Spring Hotspots in the Leiden Region
During Spring many restaurants and cafés in the Leiden region begin to blossom. Whether you’re craving delicious food or on the hunt to find your favorite drink, Leiden has many places that can live up to your taste palate. Many establishments start to open their terraces and host wonderful events that are worthy of a visit. Here are some potential options you can explore with your friends, family, or solo.
Restaurants
With spring in full bloom, these restaurants offer a delightful mix of fresh ingredients, lively atmospheres, and sun-kissed terraces where you can enjoy everything from gourmet meals to casual bites.
Het Pretenkabinet
Nestled in Leiden’s historic Pieterswijk, Het Prentenkabinet blends Dutch and French cuisine in a stunning centuries-old setting. With its elegant interior and sunny park terrace, this award-winning restaurant offers a refined and scenic dining experience.
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De Waag
Close by De Waag, is another great option for good food and scenic views. This establishment is housed within a historic building next to the old river Rijn and offers dishes inspired by flavors from around the globe. With their lively events featuring dancing, borrels, and live music you won’t be short of a good time.
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Annie's
Annie's can be tempting if you’re looking for simple tasty food. Situated under the old historical bridge of Leiden next to the old river Rijn, you cannot go wrong by simply enjoying fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and soups with a beautiful view of the boats passing by the terrace on a nice sunny day. If you are a foodie who’s interested in Dutch cuisine, Annies also has Dutch Kroketten on their menu
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Einstein
Located in the center of Leiden and the heart of the canals is Einstein, fusing traditional Dutch flavors with global influences offering the perfect setting to enjoy lunch, dinner, or unwind with a refreshing drink. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails or explore their curated selection of fine wines, each chosen to complement and enhance your dining adventure. On sunny days, their terrace provides a delightful relaxing spot to watch the passing boats.
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Cafés
If cakes and coffees are more of your thing. Starting with Cafe Roos, pinpointed within the new Rijn. It is a lovely place that offers a complete set of fresh healthy products to eat, and they also have coffee, tea, wine, and beer. If you’re in for a nice piece of cake, Café Roos will not let you down, as they prepare homemade fresh pies such as a typical Dutch “homemade Mother pie.”
Another recommendation is the critically acclaimed café in Galerie Cafe Leidse Lenten, a place blend to bring out the rustic aesthetic of the restaurant. The terrace is a great place to enjoy nice drinks and a tasty menu while being in the comfort of cosy music. The café also boasts a unique art exhibition and a wide range of antique furniture that give the place more character.
Although, if you’re in for a café where you can sit outside and enjoy the sun in complete silence, be sure to stop by café het Koffiehuisje van Leiden. This café can be found in the historical center of Leiden close to Rijksmuseum van Oudeheden set in a traditional Dutch house. It’s a place where you can enjoy a nice cup from the coffee bar and fresh sandwiches that complement the spring season excellently (salmon goat cheese, mozzarella, homemade quiche).
Stads café van der Werff is also worth mentioning as a place to set your eyes on. A restaurant with a stylish golden bar inside and sunny terrace close to the old bridge of Leiden, van der Werff is up to par with many other top-notch cafés. It’s perfect during every month of the spring season but especially in June/July since the warm weather has settled in.
Have you explored these locations? If so, discover many other eateries waiting for you to try, promising to delight your taste buds and keep your hunger at bay. From the most renowned to local hidden gems surrounding the region you'll find a great variety of selections. Whether you're looking for cosy or more lively Spring-like ambiance you can see what fits best depending on the occasion.
Discover more culinary hotspots in the Leiden region!