Élan Wanderlust

During my year-long stay in The Hague, I had the pleasure of discovering the city’s most remarkable bakeries. Be sure to visit these bakeries/cafes to experience ‘gezelligheid’ (a Dutch concept for cosiness/relaxed ambiance).

Disclaimer: Number 2 has some gluten-free options although the remaining recommendations do use gluten in their food.

1 – Harlequin Kitchen, Turfmarkt 20, 2511 CA

Harlequin Kitchen is a Greek café that also sells Eastern European food such as pelmeni (dumplings filled with sweet or savoury foodstuffs).

I have wonderful memories of buying my brunch pastries from here almost every morning – it was the highlight of my day! The Greek radio in the background and friendly smiles from the co-owners was the icing on the cake (pun intended!)

I can warmly recommend their potato or meat poreshki as well as their red velvet cupcakes.

Everything is freshly baked and prepared by the wonderful co-owner Maria, along with her husband. They have successfully emulated the Greek hospitality within this grey and rainy city. 🌧️

The homemade red velvet cupcake is out of this world – there is nothing quite like it, and I consider myself a cake connoisseur, so take my word for it.

This bakery sells the famous Greek pies such as spanakopita (spinach stuffed pie) or tiropita (Greek feta stuffed pie). You can also treat yourself to the sensational Greek custard pie known as bougatsa, which is affectionately topped with powdered sugar.

For coffee lovers, the Greek freddo is a must-try as well. The indoor seating area is really spacious and you can spend up to 6-7 EUR for a pastry with a drink for 1 person.

If you’re visting in the afternoon/evening, you can also enjoy traditional Greek meals such as moussaka, an eggplant and meat casserole dish, or souvlaki, marinated meat with fries.

2 – A La Tarte, Molenstraat 46, 2513 BL 

This is vegan/gluten-free heaven.

The sweetest thing in this bakery is actually the owner herself! She has a beautiful smile and welcomes you into her unique space, where a charming photography studio transforms into a delightful bakery on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

I loved the seasonal almond and blueberries cake. The chocolate orange cake is equally delicious!

Pricing is comparable to regular bakeries in the area so you don’t have to spend more for your gluten intolerance (which is unfortunately the case in most bakeries!)

3 – Bartine Bakery & Market, Piet Heinstraat 72, 2518 CK

This bakery was founded by a young man from Germany, fuelled by his passion for good quality bread.

As you stroll down Piet Heinstraat, a street filled with inviting cafés and restaurants, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread will draw you in!

Adjacent to the cosy café, the bakery’s transparent windows provide an intriguing glimpse into the world of baking. You can watch the skilled bakers work their magic as they efficiently prepare the next batch of mouthwatering delights for the diners next door.

The interior is minimalist and expansive, with a warm rusty red colour scheme and grand steps towards the counter. The friendly staff, who appear to be students from the area, add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Bartine Bakery sells regular pastries (croissants, financiers) as well as seasonal treats, such as the delightful fig-leaf cream and blueberry croissant (pictured above) – this one was for the month of August.

4 – Cake du Fortin, Prinsestraat 122, 2513 CH 

If you can eat gluten and you love cake, then this is the place for you! Cake du Fortin is owned by a lovely Aruban family and you can experience the warmth of Aruba through their gracious demeanour.

The bakery is located on Prinsestraat, which always lively thanks to the many eateries from start to finish.

I tried their rainbow cake on a summer’s day in 2022. I really liked the moist sponge and of course, the beautiful colours were so mesmerising. There is enough seating inside for a few couples although it’s not so big. You can always take your cake and enjoy them at a park very close by for a picnic.

They have many beautiful cakes in the display window and also cater for birthdays or weddings.

5 – Lebkov & Sons Den Haag, Turfmarkt 236, 2511 DJ 

OK, so I didn’t try a lot of their baked goods, but you need to have a hot chocolate with your pastry, so I can attest to their hot chocolate being spectacular.

If you love hot chocolate, you must pass by here and perhaps grab a croissant to go along with it? It can be a welcome stop if you’ve just landed in the city from the train station.

You will probably end up walking by anyway as it’s very close to Den Haag Centraal station. Turfmarkt is the main street that you’re led to once you come out of the train station and walk towards the city centre.