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About
De Zakkendrager
Welcome to De Zakkendrager, a charming dining experience nestled in the heart of Utrecht at Zakkendragerssteeg 26, 3511 AA. This restaurant stands out not only for its enticing menu but also for its beautiful aesthetic, enhanced by views of a serene internal garden that creates a delightful atmosphere.
As I stepped into De Zakkendrager, the warm and cozy interiors instantly welcomed me. The natural light pouring in made the place feel airy and spacious, a pleasant surprise for such a quaint location. Numerous patrons have raved about the ambiance, often highlighting the peaceful escape it offers from the bustling city life – a true hidden gem. Many reviews point to the romantic garden view as a highlight, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a casual lunch with friends.
The menu at De Zakkendrager features a delightful mix of dishes that combine comforting flavors with creative twists. The yellow paprika soup, a special of the day, received high praise for its unique and smooth texture, impressing diners with its rich flavor profile. Similarly, the Northern African spiced lamb shoulder captivated my senses, perfectly tender and aromatic, making it a must-try. One of the standout elements in my visit was the fries with truffle sauce — crispy and indulgent, truly a culinary treat that complemented our main dishes beautifully.
While the food mostly garnered rave reviews, not all dishes struck the right chord. A few diners noted inconsistencies; for example, the carpaccio and salad received some criticism for being overly dressed, suggesting a potential refinement opportunity in flavor balance. Nonetheless, the warm and friendly service, consistently highlighted by guests, ensures a welcoming experience every time. The attentiveness of the staff adds to the overall charm of De Zakkendrager, enabling guests to feel truly cared for during their visit.
Overall, De Zakkendrager presents a compelling dining option characterized by a soothing ambiance, fresh and flavorful dishes, and a commitment to customer service. My experience here was delightful, and I can confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a memorable meal in Utrecht. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, this hidden gem is sure to impress.
“ Beautiful aesthetic and atmosphere thanks to nice views of their internal garden. Food and service were both great. Quality of the food is excellent for the pricing. Update: came back around a year later and was just as impressed with the atmosphere and amazingly good food. ”
“ Pretty restaurant with nice green inner courtyard. Food is good too. ”
“ The best about this place is it’s location and the garden view, really beautiful and romantic. The food was a bit disappointing - carpaccio had too much mayo, the salad had so much dressing that my teeth hurt from the sugar and the taste of other ingredients was just not there anymore. The service was friendly and welcoming though. ”
“ A wonderful spot for lunch, centrally located on a charming, narrow street. The interior is surprisingly spacious with plenty of natural light. There’s also a lovely garden, though it’s not in use during the winter. The food was excellent overall—I thoroughly enjoyed the eggplant salad, but my friend found the salmon salad a bit underwhelming. Still, the atmosphere and setting make it a great choice for a casual and relaxing meal. ”
“ A real hidden gem in Utrecht! The interior is warm and cozy, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a nice meal. I started with the yellow paprika soup of the day. A first for me and it was smooth, flavorful, and surprisingly unique. For my main, I had the Northern African spiced lamb shoulder, which was beautifully tender with a rich, aromatic seasoning that really stood out. On the side, I went for fries with truffle sauce which was crispy, indulgent, and a perfect match. The service was attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere felt welcoming from start to finish. The menu offers an interesting mix of dishes, balancing comforting flavors with a few creative twists. Overall, a great experience I’d happily repeat. ”
“ Nice garden view. They serve tasty vines. You may chill under the shade of the big tree in the garden. ”
“ Lovely setting and excellent food! We enjoyed the seafood salad and grilled cabbage. Very friendly staff, as well. Thank you! ”