De Lanteern — Restaurant in Maastricht

Worst service experience ever in Maastricht in the last 8 years.

The atmosphere and service in the outdoor cafés on the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Plein are normally great, but NOT today. I had arranged to have breakfast with a long standing Dutch friend and colleague.

When placing our order, I requested a cappucino be served after the meal. Five minutes after finishing breakfast, I noticed our waiter taking a customer order a few tables away. Normally, a good waiter takes a quick glance at his/her tables to ensure customers don't need anything before crossing the street to re-enter the café. Our waiter did not do so. I wanted to catch his attention before he left the area. I called out "Hello!" loud enough to be heard at that distance. The waiter indicated with a gesture that he would come back after. He never did come back. We waited an additional 10-15 minutes.

My colleague had to return back to work. So I had to forego having a cappucino. I went inside to pay. The waiter said "You screamed at me and I am not a dog, so I did not come back." I was shocked and insisted that I had not screamed. He reasserted 3 or 4 more times that I had screamed. He then started to defensively tell me what a great waiter he was and how all his customers are happy. Maybe all his DUTCH customers are happy. I don't know. He went on to make me wrong (not subscribing to "the customer is always right philosophy"). I do not know if he is anti-American, but I cannot find any logical reason for this obvious misinterpretation of what actually occurred. Nor is purposely not returning to our table excusable. Is that part of his management training?

After returning to the table, the waiter was nearby and upon exiting, I said "My friend/colleague is Dutch and she concurs that I did not scream." As we were leaving he sarcastically said "Have a nice day! TIll next time!"

I was a waitress and bartender when I was his age and so is my younger daughter currently. I am very versed on how to treat waiters. I typically over tip (by Dutch standards). I am not accustomed to the lack of attentiveness, being ignored and being insulted. "Money goes, where money feels welcome." I will not return or bring any family, friends or colleagues back to De Lanteern...

First time in Maastricht and we were seeking a place to eat something refreshing after a long walk around the city.

We found this lovely traditional square full of trees and cozy cafe-bar-restaurants. We choose randomly De Lanteern.

We ordered 2 smoothies, 1 scampi pasta and 1 salad with goat cheese and salmon.

The smoothies were really nice and fresh.

The food was really amazing and super tasty.

The salad was something unexpected, it was full of fresh vegetables and it had 2 big pieces of goat cheese wrapped in salmon baked in the oven.

The scampi pasta was really tasty and fresh. The pasta and the shrimps were very well cooked. Along with the shrimps it had also pieces of baked carrots, onions, cherry tomatoes and garlic. There was an amazing balance between the flavors.

Both portions were big and a good value for money.

The service was really friendly and fast regardless the fact that the place was busy and packed.

I suggest this place 100% and you will...

My recent visit has left me thoroughly frustrated, marking the second time I've faced a disappointingly unsatisfactory experience. The anticipation of indulging in nachos, after being told we could order them at 9 pm, quickly turned into sheer frustration.

Picture this: at the designated time, 9 pm, we excitedly placed our nacho order, only to be blindsided by a staff member informing us that the kitchen was closed due to the cafe's supposedly low business that day. To add insult to injury, this isn't the first time such a situation has unfolded.

It's beyond disheartening when a planned evening treat transforms into a recurrent letdown. The lack of clear communication about kitchen closure and the inability to serve what we ordered is infuriating. Experiencing this for the second time only amplifies my...