Unique terraces in Holland
Dining and drinking becomes even more of a celebration in inspiring locations that make the most of the outdoors. These top-rated terraces in Holland offer unparalleled views of harbours and country gardens, innovative menus and special details that enhance the dining experience.
- Enjoy waterfront views, natural surroundings and historic settings.
- Taste local flavours and experimental twists on Dutch cuisine.
- Make a night of it with restaurants that double as hotels and B&Bs.
TerWorm Castle, Heerlen
For an extravagant dining experience, it’s hard to go past the majestic setting of a 14th-century castle. TerWorm Castle in Limburg offers the full fairy-tale experience with its terrace located next to its moat, overlooking immaculately manicured gardens. The Auberge brasserie and bar serves a selection of fine wines and Mediterranean tapas on the terrace, while inside, executive chef Andy Brauers and chef de cuisine Vincent van Vierzen showcase flavours of the region. You can also book an overnight stay in one of the lavish castle bedrooms.
De Werf, Veere
De Werf showcases Zeeland’s exceptional seafood (mussels, oysters, sole, cod and more) in imaginative and innovative dishes, which are best enjoyed outside on the terrace when the weather permits. The terrace provides views of the harbour, giving diners a glimpse of boats sailing past with monumental historic buildings in the background. The inside of the restaurant is equally atmospheric and is decorated using sustainable sea-themed design elements.
WT Urban Kitchen, Utrecht
This industrial water tower in Utrecht has been repurposed to offer a fine dining experience from the top floor. Guests are treated to breath-taking views from 10 stories above ground with monumental buildings and the Dom Tower in the distance. The chefs excel at creative flavour combinations, and the menu offers a choice of four, five or six courses with wine pairings. An alternative vegetarian menu is also available.
Bernardushoeve, Zuid-Limburg
Escape to a country retreat at this terrace surround by idyllic farmland in Zuid-Limburg. Bernardushoeve offers a unique farm-stay experience, with 19 apartments available to rent for holidays. An ice cream stand is located at the entrance of the early 19th-century farmhouse, which guests walk through to reach the terrace surrounded by lush gardens at the back. Lunch, dinner, drinks and afternoon tea are served inside and out.
’t Veerhuis, Ravenstein
Positioned in between Noord-Brabant and Gelderland, ’t Veerhuis provides a sun-drenched terrace for a relaxing meal or coffee break. Classic comfort foods using fresh, local ingredients are the order of the day and there’s also an extensive dessert menu and high tea service. The terrace offers expansive waterfront views of the River Maas.
Annie’s, Leiden
A favourite among Leiden locals, Annie’s enjoys a unique location as part of a historic bridge between the two main shopping streets. The terrace is built upon a riverside barge, giving diners an ideal vantage point of the boats that sail past. The menu features classic Dutch-style dishes and several vegetarian options, along with a tempting variety of desserts and cakes.
SS Rotterdam, Rotterdam
The largest terrace in Rotterdam has a fascinating history as the former flagship of the Holland America Line, which has been transformed into a hotel. The Lido terrace on the upper deck of the SS Rotterdam has a shallow pool, umbrellas for shade and views of the Rotterdam skyline and its modern architecture. Diners can enjoy drinks, snacks or meals from the American-style Lido Grill restaurant.
Villa Heidetuin, Bergen op Zoom
Villa Heidetuin is a family-owned historic villa immersed in the natural surroundings of Bergen op Zoom. Expansive gardens blooming with hydrangeas and lavender surround the property, making for a peaceful al-fresco dining experience. Along with the selection of meals and fine wines available on the terraces, Villa Heidetuin serves a lovely ‘tea tasting’ service, involving five small dishes, each with a matching tea infusion. Guests can also spend the night by booking one of the luxury B&B rooms or suites.
Flantuas, Lelystad
One of the more unusual restaurant concepts, Flantuas provides a view of Lelystad Airport’s runway. The restaurant has an aviation theme, and the wait staff even wear pilot uniforms. The sunny terrace is enclosed in glass, with umbrellas for shade and a colourful array of potted plants. Simple dishes that make the most of fresh local produce are available, along with a selection of snacks, coffees and sweets.
Explore more terraces and restaurants in Holland’s inspiring neighbourhoods.