We previously shared a very nice list of sustainable restaurants in Haarlem. There are quite a few of them. And on top of that, we discovered quite a few cool sustainable restaurants near Haarlem. What should we do with those? Well, we will make a separate list of them! Because you can also find a surprising number of sustainable gems outside the city limits. From chic country houses to hip greenhouse restaurants, farm bistros and beach tents. So do you want to grab your bike or take a mini-road trip for a night out eating with a good feeling? These are our favourites just outside Haarlem.
Eating out near Haarlem
Haarlem, of course, is a treat in itself. It is a lovely city for a day or weekend trip. You can enjoy endless shopping, culture and delicious food. By the way, check out our child-friendly tips. But... the surroundings of Haarlem are at least as much fun. And surprisingly green! So we dove into the region, looking for fine restaurants at about 5 to 25 kilometres from the city. Easy to do by bike (wind in your favour), and otherwise enjoyable by car - often without the hassle of cramped parking garages or high parking fees. And believe us: in these restaurants you eat not only deliciously, but also in surroundings you really don't easily encounter in the city centre. Think country houses, orchards, dunes and even the beach.
Broccolis in Spaarndam
Just outside Haarlem, in idyllic Spaarndam, sits Broccolis. A vegetarian and vegan gem run by Italian duo Elisa and Dani. Here you sit down in a cosy living room setting - just all together at one long table, as if you were dining with friends. And you can taste that too. The menu changes regularly and is full of creative combinations. How about ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms and truffle? Or a blueberry-brie risotto you won't soon forget? The stuffed aubergine is one to cycle around for. Don't feel like choosing? Get surprised with the La Care menu - a selection of Elisa's favourite dishes. All fresh, plant-based and made with love. Broccolis is about seven kilometres from Haarlem, or a short half-hour drive from Amsterdam. Ideal for a mini getaway.
Ringweg 36C, Spaarndam
Buitenplaats Plantage in Vogelenzang
If you like good food as well as nature, this is the place to be. Buitenplaats Plantage is in Vogelenzang, a 15-minute drive from Haarlem and about 35 minutes from Amsterdam. In the middle of greenery, in an old plant greenhouse, you can have lunch or dinner here in peace and quiet. The menu changes regularly, but always with lots of vegetable love. Think a fresh falafel salad, a taco with pulled jackfruit, cauliflower steak or a surprise quiche that is slightly different each time. The stracciatella burrata is a keeper for cheese lovers and the nut burger will make you think: why eat meat at all? Inside, you'll be cosy among the greenery, but on sunny days the garden terrace is an absolute must. Take your time, order another drink, and enjoy this green oasis outside the city.
Vogelenzangseweg 49A, Vogelenzang



Eating and drinking in an old greenhouse! Buitenplaats Plantage is a hidden treasure near Haarlem, in Vogelenzang.
Chestnut in Hoofddorp
In an unusual spot in Hoofddorp, in the modern district of Hyde Park, stands an old wagon barn that has been rebuilt with love and attention to detail. This nineteenth-century barn - once part of a farm just after the reclamation of Haarlemmermeer - was given a second life as a warm and stylish restaurant: Chestnut. You literally eat here among history, with original stone and wooden beams, but in a contemporary and atmospheric setting. The menu changes with the seasons and is full of local surprises. Think homemade ravioli with ricotta and lemon, a colourful ‘round of vegetables’ or a vegan burger on brioche, often with produce from a local organic farm. Whether you stop by for lunch, drinks or a full dinner, this is the place to be. And this is less than 15 minutes from Haarlem or half an hour from Amsterdam. In short, a green oasis with a beautiful terrace!
Eiffelstraat 1, Hoofddorp



Sustainable food and drink in Hoofddorp in an old wagon shed at Kastan. Photos: Edith Maaskant (restaurant and terrace), Lars de Nijs (dish), Félice Hofhuizen (inside).
Plantation Rococo in Velsen-Zuid
Those who love boho should really check out Plantation Rococo. A 15-minute drive from Haarlem and about 25 minutes from Amsterdam, this eighteenth-century country house is set amid greenery. You eat there in a setting that feels like a film set - with vintage chandeliers, weathered walls and lush gardens. The cuisine is an ode to French, organic cuisine: classic flavours from Paris, made with pure ingredients and a modern twist. Everything is 100% organic, mostly veg or vegan. From a surprise lunch to a sumptuous dinner, you'll be seated royally here. And if you really don't want to leave (understandable), you can simply stay the night in one of the eco-hotel's eclectically decorated rooms. Romance, tranquillity and good food - in the leading role.
Rijksweg 116, Velsen-Zuid





Eat and drink in an eighteenth-century country house in the middle of greenery at Plantage Rococo in Velsen-Zuid.
Rorik Estate in Beverwijk (Soft Steel & Bistro Rorik)
Two good eats, one location: at Rorik estate in Beverwijk (25 minutes from Haarlem, just under half an hour from Amsterdam) you can choose between bistro or fine dining. For comfort food and a hearty serving of country cuisine are right at Bistro Rorik. But if you really want to make a splash, take a seat at Zacht Staal Restaurant - in a 200-square-metre greenhouse that once stood at the Floriade. Here, chef Kees Elfring cooks a weekly changing menu of four or five courses, inspired by the vegetable garden's harvest. Coming from Amsterdam and don't feel like being the Bob? A shuttle bus leaves from Amsterdam Sloterdijk every Friday.
Path of Altruda 1, Beverwijk



At estate Rorik, you have two prizes. Whether you fancy an approachable bistro or being pampered with fine dining in a greenhouse. You will find these sustainable restaurants near Haarlem and Amsterdam, namely in Beverwijk!
Groenendaal estate in Heemstede
Near Haarlem, hidden among centuries-old trees in the Groenendaalse Bos in Heemstede, lies this stylish restaurant in an eighteenth-century coach house. From the outside Groenendaal estate history, but inside it is stylish and quirky - an elegant mix of modern design and a touch of nostalgia. What you'll find on the menu: French cuisine with a surprising twist. You eat ‘Groenendaal-style’ here with Les Petits Plats de Saison - small, tasty dishes made with the best of the season. Prefer classic? Then you can choose from Les Classiques, with timeless French dishes (the limited vega options do make this restaurant a little less suitable for vegetarians). And what has remained for more than a century: the hospitality. Whether you stop by for a fancy lunch or a relaxed dinner, you'll feel welcome here.
Groenendaal 3, Heemstede
The Empire of the Emperor in Amsterdam-West
Surprising perhaps: this green hotspot is officially located in Amsterdam, but well on the west side - and therefore closer to Haarlem than you think. The Empire of the Emperor is located in the Gardens of West, less than ten kilometres from Haarlem city centre. A hidden oasis where you eat at long tables surrounded by greenery. Everything is organic, seasonal and local as much as possible - often even from your own garden or from neighbours in the Tuinen van West. Every month there is the ‘Evening of the Chef’: a special dinner full of stories, fine wines and platters to share.
Joris van den Berghweg 101, Amsterdam
Kraantje Lek in Overveen
A short bike ride from Haarlem and you're there: in the middle of greenery, at Crane Leak in Overveen. This restaurant feels like a mini-holiday - ideal for families who want good food as well as relaxation. While you feast on a fine lunch, coffee or dinner (and yes, there are surprisingly many veggie options on the menu), the kids are having a great time. There is a large playground as well as an iconic climbing dune where you can spend hours climbing up and down - a hit with kids of all ages. From the sunny terrace you have a perfect view of it, so relax. Extra? Kraantje Lek is on the edge of South-Kennemerland National Park. Walk into the Kraansvlak after dinner; with a bit of luck you'll spot Scottish Highlanders, fallow deer or even wild horses here. So lunch, play and stroll - all in one place.
Duinlustweg 22, Overveen



Kraantje Lek in Overveen is a household name among families courtesy of its playground and climbing dune. Photos: Lars Verkroost, Studio Soon.
Small Central in Overveen
For little (and big) train lovers, this is a real gem: Small Central is right next to Overveen station in a charming old station building from 1880. Inside, it is bright and cosy, with vintage details and a relaxed atmosphere. The menu features tasty coffees, homemade cakes and sandwiches for lunch. And for children? Watching trains, of course! From the terrace or behind the window you have a perfect view of the tracks. Guaranteed success for curious toddlers (and secretly for their parents too). Rainy? No problem, you're always right here - warm, dry and cosy.
Tetterodeweg 4, Overveen
Hoeve Duin & Kruidberg in Sandpoort-Noord
Between the meadows, on the edge of the Kennemer dunes, is a place where everything comes together: nature, peace and quiet, goodies and a good dose of fun. Dune and Kruidberg farmstead is one of those places where you spontaneously extend your afternoon. Perfect for a short walk in the dunes, followed by coffee or lemonade on the terrace. Meanwhile, the kids are having fun on the large playground full of carts, sandboxes and picnic tables. You sit relaxed, they race around - win-win. And then there's the ice cream. Because seriously, you want to taste this ice cream. Artisanally made, with milk from the cows you literally see grazing next to you. It doesn't get any fresher. The playground is especially fun for children up to about six years old, but be warned: those ice creams are addictively delicious for everyone.
Duin- en Kruidbergerweg 89, Santpoort-Noord
Stranded in Bloemendaal
Not a classic beach club, but a place that has that same relaxed vibes radiates - that is Stranded. This wooden oasis is tucked away in the dunes near Bloemendaal, right next to Camping de Lakens. While the children have fun in the gigantic playground full of sand and climbing equipment, you can sit on the terrace overlooking the dune tops. And without the sea wind that sometimes blows you over on the beach - which is nice. Gestrand is open for breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner and has a surprising number of options for vegetarians and vegans. The oyster burger is one to come back for (seriously, do!). The wine list has also been considered: Mirabueno's organic wines complete the picture. So: feet in the sand (sort of), glass in hand and enjoy. Tip: check beforehand if they are open, as this gem is seasonal.
Zeeweg 60, Overveen
Dune Café Kennemerduinen in Bloemendaal
A hidden gem in the dunes: The Dune Café is right next to the visitor centre of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. It is perfect for a coffee stop, lunch or just a breather after a walk. On the terrace you can often sit out of the wind, with views over the dune landscape. Inside, it is cosy with lots of wood and a casual atmosphere. What makes this place extra special? The Duincafé carries the Green Key Gold quality mark. Only catering businesses that really do their best to operate sustainably - from energy consumption to cleaning products - receive this international label. So here you eat not only with pleasure, but also with a good feeling. And that makes this dune café more than worthy of a tip.
Zeeweg 12, Overveen
Crazy about beach bars? A nice list of sustainable beach bars in Bloemendaal can be found here. And the beach bars in Zandvoort aan Zee that fit your greener list, we have also collected for you.
More sustainable restaurants near Haarlem?
So, do you have your list ready yet? Whether you are looking for a place with a playground and a view of the dunes, a chic country estate lunch, a greenhouse dinner at sunset or a hidden café in the middle of the greenery - there is a surprising amount to discover around Haarlem for those who like to eat consciously as well as deliciously. And this was just the beginning! Do you know any sustainable hotspot in the area that really shouldn't be missed? Let us know, because we would love to taste (and write) on.
More sustainable tips in Haarlem
- Affordable and sustainable accommodation in Haarlem: That's possible at Stayokay Haarlem.
- Second-hand shopping in Haarlem? We get you started with these shopping tips.
- Prefer the centre of Haarlem? Then take a look at this list of sustainable restaurants.
Photo credits: main image: Studio Soon & Estate Rorik. Other: Buitenplaats Plantage, Edith Maaskant (Terrace Kastan), Lars de Nijs (dish Kastan), Félice Hofhuizen (inside at Kastan), Plantation Rococo, Estate Rorik, Lars Verkroost, Studio Soon (Kraantje Lek).