6 sunny spots for your first drink outside in Utrecht
Finally! The flowers are in full bloom and the sunshine makes a welcome return. Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing—time for the first outdoor drink of the year. As soon as the sun appears, terrace tables start filling up. It’s the perfect excuse to order some drinks and nibbles. From city-centre spots to leafy hangouts just outside, these are the places to catch the first rays before anyone else.
SOIA
This list wouldn’t be complete without SOIA—a peaceful city beach in Utrecht West with plenty of space to sit and enjoy the sun, including a roof terrace. Drop by for lunch, dinner or drinks and sample their tasty burgers, salads and sharing plates.
Closed for renovations until 3 April.
En Public
En Public is a relaxed bar and restaurant on the edge of the Griftpark in Utrecht Oost. As soon as the sun comes out, tables fill up with locals and park-goers. The menu features excellent coffee, lunch dishes, sharing plates and a well-chosen selection of wines.
Villa Orloff
If you’re after a sunny spot within easy walking distance of the city centre, Villa Orloff is a great choice. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area looks out over the park and the Singel canal—a lovely place to relax after a stroll along the water. The generous menu has delicious sandwiches, salads, burgers and fresh homemade pizza.
Ledig Erf
When the sun makes an appearance, head for Ledig Erf. On this bright and sunny square, you’ll find Café Ledig Erf and Louis Hartlooper Complex—two well-loved Utrecht institutions where spring seems to start just that little bit earlier. Whether you’re after a morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, early evening drinks or dinner, it’s the kind of place you can drop into whenever you want.
Buiten bij de Sluis
A little outside the city centre, Buiten bij de Sluis has a big outdoor seating area right by the water—a great spot to ease into the season as the days grow warmer. The kitchen is known for honest, unfussy cooking, using as many ingredients as possible from the Netherlands and, ideally, the Utrecht region. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do.
Landhuis in de Stad
Set among the trees of Park Oog in Al, Landhuis in de Stad feels a world away from the city. The spacious outdoor seating area and peaceful surroundings make it a wonderful place to enjoy the first days of spring. The menu is all about seasonal lunch and dinner dishes, spotlighting sustainable and local food.
