what better combination for a good terrace than a park and a top business? Well, not we thought. Especially when the sun is shining, this is the ideal place to stay.
- Bar Pepito:In the heart of Rotterdam, on the Meent, you imagine yourself in a Mediterranean atmosphere, with sangria and Portuguese and Spanish snacks. You won't feel the hustle and bustle of the city at this place.
- Parakeet Rotterdam:It happens in New York, it happens in Amsterdam and it happens in Rotterdam. Yes, the comparison… But the idea is that it happens everywhere. What? That just outside the center of a city is more creative, more original, quieter and, ultimately, just a bit more fun. In one of those non-center neighborhoods of Rotterdam is Delfshaven where you will find Hotel Stroom, de Machinist and Rauwdouwer, opened in Het Park (that's what it's called), right under the Euromast, in Het Witte Huis (that's what it's called, a former coach house) park cafe Parqiet. That building is insanely beautiful, always has been, the park too and inside Parqiet is no less than all this jubilation. The small shop is light and fresh and the menu matches that perfectly: juices from Sajoer, a really good toasted sandwich, scrambled eggs with bacon, the most delicious banana bread and carrot cake, coffee from Man met Bril, a rightly Rotterdam concept, you want the bread from Jordy with Rotterzwam oyster mushroom croquettes.
Are there good terraces in Groningen? Rather! We even wrote a separate list about it: This is how you do terrace shopping in Groningen.
Our favorites at a glance:
And The Hague also got its own terrace list, which was very easy: the finest terraces in The Hague.
In any case, we would like to join you in the royal city: check that out too 30+ x the best in The Hague, from bakeries and coffee until the small hours.
And when you are there, and the sun is shining, the beach of Scheveningen is of course never far away. Just saying.
- Rest a bit, Blaricum: phew phew, well well. That is a tough stay here. On the banks of a large pond, in the middle of 't Gooi, tables and chairs are waiting to be reserved. Fine wines will be served, complemented by delicious dishes. Delicious things like Softshell tacos with beef bulgogi and fried salmon… Lunch on this terrace is a bonus.
- The Horseman's House, Castricum: free-roaming pigs, sheep and chickens, views of the neighboring meadows and a menu with something for everyone - local beer, a fine wine list and snacks and dishes that make us happy..
- Blooming Brasserie, Bergen: For a beautiful summer day you are in the right place at Blooming in Bergen. The terrace is located under the plane trees and is the ideal place to eat.
- Aan de Poel, Amstelveen:That's right, at a pool. We understand the name. Now for the rest. Excellent dishes (which cannot be otherwise with two Michelin stars) and a nice terrace at the aforementioned pool. That is also correct.
- t' Schippersrijk, Uitgeest: Eating by the water is fun, eating at a harbor is secretly even more fun. Nice boats to peek here. Or moor yourself with your own ship. Decadent and cozy seating.
- Country estate Plantage + Plantage Rococo: Yes, duh, we almost want to say. The terraces of these two locations (from the same owners) are green, greener, greenest, hidden and remote (but never far away), which also makes it wonderful for the kids (note: it is not a kids' festival, fortunately) and the food is delicious. Read more Plantation Rococo.
- De Bokkedoorns, Overveen: There is a wonderfully hidden terrace in the lovely Overveen. It's French (so it's there haute cuisine). The tables are round, the chairs are made of wicker and the food is star-worthy (it really is). Oh and if you look carefully you will see a glimpse of water, then you have spotted the cozy lake in the setting. Culinary top sport among the terrace sitters.
- City beaches in Hoofddorp: Dad's Beach House& Long Island, Hoofddorp. Actually, 'city beach' is of course just the term for a large and sunny terrace, if possible on the water. And let them have two of them in Hoofddorp!
Actually we had Strandvier 'saved' as one of the top in the know addresses in our latest book: Little Escapes in the Netherlands. Of course it's still there, but still... Now that the weather is getting nicer, we have to share this great don't-tell-anymore place under (or actually: above) the smoke of Amsterdam here: Strandvier Monnickendam. A pearl not to be missed. And now don't tell anyone else ;-).
Read more about BeachFour
Tucked away in a cozy side street off the Overtoom, around the corner from Vondelpark, you will find Café Conrad. A lovely neighborhood café in a beautiful corner building. During the sunny months, cheerfully colored retro chairs adorn the terrace. Inside, that pleasant atmosphere is continued with Dutch white tiles, vintage wooden bar stools, cast-iron lamps, and, of course, the games cabinet.
But back to that terrace for a moment, because it makes us happy. A nice mix of locals and Vondelpark passers-by. One is reading a book, the other is drinking a cup of coffee with a homemade pie on the side, and everyone is enjoying the sun there.
The menu offers a taste of local dedication during coffee, breakfast, drinks, or dinner. The menu isn't overly elaborate, but it's good and full of character. Various homemade dishes are available. pies, fresh sourdough bread with jam from the neighbor or soup of the day? You can get the daily special for just €16,50 (Wed/Thu: €13,50), seems like a good deal to us. And us? We’re going to start by raising a glass with a fresh, fruity passionfruit Spritz. Cheers!
The best terrace in Amsterdam, that will be difficult to name, but we got your attention right? Because what really is the best terrace depends entirely on your wishes, your patio table companions, the time of day, whether the wind is actually blowing a little too hard and you want to sit in a sheltered position, or whether you want a spot right in the sun. looking for…
Of course they have beer and bitterballen everywhere, but if we have to choose, we will at least go to these addresses a few times (in random order). that is).
- Gallery café Leidse Lente, Leiden: it is always spring in Leiden. At least at this address. Lovely atmosphere, informal in clothes with the right edge of hip. We like.
- The print room, Leiden:Also known as the fun cabinet if you ask us. Especially in spring and summer, when the terrace is open. They call it a park terrace and it does justice to that. The sun always seems to shine there and the spot is always a blessing.
- Central Park Voorburg: a restaurant and boutique hotel with an amazing garden that is perfect for a glass of wine in the sun. The ambiance of the monumental building in which the restaurant is located completes the picture.
- Kita, Hendrik Ido Ambacht: a pearl on the water. The name of the restaurant is even based on the river that flows past the terrace. It is the Japanese translation of North. And so the menu also features dishes inspired by Japanese cuisine. Rewarded last year with an Entree Award in the 'Best New Dine & Drink Concept' category. A place where you want to have been someday.
- Hotel Flora Batava, Nieuwersluis: Always in April, Flora opens the terraces on the waterfront estate again. But this year there is a new sunny lounge terrace on the side of the monumental villa. With wine and bites, you can sit here with a beautiful view.
- Le Barrage, Alblasserdam: This stately building is located on the dam with a view over the Albas River. But, the restaurant is trendy, with a view of boats passing by, just like in the picture. Trendy place, trendy menu: you will find sushi and sashimi there.
- Restaurant Woods, Leiden: ooh la la Leiden, what are you doing now? Romance there under that mill. With the legs almost in the water. You are sitting there between those two beauties (the mill on one side and the water on the other). And to eat. And to drink, because lord What do they know about a good wine here?
- Civil Affairs, Leiden: Nice name, that's one. Nice 'faded glory gone spicy good' terrace, which is two (just look at the right) and have lunch, drinks, dinner with extremely well-done dishes. That's three.
- WSHS, Relais & Châteaux Orphanage, Gouda: undoubtedly the most beautiful terrace in Gouda. In the courtyard of this hotel you can visit the terrace of restaurant LIZZ, where the sun shines all day and the nicest patio chairs are available. Right in the center, but away from the tourist crowds.
A bit of Zwolle, a bit of Deventer, some Terwolde (where? there!) and of course a contribution to the Twente cloth: hello Overijssel! We think these are the nicest and tastiest terraces in Overijssel.
Photo: WOODS EATERY
- Country house in the city – the word says it all: surprise! This beautiful country house on the water screams 'country estate' and yet you can easily reach it from the heart of Utrecht. And now that is our favorite combination of all time.
- Louis Hartlooper Complex: where it is normally always full because everyone knows that it is nice and tasty with the first rays of sunshine. Right, that's Louis. After your beer and drink, just watch a movie (there is a cinema) and the day is already over.
- Little Berlin: concrete, primary colors. In short, you feel like you are in Little Berlin. You prefer to walk through to the hidden courtyard. Psst – also on the water. Little Berlin, you are nice.
- Soy: This is perhaps the nicest and nicest terrace in Utrecht, and that is certainly not a lie. You will find Soia just outside Utrecht, but you have the feeling as if you are on holiday. There is a spacious terrace that is packed when the weather is nice. You can sit in the sun all day long and an advantage is that it is located on the water, so you get a lovely breeze here and there.
- Roodnoot Brewery, Utrecht: Say your sun, say your terrace. Say your terrace, say your beer. Or is that just us? If not (just us So), you should definitely visit Utrecht. Roodnoot Brewery opened there. There are few things as nice as a brewery with a good story. Bonus points if it is also located somewhere in the middle of the country - because it makes for a fun day out. There are chickens in the yard, horses in the meadow and brewing kettles in the hay barn. On the border of Utrecht and Leidsche Rijn, an old stable was transformed into a cozy tasting room with a sustainable restaurant. Voilà , RoodNoot was created. Read more about Roodnoot Brewery
- Brasserie Goeie Louisa: Discover the idyllic officers' garden, hidden behind the monumental monastery walls. Would you like to experience a truly unique afternoon? Leave here. And let everything wash over you.
- Garden café Botanica:terraces in a botanical garden? You had me at hello. That is exactly what Botanica is. From the sunny terrace you can peer over the botanical gardens. Delicious. Picnicking at its best. And, fortunately, with your buttocks on a nice chair.
- Empty yard:an (unsurpassed) beer café in Utrecht with picnic tables = TOP.
- The pump: You can enjoy delicious food at De Pomp in Utrecht, but the terrace they have should certainly not be missed. One where you can sit in the sun until the last moment and is therefore highly recommended.
- Pizza Beppe Janskerkhof: If we aren't going to Naples, then Naples will just come to us, right? At Pizza Beppe you eat real Neapolitan pizzas, and things are all set on Janskerkhof in Utrecht. Literally and figuratively. Good Appetito!
For more nice terraces and a nice lunch in Utrecht, you can go there here look, a list full of wonderful places!
- The Turkey, Rhenen: quite a unique place. With the intimate terrace, not many people can sit there. Which is good, all for ourselves. Right on the river. Delicious wines, a detail not to be forgotten, and everything quite romantic. Just during lunch. We don't know what it is. Something with crooked trees, a beautiful white house, round crispy white-covered tables and otherwise just the green of nature. Are we allowed yet?
- Willaerts, Papendrecht: At Willaerts the lovely terrace is open all year round. And it is one of the few catering establishments that can even be reached by water bus. Here you have a view over three river points, where something is always happening. So you won't get bored easily. And yet, you forget everything for a moment on this lovely terrace.
- Slangevegt, Breukelen: oh, Utrecht. Not going well. Many nice terraces can be found in the province. Slangevegt enjoys dining by the water. And a beautiful terrace in a beautiful garden, in front of a beautiful building. It doesn't stop.
- Down Under, Nieuwegein: even more water fun, but in Nieuwegein. Down Under is what the fun is called. The extensive terrace with nice (white, which immediately looks nicer) picnic tables invites you for a fresh beer and a drink. Take the kids because there is also recreation in terms of recreation more than enough. Photo on the right Facebook Down Under
- Kerckebosch Castle, Zeist: It does not matter how long, but how well one has lived', is the motto of Kerckebosch Castle. Dogs are allowed and we don't say this twice, we are more than happy to take our four-legged friend with us to explore the area. Things are also made very easy there, as the castle is close to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Kromme Rijn nature reserves, which are bursting with rivers, forests, villages, castles and more. Photo left Facebook Kerckebosch Castle
- Eemlust, Baarn: another pearl on the water. The most wonderful summer days take place on a veranda on the Eem. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, dinner, the whole shebang. Steak tartare? Doing! Cheese plate? Delicious! Cocktail menu? Don't forget!
Also in provence d'Utrechte: Here we find the most wonderful farm-style cafe/restaurants with a lovely terrace. The Field Kitchen Amelisweerd, for example, should never be skipped. Or Loft 88 (farm-garden), another incredibly beautiful story.
- Restaurant Het Lokaal, Doetinchem: In the very nice hotel Villa Spacious View you will find this wonderful spot. With the Green Star from Michelin in the bag (so they cook very consciously, with local products and as green as possible with a lot of focus on vegetables) you are better than best here. And you can enjoy a nice long meal on the terrace in the sun with a view of the garden and the fountain.
- Mien's food shop, Doetinchem: this terrace in the city garden of Villa Wanrooy is the place to be for an afternoon of drinks. They have a very good selection of wines from Europe and the Achterhoek (nice!), nice beers from local brewers and a great food menu.
- Bistro Flores, Nijmegen: a hip bistro with really good, affordable food and, above all, a cozy atmosphere. The covered patio with sliding roof, where you can eat in the open air in the summer and under a starry sky made of lights in the winter.
- BLOU Hotel Haarhuis, Arnhem: On top of Hotel Haarhuis you will find the rooftop bar BLOU. A place that non-hotel guests also like to visit. During the weekend you can take a seat here and enjoy the view over the city of Arnhem.
- Bistro de Olliemölle, Borculo: Olliemölle is really nice. Maybe it's the name, maybe it's the map. But if we can be completely honest, it's mainly about the location. A wonderful undiscovered gem in a hamlet of a village. See, that's what we like. The food is generously served and deliciously cooked. Of course that helps too.
- Avenarius, Ruurlo: is it a hotel? Is it a restaurant? Both! Best of both worlds, we'll just say. Terrace? Simple, but spacious, so you can relax with your table companion. And feel free to continue snoozing, the beds seem to sleep like clouds…
- De Kaaij, Nijmegen: If you are in Nijmegen, and the weather is nice and you want to go on the terrace where you can take off your shoes, then this is the place to be. A terrace on the beach, located on the Waal, everything goes smoothly, you can completely relax. That makes De Kaaij a great favorite.
- Atlier Bar Allday, Nijmegen: A big favorite in Nijmegen and that is of course not without reason. At Atelier they simply know and understand how it should be done. An extensive wine list, the snacks you fancy and a good terrace. Do we need to day more?
- Orangerie Mattemburgh, Hoogerheide: Adjacent to the dike of a beautiful building, where the terrace kisses nature, you will find one of the tastiest terraces in the Netherlands. Everything is correct. From dishes to the view. From the chairs and tables to the nicest staff.
- The Hunting Lodge, Ulvenhout: We found it sweet. Especially because of the -yes- sweet courtyard. Also nice, 't Jagthuijs promises that everythingeverything in their kitchen. You can taste it. Sea bass tartare with grilled brioche? It's great! And the dessert? That's also good.
- Wolfslaar, Breda: it is one of those where you like to sit with your head turned towards the building, instead of towards the sun. There is no other option, the terrace is an extension of an old coach house. On the most beautiful summer evenings you can dine here for a long time while enjoying a dinner with ingredients from our own vegetable garden.
- Teahouse Bloem, Den Bosch: Give us sun plus a nice green field, playfully placed - fun - loungers, treats in our hands and we won't leave our spot all day long. Flower is one of them. Nice crockery (makes it more fun to eat) and exceptionally tasty scones complete the picture.
- Café Herman, Den Bosch: it's nice, it's simple and they have a terrace. Dingdingding! Herman wins a spot on the terrace list. Bonus points for the roof terrace on top of the Water Tower. And bonus points for the card. Where we especially love the pizza snacks.
- Lucie Cocina: Beautiful boutiques, trendy shopping addresses and good restaurants—where you really have to sit down at Lucie Cocina. This small, cozy restaurant has a cozy terrace at the front, perfect to relax after an afternoon of shopping. No typical tapas, but Spanish flavors. And in addition to a fine wine list, they also serve delicious cocktails.
- VANE Skybar, Eindhoven: This is the right place for views, because this hotel has a full view of the Eindhoven sky line. It is busy, and many people know where to find the stylish sky bar, so be aware of this. Extensive drinks, tasty cocktails, beautiful view. It has it all.
- The Boiler House: On the other side of Eindhoven, in Strijp-S, you will find Het Ketelhuis with a gigantic terrace where you can plop down in the sun and hang around for hours. As soon as the sun breaks through, the terrace fills up with cosiness. A white beer, bitterballen on the table and your afternoon can't go wrong. We say: do it!
- Hattem Castle, Roermond: we want to spontaneously get married (again). Hattem Castle is, you guessed correctly, a sweet castle (fun fact: smallest in the Netherlands) in the nice Hattem. You can sleep there, get married if you want, you can have lunch there and enjoy the lovely terraces. With the sun shining, it is wonderful to relax among the centuries-old trees.
- Restaurant Diverso, Nederweert: on a completely different, non-castle-like approach: Diverso is also fun. Especially because there is a decent brick oven shining at the back of the terrace. That means pizza night.
- Biercafe de Klep in Venlo: A beer café named after 'the beer mug with lid (valve) from which Venlo residents drank their beer in the past'. If people wanted to order a glass of beer, they ordered a 'valve', according to the owner. 10 points and we're not even in yet. In 2021, the beer café serves no fewer than a hundred types of (special) beer and has its own city brewery. Plop down on the cozy, covered (you never know for sure in the Netherlands) terrace for a game of beer and bitterballen. A great combination.
- BLVD Venlo: Case in point: cannot be missed on this list. Because? We hear you thinking. Well: the immensely delicious cocktails, lounge vibe, and good ones bites are something to write home about. In addition, this applies here at BLVD locationlocationlocation: Maas view it is. Here you can see the sun set in the sea (or yes, Maas...) and you can relax by the water. Let those spring and summer days come. Are you ready for a Mediterranean atmosphere in your own country? Then BLVD is a gosh choice.
- Empress Venlo: The slogan of this cafe is: 'Never again after home' (for the non-Limbo's among us: never go home again). And that is, simply, what it is. The atmosphere here is relaxed. Whether you are sitting (aka hanging, ahem) at the bar or outside on the atmospheric terrace: you feel welcome here, at home. A living room feeling, in the best sense of the word. A wonderful escape, away from the hustle and bustle. Situated in the lee and oh-so-cozy. Order a special beer and enjoy the view of one of the oldest streets in Venlo.
- Alt Arce, Arcen: Hidden in picturesque Arcen we find a nice spot with a veranda on the water. Alt Arce is the name and means: a wonderful day. We think so, because you can 'order' a wonderful day here with their delicious Limburg pies and coffee there.
- The Maashotel, Broekhuizen: just fantastic food, period. And a terrace on the water, period. Well 'point', not just on the water, but on the Maas. And you want to terrace there, believe me.
- Terworm Castle, Heerlen: romantic much? Mais oui oui. Add natural water, wine in hand. Snacks, a lot snacks, just conquer your favorite spot on the terrace and the day is beautiful.
- The Court, Heerenveen: beautiful spacious terrace, locationlocationlocation and the sweetest staff. They make it a party at your table. Plus Heerenveen is nice. But then again, actually all of Friesland is nice. Anyway, 't Gerecht provides all the comforts. And tasty, because yes, you are also in good hands with regard to the dishes.
- Stek, Leeuwarden: Located in an old bridge keeper's house across the park (the Noorder Plantation - also nice!), there you will find a new favorite among all Ljouwerts (and far beyond) - Stek it is. So there is a house there, simply strikingly beautiful on the waterfront. When the sun shines it is extra busy, and we understand that.
- Klasbak, Zuidlaren: You can't start your morning better than with a nice cup of coffee on the very sunny terrace.
- De Werf, Veere: In addition to Zeeland dining at its most delicious, De Werf has an amazing terrace. That's mainly due to the location. Because De Werf, where the terrace seems to shine towards the sun instead of the other way around, borders Veere's quaint harbor. Delicious. We never want to leave again.
- The Badpaviljoen, Domburg: BLØF already sang it – you are in the right place on the Zeeland coast. A beautiful view, wine, fresh fish. A large terrace in the sun. What more could a person want?
