Frisian Islands
There is no more fashionable Strandpaviljoen (beach pavilion) on the island than the utterly fabulous Oost, a contemporary shoebox hidden between sand…
Must-see restaurants in Friesland
Leeuwarden
Cocktail quaffing does not get cooler than afloat the giant pink inflatable flamingo moored alongside the wooden decking terrace of Proefverlof, the…
Frisian Islands
Terschelling born-and-bred chef extraordinaire Helga Stobbe woos gourmets at her small cottage restaurant on the northern fringe of Midsland village with…
Leeuwarden
Organic local foods are celebrated at Michiel and Lilian's candlelit bistro with a funky wood-and-leather-meets-street-art interior. Frisian-inspired…
Frisian Islands
This hipster organic food bar hits the sweet spot, whether for a smoothie to kickstart your day (try spinach, ginger, yuzu and almond milk), a cocktail or…
Friesland
Herring, mackerel, cod, eel and shoals of tiny Dutch prawns come straight off the boats at Harlingen's premier seafood address. If you can't decide, opt…
Leeuwarden
Dining doesn’t get more grassroots Frisian than at this contemporary restaurant run by students from the local hotel-management school. Begin with a…
Frisian Islands
With a pretty terrace beneath trees, this caramel-brick townhouse is the fashionable spot on the main street for a chai latte, smoothie or freshly infused…
Leeuwarden
Aptly named, this contemporary eatery is grand in every sense. Its building, a red-brick post office from 1903, is glorious inside and out. Dining covers…
Friesland
With its name roughly translating as ‘Something you'd never think of’, you can expect a unique experience at this stylish cafe in a wine warehouse from…
Leeuwarden
With a wooden decking terrace right above the water, views of canal action – yachts sailing past beneath the neighbouring bridge that rises to let them…
Friesland
‘Fair trade, homemade and good food’ is the holy grail for chefs at this fun corner cafe. Bar seating in front of big windows provides ringside views of…
Frisian Islands
Once a storage shed for the copious cranberry harvest in this part of the island, this pretty forest cottage with red-and-white-striped canopies now…
Schiermonnikoog
Named after the wild apples that grow on Schiermonnikoog, Ambrosijn ('Ambrosia') is an ode to seasonal island produce, lovingly crafted into exquisite…
Friesland
The terrace across from a vintage lifeboat shed is the main draw at this harbour-side restaurant, run by the same family for three generations. Limited…
Leeuwarden
With its summertime terrace on a pretty square and tasty tapas-style menu of kleine gerechten (small portions), Sems is a lovely spot to lounge. Inside,…
Leeuwarden
Chef Willem Schaafsma is one of Friesland's most exciting young culinary talents, working with local organic produce to create a sensationally modern…
Leeuwarden
Exceptional burgers are the drawcard at this casual eatery in a rambling old townhouse with a maze of chandelier-lit rooms, sweeping staircase and out…
Friesland
On nippier days, kick back at this fish restaurant inside a historic garage at the old harbour. Its 1st-floor dining room and roof terrace dish up…
Frisian Islands
At the foot of the western dunes is the Whale, a low-lying wooden beach pavilion on a grassy dune with vast terrace overlooking the shifting panorama of…
Leeuwarden
Join cent-smart locals at this student-busy sandwich shop for a light lunch overlooking the canal. Everything is organic, and the vast sandwich menu has…
Friesland
The obvious place to eat any time of day; on summer days, the terrace tables around the cafe and along the canal-front fill up fast. The menu changes…
Leeuwarden
This often boisterous locale offers various settings for a hearty meal, from the tree-shaded tables out front to the wood-lined interior to the garden at…
