The Hague

Popular Cafes and Bakeries in The Hague

1. Café de Flore

• Type of Offerings: Classic Dutch breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, including pancakes, sandwiches, and pastries.
• Local Specialties: Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) and poffertjes (small fluffy pancakes).
• Price Range: €€ (Moderate, around €10-€20 per person).
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian options available; vegan options limited.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Reservations: Not typically required but recommended on weekends.
• Payment Methods: Cash and major credit cards accepted.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

2. Bakkerij D. van der Meer

• Type of Offerings: Traditional Dutch bakery with a variety of breads, pastries, and cakes.
• Local Specialties: Stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and speculaas (spiced cookies).
• Price Range: € (Inexpensive, around €2-€10).
• Dietary Options: Gluten-free options available.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on Sundays.
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Payment Methods: Cash preferred; some locations accept cards.
• Accessibility: Generally accessible.

3. Café Paul

• Type of Offerings: A mix of Dutch and international dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients.
• Local Specialties: Dutch cheese platters and seasonal soups.
• Price Range: €€ (Moderate, around €15-€30 per person).
• Dietary Options: Vegan and vegetarian options available.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
• Reservations: Recommended for dinner.
• Payment Methods: Cash and credit cards accepted.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible.

4. Café Restaurant De Zwarte Ruiter

• Type of Offerings: A cozy café with a focus on local ingredients and homemade dishes.
• Local Specialties: Seasonal dishes and homemade cakes.
• Price Range: €€ (Moderate, around €10-€25 per person).
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; closed on Mondays.
• Reservations: Recommended, especially for brunch.
• Payment Methods: Cash and credit cards accepted.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

5. Patisserie Holtkamp

• Type of Offerings: High-end pastries, cakes, and chocolates.
• Local Specialties: Dutch pastries and artisanal chocolates.
• Price Range: €€€ (Higher-end, around €5-€15 per item).
• Dietary Options: Limited vegan options; gluten-free pastries available.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on Sundays and Mondays.
• Reservations: Not required.
• Payment Methods: Cash and credit cards accepted.
• Accessibility: Generally accessible.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Considerations

• Coffee Culture: The Dutch enjoy their coffee strong and often served with a small biscuit or treat. It’s common to order a “koffie verkeerd” (coffee with milk) or an espresso.
• Dining Hours: Lunch is typically served from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 6:00 PM onwards. Many cafes close early, so plan accordingly.
• Tipping: Service is usually included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Social Norms: It’s polite to greet staff when entering and to say thank you when leaving.

Practical Tips

• Opening Hours: Many cafes and bakeries close early, especially on Sundays. Always check ahead if you plan to visit later in the day.
• Reservations: While not always necessary, making a reservation for popular spots, especially on weekends, can save you a wait.
• Payment Methods: While cash is still widely accepted, many places now prefer card payments, especially contactless.
• Accessibility: Most cafes and bakeries in The Hague are accessible, but it’s always good to check in advance if you have specific needs.

This guide should help you explore the delightful cafes and bakeries in The Hague, allowing you to enjoy the local flavors and culture to the fullest!