5 Best Restaurants in Utrecht, The Randstad

As you walk down the narrow alleyway to this gem, it's easy to be misled by its unassuming exterior, but the interior is cozy, and the rear opens out into a breezy conservatory, with views of a beautiful walled garden dominated by a 200-year-old beech tree. Fashionable locals come here for generous portions of grilled meats, excellent salads, and an unusually large vegetarian range.

This café, with an excellent menu ranging from breakfast to a sirloin steak dinner, has the widest terrace and so catches the most sun (when there is any) of the cafés along Winkenburgstraat and Neude—large trees soften the view across the square. Inside, floor-to-ceiling framed magazine covers reflect the general news theme, and the long communal table inside is stocked with newspapers, including a few English-language titles.

This place is on Ledig Erf, one of Utrecht's small squares, which becomes a hive of energy and is filled with huge shade umbrellas when the sun comes out. The café's tables spill over the bridge, so you can sit overlooking canalside gardens as you tuck into basic rolls and salads at lunch or steaks and burgers in the evening.

This popular central eatery boasts a spectacular interior setting in the form of a restored church dating from 1860, complete with organ pipes. The Belgian-influenced food ranges from hearty stews to steaks and seafood, and is backed up by a similarly impressive beer list that also comes mainly from the Netherlands' southern neighbor—simpler dishes including croque monsieurs are served at lunch.

This sprawling Neoclassical "palace" started out in the 18th century as Holland's first department store and is fronted with columns and cast-iron statues of women that conjure images of Grecian abundance. You can dine either on the terrace overlooking the canal or in the high-ceilinged Grote Zaal, and select from an international menu of pasta, steaks, salads, and more that is designed to satisfy all tastes.