A Local’s Guide to the Best Food Spots in Maastricht

If there’s one thing Maastricht does well (besides beautiful architecture and cosy cobbled streets), it’s food. As someone who studied here for several years, I’ve spent countless afternoons wandering through the city’s streets in search of the next great bakery, brunch café, or hidden foodie gem. Whether it was grabbing a matcha between lectures, treating myself to cookies after an exam, or trying out the newest cafés with friends, I’ve slowly built up a list of the best food spots in Maastricht that I genuinely keep coming back to.

This isn’t a list of every restaurant in Maastricht. Instead, it’s a collection of food spots I’ve personally visited and would happily recommend to friends and family visiting the city. From fluffy pastries and loaded cookies to brunch favourites, rooftop cocktails, and bubble tea, there’s something here for every kind of foodie.

So, if you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or you’re simply looking for somewhere new to eat in Maastricht, here are my favourite food spots that deserve a place on your itinerary!

Piece of Cake

One of my newest discoveries in Maastricht is Piece of Cake, and honestly… I can’t believe it took me so long to visit.

When I was studying in Maastricht, I used to pass this charming little café almost every day on the bus. I’d often glance out of the window and think to myself, I really need to go there someday. It wasn’t until recently that I finally stepped inside, and now I completely understand why it’s become such a local favourite.

A Local's Guide to the Best Food Spots in Maastricht

Piece of Cake is a cosy artisan lunchroom and pastry shop serving breakfast, lunch, homemade cakes, pastries, and high tea. But what really stole my heart was the interior. If I had to crown the cutest café in Maastricht, this would be my winner.

The café is housed inside a beautiful historic building, with elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, fresh flowers decorating the tables, vintage-inspired furniture, and the kind of cosy, classy atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. It has all the charm of a traditional English tea room, mixed with a stylish Parisian café, and it’s exactly the sort of place you’d choose for a catch-up with friends, a cosy date, or a special afternoon treat.

If you’re visiting, I highly recommend ordering the Tea Party from the menu. For just €13 it includes: a cupcake of your choice, two freshly baked scones served with jam and clotted cream, plus your choice of tea or coffee. Considering what you get, I thought it offered excellent value, especially for Maastricht.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift, planning a cute afternoon date, or simply want to treat yourself after a day of exploring the city, Piece of Cake is one of those places that makes the experience feel just a little bit more special.

📍Boschstraat 60, Maastricht

Preps

If there’s one brunch spot in Maastricht that I keep recommending over and over again, it’s Preps. I’ve been coming here for quite a while now, and it genuinely never disappoints. Whether I’m meeting friends for brunch, grabbing lunch after a day in the city, or simply stopping by for a good cup of coffee, it’s one of those places I know I can rely on.

One thing I especially love is that the menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try alongside their popular favourites. As a vegetarian, I also really appreciate how many vegetarian and vegan options they offer. On top of that, the staff are incredibly accommodating when it comes to dietary requirements and allergies. One of my close friends has coeliac disease, and Preps is one of the few places in Maastricht where I know we can comfortably eat together without having to worry.

My personal favourite from the menu has to be the Caramel Pancakes. If you’re visiting for brunch, I honestly can’t recommend them enough. They’re the perfect combination of indulgent and comforting!

The atmosphere is another reason I keep coming back. The café feels warm, cosy and welcoming, making it just as suitable for catching up with friends as it is for enjoying a quiet brunch on your own.

More recently, Preps has also opened a second location in Randwyck. This newer café has a slightly different concept, offering a display filled with freshly prepared sandwiches, smoothie bowls, frittatas and other healthy grab-and-go options, alongside a smaller brunch menu featuring several Preps classics. It’s also a great choice for families thanks to its cosy seating area and children’s play corner.

Whether you’re visiting Maastricht for a weekend or you’re lucky enough to live nearby, Preps is one of those places I genuinely think is worth adding to your list.

📍Mariastraat 6, Maastricht (also located in Randwyck)

Bold Rooftop Bar

If you’re looking for the best view in Maastricht while sipping a cocktail, let me introduce you to Bold Rooftop Bar.

Located on the 8th floor of The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel), this stylish rooftop bar is one of my favourite places in the city to catch up with friends on a sunny afternoon. It’s a well-known spot among locals & students, but surprisingly, I don’t think many tourists know about it yet – which is a shame, because the panoramic views over Maastricht are absolutely stunning.

I actually visited for the first time after heading to the nearby Pathé cinema with a friend. Since we were already exploring the Sphinx Quarter, we decided to stop by for a drink, and I’m so glad we did. We spent the afternoon sitting out on the rooftop terrace, enjoying cocktails in the sunshine while looking out across the Maastricht skyline. It was one of those moments that reminded me you don’t always need a packed itinerary to enjoy a city.

The cocktails are delicious, although admittedly a little on the pricey side. That said, you’re not just paying for the drink, you’re paying for one of the best rooftop views in Maastricht. For me, it was absolutely worth it, and it’s become my favourite place in the city for rooftop drinks with friends.

I haven’t had the chance to try the food yet, but it’s definitely on my list for my next visit. Even if you only stop by for a cocktail, I’d still recommend making the trip upstairs. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing or to watch the sun slowly set over the city.

Just head into The Social Hub and follow the signs to the lift. Don’t worry, it’s very easy to find once you’re inside.

📍Sphinxcour 9A (8th floor of The Social Hub), Maastricht

Ginnies

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure to add Ginnies to your Maastricht itinerary. This adorable pink bakery has become one of my go-to places whenever I’m craving cake, and it’s somewhere I happily recommend to anyone visiting the city.

The display is always filled with tempting cupcakes, brownies, blondies, cookies, cake slices, and whole celebration cakes. Everything is freshly made, beautifully presented, and somehow tastes even better than it looks. Despite the Instagram-worthy interior and colourful bakes, I actually think the prices are very reasonable for the quality you get.

My personal favourite has to be the Red Velvet Cake. It’s incredibly moist, rich without being too heavy, and one of the best slices of cake I’ve had in Maastricht. Another absolute favourite is their Cheesecake Blondie, which perfectly combines a fudgy blondie with a creamy cheesecake layer. Honestly, I’ve never had anything from Ginnies that disappointed me.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, a dessert after exploring the city, or simply somewhere cute to satisfy your sweet cravings, Ginnies is one of those places that’s absolutely worth the stop.

And if you’re anything like me… don’t be surprised if you leave wondering whether you should’ve just bought the entire Red Velvet cake instead.

📍 Brusselsestraat 95, Maastricht

Cheng

If you’re looking for one of Maastricht’s most unique hidden gems, make sure Cheng is on your list.

Nestled in the heart of the city centre, Cheng is much more than just another bubble tea shop. It’s a combination of bubble tea café, Korean convenience store, and the first physical Korean skincare store in the south of the Netherlands. It’s one of those places where you pop in for a drink and somehow end up leaving with sheet masks, Korean snacks, and half a shopping bag full of things you didn’t know you needed.

As someone who studied in Maastricht, I’ve visited Cheng countless times over the years. It became one of my favourite places to meet friends after lectures or to treat myself while wandering through the city centre. The atmosphere is always welcoming, the staff are incredibly friendly, and ordering is easy thanks to the touchscreen kiosks where you can fully customise your drink. I highly recommend you try their Banana Matcha!

Even if bubble tea isn’t normally your thing, I’d still recommend stepping inside. Besides an extensive drinks menu, you’ll find shelves filled with authentic Korean snacks, instant noodles, sweets, and one of the largest selections of Korean skincare products in the region. Whether you’re a K-beauty enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, it’s such a fun shop to browse.

For me, Cheng is one of those places that perfectly represents Maastricht’s hidden gems. It’s unique, independently owned, and offers something you won’t find just anywhere!

Want to know more? I’ve also written a dedicated guide to Cheng, where I share my favourite drinks, what you’ll find inside the shop, and why it’s one of my favourite places in Maastricht. Cheng Maastricht: Your Go-To Spot for Bubble Tea, Korean Skincare & Snacks

📍Mariastraat 2, 6211 EP Maastricht

‘t Keukske

If you ask me where to find the best cookies in Maastricht, my answer is always the same: ‘t Keukske.

I first discovered this little bakery while wandering through the city after lectures with a classmate. They insisted I had to try the cookies, claiming they were the best in Maastricht. One bite later, I completely understood the hype, and ever since, I’ve found myself returning whenever I’m craving something sweet.

Unlike a traditional bakery, ‘t Keukske focuses on one thing and does it exceptionally well: thick, freshly baked American-style cookies. You’ll always find a few classic flavours like Triple Chocolate, White Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Chip, alongside a rotating seasonal special. Some of my personal favourites over the years have been Pistachio, Speculoos, Lemon Poppy Seed and Matcha. Having a different special every so often makes every visit feel a little different.

The cookies are perfectly crisp on the outside while staying wonderfully soft and gooey in the middle. Even better, they’re baked fresh throughout the day, so if you’re lucky, you’ll get one that’s still warm from the oven. Trust me, they’re absolutely worth it.

One small tip: don’t leave your visit until the end of the afternoon. These cookies have become incredibly popular with both locals and tourists, and it’s not uncommon for certain flavours to sell out before closing time. I’ve even stopped by on a quiet weekday to find only a handful of cookies left in the display.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon snack, something to take home, or simply want to see what all the hype is about, I’d definitely recommend adding ‘t Keukske to your Maastricht itinerary.

Want to know more? I’ve also written a full review of ‘t Keukske, where I share my favourite flavours and explain why I think these are the best cookies in Maastricht. The Best Cookies in Maastricht? Here’s Why ‘t Keukske Should Be on Your List! – Bug Girl Adventures

📍Nieuwstraat 24, 6211 CW Maastricht

After living and studying in Maastricht for several years, I’ve eaten my way through quite a few cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. While there are plenty of great places to eat in the city, these are the ones I find myself recommending over and over again to friends and family whenever they visit.

Whether you’re starting your day with brunch at Preps, treating yourself to freshly baked cookies from ‘t Keukske, sipping bubble tea at Cheng, enjoying an elegant afternoon tea at Piece of Cake, satisfying your sweet tooth at Ginnies, or ending the day with cocktails overlooking the city from Bold Rooftop Bar, you really can’t go wrong with any of these spots.

One of the things I love most about Maastricht is that, despite being a relatively small city, it has such a diverse food scene. Independent cafés, family-run bakeries, trendy brunch spots, and hidden gems are tucked away behind almost every corner. Every time I return, I discover somewhere new, which is exactly why I never get tired of coming back.

I hope this guide helps you discover a few new favourites during your own visit. And if you do end up trying one (or all!) of these places, I’d love to hear which was your favourite in the comments below.

Happy eating, and enjoy your time in beautiful Maastricht!

Xo Bug Girl

Instagram: @thebuggirladventures