Best places for lunch in Groningen

Groningen is perfect for a coffee break after you’ve discovered the city. Where to go? Let’s check out the best places for coffee drinking in Groningen.

Cesile

If we have to compare the Cesile to anything, Starbucks comes very close. The ground floor is designed for to-go, which is convenient during the corona pandemic. Grab a cup of coffee and a something to snack.

On the first and second floors, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, sandwiches, pastries and other delicacies in a homely atmosphere.

Cesile is perfect after a shopping spree, to just sit down, relax and continue your search.

You will find Cesile at Herestraat 1, in the beautiful white building where First In Jeans used to be.

Stach

STACH can be found on the ground floor of the FORUM, the new and amazing building close to the Grote Markt. You can go to STACH when you need a break from all the stairs in the Forum.

Enjoy the famous STACH hamburger and real Groningen apple pie. Or just grab yourself a coffee in the living room area.

Wadapartja

Wadapartja is our GO-TO for an extensive lunch in Groningen. You can go to Wadapartja for brunch, a pastry, but also for dinner. This second place from Wadapartja in the corner building on the Pottebakkersrijge has a very nice vibe, even better than their first location at the Zuiderdiep. We especially love the terrace in between and under the trees close by the water. It was very busy when we were there but still, the staff was very friendly 🙏.

→ Our lunch tip: Had the huevo poncho and if you’re in for some alcohol, try the Pinot grigio wine or Tropical Ralphie.

The Smooth Brothers

The Smooth Brothers are your go-to if you like smoothies and juices(and maybe some jazz). You can either enjoy their smoothies inside or get them for takeaway. Their main branding is based upon jazz. On their website they say

As The Smooth Brothers, we found inspiration in Jazz artists. Jazz is the willingness to go fearlessly into the unknown and create. A dedication to look past the fear, to take risks in search of something beautiful, and to find possibilities even when there seems to be none.

You’ll find this vibe not just in their interior but also in the naming on their menu. Instead of a menu, you can choose a smoothie in their line-up. The Smooth Brothers offer more than just smoothies and juices. Through a blend of food and the philosophy of Jazz-music, they “strive to offer an experience at the moment that will leave each of their guests happy and grateful at all times”.

We’ve seen The Smooth Brother gain popularity and most of the time there’s a slight waiting line. Luckily, most of the time you can wait inside and grab one of the books on the coffee table.

Pssst… living at the southeast of Groningen and don’t want to cross the city centre? There’s a second store in Groningen at the Oosterstraat Groningen.

Werkman

New kid to the block is WERKMAN. When you visit De Grote Markt, the building immediately draws your attention. WERKMAN is a great place to eat, drink, dance, and work. And all that in one and the same building.

Rather have lunch or dinner? You can do that in all of the buildings. There’s a great spot on the top floor as well to work.

Barista Cafe

You might not expect this cafe in the neighborhood Paddepoel, but hey, that makes it a great discovery. Paddepoel is a neighborhood with a big mall including a supermarket, Hema, Kruidvat, and a lot of other stores.

Barista Cafe’s menu includes sandwiches, cake and various lattes like a matcha latte or a blue butterfly latte. You could also grab your laptop and work from here, the tables are just that big enough though I haven’t tested the wifi yet.

Zondag

In the heart of Noorderplantsoen you will find restaurant Zondag, the only place in Groningen where it is a bit of a weekend every day of the week. A five-minute walk from the center, but miles away from the daily hustle and bustle, you will find good coffee, open WIFI, and a menu full of local delicacies.

During the corona measures, there’s a takeaway option!

Coffee Break

For a Coffee Break, you have to go to CoffeeBreak of course. From the end of 2018, CoffeeBreak will be located in the former Lefier building on the beautiful Zuiderdiep. As a self-employed person, you can work well (above) and have lunch and coffee at the same time. The building has large windows and is super hip furnished with those chairs that resemble the ones you had there early in primary school. Personally, I think the coconut cappuccinos at Coffee Break are one of the best! As standard, you will find oat milk in the cappuccino and on the lunch menu, you will find many vegan and gluten-free options!