As you stroll through the charming center of Gouda, you’ll notice just how many great places there are to have lunch.
On the Markt, you’ll find great spots like Gewoon Gouds, Grand Café Central, and Gouds Glas, with its stunning stained-glass windows. But often also at historic locations with a story to tell and in medieval backstreets. From a good sandwich at the city beach, regional dishes in a former sailors’ pub, to a delicious Michelin-star-level lunch. Here are 10 must-visit lunch spots in Gouda for a tasty break.
Lunch Café Curcuma – healthy and homemade
Lunchcafé Curcuma is one of those places where you walk in and immediately feel at home: light, green, and warm. The menu features vegetarian dishes made from 100% organic ingredients. A well-filled sandwich with creamy hummus, a bowl of homemade soup, or a colorful salad with buckwheat—at Curcuma, every choice feels like a little treat.
Museum Café Gouda - Savory High Cheese
Take one of the most beautiful spots in Gouda, a delightful courtyard garden, the centuries-old vaulted cellar of Museum Gouda, an always-delicious lunch menu, and you get: Museum Café Gouda. With tasty sandwiches, soups, and salads, and homemade cakes to look forward to. Not to mention the highly acclaimed High Tea with the Gouda High Cheese variant. As soon as the sun comes out, lunch is served in the courtyard garden, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and with a view of St. John's Church.
Cantina van Jongkind – hidden lunch gem
Where contemporary cuisine meets centuries-old history: Cantina van Jongkind is a hidden lunch gem in a courtyard dating back to 1702. Named after Gouda notary Adriaan Jongkind, who left his fortune to provide a safe place for women without families. Now it houses a restaurant, wine bar, and coffee roastery. The coffee is freshly roasted, the wines are top-notch, and the lunch menu is filled with tasty options. Will it be a crispy Neapolitan pizza or a fresh salad with Mediterranean flavors? Fun fact: the dough is given two days to ferment. That takes the pizzas to an even higher level!
Casa Chow – street food with a bite
Casa Chow, a vibrant street food bar on Gouda's Market Square, catches the eye with its bright yellow façade that hints at a colorful interior. Here, lunch feels like you're on a world tour without leaving the city. Especially if you go for the High Lunch, a tiered platter with bao buns, spring rolls, sushi, and sandwiches. A feast to share between your city walks.
Brunch Boutique – extra long enjoyment
For a late breakfast or early lunch – depending on how you look at it – head to Zeugstraat and Brunch Boutique. For a warm welcome, freshly made toast, yogurt and smoothie bowls, and fluffy pancakes with sweet and savory toppings. Naturally accompanied by excellent coffee and a mouthwatering cake bar. But there's also a relaxed afternoon tea with friends if you want to spend a little longer shopping in the streets of Gouda.
GOUDasfalt Gouwestrand – surrounded by water and creativity
Gouda is surrounded by water, so leave the historic center behind and take the Gein or Korne ferry to the industrial GOUDasfalt. Restaurant Gouwestrand is located between vintage shops, wooden furniture makers, and a traditional clay workshop. The dishes are local, honest, and sustainable, with surprising specials and shared dining dishes. In the summer, you can relax on the city beach!
Restaurant LIZZ and COCO – cooks up stylish culinary delights
If you are near St. John's Church, you will soon see the characteristic red shutters of the five-star boutique hotel Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda. Where orphans were taken in in 1599, you can now enjoy stylish gastronomy and hospitality under centuries-old beams. For a light lunch or refined afternoon tea, take a seat at Coffee, Cocktail & Champagne Bar COCO. At fine dining restaurant LIZZ*, awarded a Michelin star, you can embark on a culinary journey during a casual lunch. Chef Remco Kuijpers ensures that every course is a small experience.
IJsselhuis Gouda – seasonal, with a view of the harbor
Where skippers used to warm up and chat in the skippers' waiting room, you can now have lunch. IJsselhuis Gouda, a historic building near the beautiful Museum Harbor with heritage ships, is a favorite spot for Gouda residents. Grab a seat on the terrace by the water or inside near the open kitchen, where chef Herman Winkelman cooks with local seasonal ingredients. On Sundays: all-day brunch for late risers!
Berg’s Bakery – delicious sandwiches
Be sure to visit Berg’s Bakery! This well-known Gouda bakery has a lunchroom serving the most delicious sandwiches made with local ingredients. In addition to the best pastries and the only real Van Vliet syrup waffles. Served with good coffee, fragrant tea, fresh juices, and always friendly service. For a top-notch lunch.
Miss Nice Banana – plant-based lunch
Cozy hotspot where plant-based food is anything but boring. A glance at the menu reveals colorful bowls, vegan burgers, a vegan kapsalon that will keep you coming back for more, and even a floral flower steak. Yes, Miss Nice Banana proves that healthy and sustainable food is delicious!
