The best lunch spots in The Hague
There are plenty of lunch spots in The Hague, but where should you really go for a proper Hague-style midday meal? These are our 12 favorite cafés and restaurants for lunch in the Hofstad. From fine-dining Greek with tzatziki for dessert to Japanese Okonomiyaki pancakes and everything in between.
Café Soof
We recently visited Café Soof and were so impressed! This really is the hidden gem of The Hague you need to know about. Hidden in the garden of the historic Nutshuis, it offers an escape from the busy city center of The Hague. In Café Soof’s garden, you’ll find various seating areas that are perfect for lunch, a cup of coffee or an aperitivo. The dishes from the kitchen have Eastern Mediterranean influences and are prepared with fresh ingredients from local suppliers (or from the restaurant’s own garden).
Café Soof, Riviervismarkt 5, The Hague
Restaurant Harper
It was a massive renovation during which all kinds of things went wrong, but the result is impressive. The monumental 1731 building, on De Plaats, one of the most beautiful squares in The Hague, is spread over several levels. And there’s also a lovely terrace. Harper’s chefs draw their culinary inspiration from cuisines around the world. That can be tricky; sometimes it means the dishes are neither one thing nor the other. But here, it works wonderfully well. The menu is extensive, with dishes designed for sharing. But here’s a tip: just order for yourself. Because the ravioli—the dish consists of three pieces, and that’s no exaggeration—is better than in Italy.
Restaurant Harper, Plaats 25, The Hague
Elea
When you think of Greek cuisine, do you also think of souvlaki, moussaka and tzatziki with pita bread? At fine-dining restaurant Elea on the lively Noordeinde in The Hague, they do things differently. Here, you’ll eat Greek cuisine as you’ve never had it before. Innovative, creative and absolutely wonderful! Lunch is only available on weekends, but trust us when we say it’s highly recommended. And yes… they have tzatziki here too. But then… as dessert!
Restaurant Elea, Noordeinde 142, The Hague
Bookstor
Bookstor has gone viral on TikTok several times, but don’t expect Amsterdam-style TikTok queues here. The 102-year-old bookshop, which now also serves as a lunch café, has a wonderful atmosphere. Visitors can read without inhibition, but also enjoy a nice lunch or a cup of coffee. A special place for lunch in The Hague!
Bookstor, Noordeinde 39, The Hague
Café brasserie Nationaal
The Hague is known for its multicultural influences, and at historic Café Brasserie Nationaal you can taste the rich Belgian cuisine. Chef Jermaine Huisman serves a seasonal menu inspired by the diversity of Belgian cuisine, with a focus on Brussels. You can come here for a tasty lunch between 12:00 and 15:00.
Café brasserie Nationaal, Prinsegracht 2, The Hague
Walter Benedict
Walter Benedict is the ideal base for lunch in The Hague. With its French-inspired menu and bistro atmosphere, many locals find their way here. Whether you come for an extensive lunch, a relaxed dinner or a good glass of wine, you’re almost always in the right place at Walter Benedict.
Walter Benedict, Denneweg 69A, The Hague
Tokyo Taiyaki Story
The Hague is packed with excellent Asian eateries, but for a (quick) lunch, Tokyo Taiyaki Story is the place to go. This Japanese bakery offers something for everyone, from sweet to savory. Think savory Okonomiyaki pancakes, sweet Daifuku mochi (rice cakes) or the signature Taiyakis, pancakes shaped like fish and filled with various ingredients.
Tokyo Taiyaki Story, Bleijenburg 27, The Hague
Bartine
Everything at Bartine exudes oat-milk elite vibes, from the orange wine to the sourdough breads. But we’re not complaining. Bartine is a wonderful lunch spot where you can enjoy surprising dishes and people-watch from the terrace or the windowsill.
Café Bartine, Herengracht 11, The Hague
BlueBlood
A favorite among lovers of Nikkei cuisine (simply put, Peruvian cuisine with Japanese influences). At BlueBlood, you can have lunch with bento boxes, sando‘s and Peruvian classics. Tip: stick around, because at the bar they serve excellent cocktails with delicious ‘Nikkei’ bar bites.
BlueBlood, Zeestraat 35, The Hague
Palmette
In the heart of The Hague, on De Plaats, you’ll find Palmette: a cozy bistro with a lovely atmosphere. You can come here all day, but in the afternoon you can enjoy lunch classics such as 2 croquettes with (sourdough) bread, Eggs Benedict or Salade Niçoise. A place where you can’t go wrong with any company.
Palmette, Plaats 27, The Hague
Kantoor 1643
New and already a favorite among The Hague’s hospitality enthusiasts: Kantoor 1643 on the Prinsegracht. Technically a cocktail bar, but also a trendy spot where you can enjoy an All Day Breakfast—even at lunchtime. With a cocktail on the side, for example.
Kantoor 1643, Prinsegracht 14, The Hague
Le Petit Quartier
Another lovely spot in The Hague: Le Petit Quartier, where you can have lunch with French flair. This coffee shop serves breakfast, lunch, drinks snacks and coffee with sweet treats. For lunch, think brioche with chicken or an omelet just the way the French like it. And of course, there’s a modest selection of French wines.
Le Petit Quartier, Van Hoytemastraat 96, The Hague
Read also:
- Café Soof is the hidden gem of The Hague you need to know about
- Restaurant Harper in The Hague: ravioli better than in Italy
- Bigger, better & bolder: The Harbour Club in The Hague (go!)
Header image: BlueBlood, courtesy of ModMod
