11 of the most beautiful waterside terraces
The sun is (finally) shining again, and that can only mean one thing: time to grab a table on a terrace. Or rather: a Terrace with a capital T. At these terraces, you can enjoy drinks and a bite to eat, while also taking in a beautiful view of the water. A change from people-watching.
Three birds with one stone
Mooirivier in Dalfsen is a hotel, restaurant and bar all in one. Now that’s what we call handy! It sometimes happens that we get a little too enthusiastic with the drinks and don’t want to drive back. There’s a chance this might happen to you at Mooirivier, so you know that in advance. Because: the lovely Aan den Oever restaurant, because: the cosy terrace. And above all: you’ll want to enjoy this beautiful view of the River Vecht for as long as possible. Oh, and reason number three: the Flow Bar. Did we mention that you can stay overnight here?
Camera, action!
If we had to use one word to describe Café Restaurant Rust Wat in Blaricum, it would be ‘zen’. Because, as the name suggests, you really do find peace and quiet here. This place is so beautiful that it is regularly used as a television set. Need we say more? Let’s talk about the wine list and food, too. The wine list at Rust Wat is almost as long as my thesis, and we like it. Go for a good-value wine such as the Chardonnay Deakin Estate (€23.50 per bottle). Celebrating something? Then order the Bernardus Chardonnay (€44.50 per bottle). This wine is full-bodied, rounded and smoky, but above all, it’s a good reason to have another glass. And because there’s always room for dessert: try Remy’s lemon tart with lemon sorbet. So refreshing!
Ibiza on the North Sea
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Cadzand-Bad. But you have probably heard of chef Sergio Herman. With Pure C**, Sergio wanted to create a place where he himself would love to spend time. With good food, great music and sexy cocktails. A little bit of Ibiza on the North Sea. In Pure C’s kitchen, Syrco Bakker, for years sous-chef at Oud Sluis***, is in charge. Wherever you sit, the view is phenomenal. On the one hand because of the transparent kitchen, where dishes that are individually spectacular, exciting and full of flavour are prepared behind glass. On the other, because of the beautiful view over the tranquil North Sea.
On the riverbank
The true creative minds in the kitchen can find plenty of inspiration at Amused. The dishes really look like works of art, and the fact that they taste delicious too is a nice bonus. At Amused, they work with custom menus. You choose the number of courses (from three to eight) and the ingredients you would like. The chefs do the rest. And it tastes so good. Last year, the terrace overlooking the Vecht was completely made lounge-ready. We’ll be settling in here this summer and drinking a glass of wine (or three). The choice is enormous! See you there?
By the Loosdrecht Lakes
Less than a twenty-minute drive from Amsterdam lies Restaurant AIM. We fell head over heels for the warm and luxurious interior in winter, and in summer this location is even more fantastic. The spacious terrace, right on the Loosdrecht Lakes, is beautiful. A view worth cycling for! Chef Wessel Ruijmgaart cooks delicious international food, taking something from cuisines around the world, and the menu changes every two weeks. You get it: it’s one of our favourite hangouts this summer.
Eat, drink & lounge
For a more informal atmosphere (read: drooling dogs and children are welcome too), head to Beachclub Lemmer. This is the kind of place you go to in the afternoon for drinks and then never leave. If only to stare endlessly at the beautiful view of the IJsselmeer. Since you can’t keep drinking on an empty stomach: order the five napkin burger. No napkins are needed, because it’s fingerlicking good!
Boat trip
You can’t get closer to the water than at Boathouse Almere. The terrace is on a jetty, and you can almost touch the water. Another ten points for the view, this time of the Noorderplassen. Recommended from the lunch menu? The bao pulled jackfruit. To die for! Then simply enjoy the peace and the view. Can’t sit still? Rent a small boat or sloop here and cruise across the Noorderplassen.
Amsterdam’s canals
Lunch with a boat? Then mooring at one of the Harbour Clubs is an excellent idea! Not only for that all-time favourite Ruinart champagne, but also for the delicious bites. Such as the wagyu… the famous sushi… the salt-crusted fish… Or how about the wonderfully fresh Fruits de mer platter? (And psssst… On Mondays, this seafood treat costs €30 per person.) The Harbour Club is also a good idea if you don’t have a boating licence. All locations have an outrageously good terrace, and should it start raining – this is still the Netherlands, after all – it’s also particularly pleasant indoors.
City beach
This chill hotspot is a city beach in Utrecht, located on the Haarrijnseplas. In summer, you can enjoy a swim, but the beach feeling… At Key West, it’s there all year round. You’ll want to order several dishes from the menu, because there’s plenty of choice. Recommended? The “I feel rich” tasting with three different oysters (with vodka, gin and white port). Oh, and don’t forget their gin and tonics. Worth its weight in gold!
Little Marbella
Brasserie Sailor’s Inn brings Marbella vibes to our little country. This restaurant has a floating terrace in the middle of the marina. Yes, yes, we’re fans! We’ll be soaking up plenty of sunshine here this summer. Veggies (but really anyone who loves good food), take note: the vegetarian croquettes at Sailor’s Inn are delicious! Four for us, please! And a nice tip: if you’re quick, you can still enjoy Oosterschelde lobster. Sailor’s Inn is a member of De Kring van de Oosterscheldekreeft. Sounds like a good reason to put a date in the diary, if you ask us!
Tropicana
Hello! In my opinion, Rotterdam is absolutely packed with hotspots. And they prove it once again with Aloha. The great thing about this restaurant is that it’s located in the old Tropicana swimming complex – yep, the water park. You eat delicious pulled-goose pancakes in the former wild-water course of the swimming pool. Fancy a drink? Head out onto the terrace, where the outdoor pool used to be. Also fun: in the old wave pool, Aloha grows oyster mushrooms. So while Aloha is being wonderfully responsible, you can feast on their oyster mushroom bitterballen with coffee mayonnaise (!!). Win-win, right?
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