With the sun high in the sky, the terraces are filling up again. From bustling catering squares and sunny waterside seats to quiet enjoyment in hidden city gardens: the choice of nice places to settle down with your drink seems to get bigger every summer. We list the best terraces for you.
Hidden courtyard gardens
A little further on, lunchroom Den Witten Haen also has a lovely garden, just like No.38 City Bakery and Broodcafé Jaap. Also special is the terrace of Coffeelicious in the beautiful old garden of the stately Huis van Gijn, near the museum with the same name.
Green hidden gem of The Warehouse
A big surprise in terms of indoor gardens is the large, completely enclosed city garden of Het Magazijn. A unique place, because where else in the centre can you hear birds singing and the wind rustling through the trees?
Until the restaurant opened last summer, hardly anyone knew of the existence of this green oasis behind Voorstraat Noord. The busy life on the street seems miles away here. It makes it the ideal place for a relaxed lunch, dinner, drinks or just a cup of coffee. Whether in the sun or in the shade, with friends at a beer table or intimate together in a small seating area. Between the wisteria-covered high fences in the garden - a work of art by landscape architect Adriaan Geuze - hang hammocks in which you can chill with your drink. Here and there are cheerful beach chairs, there is plenty of room for children to play and swing and you can also try your hand at a game of ping-pong. In this fine garden, it's all possible, all day, seven days a week - from your cappuccino in the early morning sun to your special beer by a crackling fire under the stars.
Enjoying the waterfront
The many terraces along the waterfront are also a pleasant place to be, especially when the weather is warm. At Merz, you can sit on the sunny terrace by an inner harbour full of impressive barges. At the beginning of the Nieuwe Haven, you will find the pleasant terraces of Finn's and Lef on the Blauwpoortsplein. 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 Vlak, you can enjoy the most delicious tapas with a view of the beautiful Wolwevershaven. If you continue your stroll along the harbours, you will eventually arrive at the famous Groothoofd where, from the various terraces, you have an unparalleled view of the famous Dordt Drierivierenpunt. With sunshine until late in the evening and always a nice cooling breeze, you cannot wish for a better terrace spot.
Bustling city terraces
If you are looking for something a bit more lively, you will find plenty of terraces throughout the centre from where you can watch the city life at leisure.
It starts right in front of the station, with Macho Mama's beautiful terrace. On the spacious terrace you can enjoy your burrito, nacho, taco, salad or family fiesta. Further down the street you pass the attractive terrace of restaurant Post; the place for all kinds of Mediterranean goodies in your glass and on your plate. Just a stone's throw away, you will find the sunny terraces of DOK Bar & Bites by the water of the Spuiboulevard. From 16.00 hours, you can always swing by for a drink and a snack or a nice dinner, fine wines, special beers and be sure to try the lobster!
Another remarkable city terrace
If you walk further into town, then you are, literally and figuratively, always in the right place on and around the Visbrug. Here you will find the sunny terrace of Greek restaurant Olympiada, the mundane, Parisian atmosphere of Centre Ville and the extensive terrace of De Crimp. It was already pleasant to sit in front of the monumental façade, but recently you can also enjoy the sun on the other side in five stylish wooden alcoves against the Walloon Church. Each seat has room for ten, ideal if you want to eat or drink with a group.
Luca - la dolce vita italiana on the Scheffersplein
And then, of course, there is the Scheffersplein, the hospitality heart of the city. Amidst all the terraces that have been there for years, the still hip newcomer osteria/bar Luca transformed its own little square into an Italian piazza where you can taste and experience the good Italian life in everything.
Here you will find that relaxed, nonchalant summer atmosphere of small Italian streets where everyone gathers to enjoy good food and drink together. A terrace with cosy corners, cosy seats for two and of course the über-Italian long tables where people dine until late. Sip an espresso against the façade, drink a glass of wine in the sunshine, and savour the freshest antipasti and pizzas. Here you can enjoy yourself as only the Italians can.
