The nicest places in Arnhem (dinner, terraces, lunch and more)
Arnhem is not that bad... First of all because it is located in a great location (hello nature (the Hoge Veluwe) versus the city) and also because it is an easy drive from the Randstad. Really gone, but not that long travel time. Win-win if you ask us. We were once again inspired by the country's best fashion city where creativity is on the streets.
Also important: Arnhem is the city of the most renowned fashion school in the country. Of course, those students stick around more than once and that in turn produces the best creative shops (and catering addresses!). Just saying.
That photo on the right? That is City Villa Sonsbeek in the Sonsbeek Park. One of the largest parks in the Netherlands and the villa is a wonderful always-good base.
Museum Arnhem is situated in a place that spontaneously leaves you speechless: high on a glacial ridge, overlooking the Rhine. Inside, a surprising mix of contemporary art, fashion, jewelry, and colorful Neorealism awaits. Refreshing, inspiring, and just a little different from the norm. The museum is known for its idiosyncratic choices and showcases work by artists you absolutely won't find in every museum. Since the 80s, the museum has primarily acquired art created by women and artists with culturally diverse backgrounds. Cool, as is the design of the entire building: historical meets design.
Good to know: the sculpture garden (a must see!) is free to enter. Walk among the artworks, take a seat at Café Pierre for coffee, cake, or lunch with a view, or play a game of ping pong. Feel free to set aside a few hours for Museum Arnhem!
Loewy Bistro is a neo bistro in Sint Marten, Arnhem, and that means good food with a fresh perspective. (Neo = new, a bit of renewal, away from the traditional) fine dining and especially a lot of creativity and seasonal ingredients.) What can you expect on your plate? A wild sea bass crudo, with a kissabel apple and radish. A bit of Mediterranean flair, but the Loewy way. The food and drink here are simply good, but of the best quality.
Anyone who has delved even a little bit into Dutch fashion knows that the only major fashion academy is in Arnhem (ArtEZ Academy of Fine Arts).
The name Piet Paris should also ring a bell. This fashion illustrator of considerable stature—though not in terms of stature—devised in 2012 that Arnhem was ready for a fashion hotel. A particularly good idea that turned out particularly well. Every room is inherently unique, although you can choose from six different room types: the Small Room, the Comfort Room, the Loft Room, the Superior Room with Mezzanine, the Design Studio, and the Design Studio Split Level. Book now!
If we don't go to Naples, Naples will simply come to us. At Pizza Beppe, you'll eat authentic Neapolitan pizzas: handmade dough, San Marzano tomatoes straight from the Vesuvius region, and Fior di Latte that's truly exceptional.
The atmosphere? 'Cool & fine dining'. Culture, music, lifestyle, and pizza from top-notch brick ovens. Add a generous dose of craftsmanship and passion, and you're good to go. It's no wonder they were the first in the Netherlands to officially receive the designation. Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) quality mark – no concessions, only authentic.
At Pizza Beppe, you eat pizza the way it's meant to be. With 30 locations nationwide, there's always a place to sit down, and in Arnhem, you can find it at Jansplaats. Bon appetite!
It doesn't get more French than this in Arnhem. This brasserie is located on Velperplein and has a typical French feel: dark and warmly decorated with cozy tables and a beautiful bar where you can also dine. The idea is that you feel like you're in Paris for an evening: with a cozy atmosphere, good wine, and classic dishes. Here you can eat snails, but also, on a less exciting note, a more than excellent steak tartare. The wines? French! So delicious Chardonnay and Champagne. Be sure not to skip dessert, because the crème brûlée is divine.
In the heart of the city center you will find the atmospheric restaurant RivusThis small and charming trattoria is known for its warm, informal atmosphere and delicious Italian dishes. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel like you've stepped into Italy.
At Rivus, simplicity and quality are paramount. The menu features classic Italian dishes such as fresh pasta, pizza, and fish and seafood, prepared with fresh ingredients and meticulous attention to flavor. The restaurant boasts an intimate atmosphere, with an open kitchen and a relaxed atmosphere where guests immediately feel welcome.
Boulangerie Hotel Karel should not be missing from an Arnhem list. Every day (except Monday) you can get the tastiest bread, chocolate bread en cinnamon rolls at Karel's. Additionally, you can settle down there for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Come in good company or grab the newspaper to spend the entire morning doing nothing but drinking coffee and eating your fill. The atmosphere certainly won't be a problem.
Eating and drinking with nature. At The Green Rose, they cook with the best ingredients. With vegetables that are at their best this season, with local and sustainable fish (from Dutch waters), and meat from animals that have lived well. As a result, The Green Rose has a menu that moves with the seasons. At this green rose, you can order a five- or six-course set menu or à la carte. Vegetarian options are also available here (not vegan). Top off all that deliciousness on your plate with the best natural wine. And dig in!
If you are in a new city, it is nice to end up at a “local” coffee bar. Bomboca is such a place. Good coffee, excellent pasteis de nata and, above all, a nice relaxed atmosphere. If there is sun, you can sit outside on the terrace. They also have breakfast and lunch on the menu. So sitting down for a while is a great idea.
Give us South Africa, the Savannah or diving in Malaysia, because we would love to go on holiday. We prefer to cover as many countries as possible in the shortest possible time, together with the students of course. Arnhem is also the ideal place for that place to be. Arnhem? Yep, in Burgers' Zoo you go on an adventure, a kind of world trip in one day. And that goes from the ocean to the rainforest, from the desert to the savannah and from the jungle to the park. And it's teeming with animals here.
There are themed walks, but also good restaurants and cafes. And if you want to travel for several days? Then simply book one of the many charming hotels, campsites, or bungalow parks in the area (a number of which we already mention in this list). We could hardly stop talking about it. Burger' Zoo, so in this article we will go over it some more.
Bottleshop Vivian deserves a spot on your list! All the wines they sell are sourced from small European wineries and are all available in the shop. Besides the shop, you can also visit on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM for a glass of wine (or a bottle) and snacks, which may vary daily. The food is also sourced from local producers with minimal additives. For example, they often have bread from Bar Hotel Karel, who bakes delicious sourdough bread, as well as small dishes that pair wonderfully with the wines. It's the kind of place where you linger and eventually leave.
A work of art or museum often sounds anything but cool. That's not necessary at all, because we will explain why Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, which is very cool and fun. So Otterlo, which is near Arnhem and should therefore still be included in this list, we think. The Kröller-Müller Museum is art, nature and architecture in one. Not a standard museum, but more of a museum house.
And we are big fans of the accompanying sculpture garden. Then take those children with you. You don't have to stay on the paths there, because oh how difficult they find that. There you just run across the grass, play hide and seek and climb on works of art, at least on some of them.
Image by Marjon Gemmeke
Another cozy spot. This time a bit north of the city center. At Sugar Hill the terrace is especially nice. Why go to Sugar Hill? For citizens. And the coffee. And did we mention the citizens? And also for the delicious snacks (drink boards).
You wouldn't want to skip the lunch menu and once again: save room for a sweet snack. They are homemade and everything looks “fingerlicking good”. Good-looking boy who leaves that alone.
Just take a short detour outside the city and you will find this gem: The Arnhem pumping station. Good for a strong and tasty cup of coffee, but also for the nice ambiance. A living room café where you immediately feel at home.
Naturally, in addition to coffees, you can also find lunch dishes: toasted sandwiches, toast, and more of the well-known, but definitely don't skip the delicious pastries!
Restaurant Verheyden is not new, and therefore a highly recommended tip (because people forget about it, even though it is a gem). Tucked away on a side street in the city center, the establishment is simply one of the most atmospheric places to dine in Arnhem. In warm weather, tables are set up in the street, but the most beautiful spot – even in spring and autumn – is the courtyard, where you eat under the grapevines. A holiday in your own country, I promise. Pull up a chair for one of their excellent pastas. Make sure you’re in the mood for oysters: Restaurant Verheyden is known for these platters for salty friends.
In bustling Klarendal, the cuisine is inspired by Spain, based on French roots – and it works. What ends up on your plate comes from the local region as much as possible: fish from the North Sea, meat from Dutch soil, and vegetables and herbs from Arnhem growers. And then there is the wine list: more than 650 wines in all price ranges. You come for the food and stay for the wine.
