The best restaurants in Nijmegen

On this page you can find the best restaurants in Nijmegen in my opinion. I’ve lived in Nijmegen for 7 years. I went to university there and lingered for a couple of years afterwards. I still go back occasionally to visit friends. I’ve always loved this city. It’s progressive, green and friendly. It’s not difficult to find a nice lunchroom or restaurant here, since there are plenty!
Below I’ve listed my favorite restaurants in Nijmegen, all restaurants listed have good vegetarian or vegan options. These restaurants in Nijmegen are all worth a visit.

Nibbles

The first restaurant that I want to share with you is Nibbles. What I like about Nibbles is that they serve smaller portions, so you can order a couple and share them with your company. It’s nicely decorated on the inside and they have an outside area where you can sit in the sun ’till quite late. They serve Mediterranean dishes like pintxos, lamb koftas or grilled aubergine with pomegranate seeds. If you’re in the mood for the latter, check my recipe for grilled aubergine here.

Spot. Nijmegen

Spot. Nijmegen feels like a surf bar in Australia. It’s got a relaxed vibe, surf pictures and accessoires, pink tiles and many plants. They’ve got delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes on the menu. From toast to overnight oats, and my favorite: grilled banana bread. You can also rent a work spot with them, or book a creative workshop with them. And they can even arrange group and teambuilding outings for you.

Downtown

Downtown offers an all-day breakfast menu. For people who love breakfast as much as I do, this is heaven. They’ve got all your favorite breakfast staples like American pancakes and banana bread. But also for lunch it’s a great option with mushroom toast or the pictured avocado toast with feta cheese and a poached egg. It’s located just around the corner from the market square. Are all tables taken? Next-door Bairro Alto is also a nice place!

Nolita

Pancake lovers: this one’s for you! Lunch restaurant Nolita is famous for their Red Velvet Pancakes, and they’ve got many more pancakes on the menu. Like the American Pancakes with Greek yogurt pictured. But they’ve also got breakfasts, bowls, fresh croissants, bagels, Eggs Benedict, sandwiches and the tastiest cakes. You can also book a High Tea, Baby shower or Bride to Be package.

Kushiin Nijmegen

Kushiin in Nijmegen is thé spot for coffee lovers. They’ve got their own 100% organic coffee blends, that you can also buy for at home (just like their Japanese Matcha). For lunch they serve delicious Focaccia with more than 10 different kinds of toppings. And if, like me, you think that #thebestlunchescomewithdessert, there’s also plenty to chose from at Kushiin. Just check the counter for their cinnamonrolls, croissants and other sweets. If you’re lucky you can try my favorite: their Tiramisu Cinnamon roll.
There’s also a Kushiin restaurant in Utrecht.

MikMak

Restaurant MikMak is great for people who like to taste several kinds of dishes from all over the world. Here you order plates the size of a starter to share with your company. They’ve got dishes from all kinds of cuisines, like spring rolls, dumplings, Okonomiyaki and flatbread. You can go for a surprise menu from the chef, or pick your own dishes from the menu.

Fresca

Fresca is located in a beautiful building with big windows on the ground floor and extra seats downstairs. They also have a nice outdoor terrace for sunny days. Besides their breakfast and lunch dishes, they also have savory and sweet dishes for anytime of the day. They have several tasty vegetarian options like a vegetarian frittata and the sandwich with hummus and grilled vegetables pictured above.

Atelier

Atelier is a bar, restaurant and hotel and has a cosy interior in which you’re welcome all day long. From breakfast and brunch, to bar bites and cocktails. Or just go for a nice wine in the evenings. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed. They’re famous for their Chicken and Waffles for brunch, but there’s something on the menu for everyone. After lunch hours, you can order their tapas or antipasti platter.

1920 Speakeasy Cocktail bar

Hidden in the basement of Atelier you’ll find 1920, a speakeasy cocktail bar. Step into the spirit of the 1920s with a carefully curated selection of cocktails that capture the bold flavors and secret allure of the Prohibition era. Please note that it’s very popular, and you’ll probably need to make reservations in advance.

Bloom

At the end of the nicest street in Nijmegen (the Lange Hezelstraat) and at the corner of the pretty Kronenburger Park, you can find restaurant Bloom. They’ve got a beautiful botanic interior and they’re open for lunch, dinner and drinks. They’re pan grilled cheese with kimchi and vegetarian croquettes are my favorite veggie lunch dishes and for dinner they’ve also got a good selection of vegetarian dishes next to their meat and fish options.

The Fresh Factory

The Fresh Factory is a salad and smoothie bar in the center of Nijmegen. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a healthy brunch or lunch when you’re in town. When you enter you’ll find screens on which you can place your order. They’ve got sandwiches, salads, yogurt bowls and juices that you can create by yourself. They’ve got an incredible amount of ingredients to choose from, so you can make your own lunch. There are many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. You can eat it there or take it to-go.

Looking for healthy hotspots in other cities in the Netherlands? Click here.