7x the tastiest veggie hotspots in the Netherlands
When my agenda turns blank on the weekend, I often take the train to another city. And not to shop, but to discover new fun eateries. From coffee hotspots to brunch gems and bars, when I take a girlfriend or my mother along, the initiative is completely up to me. But as soon as I have a male companion by my side, I have to deviate a bit from my vegetarian preference. I am quite fond of everything that has been pulled from the ground or hung from a tree (wow). That's why I have a list for you with hotspots where the menu is very green, but where there is also a piece of meat on the menu . You happy, your love happy too.
AMSTERDAM
Gartine
Small and hidden and a gem around the corner from the crazily busy Kalverstraat; I'm talking about the romantic and intimate Gartine, where owners Kirsten and Jan-Willem serve everything straight from the vegetable garden onto your plate. Until noon, they serve very nice breakfasts, I’ll mention a farmer's yogurt with mascarpone, rose water, buckwheat, and dates. Well-rested? The lunch is also well worth it. Just for the muesli bread with onions, Beemster cheese, and sage butter, I happily navigate through rolling suitcases and wandering tourists on Saturday afternoons.
ARNHEM
ZafVino
Even before you plop down at the table, check the menu online; I do it nine out of ten times. Something about being a huge control freak. Too bad, girlfriend, because that’s not possible at ZafVino. This is one of those hotspots where you have to stand in line because it’s always full. But I promise you, it’s worth it. Just for the intensely charming men, you want to hang out here for a bit. Are you vegetarian and can’t find anything on the menu? Let the chef know and be surprised. With a bit of luck, he’ll whip up burrata with mango and arugula on your plate.
DEN BOSCH
Nescio
Restaurants that understand vegetarian cuisine very well; Nescio is definitely one of them. When I say: tartare of tomatoes with smoked mozzarella, an avocado parfait, or a veggie beet burger with white cabbage salad and jalapeno mayonnaise, doesn’t your veggie heart start beating intensely?
THE HAGUE
The Vegetarian Snack Bar
Who doesn’t sometimes crave fries or a delicious greasy snack? I’m talking about an out-of-hand terrace date and a rumbling stomach around midnight. Well, if you’re not a meat eater, you won’t get much further than that fries or that cheese soufflé. It’s worth a trip to The Hague, girlfriends. Right across from Holland Spoor station, you’ll find The Vegetarian Snack Bar, where you can indulge in lupin croquettes, organic bami schijven, vegetarian chicken nuggets, and vegan cheese soufflés. Don’t expect cozy tables or candlelight, but as takeout, this is definitely the vegetarian hotspot of the country.
LEEUWARDEN
Wannee
Do you, like me, get extremely happy from an extensive breakfast buffet? Then come join at Wannee. Various types of ancient bread, French toast, perfectly boiled eggs, fresh fruit with hangop, or for the daredevil, a miso soup; you can’t think of anything too crazy that isn’t winking at you at Wannee. And what I find the most fun is that everything here is prepared by students from the Higher Hotel School in Leeuwarden. I was once one of them. A long time ago, huh...
UTRECHT
Gys
Chef Gys shows you that eating healthy doesn’t have to take much time at all and that you don’t have to be a chef to whip up something delicious on your plate. The menu is simple but varied and mainly consists of dishes prepared with local products. And yes, put a sandwich with grilled tempeh and pumpkin on the menu and I’m a fan even before I’ve tasted it. I will definitely be back because that red beet-parsnip cappuccino was also intensely flirting with me...
MAASTRICHT
Rantrée
Along the water with a view of the cozy Wyck lies the Michelin-worthy Rantrée hidden away. If you’re in the mood for a long evening of dining with perfectly paired wines, then this is the place to be. Upon entering, hostess Jennifer greets you with a big smile and the right glass of wine. Each plate is a work of art and the service is as it should be. Langoustine with Tom Yam Kung or gazpacho with green asparagus, artichoke, tomato, and arugula. Save room for a dessert: the cheesecake with strawberry, sorrel, and white chocolate. What am I saying? A party.
Credits: Javier M.
