Utrecht has a food scene with plenty of personality. From creative restaurants and Mediterranean flavours to specialty coffee, artisan bakeries and plant-based lunch spots, there is much more to discover than you might expect. These are the places that stood out most during our time in Utrecht.
Best Restaurants in Utrecht
Kasvio
Kasvio is one of the most distinctive plant-based restaurants we have visited in the Netherlands. Finnish chef Mari Pitkänen approaches cooking as storytelling, creating seasonal dishes that show just how exciting vegetables can be. We first discovered Kasvio at its former location in Metaal Kathedraal, but the restaurant has since moved into central Utrecht. Creative, thoughtful and full of flavour.
Bar Bet
Bar Bet is a cosy restaurant and wine bar right in the centre of Utrecht, with views towards the Dom adding something extra to the setting. The menu changes regularly and revolves around refined dishes made for sharing, accompanied by a thoughtful wine selection. Relaxed enough for a few plates and a glass of wine, but equally good for a full dinner.
OLI MAZÍ
OLI MAZÍ may look like a traditional Greek restaurant at first, but the food quickly proves otherwise. Familiar Greek flavours are transformed into modern, creative dishes by a team with a clear vision of contemporary Greek cooking. We especially loved discovering these flavours in a completely different way — and the excellent selection of Greek wines makes it even more interesting.
Maresia
Maresia brings Mediterranean flavours to the centre of Utrecht, with fish and vegetables playing an important role on the sharing-style menu. Even something as simple as their warm bread with creamy labneh immediately showed the attention to quality. Add an interesting wine list with plenty available by the glass and creative cocktails, and this feels like a very welcome new addition to the city.
Pitot
Pitot takes its inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean, with sourdough flatbreads, mezze and plenty of colourful dishes designed for sharing. Ingredients such as labneh, tahini, za’atar and vegetables feature throughout the menu, creating food that feels both generous and fresh. A relaxed place for covering the table with plates and opening a good bottle of wine.
Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee & Bakeries in Utrecht
Life’s a Peach
Life’s a Peach is a colourful plant-based spot in the centre of Utrecht with plenty of homemade sweet and savoury bakes. We originally came for something sweet and absolutely loved their vegan banoffee pie. Small, personal and exactly the kind of place that works well for an easy lunch or afternoon treat.
KEEK
KEEK combines an organic bakery with breakfast and lunch, with plenty of homemade breads, pastries and savoury dishes. Sustainability is genuinely part of the concept, from the organic ingredients to baking with solar power. A lovely local address when good bread and homemade food are the priority.
Bakkerij Amadeus
Bakkerij Amadeus sits slightly outside the city centre and is especially worth knowing for its sourdough. Alongside excellent bread, they make focaccia and other freshly baked products in a small artisan setting. Very product-focused and unpretentious — the kind of bakery where you rarely leave with just one thing.
Ohøj Coffee
Ohøj is tiny, retro and completely focused on good coffee. There is plenty of passion behind the bar, and the regular queue says a lot about how loved this little place is. We had excellent coffee here and loved how personal and uncomplicated the whole experience felt.
MØS Coffee Bar
MØS is a cosy coffee bar with specialty drinks alongside breakfast, lunch and something sweet. Their dirty chai was our favourite, but the warm interior and relaxed atmosphere make it equally appealing for sitting down for a while. A lovely daytime stop in Utrecht.
Dagger Coffee
Dagger is one of Utrecht’s specialty coffee names to know. There is plenty of attention to the beans and brewing methods, without making the experience feel overly serious. We stopped for a perfectly made flat white and would happily return to explore more of their coffee selection.
The Village Coffee & Music
The Village combines good coffee with music and a slightly alternative atmosphere that gives the place plenty of character. The coffee remains the main reason to visit, but the relaxed setting makes it easy to stay longer than planned. A Utrecht classic that still feels very much like itself.
