30s Magazine

Weekends are enjoyed best by starting your day off with a lavish breakfast. I made it a tradition to have big and wholesome breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, whether it is at home in my pajamas flipping pancakes and omelettes, or by going out for breakfast in the city. I live a 20 minute bike ride to the old city center of Leiden, where there are lots of restaurants, coffee places, and bars. However, I am a bit picky when it comes to breakfast. An ordinary Dutch slice of bread with cheese or jam won’t do. I like to have something special. And also not unimportant, I like a good cup of coffee. I have tried and tested a few places, and came up with a top 5 of best places to have breakfast in Leiden. And the good news for anyone who likes to sleep in, is that all of them serve all day or until late afternoon breakfast on Sundays!

Also, don’t miss my 6th insider tip that is only open in winter but couldn’t be left out of the list of best breakfast places

1. Anne & Max

My favourite place for breakfast is Anne & Max. Why? First because of the location. It is on one of the busiest corners of the city, giving you plenty of opportunity to watch people and street life in de Breestraat and Hogewoerd. In summer or on crisp autumn days you can sit outside on the terrace. The round building is all glass windos, giving you a good view of the buzz outside. The coffee is superb, and so are the different fresh juices and smoothies. The fresh mixed juices are something you have to try! You can choose from a super foods healthy breakfast with yoghurt, fruits and granola, to oatmeal porridge, croissants and scones, or a comforting big breakfast with Oeuf en cocotte with salmon, spinach, whole grain bread and roasted cherry tomatoes (as seen in the photo above). – Gangetje 2

2. Roos

Roos is my second favourite place to have breakfast. I love the laid-back ambiance, the simple yet adorable interior with wooden benches and floral pillows with a bare brick wall as a backdrop. Everything is home-made in their small kitchen and they mostly use local products from the farmers market and nearby producers. I love the scambled eggs with goat cheese and spinach. Also try their french toast, it’s so good! I still have to try their yoghurt with home-made granola. – Botermarkt 12

3. Lebkov & Sons

Located just 10 steps from the back entrance of Leiden central train station you’ll find Lebkov & Sons. It’s always busy with students and commuters so expect to queue in the morning to grab that much loved coffee. Although most people take out, it’s also a nice place to work or have breakfast and read the newspaper. Their fresh croissants, pains au chocolats, and their different flavours of muffins are tried and tested and get a thumbs up. – Bargelaan 8

4. Lot & de Walvis

Lot & de Walvis is a short walk away from the city center but worth every step. Located in the harbour, you can watch the boats go by while indulging e.g. in American pancakes with fruit or eggs benedict. I can vouch that the pancakes are fluffy! I blogged about this hot spot a few weeks ago here. – Haven 1

5. Barista Café

The Barista Café in the Catharina steeg is not just a good place for quality coffee. Until mid day they also serve up some delicious choices of breakfast. For the healthy freaks there is the vegan smoothie bowl or the oatmeal breakfast. Are you more of a sweet tooth in the morning? Then opt for the salted caramel pancakes or the toasted sugar bread. Egg lovers can indulge in a breakfast quesadilla.

TIP 6: a winter pop-up restaurant, only open Sep-March

Paco Ciao

Roll out of the train right into this hidden gem and have a de-li-cious breakfast at restaurant Paco Ciao at Stationweg 25. The menu contains eggs benedict, poached eggs, avocado toast, yoghurt bowl, or cranberry pancakes. They have the best smoothies and fresh juices and excellent coffee too!

For lunch, dinner and shopping tips about Leiden, click here.