The Governor
1 / 10

The Governor

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A stylish Grand Café in Haarlem, perfect for lunch, drinks, or dinner with a heated terrace and vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
The Governor

The Governor

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stylish Grand Café in Haarlem, perfect for lunch, drinks, or dinner with a heated terrace and vibrant atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A great place to eat with nice outdoor seating and great views of the cathedral!"

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended to secure a table at this popular spot, especially on weekends.

Terrace Dining

Visit during lunch or late afternoon for a relaxed atmosphere on the heated terrace.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 12PM

Cuisine

International

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+31 23 512 5309

Address

Oude Groenmarkt 18, 2011 HL Haarlem, Netherlands

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stylish Ambiance & Prime Location

Stylish Ambiance & Prime Location

Enjoy excellent food and drinks in a classy environment with beautiful interior design, perfectly situated near the main church/square.

49x eten en drinken in Haarlem bij de leukste plekjesGoogle Review+1
Signature Sandwiches & Fries

Signature Sandwiches & Fries

Indulge in delicious sandwiches like the Governor Tso Chicken Sando or a classic grilled cheese, often paired with crispy fries.

Google Review+2
Vibrant Cocktails & Snacks

Vibrant Cocktails & Snacks

Savor refreshing cocktails and unique bar bites like popcorn chicken and bitterballen in a lively atmosphere.

5 Cosy Cocktail Spots to Warm Up Your Autumn in HaarlemGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@kolorova She didn’t let me get another Wok To Go 🤷🏼‍♀️ #woktogo#woktogohaarlem#haarlem#gezelligheid#schoonheid #TheGovernorHaarlem #TheGovernor – cocktails & service van topniveau 🥂 #drinkstagram #cocktailbar #nightlife #viral #trending #tiktokviral
@___emiliaktarzyna___
22 likes • 1.8K views

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended to secure a table at this popular spot, especially on weekends.

Terrace Dining

Visit during lunch or late afternoon for a relaxed atmosphere on the heated terrace.

Volgend jaar weer? 🧡 #tobiascamman #daanboom #koningsdag #haarlem #thegovernor #festival #house #90s #00s #hitjes
@vertierhetfeestje
50 likes • 1.5K views
Wat een gezellig weekend was dit!! 🍻🥂 De Amsterdamse nacht in de gouverneur ❌❌❌ met de geweldige gingergspot als gastvrouw 💃🏽 #amsterdam #gouverneur #teamgouv #gouvraalte #uitgaan #stappen
@gouvraalte
217 likes • 17.4K views

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on unique items like the Flat Iron Steak or delicious vegan options.

Cocktail Pitchers

Enjoy cocktails by the pitcher at reasonable prices for a shared experience.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended to secure a table at this popular spot, especially on weekends.

Terrace Dining

Visit during lunch or late afternoon for a relaxed atmosphere on the heated terrace.

Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss out on unique items like the Flat Iron Steak or delicious vegan options.

Cocktail Pitchers

Enjoy cocktails by the pitcher at reasonable prices for a shared experience.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Governor offers a stylish ambiance and a prime location, with many praising its delicious sandwiches and unique cocktails. While some diners rave about the flavorful food and attentive service, others have experienced significant issues with slow service and food quality, leading to mixed overall impressions.

"I stayed at the ambassador hotel; it can include a buffet style breakfast. Normally I don’t accept breakfast combos from hotels because the food is not usually good. However this time the breakfast was full of flavor, the servers were attentive and best of all the location is picturesque, next to the main church/ square of Haarlem. This place is ideal for drinks, which I also had in the evening. I would sum up everything as “pleasantly surprised”. I intend to go back when in Haarlem."

Gabriel G.

"We had a disappointing experience at The Governor.
🥞 Food: The quality was underwhelming. I ordered the burrata toast, which was freezing, very spicy and served on bread that wasn’t even toasted. My friends tried the BBQ chicken toast, which was supposed to be warm but was served freezing cold—they didn’t enjoy it either.
👏 Service: Unfortunately, the staff didn’t make the experience any better. When we requested water, they refused. We also asked if they could close the door due to the cold, and instead of accommodating us, they made us move tables and carry our own plates across the restaurant. Their attitude felt dismissive.
👎 Overall: Not a great experience. The food and service both fell short, and I’m sure there are better options to explore in Haarlem."

Diana

"Great restaurant and fitting to the name! The Governor is a great place to eat! I had the burger and it was done perfectly and the fries/chips were perfectly done. Nice outdoor seating and great views of the cathedral. Definitely will be back when I’m in town!"

Benjamin Hyink

What People Like

Stylish interior and great location
Delicious sandwiches and cocktails
Good vegetarian options

What People Dislike

Inconsistent service speed
Food quality issues
Dismissive staff attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, The Governor is highly recommended for its cocktails and has a great atmosphere for drinks, with some noting pitcher options are a good value.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, The Governor offers several delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, including oyster mushroom shoarma and eggplant with salsa romesco.

Dé 67 Beste Restaurants in Haarlem (2024)Google Review

Customers often rave about the sandwiches, especially the grilled cheese and Governor Tso Chicken Sando, as well as the curly fries.

Google Review+1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times like weekends, as the restaurant can get busy.

49x eten en drinken in Haarlem bij de leukste plekjesGoogle Review

The Governor is described as having a stylish, modern, and classy interior with a great atmosphere, especially on its heated terrace.

5 Cosy Cocktail Spots to Warm Up Your Autumn in HaarlemGoogle Review+1

The Governor is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile option.

49x eten en drinken in Haarlem bij de leukste plekjesLunchen in Haarlem: leuke lunchplekken in Haarlem

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Haarlem Today

5 Cosy Cocktail Spots to Warm Up Your Autumn in Haarlem

Not too far of a tipsy stumble from our starting point, The Governor is located at Oude Groenmarkt 18-20 and is the bar of the Ambassador City Centre Hotel. Shades of teal blue with a beautiful bar in the center of the room greet you as you take shelter from another blustery October evening. Offering a welcoming smile from Jan, a wide selection of drinks, bites and more, the Governor is a firm favorite of mine for so many reasons.

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wijnspijs.nl

Dé 67 Beste Restaurants in Haarlem (2024)

Stap binnen bij The Governor in Haarlem en je waant je meteen in een stijlvolle omgeving waar je kunt genieten van een heerlijke lunch, borrel of uitgebreid diner. Dit restaurant heeft werkelijk alles wat je zoekt. Of je nu wilt ontspannen aan de bar, wilt genieten van de buitenlucht op het verwarmde terras of wilt smullen van de internationale gerechten in het restaurant, bij The Governor ben je aan het juiste adres.

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Map of Joy

49x eten en drinken in Haarlem bij de leukste plekjes

De naam klinkt niet alleen statig, het ziet er ook zeer indrukwekkend uit. Gelegen op de Oude Groenmarkt, met uitzicht op de Bavokerk vind je twee grote bars, een verwarmd terras en een trendy restaurant. De hele dag geopend, voor een koffie, maar ook een ontbijt, lunch, diner of borrel.

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WAT ZIJ ZEGT

Lunchen in Haarlem: leuke lunchplekken in Haarlem

The Governor is het grootste Grand-Café van Haarlem en onderdeel van het Ambassador City Centre Hotel. Je kunt er dus ook blijven slapen!. Met twee grote bars, verwarmd terras en trendy restaurant kun je hier de hele dag door terecht.

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