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Writer's picturePascal Boogaert

Lunch Friesland. These are the 21 best places in Friesland

Updated: Aug 26


Markt 23 in Sneek

Are you ready for the spacious kitchen/diner of our holiday home in Friesland? And are you looking for the best places for a nice lunch outside Friesland? Search no further. In this blog we share our personal top 21 lunch spots, from terraces on the water to cozy brasseries and historic locations.


Friesland has many unique lunch spots. There are child-friendly restaurants such as Paviljoen SALT in Terherne and Eetcafé Tante Sjuul in Heeg with plenty of play facilities. Ideal for families. Are you looking for a terrace on the water? Then think of De Koken in Akkrum or Rufus aan het Water in Broek. For a relaxing lunch experience with a beautiful view of the Frisian nature. And in bad weather you can always escape to one of the historic buildings in Friesland to enjoy local and seasonal food.


Lunch by the water


There's nothing like having lunch by the water. You will find many idyllic spots near the Frisian lakes of Southwest Friesland. Reserve a table on the waterfront, enjoy a cup of coffee while the boats pass by and treat yourself to homemade cakes or a sandwich.


We take you to six special places: Paviljoen De Potvis in Stavoren, Beach Club Sneek, Picnickers Terherne, De Koken in Akkrum, Rufus aan het Water in Broek and Hotel-Restaurant De Watersport in Heeg.


De Koken in Akkrum


At De Koken in Akkrum you can sit down on comfortable lounge sofas and enjoy the water. The restaurant offers an extensive menu. There is something tasty for everyone. You can also rent boats here. Ideal for a sunny day on the water.


Terrace of De Koken in Akkrum

Rufus on the Water


Rufus aan het Water in Broek also has comfortable lounge sofas on the terrace. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with the beautiful view. And come along at the weekend to enjoy 'Gewoan Lekker'; Nanne Dusselaar's food truck. During the week, Rufus aan het Water has a limited menu, but the experience is still worth it.


Watching boats at Rufus aan het Water

De Watersport Heeg


De Watersport Heeg has a beautiful terrace on the water, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch, an extensive dinner and tasty specialty beers. This terrace also has lovely lounge sofas, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal.


Terrace at the harbor of Watersport Heeg

Pavilion The Sperm Whale


At Paviljoen De Potvis in Stavoren you can enjoy a delicious lunch with a beautiful view of the IJsselmeer. Surprise your taste buds and enjoy the Mediterranean menu with delicious food. The panoramic views and relaxed atmosphere make this a nice place for lunch. Whether you sit inside or on the terrace by the water.


Pavilion De Potvis in Stavoren

Beach club Sneek


Located on the Snitser Mar, Beach Club Sneek offers a relaxing environment to enjoy. Whether you fancy sandwiches or a more extensive dinner, the atmosphere is always relaxed and the view always breathtaking.


Due to its location on the lake, you will of course find many more unique experiences in Sneek with cozy terraces on the water. Sneek is the perfect place to rent a boat and then enjoy a delicious meal by the water.


Cozy parasols at Beachclub Sneek

Picnickers Terherne


Terherne is a nice place for a picnic or a nice lunch by the water. Do you like a relaxed lunch with homemade pastries? Then Restaurant and Foodbar Picnickers in Terherne is ideal. Take a seat at one of the cozy tables on the terrace and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.


The possibility of mooring here with a boat makes it extra fun. Having lunch on a terrace by the water is a great way to relax and enjoy the Frisian nature. The Frisian lakes make it a unique experience.


Girl playing at Picnickers Terherne

Historical and unique locations


Lunch in a beautiful historic building naturally gives your sandwich an extra delicious taste. Friesland has countless unique locations for an atmospheric and authentic experience. We take you to Eetcafé Nooitgedagt in Harlingen, Oranjerie Joure and Restaurant de Fûke in Echten. Where you can enjoy not only delicious food, but also the stories and history of the place.


Eetcafé Nooitgedagt Harlingen


Eetcafé Nooitgedagt is located in one of the oldest warehouses in Harlingen. And that makes for a special lunch experience. The building originally served as a butter and cheese warehouse, wine warehouse and gallery. Now you can enjoy a delicious meal and a cozy atmosphere in this attractive setting.


Eetcaf Nooitgedagt in Harlingen

Orangerie Joure


Oranjerie Joure is in a unique location. Between the Heremastate park and the tourist harbor of Joure. This makes it a beautiful location to enjoy high tea, vegetarian and vegan options, specialty beers and even takeaway meals.


The tropical conservatory of the Orangery is surrounded by palms and therefore has a unique atmosphere. Ideal for events such as weddings. The terraces on the water offer beautiful views, making it a nice place to have lunch.


Orangery in Joure

Restaurant de Fûke in Echten


Restaurant de Fûke in Echten is located in a former school building and has a unique social function. You can enjoy delicious dishes in a special environment. In short, a nice place for an unforgettable lunch.



Restaurant de Fûke in Echten

Cozy brasseries and lunchrooms


Friesland also has numerous brasseries and lunchrooms for a pleasant lunch experience. With the warm atmosphere and everything delicious, these places are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. We take you to Zuid4 Food & Drinks in Leeuwarden, By-Kees in Heerenveen and Blokhut Sparjebird in Hemrik. Three locations where you can enjoy Frisian hospitality and a tasty lunch.


Zuid4 Food & Drinks


Zuid4 Food & Drinks in Leeuwarden is a popular brasserie with a varied menu and an attractive ambiance. Whether you fancy a cup of coffee or an extensive lunch, you've come to the right place. The cozy atmosphere and the diverse offering make Zuid4 an ideal place.


Festive opening of Zuid4 in Leeuwarden

By-Kees in Heerenveen


By-Kees in Heerenveen is popular for its delicious lunch options and cozy interior. The menu includes healthy smoothies, vegetarian lunch options, fresh juices and salads. The atmosphere at By-Kees is ideal for relaxing and enjoying a tasty lunch.


Interior of By-Kees in Heerenveen

Sparjebird log cabin


Log cabin Sparjebird in Hembrik is a child-friendly place. You can have lunch both inside and on the terrace. The log cabin is located in a wooded area. A serene backdrop for families looking for a kid-friendly dining experience. Enjoy homemade pastries and takeaway lunches in this cozy log cabin in Hemrik.


Festive tables in the Sparjebird log cabin

Lunch in Friesland, but in the center


Do you prefer a lively atmosphere near shops and sights? Then have lunch in the center of a city. Friesland has several cities with great lunch spots in the center. We take you to three places to enjoy delicious food and a cozy atmosphere: Stek in Leeuwarden, De Buurman in Heereveen and - there it is again - By Kees in Heerenveen.


Stek in Leeuwarden


Stek is located in an old bridge keeper's house in Leeuwarden and serves a healthy menu with bowls, wraps, salads and sandwiches. The unique setting and focus on healthy food make it a great place for lunch in the center of Leeuwarden.


Stek at the Harlingersingel in Leeuwarden

De Buurman in Heerenveen


De Buurman is an attractive lunch spot in the heart of Heerenveen. This cozy café is known for its hospitality and delicious dishes. The menu offers a wide range of options, from fresh sandwiches and salads to homemade pastries and hot meals. De Buurman also has an extensive selection of coffee and tea, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.


Terrace of Eetcafé de Buurman in Heerenveen

By-Kees Heerenveen


There it is again: By-Kees in Heerenveen. Centrally located in the vibrant heart of Heerenveen. An ideal location for a cup of coffee and tasty sandwiches. There is a cozy atmosphere and a wide variety of drinks and meals. So something for everyone.



Terrace of By-Kees in Heerenveen

Lunch during your walk


Friesland walking country. The province has endless possibilities for walking. And to rest you naturally want to enjoy a delicious lunch. Whether you walk through the woods or along the waterfront, there are plenty of nice places to take a break and enjoy Frisian hospitality.


We take you to Sparjebird in Beetsterzwaag and the royal Oranjewoud in Heerenveen, where you can have lunch in the middle of nature.


Sparjebird in Beetsterzwaag


Log cabin Sparjebird has already been mentioned in this blog. And during your walk through the forests of Beetsterzwaag you will probably pass by it too. It is a perfect coffee stop with home-baked cakes, delicious meals and a cozy atmosphere.


In the meantime, your children can have a great time in the play forest. They can build huts, play with the water pump and enjoy rope bridges and tree stumps.


Interior of Sparjebird log cabin

Royal Oranjewoud in Heerenveen


In Royal Oranjewoud you can explore various walking routes that meander through the beautiful landscape. Enjoy the breathtaking nature and don't forget your picnic basket. There are plenty of picnic options in these royal forests. Perfect for a pleasant lunch in nature.


Walking path in Oranjewoud Friesland

Child-friendly lunch spots


As a family, you not only want to have a delicious lunch, but also want to entertain your children. Enjoy the child-friendly lunch spots that Friesland has to offer. With play facilities and child-friendly menus, these places are perfect for a relaxing family lunch.


We take you to Paviljoen SALT Terherne and Eetcafé Tante Sjuul in Heeg, where children can play while parents can relax during a well-deserved lunch.


SALT Pavilion in Terherne


Pavilion SALT is located on the edge of Terherne with a beautiful view of the Sâltpoel. The restaurant has an enclosed playground for children. In short, a perfect place for families. Enjoy all the delicious food on your plate and the relaxed atmosphere while your children have fun.


The Chameleon in Terherne

Eetcafé Tante Sjuul in Heeg


Eetcafé Tante Sjuul is located at the Eendracht marina in Heeg. The café has a cozy atmosphere and a child-friendly menu. Aunt Sjuul also has many facilities for children - such as a playground and games - making your lunch suddenly an ideal family outing.


Terrace of Aunt Juul in Heeg

Lunch with a panoramic view


There is something magical about having lunch with a wide view. You can do that in Friesland too. And not just by the water. We have selected two places for you where you can not only enjoy delicious dishes, but also breathtaking views. And that makes your lunch experience unforgettable.


We take you to Paviljoen 't Mar in Mirns and to Restaurant de Klokkenstoel in Goëngahuizen, where you can enjoy a panoramic view.


Pavilion 't Mar in Mirns


Pavilion 't Mar is located on the Mirnserklif. Here you have a beautiful view over the IJsselmeer. The terrace is an ideal place to watch kite surfers in action while enjoying an extensive lunch. A unique location and therefore a great place for a relaxing afternoon.


Pavilion 't Mar

Restaurant de Klokkenstoel in Goëngahuizen


Restaurant de Klokkenstoel has a beautiful terrace overlooking the Goëngarijpsterpoelen. Hospitality is an important aspect of this restaurant. The owners provide a warm atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view and immediately feel at home.


Terrace of the Klokkenstoel on the water

Local and seasonal dishes


The Friesland cookbook contains many local and seasonal recipes. Many brasseries and lunchrooms serve freshly prepared meals with ingredients from the region. This not only ensures a delicious taste, but also a sustainable eating experience.


We take you to Omke Jan in Woudsend and Restaurant d'ald herberch in Gaastmeer, where you can enjoy recipes that reflect the seasons.


Omke Jan in Woudsend


Omke Jan in Woudsend is a modern inn located in a renovated Frisian farmhouse. Delicious and honest meals are prepared here with locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal produce. The dishes are always fresh.


Terrace on the water of Omke Jan in Woudsend

Restaurant d'Ald Herberch in Gaastmeer


Restaurant d'Ald Herberch in Gaastmeer serves Frisian regional products and offers an authentic lunch experience. Among the products served are bread from Freerk van Ommen from Ypma bakery and pike-perch from local fisherman Andries van Netten.


Enjoy the stories behind the regional products and taste the real taste of Friesland.


Terrace on the water of Restaurant d'Ald Herberch in Gaastmeer

Resume


Friesland has a wide range of lunch experiences. From lunch on the water to historic and unique locations. And from cozy brasseries to child-friendly places. Whether you are looking for an extensive lunch with a great view or with local and seasonal dishes, Friesland has it all. Be inspired by the diversity and richness of this beautiful province and discover the best places for lunch. Go on an adventure and enjoy Frisian hospitality and delicious culinary delights.


Frequently Asked Questions


What are the best places for lunch by the water in Friesland?


Highly recommended for lunch by the water in Friesland are Paviljoen De Potvis, Beach Club Sneek and Picnickers Terherne. Perfect for a tasty bite and a nice view!


Which lunch places in Friesland are child-friendly?


Paviljoen SALT in Terherne and Eetcafé Tante Sjuul in Heeg are top choices if you are looking for a child-friendly lunch spot. Both have fun play facilities for the little ones!


Where can I have lunch with a beautiful view in Friesland?


You can have lunch with a beautiful view at Paviljoen 't Mar in Mirns or at Restaurant de Klokkenstoel in Goëngahuizen!


Which restaurants in Friesland serve local and seasonal dishes?


Omke Jan in Woudsend and Restaurant d'ald herberch in Gaastmeer are top places where you can taste local and seasonal dishes. Highly recommended!


What are some cozy brasseries and lunchrooms in Friesland?


Zuid4 Food & Drinks, By-Kees Heerenveen and Blokhut Sparjebird are really nice places to enjoy a nice brunch or lunch in Friesland!

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