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deFriesland is buzzing! As soon as the sun makes an appearance, life along the water comes alive: cosy restaurants, atmospheric terraces and lively harbours where you can easily moor for a coffee, lunch or drinks. From charming village cafés to trendy spots by the lake, everywhere you’ll experience that relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes spring and summer here so special. Cruise through the Frisian lake district at your own pace, dock wherever you like and enjoy long days on the water.
Friesland is at its best from the boat, with the sun on your face. And with a terrace always within reach, every day feels like a holiday. From casual eateries to pavilions, and from bistros to pizzerias, you’ll find them all along the waterfront in Friesland. Curious where to find the nicest restaurants and terraces along the way? In this blog, we take you along our top 20 best restaurants with waterfront terraces on a boating route starting from Drachten.
All the restaurants mentioned are also included in our detailed boating routes from Drachten and Woudsend. This makes it easy to plan a route along the best hotspots in Friesland.
1. Princenhof – Eernewoude
Are you cruising from Drachten towards the nature reserve De Alde Feanen? Then make a short stop at Restaurant Princenhof in Earnewâld. In the heart of the Alde Feanen you’ll find hotel-restaurant Princenhof, featuring a unique waterfront terrace. The restaurant is open all year round for lunch and dinner.Tip: moor directly at the jetty next to the restaurant. Click here for more information about Restaurant Princenhof in Earnewâld.
2. Theehuis – Grou
After a boat trip through the Alde Feanen nature reserve, you head towards Grou. Grou is a true watersports village. On the Pikmeer, next to the Grou Marina, you’ll find the restaurant Het Theehuis. Moor at one of the docks by the restaurant and enjoy a cozy lunch or drinks here. Click here for more information about Het Theehuis in Grou.
3. Salt – Terherne
When you sail across the Sneekermeer towards Terherne, you’ll find Paviljoen Salt at the Sâltepoel. This trendy restaurant, open since 2021, is located just outside Terherne. You can moor at the docks in front of the restaurant. Then, take a seat on the terrace at Paviljoen Salt and enjoy a stunning view of the Sneekermeer. Click here for more information about Paviljoen Salt in Terherne.
4. Beachclub Sneek – Sneek
On the other side of the Sneekermeer, at the recreation area ‘De Potten’, you’ll find Beachclub Sneek. This lovely spot is perfect for both young and old. While the little ones play outside in a large fenced sandbox, adults can enjoy a well-deserved drink on the spacious terrace. In bad weather, you can also relax comfortably inside the restaurant. Click here for more information about Beachclub Sneek.
5. Bij Fier – Sneek
Sail through the canals of Sneek and dock at this cozy, colorful terrace in the city center. At any time of day, you can enjoy the sun while relaxing on the terrace. The restaurant is located by the Oppenhuizerbrug, where the lively waters and the vibrant watersport atmosphere come together perfectly. While enjoying food or drinks on the terrace, you can watch the many boats pass by, sailboats, motor yachts, and canoes, all making their way across the water. Click here for more information about Restaurant Bij Fier in Sneek.
6. Bistro Jikke – Sneek
After a boat trip through Sneek, you arrive at the Sneeker Waterpoort. Next to the Waterpoort, you’ll also find a variety of charming restaurants, including Bistro Jikke. This cozy restaurant offers views of Sneek’s Waterpoort. In addition, you can enjoy delicious meals at this French bistro with influences from the Frisian region. Click here for more information about Bistro Jikke in Sneek.
7. Grand Café It Skippershûs – Koudum
Grand Café It Skippershus is the perfect place to relax after a delightful boat trip on the Heegermeer. Located at the charming Camping de Kuilart, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the water while unwinding after an active day on the lake. Click here for more information about Grand Café It Skippershûs in Koudum.
8. Café-Restaurant De Watersport – Woudsend
Woudsend is centrally located in the Frisian Lakes area and is a lively village for watersports and tourism. Next to the bridge in Woudsend, you’ll find Café-Restaurant De Watersport. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink on the terrace with views of the Hellingbrug and the famous Houtzaagmolen. Click here for more information about Café-Restaurant De Watersport in Woudsend. TIP: Moor at our own location in Woudsend (Yachtcharter De Drait Woudsend) and explore the village on foot or by bike (approx. 2 km) to reach the center of Woudsend.
9. Paviljoen Restaurant Badmeester Keimpe – Balk
Sail across the Slotermeer towards Balk, and on the right-hand side as you enter Balk, you’ll see this charming pavilion, Badmeester Keimpe. Take a seat on the large terrace and enjoy the view over the Slotermeer. Have a coffee with a slice of cake, or a beer or glass of wine with a tasty snack. Now that’s what you call enjoyment! Badmeester Keimpe is a popular stop for watersports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Click here for more information about Paviljoen Restaurant Badmeester Keimpe in Balk.
10. Eetcafé De Eerste Aanleg – Lemmer
After a boat trip across the Slotermeer and through Sloten, Lemmer is the next village you’ll come across. This watersports village, located on the edge of the IJsselmeer, is popular with many boating enthusiasts. The name says it all—moor in Lemmer at Eetcafé De Eerste Aanleg. This restaurant, with a maritime atmosphere, also has a large terrace featuring a cozy fireplace. Enjoy a wide selection of main dishes and the finest drinks served here. Click here for more information about Eetcafé De Eerste Aanleg in Lemmer.
11. Ristorante La Gondola – Lemmer
In the city center, you’ll find a large number of restaurants and waterside terraces. Moor in the canal in central Lemmer and walk to one of the charming terraces, such as the terrace at Ristorante La Gondola. Enjoy delicious pizzas, pastas, or meat and fish dishes. The choice is vast at this pizzeria, and you might even find some of the best pizzas in Friesland here! Click here for more information about Ristorante La Gondola in Lemmer.
12. Fem aan het Dok – Lemmer
If you’re in the center of Lemmer and prefer something other than Italian cuisine, be sure to visit the terrace of Fem aan het Dok. The dishes here are inspired by bistro-style cooking, but with a unique twist. Pair your meal with a delicious glass of wine from their extensive wine selection. Click here for more information about Fem aan het Dok in Lemmer.
13. SPOT – Langweer
If you’re sailing past Langweer, be sure to stop at Restaurant SPOT. Since spring 2024, this fantastic new hotspot has been located right next to the Langweer harbor. SPOT has a large waterside terrace where you can enjoy the sun with a drink and tasty snacks. Click here for more information about Restaurant SPOT in Langweer.
14. Grand Café-Restaurant De Oranjerie – Joure
Take a boat trip across the Tjeukemeer and sail via Langweer to Joure. In Joure, you’ll find Grand Café-Restaurant De Oranjerie. In the summer, take a seat on the cozy waterside terrace. If it’s a bit too chilly to sit outside in spring or autumn, find a spot in the tropical conservatory among the green palm trees. Click here for more information about Grand Café-Restaurant De Oranjerie in Joure.
15. Rufus aan het water – Broek
During a boat trip from Joure towards the Sneekermeer, you’ll pass the versatile Rufus aan het Water. In addition to a campsite and boat rental, there’s a lovely waterside terrace where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch. Have you seen the bicycle ferry? Many cyclists and walkers use the ferry to cross from one bank to the other, continuing their journey through the Frisian countryside. Click here for more information about Rufus aan het Water in Broek.
16. STEK – Leeuwarden
Planning a northern boating route? Be sure to sail through the Prinsentuin in Leeuwarden. Right next to the Vrouwenpoortsbrug and bordering the Prinsentuin, you’ll find restaurant STEK. A beautiful “spot” with a waterside terrace where you can watch many boats pass by. At STEK, sustainability and integrity are important, and this is reflected in their menu, offering a wide selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as tasty snacks. Click here for more information about STEK in Leeuwarden.
17. Speciaalbier/Eetcafé de Kok en de Walvis – Warten
Just outside Leeuwarden, in the village of Warten, you’ll also find a cozy waterside terrace. The restaurant is described as “the coziest living room in Warten.” On colder days, the terrace is covered and heated, so no matter the weather, you can always enjoy a bite to eat and a drink. De Kok en de Walvis offers a wide range of specialty beers. Click here for more information about Speciaalbier/Eetcafé de Kok en de Walvis in Warten.
18. Restaurant & Partycentrum Klein Zwitserland – Burgum
North of Warten, you’ll find the village of Burgum. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Bergumermeer from the terrace. Looking for a fun activity with family or friends? At Klein Zwitserland, you can take part in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Check their website for the full range of activities. Click here for more information about Restaurant & Partycentrum Klein Zwitserland in Burgum.
19. Restaurant De Pôlle – De Veenhoop
On the edge of the Alde Feanen nature reserve, near De Veenhoop, you’ll find Restaurant De Pôlle. It’s an ideal waterside spot to enjoy the sun, good food, and a cozy atmosphere. You can easily moor in the harbor of De Veenhoop. Click here for more information about Restaurant De Pôlle in De Veenhoop.
20. Hotel-Restaurant Ie-Sicht – De Veenhoop
Next to the Hooidambrug in De Veenhoop, you’ll find Hotel-Restaurant Ie-Sicht. From the terrace, you can enjoy wide-open views over the waterway towards Drachten. Moor your boat at the dock in front of the restaurant and take a seat on the sunny terrace. Click here for more information about Hotel-Restaurant Ie-Sicht in De Veenhoop.
Naast de Hooidambrug in De Veenhoop is Hotel-Restaurant Ie-Sicht gevestigd. Vanaf het Terras geniet je van een weids uitzicht over het vaarwater richting Drachten. Leg de boot aan op de steiger voor het terras van het restaurant en neem meteen plaats op het terras in de zon. Klik voor meer informatie over Hotel-Restaurant Ie-Sicht in De Veenhoop.
*EXTRA TIP: Restaurant De Klokkenstoel – Goingarijp
On the small waterway between Joure and the Sneekermeer, you pass through the village of Goingarijp. Here you’ll find Restaurant De Klokkenstoel, with a charming waterside terrace. Small boats, such as a sloep cabin, can moor directly at the terrace. Traveling with a larger yacht? Access is a bit more complex: sail from the Sneekermeer towards the Goëngarijpsterpoelen, pass through the lock, and then you can moor at Jachthaven De Klokkenstoel and take the shuttle to the restaurant. Click here for more information about Restaurant De Klokkenstoel in Goingarijp.
Not mather which route you take, you’ll find charming terraces in almost every town or village. At all of the restaurants mentioned above, you can easily moor at the restaurant itself or nearby. TIP: To be sure there’s enough space to dock, it’s a good idea to call the restaurant shortly before arrival and check if there’s room for your boat.
Whether you’re stopping for a leisurely lunch, a relaxing drink in the sun, or a cozy dinner at sunset, these 20 hotspots show how perfectly boating and enjoying Friesland go together. The combination of water, hospitality, and good food at charming locations makes every stop special. With a rental boat from Yachtcharter De Drait, you can comfortably sail from terrace to terrace and explore the most beautiful spots in Friesland at your own pace. This way, every boat trip becomes not just a journey over the water, but also a culinary experience to savor.
Want to rent a boat in Friesland to discover all these waterside terraces? Check availability and options in our online booking calendar or contact us at contact@dedrait.com. We’re happy to help you create an offer that suits your needs.
Whether you want a cozy trip for two on the Frisian lakes with a Drachtster Sloep Cabin, or a slightly larger and more comfortable boat for 2, like our Bravoure 34 Cabrio ‘Drait 140’ or the Kotterjacht 10.7 ‘Nicole’. And have you seen our Gillisen Vlet 970 ‘Martje’? This boat is new to our fleet as of the 2026 season.
If you want to sail with your family, choose a larger boat, such as the Kotterjacht 12.2 ‘Victoria’, the Classicline 1300 ‘Drait 50’, or the Renal 36 ‘Drait 130–132’.
Or planning a trip with a bigger group, family, or friends? Then choose one of De Drait’s larger boats for up to 14 people, such as the Impression 1400 ‘Drait 61’, the Renal 50 ‘Drait 22’, or the Renal 45 ‘Drait 32’.
In short, De Drait offers a wide range of boats to suit every type of crew.