't Bonte Paard — Restaurant in Laren

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Netherlands

Having recently moved to the area, my friend and I were excited to find this place during our exploration. It’s the kind of café you’ll want to return to again and again—great food, great service, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Definitely a new favorite!

While exploring a new neighborhood, we stumbled upon this charming café—and what first caught our attention was the beautiful building. The striking architecture stands out in the area, drawing you in from the street, and once inside, you’re greeted by a cozy, traditional Dutch atmosphere. The décor is classic and full of character, making it the perfect spot to settle in and unwind.

The service here truly sets it apart. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and make sure you feel right at home. They go above and beyond to offer helpful recommendations, and their genuine care for the guest experience is evident in every interaction.

As for the food, it was nothing short of amazing. Each dish is bursting with flavor, made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you're a fan of traditional Dutch fare or something with a modern twist, everything is prepared to perfection.

We had the French chicken, bottle of red wine,...

As the weather became nice with Eastern, the terrace of this cafe became busy, so me and my friend entered in and took a sit. The waitress appears saying we are not serving inside only outside, otherwise it is to much work. We go out wait till someone is leaving to be seated, then ask for a menu. Waitress brings the menu, but then appears to say, no sorry we serve only toasties for breakfast, no rest of the menu, we have lunch reservation and to cook your breakfast is to much work. We end up taking cake with coffee and the latte taste indicates that the coffee machine needs service (low foam, burned taste). No one cleaned table before serving. While we were waiting for the bill the waitress appears and places on our table the sign reserved. Rude service, poor menu card from it you can get only what they are in the mood to give you. Once old typical traditional Dutch cafe has actually terrible unfriendly...

We recently had the pleasure of visiting 't Bonte Paard in Laren, Netherlands, and it truly left a lasting impression. A vibrant character, sporting disco shoes (clearly a regular), graciously extended an invitation to join their private birthday celebration (Benny’s). Immersing ourselves in the authenticity of a Dutch birthday party was an absolute delight, as everyone embraced us with warmth and hospitality. The live country and rock music further heightened the evening's enjoyment, infusing the atmosphere with energy and liveliness.

Overall, 't Bonte Paard exceeded all expectations, offering a charming and welcoming ambiance that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a memorable experience in Laren...