Haarlem is one of the most photogenic cities of Holland. The city has beautiful architecture, medieval cobbled streets, ancient bridges and monumental buildings. Summer in Haarlem is a reason to come home. The city has many sunny terraces, parks to have a picknick and a wide beach at Bloemendaal aan Zee which you can reach within 20 minutes by bike. Spend your day shopping at Haarlem’s best shopping streets, De Kleine Houtstraat, de Gierstraat and the Warmoesstraat filled with independent stores, small boutiques, authentic buildings and craft shops. Drink your coffee at restaurant Zuidam along the most beautiful part of the winding river, het Spaarne, next to the mill ”Adriaan”. In the afternoon wander through the small picturesque alleyways and little courtyards. Not to miss the Korte Houtstraat, Haarlem’s most green street, with gorgeous houses hidden behind trees, and flower bushes. This is a short list of not to miss hotspots when visiting Haarlem and its beautiful surroundings.
Drink and Dine
For a sophisticated fine dining experience bring a visit to Le Mortier, it is the restaurant to teas all your taste buds. The restaurant was opened in a monumental building on the Nassaulaan in 2016 by the friends Philippe and Bas. The men both have a solid background and worked in (Michelin star) restaurants as the Bokkedoorns, Vermeer and Cheval Blanc.
The concept of Le Mortier is simple: tasteful and eye-catching French cuisine dishes for a pleasant price. Each dish is paired with a personal selected elegant wine that enhances the taste of the dish. Hospitality is Bas his passion which makes the atmosphere in the restaurant unique for Haarlem. Chef Philippe prepares all the dishes on the menu with love and craftsmanship and everything is served with attention and passion at the table. The decor of Le Mortier is contemporary and elegant. And the dishes? They are refined, well considered creations, where every ingredient has a function. Le Mortier delivers a personalized experience, where everything matches.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 18:00 to 23:00.
For the best fish and seafood in Haarlem and the only good restaurant with a kitchen open until 00:00 during weekends, this place is a must visit for foodies. Inspiration for the fish hotspot is found by the owners in Barcelona, Paris and Cape Town. You’ll find the cosmopolitan inspiration back in the raw chique interior design of the restaurant and the diverse menu. All the dishes can be ordered as tapas so you can share everything with your company of the night. Our tip start with oysters paired with a glass of bubbles followed by a Fruits de Mer for two. Let the knowledgeable staff advise you on a pairing beautiful wine to make your evening complete. All the fish is pure and freshly caught for the best taste sensation.
Frisk just opened their doors in the old Droste chocolate factory one of Haarlem’s most beautiful properties. The bright restaurant is located on the Max Euweplein at het Spaarne. A place that lights up the neighborhood, a sweet work spot for digital nomads and the ideal romantic setting for a date.
Frisk is the second non-Haarlem place that the owners Merel and Frank open. It just off the beaten center track and different from the many quite similar restaurant concepts that Haarlem has. Create more unique and inspiring places in their beloved city is the mindset with which Merel and Frank opened Frisk May first. The new hotspot at het Spaarne has a Scandinavian intake. Fish and vegetables are the main ingredients for most dishes and there is a list of excellent matching wines. Be sure to try the tartar of mackerel and the in pumpkin pit softly prepared salmon. The interior is Merel in collaboration with Maak’s designers and builders. “We find it super important to be sustainable wherever we can. We like to encourage and work with local creatives, we produce as few waste as possible, recycle and work with seasonal products.” Frisk is a place for young and old. Whether you come at 10 am on Sunday morning for a rich lazy breakfast buffet, a business lunch appointment or just a drink, any time of the day you are welcome from Tuesday to Sunday. The entrepreneurial fire is felt during the conversation with the owners and also clearly reflected in what they have set up.
The best coffee in town
For one of the best coffees in town bring a visit to Mica in the Kleine Houtstraat. This cosy green hipster spot is owned by two sisters. Sophie and Annemarie picked up their idea for Mica while living together in Copenhagen. Travelling inspired them to open something totally different in Haarlem. Mica is full of greens, has a changing exposition, and a great menu, with healthy (vegan) sweets, matcha (!), fresh juices and delicious coffee! Everything is homemade with love, fresh ingredients, avoiding sugar and E-numbers. The place feels zen and even though it can be busy the atmosphere in the coffee shop is always calm and relaxed.
