Top 8 outdoor cafés beyond the city centre
Bicycle? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Time to head out to Utrecht’s best outdoor, out-of-town cafés. We have put together our top eight.
De Nijverheid
De Nijverheid cultural freezone lies in the heart of the Werkspoorkwartier district. There’s always something to see, do and taste thanks to the laid-back waterside café, locally brewed craft beers, exhibitions and cultural events that take place every week.
Op Zuid
NY Style bar & bistro Op Zuid lies alongside the tranquil Vaartsche Rijn canal. The ideal spot to spend a perfect day, courtesy of a well-stocked beer cellar and a supply of homemade, stone-baked pizzas. Take a seat, unwind and watch the boats glide by.
SOIA urban beach
Utrecht-West is home to the popular SOIA urban beach in the Oog in Al district. On sunny days, locals gather here to catch some rays and enjoy a pleasant afternoon by the water. Pick a spot on the lawn or choose a picnic bench for some lunch, dinner, a barbeque or bar snacks.
©Op Roose
Op Roose
Op Roose is housed in the two oldest buildings in Kanaleneiland and overlooks the majestic Prins Claus bridge. Enjoy a lazy breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner in this unique location and take in the views over the shimmering water.
Garden café Noordertuin
Nestled among the flowers and leaves of Steck garden centre in the Overvecht district, Noordertuin serves the best local coffees, teas, juices, alcohol-free beers and cakes, as well as a generous lunch menu. Noordertuin (Dutch for ‘northern garden’) is open throughout the day and, as its name implies, has its very own fruit, vegetable and herb garden — tended by locals.
Key West Beachhouse
Key West Beachhouse lies in the modern Leidsche Rijn district at Haarrijnse Plas, one of Utrecht’s laid-back urban beaches. Check out the gorgeous views of the water and soak up those holiday vibes.
Camping Ganspoort
Located in the Rotsoord neighbourhood, close to Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn railway station, Camping Ganspoort offers breakfast and lunch that hits the spot, a sunny terrace by the water and plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy a multicourse dinner made with local ingredients. You can also opt for the simple pleasure of a chilled beer at the bar. Be aware, Camping Ganspoort is not an actual campsite!
Brewpub de Kromme Haring
Situated in the Kanaleneiland district, De Kromme Haring brewery is proud of its roots and craft, serving 12 draught beers brewed in-house. Not a beer fan? No problem. There is also a range of elegant natural wines by Vleck, a large selection of soft drinks by Dortlust and coffee by Nordkapp artisan roasters.
