De Watermeterfabriek Haarlem | industrial riverside brasserie and bistro

About

De Watermeterfabriek is one of Haarlem’s newest culinary hotspots, located along the river Spaarne in the Schalkwijk area. This impressive all day brasserie and bistro opened its doors in early 2026 after an extensive four year renovation of a monumental industrial building dating back to 1916. The restaurant combines historic industrial architecture with modern hospitality, creating a unique dining destination just outside the busy city centre of Haarlem. Original details such as the wooden ceiling beams, steel constructions and monumental factory elements have been carefully preserved, giving the space a warm and authentic atmosphere. Spread across approximately 900 square meters, De Watermeterfabriek offers multiple spaces for different occasions throughout the day. Guests can stop by for breakfast, coffee, lunch, afternoon drinks or an extensive dinner experience. The venue includes a large dining room, a bright conservatory, a relaxed bar area, a private chef’s table inside the former director’s office and a panoramic room for meetings, private dining and events. The kitchen is led by chef Carl Gast, who focuses on classic French inspired bistro cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients and modern influences. The menu changes regularly and combines approachable comfort dishes with refined flavours, making the restaurant suitable for both casual lunches and special evenings out. One of the highlights of De Watermeterfabriek is the spacious waterfront terrace overlooking the Spaarne. During sunny days, the terrace becomes one of the most relaxing places in Haarlem for drinks, lunch or dinner by the water. The location next to the small Spaarne ferry gives the area a calm and almost hidden atmosphere away from the crowds. De Watermeterfabriek is also known for being highly accessible and welcoming to a broad audience. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible and both child friendly and dog friendly, making it a popular meeting place for locals, families and visitors exploring Haarlem. The building itself carries a rich industrial history. Originally constructed as a glass factory in 1916, it later served as a water meter factory, soap factory and furniture workshop before being transformed into the hospitality venue it is today. The careful restoration by owners Willem van der Eerden and Sanne van Brunschot helped preserve the historic character while giving the building a completely new life. For visitors looking for a unique restaurant in Haarlem with industrial charm, waterfront terraces and an all day dining concept, De Watermeterfabriek is a must visit hotspot in the city.