Residents of Leiden and its surroundings are flocking to a new hip restaurant in the city: Lot & de walvis, which means Lot and the whale. The restaurant is located a stone throw away from the Leidse Poort, with a waterfront outside terrace overlooking the harbour with its many leisure boats. The best thing is that the outside terrace is always sunny. Hence a perfect spot for summer days and evenings. 
The interior is carefully curated, telling the story of Lot who traveled the world in her vintage van which she named Whale. After returning from her journeys, packed with souvenirs and pretty finds she collected, she decorated her new home, this restaurant. The place does feel like a living room. There are in fact three different spaces: the living room with a vintage vibe, the green and airy bar, and the dining space and lounge area with an Ibiza-style, hippie vibe.
The bar area is airy and minimalistic with wooden paneled walls, vintage school chairs and hanging plants. Here you can enjoy the best gin and tonic, a glass of wine, or a nice lunch with friends.
The dining space and lounge area has a real hippie vibe with its comfortable pillows, and hippie accessories. A great spot for dinner and relaxing. 
The living room is decorated with vintage furniture, kilims and a large communal table. Here’s where you can listen to music, read, or just talk with coffee and tea. In one corner you see an old record player, in the other a guitar.
It is a place where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee or drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.On sunny days, they turn on the barbecue, and sometimes there is a live band or DJ. For breakfast I recommend the fluffy American pancakes or eggs benedict. The coffee is the best, and inside there are three complimentary flavoured water taps.
Lot en de Walvis – Haven 1, Leiden
