A popular, visually polished vegetarian brunch café with excellent food and generous choice, though cramped seating, terrace smoke and occasional service failures can affect the visit.
By Lima delivers strong food quality anchored by fresh ingredients and well-executed breakfast dishes that keep guests returning, though occasional bakery inconsistencies prevent flawless reliability. The attractive Haarlem setting with its cosy interior and street-side terrace creates genuine appeal, while friendly service and solid execution across most visits support the grade, keeping it just short of the very top tier.
by LIMA is a cheerful Haarlem city-centre brunch café where the prettiness is not merely decorative: reviewers repeatedly describe colourful plates, a cosy interior and a charming terrace away from the busiest streets. The mood can be warm and attentive—one guest appreciated being moved before rain arrived—but the small room fills quickly, and a few visits have involved long waits or brusque handling. The cooking is creative vegetarian comfort food with global accents rather than a plain Dutch breakfast. Think cottage-cheese pancakes with fruit and mascarpone, Turkish eggs with harissa and chili oil, colourful bowls, vegan sandwiches and an unusually deep dessert case. Seasonal changes keep regulars curious, while the current menu's broad vegan and gluten-free range makes it particularly appealing to plant-based diners. A serious isolated allergen-reporting incident means guests with severe allergies should confirm ingredients directly before ordering. Families can manage here, but this is not a conventional children's café. The menu offers approachable pancakes, fries, apple pie, banana bread and cinnamon rolls, yet much of the food leans toward vegetables, legumes, chili, kimchi and globally seasoned combinations. There is no dedicated children's menu shown, so picky eaters may need a little negotiation; the terrace and all-day breakfast help, but reserve or arrive early because seating is limited.
Area vibe: Charming, historic city-centre with boutique shopping, cafes, and cultural attractions.
Safety: Generally safe with good evening footfall and well-lit streets near the centre.
What's nearby: Close to Grote Markt, Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem station, and a dense high-street of cafes and shops.
The menu’s strongest bets range from cottage-cheese pancakes and Turkish eggs to an Eastern Veggie Bowl and a vegan cinnamon roll.
Go early or reserve, expect a creative vegetable-forward menu and potentially tight seating, and take extra care with allergy questions.
Expect colourful vegetarian brunch in a cosy Haarlem café with a pleasant terrace, though the small space can become crowded and service is not always consistent.