Café Lief — Restaurant in Haarlem

I am usually critical, but I couldn't find anything that was not perfect there. The setting is welcoming, the service is warm, you feel at ease before even looking at the menu. And the menu is complete, yet not too long, every entry seems thoroughly thought out, and they are diverse. We started off with the vegan bitterballen, a Dutch specialty we enjoyed with honey mustard dip sauce, and I realized at that point the meal was gonna be great. We even had the delight of hearing the recipe and an anecdote on these. I then took the haoura of the day, two toasts with a daily serving, which was for me grilled vegetables and hummus. Very simple you'd say. The bread was a cloud, and the hummus was a breeze, and for every bite there would be other tastes and textures, nuts, some drops of oil, fennel bits, and else. Really great, and surprisingly inexpensive. My partner took courgette fritter, served with vegan yoghurt sauce, some crispy flat bread and zaatar olives. I could only taste a few mouthfuls, but I could have eaten the whole plate as well. We stayed there for a bit, my partner with a matcha latte (served with a scoop of delicious dark chocolate brownie dough), and both of us with books on the s(h)elf. There seems to be many events happening, I'd go if I was not living 2 000 kms away! All the best, and continue cooking...

Cafe Lief is such a gem in our community.

Kelle and her team have created more than just a café — it’s a welcoming, inspiring hub that always seems to be offering something new. Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community is genuinely impressive. From thoughtful events and workshops to collaborations with local creatives, there’s always something happening that brings people together.

I’ll be honest — vegan food hasn’t always been my first choice. But Lief has completely broadened my horizons. I’ve found myself choosing vegan options more and more, and that shift is absolutely down to the delicious, creative meals they serve. I haven’t gone fully vegan, but I’m much more open and enthusiastic about it in my everyday life, and that’s thanks to them.

Everything about Lief — the food, the atmosphere, the people — reflects care, passion, and a desire to connect. Het is lief!!! I’m so grateful to have this space in our neighbourhood.

Thank you, Kelle and team — keep doing what...

This place is a GEM and deserves all the 5 star reviews it has received. I (and many others) had been waiting for a place like this to open in the neighborhood for years. I’ve been visiting almost weekly since opening day and have loved every moment, from the decor, the friendly staff and vibe, and of course, the RIDICULOUSLY delicious food and coffee (flat white for life).

Everything I have tried on their plant-based, vegan menu is amazing. I especially love the daily “haoura bowl” specials - it’s affordable and always so yummy, fresh and filling. They’re so good that I usually take one home for dinner too.

Enough said - stop by Café Lief and you'll love it! It has been on my list of top 3 favorite restaurants in Haarlem since it opened and it will be on yours too after you try it.

Tip: It's also a great place to bring children as there's a cozy couch area with swings, toys, books, and...