Hidden City Gardens
Seen from the street, you wouldn't guess it, but behind those beautiful old facades in the city center are often beautiful leafy urban gardens. For example, at Brut you can enjoy your wine or burger in the greenery.
A little further on, lunchroom Den Witten Haen also has a fine garden, as do No.38 City Bakery and Broodcafé Jaap.
Het Magazijn's Hidden Green Gem
A big surprise when it comes to hidden city gardens is the large, completely secluded garden at Het Magazijn. It’s a unique spot—where else in the city center can you hear birds singing and the wind rustling through the trees? The hustle and bustle of the street seems miles away here. That makes it the ideal spot for a relaxed lunch, dinner, drinks, or just a cup of coffee. Enjoy the sun or find shelter in the shade, socialize with friends at a beer table, or enjoy an intimate moment together in a cozy nook. Amid the tall fences in the garden, overgrown with wisteria—a work of art by landscape architect Adriaan Geuze—you can relax with your drink. Cozy seating areas are dotted throughout, and there’s plenty of space for children to play and swing. In this lovely garden, anything is possible, all day long, seven days a week: from your cappuccino in the early morning sun to your craft beer by a crackling fire under the starry sky.
Enjoying the Waterfront
It is also nice to relax, especially in very warm weather, on the many terraces along the waterfront. At Merz you sit on the sunny terrace on an inner harbor full of imposing barges. At the beginning of the Nieuwe Haven, on Blauwpoortsplein, you will find the cozy terraces of Finn's and Lef. A little further on you can enjoy pizzas, antipasti and drinks under the beautiful monumental roof of Otto e Mezzo and at tapas bar 't Vl ak you can enjoy the most delicious tapas and a view of the beautiful Wolwevershaven. If you stroll further along the harbors, you will eventually arrive at the famous Groothoofd where you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the famous Dordrecht Drierivierenpunt from the various terraces. With sunshine until late in the evening and always a nice cooling breeze, you couldn't wish for a better terrace spot.
Bustling city terraces
If you are looking for something more lively, you will find more than enough terraces scattered through the center from where you can watch city life at your leisure.
On the street leading from the station to downtown, you’ll pass the charming terrace of Restaurant Post—the perfect spot for all kinds of Mediterranean delights, both in your glass and on your plate. Just a stone’s throw away, right on the waterfront of Spuiboulevard, are the sunny terraces of DOK Bar & Bites. Come enjoy the breeze while having a drink and a bite to eat or a delicious dinner, fine wines, craft beers—and be sure to try the lobster!
These aren't the only outdoor cafes in Dordrecht...
Surprisingly cozy city terraces
As you walk further into the city, you’ll always find a great spot—both literally and figuratively—on and around the Visbrug. Here you’ll find the sunny terrace of the Greek restaurant Olympiada, the sophisticated, Parisian atmosphere of Centre Ville, and the spacious terrace of De Crimp. It was already pleasant to sit there in front of the historic facade, but you can also enjoy the sun across the street in five stylish wooden alcoves against the Walloon Church. Each seating area seats ten, ideal if you want to dine or have drinks with a group.
Luca: Italian "la dolce vita" at Scheffersplein
And then, of course, there’s Scheffersplein, the city’s culinary heart and the square known for its outdoor dining. Amid all the outdoor dining spots that have been there for years, Osteria Bar Luca has transformed its own section of the square into an Italian piazza where you can taste and experience the good Italian life in every way.
Here there is that relaxed, casual summer atmosphere as found in small Italian streets where everyone gathers to enjoy good food and drink together. A terrace with cozy corners, cozy seats for two and of course the über-Italian long tables at which people dine until late. Sip an espresso against the façade, sip a wine in the sun, feast on the tastiest fresh antipasti and pizzas. Here you can enjoy yourself as only the Italians can.
