Dordrecht may not have an official Riviera, but there are plenty of waterfront terraces. With a cool glass of rosé or a beer in your hand and a view of the historic harbors or large rivers, you can imagine yourself on vacation in your own city. Settle down at one of the terraces that have adorned the quays of Dordrecht for decades or discover a new, surprising gem.
Enjoying the water ballet from the Merwekade
Where the Waterbus pulls in and out and small cruise ships temporarily moor, two terraces offer a wonderful view of the river from which the quay takes its name. From Downtown' s wind-protected terrace, one can enjoy the activity on the water and the comings and goings of Waterbus visitors. At the other end of the quay, Het Bolwerck offers a sweeping view of the three-river point from its luxurious and comfortably furnished terrace. "The view of Europe's busiest navigated river point is of course unique anyway," Dennis van der Salm of Het Bolwerck says of his terrace. "On warm days, people like to seek out the water and the silt tongues and mussels are unstoppable."
A picturesque view from the Groothoofd
The Groothoofd can be labeled as the Dordrecht RIVIERa with the best view of the unique point where the great rivers meet. Enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner on the terraces of Grandcafé Groothoofd and Jongepier from perhaps the most painted vista in Dordrecht. "Yes that view huh, you don't find that else in Dordrecht," explains Yvonne Kilsdonk, owner of both establishments. "Considering the amount of tourists that pass by here, I can say that Dordrecht is pretty much on the map as a city of terraces. And rightly so! It is a beautiful city and this spot on the Groothoofd can certainly be called unique."
Spanish conviviality in the Wolwevershaven
If you love a historic scene, you'll be in the right place at tapas bar 't Vlak on the Wolwevershaven where historic ships and the striking ship elevator Dok van Straatman dominate the view. With the beautiful mansions on either side, it is a cinematic scene that has also played a role in several films. There is hardly a more beautiful place for an evening of tapas with friends or family. "With us you experience Spanish geniality with Dutch cosiness," says Lea van der Ven, owner and cook. "Nice bites with a drink to go with it. Approachable, everyone is welcome and the experience is central."
New life at the New Port
Why travel all the way to Saint Tropez when you can also marvel at beautiful yachts and other maritime gems in our own city? From the terrace of Finn' s and Lef, you can enjoy the pleasure yachts and tour boats, for which the recently refurbished Engelenburg Bridge is regularly raised. The view of the Grote Kerk is also noteworthy. "This is one of the nicer spots in Dordrecht," thinks Regard Reuser, owner of Finn's. "With the various terraces and soon also a cocktail bar, more and more life is starting to come in, while you are still secluded from the worst of the hustle and bustle in the center."
On the other side of the New Harbour, experience a little piece of Italy under Otto e Mezzo 's unique covered terrace. Or for English coziness, head to the surprising vegan restaurant Rebel Rebel.
The Kalkhaven as a permanent home
It remains special to see such a large barge coming into that relatively small Kalkhaven. This spectacle can be admired from Merz' s terrace several times a day. Secluded from the biggest hustle and bustle of downtown, Dordrechters like to seek peace and quiet here to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. "There is a relaxed vibe here and on our terrace you can enjoy the sun all day long," says owner Ferry de Klerk. "You can be completely yourself with us and that's why people like to come back."
Surprising pearls from the Wine Bridge
Surely one of the most surprising and hidden gems is the terrace of lunchroom Helena. Anyone walking from the Wijnbrug toward the Voorstraat already catches a glimpse of the fairly new terrace that has emerged on the Wijnhaven. "We are right in the center, but if you take a seat on our terrace you come to complete peace and quiet," says owner Chia Namiq. "Our customers enjoy the boats passing by. It immediately feels like you're on vacation here."
The same goes for the cozy terrace of fish restaurant De Stroper in the extension of the Wijnbrug, where fish lovers imagine themselves in a cozy French alley.
Parading along the Dordt boulevard
The entrance to Dordrecht is increasingly inviting. With its fine terraces, the Spuiboulevard is increasingly living up to its name. About five years ago, DOK Bar & Bites was the first to breathe new life into the entrance to Dordrecht. Newcomer is restaurant Aan de Spuihaven. "We are in an ideal spot here that is only going to get more beautiful," says Eline Born, maître sommelier at Aan de Spuihaven. "A beautiful location that moves with the future and offers a nice contrast to the historic city center. Would you like to enjoy a beer and appetizers in the evening sun or are you more into champagne with oysters? It's all possible with us."
