Looking for a spot where you can sit on the terrace, in the conservatory or at the bar all day long? Then you join Café Visscher at the right address. Here you can enjoy simple dishes, but still be special because of the ingredients and flavors. The dishes that Arie Visscher conjures up on your plate will vary from Eggs Benedict and oysters to a composed three-course Chef's menu with matching wines. A hotspot for real bon vivants, so to speak. There is also something to be said about the interior, the warm and inviting colors make it a modern, cosmopolitan restaurant. Nice tip, for any time of the day (if you fancy a snack or drink).

Café Visscher

But first...coffee. Or one cinnamon roll. And that's what we walk past Borgman Borgman. Here they serve specialty coffee with beans from their own roaster. These beans come from farmers who receive a fair price for their work. An honest cup of tea. Besides those cinnamon rolls, they also have a menu for breakfast and lunch. With various granolas, oats, sandwiches and toasties on the menu. A nice start to your day.

Borgman Borgman

If they are not something, it is for now and then. Before and After is for it every moment of the day. For a moment of coffee and something tasty, for a drink on the terrace, for a romantic or a festive dinner and – of course – also for dessert. On the breakfast menu you will find fried eggs, croissants and cinnamon buns. For lunch you can snack on salads, baguettes and classics such as croques, croquettes and club sandwiches. And since this year you can also eat here in the evening with a small menu with classics such as steak tartare, vegetarian quiche, meal salads and fish of the day. And then you can also choose what you take. Perhaps one of the works of art on the wall. These are from young artists who are involved Before and After exhibit.

Where someone says no city trip without coffee. The other says, no visit to the city without shopping. And for that you have to join hard coal are. Although the store is not very large, the brands are worldly; 7115 by Szeki, âme Anwerp, Skall and Soeur to name a few. Anthracite dares to purchase the special pieces and colors. And that is why this Leiden store is on par with a store in a fashionable city like Paris or London. Anthracite has been around for 10 years this year and in honor of this they have launched their own collection. Grey has beautiful wool sweaters and cardigans, made in a sustainable and fair way. So worth a visit. If you can't afford to travel to Leiden, they also have it a dangerously beautiful webshop.

Bikini, that wonderful spot in Leiden's harbor. The entrepreneurs behind Bikini took over the popular Lot en de Walvis – a truly iconic spot in this delightful city.

Right on the water, Bikini is a delightful "boathouse," as they call it, with a large terrace and an extensive menu. Whether you're looking for breakfast or dinner, they have it all – all day long. They also organize things we love, like high tea or brunch packages. They also have room (and appetite) for large groups, making it an ideal spot for a baby shower or birthday brunch.

Fun for everyone, but extra fun for those who want to get out of the city for a while, feel like jumping on their bike and/or for those who want to go out with little romping blacksmiths (and loyal four-legged friends!): the Garden of the Blacksmith is located just outside the center of Leiden in the middle of greenery. Wonderful catering industry where it is most enjoyable on beautiful (winter) days. Healthy organic delicacies from the neighborhood on the menu. And if the weather is bad, you can also take shelter indoors.

Looking for a well-kept gem in Leiden? Then it's definitely Madame Marie. It almost feels like a living room where you can sit down every morning from 11 a.m. (on a select few days) for a slice of apple pie and a hot drink. Here, mother and daughter run a delightful coffee shop three days a week (Thursday-Saturday) with just a few items on the menu, but they're especially famous for their delicious homemade apple pie (which they also deliver to surrounding restaurants every morning).

Simply, without any frills, the best you could wish for in the morning.

Brasserie Buitenhuis in Valkenburg, not to be confused with the Limburg Valkenburg but with the mini Valkenburg near Leiden. We didn't know it either, but Brasserie Buitenhuis is one of the most important reasons to remember the existence of the village. Brasserie Buitenhuis is a lovely country house on the Valkenburgse Meer. A beautiful location with a terrace that you can admire, overlooking the water and with lots of sun.

Wow, we're so happy! After a turbulent time, Goeswijn was back in full swing. New owners, but an equally wonderful concept with delicious wines and the most delicious snack menu. Perfect for relaxing on the patio after a long day in the city.

This team is also a fantastic cook in the evenings. Delicious ravioli, tasty burrata, and wonderfully fresh ceviche. Small dishes, nothing complicated, just really good and delicious with a good glass of wine. Cheers!

After years of experience at restaurants like Wils in Amsterdam and The Bishop in Leiden, it was time for Lisa and Jim to make their own dream a reality. When a beautiful building on the edge of the city center became available, they jumped at the chance. duo Their chance. And we're so glad we did.

At Café de Gaper, you can enjoy good food and wines without breaking the bank. Here you can share various dishes (cozy), but you can also just order a main course for yourself. The menu includes ribeye with pointed cabbage or brioche with goat cheese, for example. The atmosphere? Cozy and warm. A wonderfully warm blanket you'd love to curl up in every evening.