Cafés & Restaurants

Donkey's favourite spots for students

A short, honest list of cafés and restaurants Donkey Gezellie actually recommends — sorted by what you're in the mood for. Tap any card to open the place in Google Maps.

Study spots

Quiet vibes, good Wi-Fi, plenty of plugs

Koffiestation Books & Coffee

Study café

4.6Google reviews

A quiet and cozy study café, perfect for students looking for a productive environment. Surrounded by books and filled with natural light — ideal for studying, reading or working on assignments. Calm atmosphere with an international crowd.

Oude Kijk in Het Jatstraat 21, 9712 EA Groningen

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Cafés & nightlife

Coffee by day, drinks by night

News Café

All-day café

4.0Google reviews

Trendy all-day café and restaurant in the heart of the city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Popular for its large terrace, cocktails and social vibe — students, locals and internationals all mix here. Great for coffee, dinner or late-night drinks.

Waagplein 5, 9712 JZ Groningen

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Uurwerker

Day & night café

4.4Google reviews

A hidden gem among students and locals. Relaxed by day for studying, coffee or lunch, then transforms into a lively social spot with pizza and drinks in the evening. Cozy interior, international crowd — the perfect place to discover Groningen beyond the tourist spots.

Uurwerkersplein 1, 9712 BH Groningen

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De Drie Gezusters

Bar & nightlife

€€
4.0Google reviews

One of the most iconic student hotspots in Groningen, right on the Grote Markt. Famous for its energetic atmosphere, affordable drinks and vibrant nightlife — multiple bars and seating areas across one venue. Evenings and weekends are the city's social peak.

Grote Markt 36 – 39, 9711 LV Groningen

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Restaurants

Affordable, student-tested favourites

De Pastafabriek

Italian

4.0Google reviews

One of Groningen's favourite spots for casual Italian. Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas and generous portions — a popular place for students to enjoy an affordable dinner with friends. Lively atmosphere, open kitchen and a warm industrial interior.

Oosterstraat 56, 9711 NX Groningen

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Ni Hao Stadspaviljoen

Asian · all-you-can-eat

€€
4.0Google reviews

Popular Asian restaurant known for its wide variety of Chinese and Asian dishes. Modern interior, generous portions and a lively atmosphere — great for group dinners with friends or family. Loved for the all-you-can-eat concept and central location.

Paviljoenlaan 3, 9727 KE Groningen

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Happy Italy

Italian · budget

3.7Google reviews

Budget-friendly Italian especially loved by students — affordable prices and large portions of pizza and pasta. Lively and casual; a go-to spot before a night out or after classes thanks to fast service and a busy atmosphere.

Oosterstraat 56, 9711 NX Groningen

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