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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Governor

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stylish Grand Café in Haarlem, perfect for lunch, drinks, or dinner with a heated terrace and vibrant atmosphere.
"A great place to eat with nice outdoor seating and great views of the cathedral!"
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
International
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+31 23 512 5309
Address
Oude Groenmarkt 18, 2011 HL Haarlem, Netherlands
Website
governorhaarlem.nl/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Vibrant Cocktails & Snacks
Savor refreshing cocktails and unique bar bites like popcorn chicken and bitterballen in a lively atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, The Governor offers several delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, including oyster mushroom shoarma and eggplant with salsa romesco.
Customers often rave about the sandwiches, especially the grilled cheese and Governor Tso Chicken Sando, as well as the curly fries.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times like weekends, as the restaurant can get busy.
The Governor is described as having a stylish, modern, and classy interior with a great atmosphere, especially on its heated terrace.
The Governor is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile option.
Mentioned in
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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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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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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit