If you’re looking to find delicious specialty coffee in Utrecht served by lovely baristas, then this list is for you. Covering a wide area, this is the first of a two-part specialty coffee guide to Utrecht.

As someone who has lived in Amsterdam for nearly 18 years, I have to admit, I didn’t really visit other Dutch cities on a regular basis. Well, maybe with the exception of Rotterdam because let’s face it, Rotterdam is so fun. Utrecht, on the other hand, is absolutely picturesque and big enough to have a vibrant specialty coffee scene.

This has really blown up in the last few years, which inspired me to return to the city at the heart of The Netherlands to discover what’s what. This guide will take you on a little journey across town and allow you to get to know the local coffee scene first hand. And yes, there is a part two coming because after posting the below video on Instagram, so many people commented that I missed a lot of places.

Truth be told, I cannot possibly visit more than seven coffee shops in one day without having a heart attack. I said if the video cracked the 100k views mark, I’d go back and make a part two. So keep your eyeballs peeled for a second batch of recommendations coming soon.

After reading this guide you will:

✅ Know where some of the best specialty coffee is served in Utrecht

✅ Learn what makes each recommended place unique

✅ Feel inspired to go explore Utrecht’s coffee scene

UTRECHT SPECIALTY COFFEE GUIDE PT. 1

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Coffeevine (@thecoffeevine)

OHØJ – A local neighbourhood institution

Rijnlaan 27, 3522 BB Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ Owner Kevin Ayers roasts and brews everything. Ask him for an exotic espresso shot, he probably will have something to dazzle you with.

🛋️ Limited seating inside with more spaces on the terrace. Very residential area away from tourists.

💬 The Coffeevine says: This place brings people from all walks of life together who come to enjoy epic coffee in a friendly environment

DAGGER COFFEE – Female-run roastery and homely coffee shop

Zijdebalenstraat 2, 3513 GZ Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ Dagmar Geerlings and her fabulous team brew exquisite coffees with passion and attention to detail

🛋️ This is a rare standalone café overlooking the water. Super gezellig!

💬 The Coffeevine says: Everything is home-made and the coffee is amongst the best in town. Plus, you they offer a variety of courses. I even hosted a cupping there once!

THE VILLAGE COFFEE & MUSIC – The OGs of specialty coffee in town are going stronger than ever

Voorstraat 44-46, 3512 AP Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ Tasty coffee served by handsome baristas. What more can you possibly want?

🛋️ Great location on a cute street. Plenty of seating available and next door there is now a cool shop with music and other memorabilia

💬 The Coffeevine says: This place is iconic and not to be missed. The Village is a big supporter of independent music. A big plus from me.

UKIYO KOFFIE KART – Charming mobile coffee bar on a pretty church square

Janskerkhof, 3512 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ They specialize primarily in freshly brewed filter coffee from different Dutch roasters

🛋️ There’s a bit of seating but people mainly come here to chat, buy flowers and find happiness

💬 The Coffeevine says: There are almost zero carts like this elsewhere in The Netherlands that serve specialty coffee. Can we have more please?

“Utrecht is super walkable and offers picture perfect views around every corner. Take your time,

grab a coffee and enjoy this beautiful city at your own pace.”

FUFU COFFEE STUDIO – Newish coffee shop and matcha heaven with Asian influences

Hooghiemstraplein 51B, 3514 AX Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ Order one of their exotic pastries and wash it down with a tasty signature coffee

🛋️ Located on a super cute square that borders a canal, this is a little refuge in the middle of town

💬 The Coffeevine says: Absolutely loved the owners and their eclectic taste in music. This coffee shop does it right!

KEEN COFFEE BAR – Elevated coffee tasting space run by prolific local roaster

Ganzenmarkt 30, 3512 GE Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ Taste their wide range of outstanding specialty coffees prepared with the latest high-tech gear

🛋️ Housed in a restored Dutch house, this café is all about reducing the noise and focusing on the star of the show. You know who.

💬 The Coffeevine says: Really love the big horseshoe-shaped bar and views of the cute square. Well done!

CUPP – Friendly multi-roaster coffee bar with two distinct locations

Nobelstraat 239, 3512 EM Utrecht, The Netherlands

☕️ They offer a wide range of beverages and source their coffees from a rotating list of guest roasters

🛋️ There is lots of indoor seating but no terrace. The space can feel a bit dark but the staff is really exceptional. Shout out to Lois!

💬 The Coffeevine says: Great location, nice vibes and a great place to pick up coffee bags.

Utrecht tips you’ll find useful

🚲 Rent a bike to move around the city or just walk. Everything is really close

🕟 Check the opening times as some cafés close in the early afternoon

🗼 Book ahead to climb the Utrecht Dom church tower. The views are spectacular!

🤟🏻 English is widely spoken so you don’t need to worry about communication but knowing a few Dutch words won’t hurt. “Dankjewel” is Thanks!

Final thoughts

A short ride away from Amsterdam, Utrecht is justifiably often seen as the capital’s little sister. I think Utrecht is absolutely charming and has its unique character that begs to be explored. It’s home to a few good museums and you can do a canal cruise down the main waterway, which is also a highlight. With plenty of great restaurants to choose from, maybe you want to stay the night? Utrecht is young and fun!