About 4.5 years ago we went to live in the Daalsebuurt. We came from the Vogelenbuurt. Our focus had been on the city centre and Utrecht Oost. Surely the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Utrecht. At the same time, we also like it when not everything is perfect. We love developments and diversity, and I knew everything that was going to happen around the Amsterdamsestraatweg. I soon knew that I wanted to open my office here. A district full of renewal and rejuvenation, unpolished, with a mix of old Utrechters, students, families and young people.
Contents
- The Daalsebuurt on the up
- The Daalsebuurt is greener than you think
- Werkspoorkwartier
- Surprising shops
- Favourite places to eat and drink
The Daalsebuurt on the up
There's nothing nicer than continuing to discover your own neighbourhood and watching it grow. In the 4.5 years we've lived there, we've seen lots of great shops and places to eat and drink arrive. But also the arrival of the brand-new Project Wisselspoor and the Cartesiusdriehoek. The homes are beautiful and lift the neighbourhood to a higher level. There's a lot of investment going on. New concepts are appearing and giving the neighbourhood a varied and edgy character. Of course there are still parts that are a bit messy, with plastic front doors and lots of bikes on the street, but there is visible improvement. People are doing their best to make the streets nicer and more attractive, with façade gardens and other initiatives. The district is still up-and-coming, and it's smart to invest in this nice neighbourhood now. The neighbourhood will only get nicer and house prices will probably keep rising.
The Daalsebuurt is greener than you think
In the district you'll find lots of little parks and squares, as well as well-hidden playgrounds. Speeltuin De Duizenpoot is a real must, with an extensive play area and friendly staff who keep an eye on things and help out. The Julianapark is also a fantastic place for sport and relaxation, with a much-loved petting zoo for the little ones. The new plans for the Amsterdamsestraatweg include even more room for greenery.
The Amsterdamsestraatweg is getting greener and healthier. There will be 5 times as much greenery as there is now. In total, 2,500 m² of extra greenery will be added. This is what we're going to do:
- the trees will get more room to grow into healthy, large trees. We will replace unhealthy trees with new ones.
- plants will be added around the trees and in planting beds.
- the street will be prepared for major climate changes: water will drain away better during heavy rain, and the plants and trees will provide cooling in hot summers.
Werkspoorkwartier
Although at first glance it may look like an industrial estate, the Werkspoorkwartier is now much more than that. Besides industry, you'll also find cosy places to eat and drink there. The raw look fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the rest of the district. Places such as Werkspoorcafé de Leckere, Warmoes, De Nijverheid and de Nar offer a unique atmosphere and delicious food and drink. There's even a hip hotel in the works that is meant to become a meeting place for people from the neighbourhood. This part of the district has a diverse and exciting future ahead of it.
Surprising shops
The Amsterdamsestraatweg may not be a chic shopping street, but that isn't the ambition either. The street would rather keep its edgy character. In recent years the street has undergone a transformation, with kebab shops and phone shops disappearing and specialist shops such as Super Bra, Winkel vol Winkeltjes, Deugniet and &meer emerging. There are also various supermarkets with unique products. This part of the street, just past the Julianapark, still has a village feel. Here you'll find delicious fresh bread at banketbakkerij (patisserie) Steentjes and the best butcher in Utrecht, Slagerij van Es. An affordable florist, Fronita, with the most beautiful flowers. The off-licence has special drinks and knows the area like the back of its hand. This part of the Straatweg, opposite Elinkwijk, is a treasure trove of surprises.
Favourite places to eat and drink
We're completely in love with the Daalsebuurt. It's a wonderful place to enjoy good food and good company. One of our favourite places for lunch is Bagels & Beans. A bagel with salmon and a glass of strawberry juice with it, and you absolutely won't feel like going back to work.
For a surprising dining experience we like to go to Oli Mazi, on the Amsterdamsestraatweg. This Greek family restaurant has a touch of fine dining and serves delicious dishes. ’t Dikkertje is also a great place, especially for their delicious moussaka. The Amsterdamsestraatweg is steeped in Greek influences, and that makes dining here extra special.
Our favourites in the Daalsebuurt aren't limited to restaurants. When we lived on the Bremstraat, we soon discovered The Food Club and Familie van Rijk, both just around the corner. The Food Club is a gluten-free restaurant with welcoming owners, Jeroen and Carlijn. Familie van Rijk has the tastiest sandwiches, cheeses, nuts, sweets, wine, beer and alcohol-free drinks. A visit to them guarantees you'll come home with something delicious.
For the tastiest sandwiches in between viewings, go to Brandstof. Lindy’s favourite is the pastrami special, while Gé always goes for chicken with mango.
Dave & Nienke don't just run Bagels & Beans; in the evening you can head right across the road for a delicious pizza at Satriales. GYS is also highly recommended, with its lovely terrace and vegetarian menu. If you'd rather get takeaway, you should definitely go to Prem. It's simply fantastic, with the most delicious roti and Surinamese sandwiches.
For anyone looking for lactose- and gluten-free cakes, Rose & Vanille is the place to be. You can also enjoy a lovely cup of coffee or tea in the sun here.
What's more, two new places to eat have recently opened: Za’atar next to The Food Club and Moos next to Satriales. It seems that more and more great spots keep popping up in the neighbourhood to enjoy good food and good company.
In short, the Daalsebuurt has a lot to offer and keeps developing. It's a neighbourhood with character, green spaces and a community that is proud of its neighbourhood. It's a place where you want to live and where the future looks rosy!
