Best Cafes in Maastricht
Coffeelovers
This is my favorite coffee chain in Maastricht. Don’t be misled by the word “chain”—each product is high-quality, and the cafés have a nice ambiance. I was a bit disappointed that they don’t have a location in Rotterdam.
I visited three Coffeelovers branches. On the first day, I chose Coffeelovers Plein for breakfast. I started my day with a toast and coffee; I didn’t expect the curry sauce that came with the toast to pair so well. This branch is quite large, with seating both inside and outside.
Another branch I visited daily for my work trip was the Coffeelovers inside the Maastricht University Student Services Centre. The design here is vibrant and colorful, matching the student vibe, and the cakes were delicious.
Lastly, I went to the Coffeelovers located in the bookshop inside the Bookhandel Dominicanen, which is housed in a church. The atmosphere was fantastic. It’s a lovely place to read among the books, though on a hot day it felt a bit stuffy, as if the air was trapped.
KOFFIE
Koffie was one of the most recommended spots by locals. When I visited, I saw firsthand that it’s also a popular place for working. It’s a café designed with a third-wave coffee shop vibe. The croissant and coffee were good. Though it gets crowded, the space is large enough that finding a seat isn’t difficult.
Chalet Bergrust Bistro-Café
Chalet Bergrust Café is in Sint Peters, surrounded by nature, where you can sit with a view of the city. I tried a Dutch cake called vlaai, which reminded me of a rice pudding tart. It was light and tasty. You can either fuel up before a walk or rest afterward. The upstairs section is much nicer than the self-service area.
Fixed Gear Coffee
As the name suggests, Fixed Gear Coffee is themed around bicycles, with the interior design reflecting this. I felt it could have been even better with this concept. The café itself is quite large. The croissant was small but delicious, though I can’t say the same for the coffee. The desserts looked tasty, but I didn’t try them.
De Brandweerkantine
De Brandweerkantine was another spot recommended by locals, particularly for lunch. I stumbled upon it and really liked its style. The outdoor seating was very comfortable and relaxed, and the street was quiet. I didn’t visit that day as I was too full, but I made a note to return. They have a wide menu, from drinks to lunch and dinner options, as well as coffee and desserts. The crowd varied in age, from young university students to middle-aged guests. I ordered a different version of vlaai based on the staff’s recommendation, and I absolutely loved it, even though I hadn’t realized what I ordered. The coffee was also good. It was a place where I could sit for hours—I honestly didn’t want to leave. I scribbled some notes while observing a university student reading across from me, and students at the next table were chatting. If you like this kind of atmosphere, don’t miss it.
Van Wijck
I chose Van Wijck for breakfast. It was quite crowded, so you might need to wait a bit. Since the day I visited was cold, everyone wanted to sit inside. I opted for the breakfast wrap with eggs and spinach, which would’ve been really delicious if it hadn’t been so bland. Their iced green tea was also quite refreshing. The service was a bit slow, so if you’re really hungry, plan your visit accordingly.
Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee
Alley was a café where I wasn’t very satisfied with the croissant, and I found the coffee to be average. I sipped my coffee while watching them repair bikes across from me. While the bike café concept is great for the Netherlands, I believe it could’ve been executed much better in terms of design.
Bello & Buono
This place wasn’t originally on my list, but since many cafés weren’t open early in the morning, I visited the first spot I saw with a croissant. They also had sandwich options, but I only had a croissant. It wasn’t bad, but I’ve definitely had better ones.
