Did you want to know the hotspots of Groningen? We have that, and how
In our opinion, it remains the best provincial slogan ever invented: there is nothing like Groningen. No way to get in between. Every time we are there, we discover something fun in the student city. It has to be said: we really believe those student bars now, we ignore them, but there is really so much more worth seeing. This is a handful hotspots in Groningen. Done reading? On to Groningen, because nothing beats it.
And this one is really nice: a Groningen weekend itinerary!
A selection in the list below, but Groningen has so much more! So much, that we have written an e-booklet full of it: The Groningen e-book.
It truly feels like a holiday at Camping de Kleine Wereld, just south of Groningen. We fall in love with the looks and atmosphere here. Cozy and relaxed for young and old. Choose your own camping spot or a snugly furnished Swedish cottage, light a campfire, and enjoy peace, space, and nature. The kids can let off steam in the nature playground, while parents relax in the hot tub or have a drink at Bistro Landing. A swimming pool, yoga classes, local delicacies, and plenty of walking and cycling options in the surrounding area make this the perfect nature getaway.
Well hello Peaky Blinders lovers! Off to Groningen, since there, in the city centre of the always fun student resort, is one of the country's best cocktail bars. The Stockroom Groningen is the name, and the business is run by four friends, one of whom was already crowned bartender of the year a few years ago (you see).
The bar owes its name to the former one function of the building in which the cocktail shop is located: for years the building was an almost unused storage space for the restaurant right next door. Four friends decided to rename the space into a cocktail bar where, like in the past, you first have to work your way through the racks before you end up in the speakeasy bar. Then New York style ceilings (you know, those square 'tiles' with a design), green tiles, comfortable bar chairs and high-quality cocktails with sounding names like Tropic like its hot and the Stockroom Summer Cup.
Ten points for the wonderful design/house style of Bar Barrie: even if you don't know what Bar Barrie is exactly, you want to go there. At least, we do. And guess what? The actual bar lives up to its digital version: Very. Terribly. Nice. At Bar Barrie you can drink everything from your morning cup of coffee to beer in the evening from Thursday to Sunday. Smoothies, croissants and Shakshuka for breakfast, plump sourdough sandwiches for lunch, and a great drinks menu for everything after, say, 16 p.m. Until 22 p.m., because that's when they close. They don't take reservations at Bar Barrie and we think that's nice: it's the credo in Groningen to drop by.
For those who think Groningen only has great restaurants and cafes, think again. In the far east of the province, right on the German border, lies a place where both body and mind can relax. Where you can stroll through the beautiful sauna garden in your bathrobe with a steaming cup of herbal tea. At Thermen Bad Nieuweschans, everything revolves around the mineral spring. Literally. A natural, warm, mineral-rich spring that has been bubbling beneath the Groningen clay landscape for centuries and whose water now flows through the various pools. Good for your skin, your muscles, and your mood.
You might start your day in the outdoor saltwater pool, then stroll to the unique Lampivaara sauna. Or you could doze off in a hammock or participate in a scent or sound ritual. End the day with a delightful dinner in the lounge or the luxurious Norell restaurant, and don't forget the Northern Lights sauna. A perfect way to end your day feeling completely relaxed.
Another great thing: Thermen Bad Nieuweschans has swimwear days two days a week, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you. And if you don't want to go home after a day of soaking and detoxing (which we completely understand!), book a room at the on-site hotel and you can stroll right back into the spa in the morning.
A hotspot on the Grote Markt is Bar French — the name says it all: a French bistro with a croque madam and a croque croquette on the menu (say whut!). They also have a nice wine list. You can recognize it by the colored stained glass windows above the entrance and a large terrace in front of the door.
If you have one evening, one dinner, to spend in Groningen, then definitely visit Bistro Boys Groningen. A classic bistro in a contemporary style – you know them, a wonderful bistro where it is simply relaxed. It's the same at Bistro Boys: very good cuisine, great service, a nice terrace and basically ten points. Or at least nine – we are only human, and the people of Bistro Boys Groningen ditto. But a big tip anyway!
image via Tripadvisor
Find Vega in Groningen? Brussels Lof is your answer. On the menu very tasty vegetarian dishes, a little bit of fish and cheese fondue. This cheese fondue has been on the menu for more than 40 years and all vegetables come mostly from their own vegetable garden. As do the flowers on the plate and the honey.
Bob (the chef, from Brussels Lof) often goes out himself: into the woods or to the Wadden Sea. Here he looks for fresh plants, flowers or mushrooms that he uses in the dishes. Also nice: it is possible to go with him. All you have to do is send an email. Thick like
At the end of the day you can join us with peace of mind Bellamis in the most famous catering street in Groningen – fun guaranteed. The sophisticated bar called Bellami's could easily have been in Paris. This foodies There may be some ridicule in terms of looks (wallpaper from Cole & Son was the starting point, surrounded by wooden benches, velvet chairs, smoked glass tables and weathered mirror tiles), but the place also scores points when it comes to the food. That was necessary, since Bellami's replaced Muller - the closure was a hard blow for fans of French cuisine. Fortunately, the delicatessen bar does not disappoint: the menu includes typical French fare such as escargots, crudités, shrimp cocktails and Dordogne mushrooms. No frills but pure dishes.
Cici's comes from the same mold as Bellami's and you immediately notice that (which is positive!). Here it is Italian, chic style. An ode to modern Italian cuisine, with a Venetian twist. You can taste Mediterranean influences in the dishes, through the use of herbs. Old-fashioned dishes, with lots of taste. You can eat here á la carte or share dishes.
How do you pronounce that name? As tjie-tjie, it refers to a pet name which has the meaning darling/sweetheart.
The Clockworker, a personal favorite. Hidden in a courtyard you will find this gem of a place. In the summer, the courtyard is transformed into an outdoor terrace and there are guaranteed lines. As they say themselves, 'from the first cup of coffee to the last beer you are in the right place at De Uurwerker' and that is not a lie. You can work quietly, consult, but also chill out. Here they have an extensive snack menu (then you already have us), roasted cauliflower, the well-known sweet potato fries that we can't get enough of, crispy chicken and the list goes on. The lunch and dinner menu are also nicely extensive, a whole range of pizzas, roasted tomato soup, Lebanese bread, a menu that will undoubtedly contain something that will make you happy. In short: you're in the right place for every hour (ha) of the day.
You have good tips and you have, uh, good tips. Museum café Het Pomphuis in Groningen belongs to both categories. That is quite surprising because when you think of a museum café you often think of a simple cup of coffee in a deadly boring set of white porcelain and - sorry, but it really is true - an uninspired sandwich. Nothing is uninspired at the Groningen Museum Café Het Pomphuis! On the contrary. The more than tasteful room is just as inspiring as the museum itself and serves surprising dishes (a no-brainer, but it's true) made from regional ingredients. That's great, because it is a place where you can easily (easily) score a spot on the canal on a weekday, and a place where you can thoroughly enjoy an afternoon or evening. Big tip in Groningen.
Eight in Groningen is the kind of lunchroom that takes you on a tasteful voyage of discovery, right in the bustling heart of the Westerhaven. At Eight they break the norm. No hassle with packages and bags, but purity on the plate. All their dressings and sauces are homemade and plant-based. And if that's not enough, they also specialize in tempting lactose-free and gluten-free lunches. They believe in the power of real food, and you can taste it.
The doors swing open from Friday to Sunday, between 11.00 a.m. and 18.30:XNUMX p.m.
The living room of Anne&Max is perfect for anyone looking for a moment of peace and relaxation. The name alone invites you to come and chill out, don't you immediately think of a good cup of coffee and chill lounge chairs where you can catch up with your friends? We certainly do and that is also the case with Anne&Max. All products are pure and organic as much as possible, so good for you and for nature.
The living room feeling you get when you step inside ensures that you can get lost in your book or play games at the large table with your friends. Tables by the window for perfect people watching and to enjoy your breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, sweets or drinks. Or take the kids with you who will have endless fun in the children's corner. In any case, you will find yourself in a nice spot at Anne&Max.
You will find an eatery in the heart of Noorderplantsoen Sunday, where every day of the week is like a weekend. A five-minute walk from the center puts you in the middle of the park, away from all the hustle and bustle. They have a menu full of local delicacies, including the Groningen mustard soup, a Brakke sandwich (Groningen is and remains a student city) and a children's menu. Ideal if you are out with your children. So are you looking forward to a Sunday day like that? Then you know where to settle in Groningen.
Good food, an atmosphere that makes you happy and community support Mahalo centrally. All products are homemade and they are also organic and completely plant-based. This also means that you don't get cow's milk, but there is plenty of choice. Oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk or hazelnut milk are on the menu, something for everyone. Also nice: you can put together your own picnic basket at Mahalo. They have a basket and rug for you, you can choose the contents yourself and you can have a picnic in front of the door in the Noorderplantsoen. At the end of your picnic (date), return the basket and blanket. Great tip if you want to do something slightly different.
Like we said, there's nothing like Groningen! And when in Groningen, then nothing beats visiting (or better yet spending the night at) The Market Hotel, on the Grote Markt. If you spend the night at The Market Hotel, you are really a hop and skip away from all kinds of cozy restaurants, the Noorderplantsoen, the Martini tower and much more to mention. In the hotel itself you also have a number of very nice places to sit. You have to go for pastry (or an ice cream sundae). Bakery Westers are. You can get cocktails at the bar or on the terrace Café Willem Albert and you're in the right place for an evening out for dinner. Sort of Dutch cuisine with a new-fangled twist. The Market Hotel is literally a jack of all trades and all in the pleasant center of Groningen. So whether you spend the whole day in the hotel or you go out; it's a party.
Want to know more terraces in Groningen? Then check out this list: Terraces in Groningen
At restaurant Rooster they all do it slightly differently. There is no service or dishes, but there are three le roosters. You may have guessed it already, they cook, serve and wash the dishes. The chefs have put together a five-course dinner with various appetizers that changes per season. You can get your own bread, drinks, coffee or tea. They have selected a suitable wine for each dish and they also have a wine list with eight white and eight red wines. The wines and glasses are at the wine bar where you take them yourself and keep track of what you drank that evening. This way you can put together your own bill during the evening. You have to come here for a special experience! Make sure you reserve in time, sometimes they are packed for four months in a row.
Next on this list there is one with a different concept than you might be used to from a coffee shop. Spaak In addition to being a coffee and lunch spot, it is also a bicycle shop. They sell and repair bicycles, and you can buy everything you need for your bicycle. The approach of the bicycle café is a good basis or reward after your bike ride, after your own ride or the Spaakride that they organize themselves, which you can participate in for free. You can eat homemade pastries and sandwiches and fresh milk is delivered every week from the local Groningen farmer. We'd like to see Spaak do things a little differently.
In the Noorderhaven, the last free port in the Netherlands, you will find: dokjard. A beer brewery where they brew their own beers and experiment a lot. Beer lovers can really enjoy themselves here. In addition to the many beers, they also have an international cuisine with its own twist. Dishes are matched to the beers so that they are well balanced with each other. And if you really can't choose, they also have the five-course I-don't-want-to-choose menu.
The relaxed atmosphere, lots of light, bamboo and neutral tones are somewhat reminiscent of Amsterdam's Coffee and Coconuts. Including multiple floors (landmarks, right?).
At Coffee Break you don't ask for oat milk in your coffee, you get it, as a kind of harbinger. A bit of an upside-down world because you pay extra for cow's milk. We think it's beautiful. In addition, they are at this spot that hard flexi-tariers. A fancy word for eating almost no meat, you know the grill (bland, that's how we are).
Fancy cappuccino, you get it cappuccino. Why is it called that? Coffee is not the only thing they are good at, the wines are also great. And look, here it comes: cappuccino and vino makes cappuvino! We were a little concerned about the explanation for the name. So you can go there for a cup of coffee or a drink. The entire cafe looks spick and span. From the gold/brass print in the floor to the slick bar. And you are also in good hands with the working staff.
Such a golden old one that any Groninger knows: Pronk. The restaurant is located in a beautiful old building in the middle of the Vismarkt. You feel the history together with an excellent modern interior. To illustrate; an incredibly beautiful monumental staircase opposite brand new sleek furniture. You're comfortable here. Just like in the covered courtyard, where you can relax all day long all year round.
No time to cook quickly means unhealthy food. Two students thought this had to be different and they had zero experience Ra Bowls started. They make healthy bowls that are completely plant-based with the idea that it is better for the planet, but also better for you. Their big mission is to replace big junk food chains with healthy options. Everything is completely home-made and fresh on the day itself. In addition to bowls, there are also fresh juices for sale. Rå Bowls are ideal if you don't have time to cook or if you want to eat healthy or just because it looks fantastic or… Rå Bowls is a good idea anyway, we don't think you need a reason for it.
Groningen has a Flemish restaurant. pernickel is the name and means “an irresistible urge for…” It will probably come as no surprise that we fill it in with “food”. This urge is fulfilled at pernickel with their sustainable and local specialties. Think seasonal vegetables and especially very healthy food because that is important to them here. You can all day long choose from a small (but nice) menu. So let's have some fun.
Now pay close attention because up next is mr. mofongo. And that is one for us to remember or even write down. Many already know him, but he is worth mentioning. What a special place you MUST go to when you are in Groningen. Especially for the cocktails because boy, they are special. We don't want to tell you too much about it, so go there quickly!
When the weather is nice, we are all less likely to say no to a nice ice cream in the sun or as a dessert after dinner. Groningen also knows what to do with that. Read our article where to get ice cream in Groningen!
FLO or Florentin in Groningen is a must to pop in. Inside you are in the Israeli Florentin district in Tel Aviv, from which the restaurant draws its inspiration. Above your head hang typical Florentine clotheslines with clean laundry on them. The menu also has Israeli influences. You eat there in the “Balagan” style. At FLO it looks like a table filled with Israeli food that you eat together.
From a distance you can see a large white sphere emerging between the old Groningen gas factories. This sphere is called Dot and inside at Dot you can sit and enjoy a good meal. Outside you can chill on the famous city beach in the warmer months. And if that's not all, you can also follow it with a film or theater performance in the beautiful Dome. You have to see it to understand how beautiful this is.
Masmas is located in one of the nicest streets of Groningen, 't Jatstraat. It is also seen as 'the second living room' for students. Drinking coffee is allowed, but not necessary, you can also just sit there to work or meet others. They are open every day, a bit later than you might be used to. You are welcome from twelve o'clock, because the owners are not really into getting up early, and we don't mind that so much.
That's what we always want most, us good feel. You don't necessarily have to be here for that, but this cheerful person does help. Pure and real food, no chemical additives, all wishes and allergies are met immediately (and kindly) and everything is simply delicious. Anyway, eating that makes you happy, that is the aim.
At Food Matters say they really pay attention to their menu. They know what makes their products so special and are happy to tell you this in the lunch cafe. Nice and honest and transparent. We all believe.
More tips
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Groningen down-to-earthness at restaurant Bij Hammingh in Garnwerd
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The best (remote) restaurants in the Northern Netherlands (provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe)
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Dokjard in Groningen (and two more unmissable Groningen beer addresses in the slipstream)
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4 Nice hotspots at the Noorderplantsoen in Groningen
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This is how you do terrace shopping in Groningen
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Culinary travel in Groningen