Restaurants in Leiden

Leiden may be a student town but that does not mean you will only find pubs and cheap day menus. On the contrary! The city has a lively culinary offering that varies from fish restaurants to soul food and from French cuisine to Chinese dishes. See our overview of the most special restaurants in Leiden here.

Your ticket to the best restaurants in Leiden.
Leiden is a vibrant city filled with culinary highlights.
From seafood restaurants to soul food, Leiden has something for everyone.

A piece of filled fish

City Hall

The name of this Italian restaurant points to its extraordinary location beneath Leiden’s city hall. Its cuisine is purely Italian. You can spend hours here on the terrace with its comforting heaters, picking small bits to eat. Address: Stadhuisplein 3

Vishandel Atlantic

If you want to have some fish in Leiden the best place to go is fishmonger Atlantic. In 2012 the Turkish owners of this place won the award for best herring in Holland. They also have a stand at the Saturday market. Address: Levendaal 118

Het Prentenkabinet

This has been one of the city’s top restaurants for years now. Its chefs prepare amazing French and international dishes. It is located near the Pieterskerk or Peter’s church and stands guarantee for a special night. Address: Kloksteeg 25

Het Koetshuis “De Burcht”

At the foot of the Burcht citadel, you will find a restaurant that serves lunch, high tea and dinner every day of the week. We also recommend coffee with apple pie on the terrace! Address: Burgsteeg 13

De Gaanderij

In the past this building used to be a coffee roasting business but today it is a purely Dutch restaurant. Order your Dutch meal here or get ready for their famous spareribs. Address: Nieuwstraat 32

In den Doofpot

This is a top restaurant. Order á la carte or a full menu and let the chef’s knowhow amaze you. The restaurant serves excellent wines as well. Address: Turfmarkt 9

Brasserie Meelfabriek Zijlstroom

The former flour mill just outside the city has been converted to a brasserie, whose chefs prepare lovely meals from the best, often biological, seasonal and regional produce. Address: Zijldijk 28, Leiderdorp

’t Crabbetje

Fish, fish and more fish. ’t Crabbetje is the fish restaurant in Leiden that serves a range of excellent fish dishes. Or perhaps you would prefer a ‘Fruits de Mer’ with a bottle of white wine… Address: St. Aagtenstraat 5

Surakarta

If you want to try some Indonesian dishes, you should go to Surakarta. The Javanese dishes are just a bit sweeter and can be spiced up with the home-made sambal. Address: Noordeinde 51-53

Restaurant La Diva

La Diva does not have a menu since its chef works with seasonal produce. Go here if you want to be surprised by the best dishes and the chef’s creativity. Address: Noordeinde 23