About the cafe
In a world where lavish feasts often take centre stage, we believe that the true essence of dining lies in warmth, sincerity, and the joy of shared moments. As one of our favourite sayings reminds us: “A simple meal made with love is worth more than a banquet without heart.”
Welcome to De Waag. Set within a beautifully preserved historic building, our café offers an inviting blend of heritage charm, refined comfort, and attentive hospitality. Not unlike the timeless elegance found in Delft’s most historic establishments, De Waag’s interiors are enriched with deep red and gold accents, gallery-style artwork, velvety seating, wooden floors, and beautifully detailed ceilings—an atmosphere where history and refinement meet effortlessly.
Here, you may enjoy early-morning coffee and pastries, a leisurely lunch, late-afternoon drinks, or dinner crafted with skill and passion. “The magic of a meal is not in its extravagance but in the smiles it brings.”
Unforgettable unique dining experience
From morning through evening, De Waag hums with a welcoming energy, but it is towards the end of the week that the building truly comes alive.
Friday evenings begin with a warm, convivial buzz as our DJ sets the tone for the weekend in the ground-floor café. Saturdays continue the spirit of togetherness, inviting guests to settle in and savour the lively rhythm of Delft’s social scene.
On Sundays, the atmosphere transforms once more, with live bands filling the room with music—turning the final day of the week into a celebration of community and culture.
Guests seeking a quieter, more intimate setting may retreat to our private dining spaces upstairs, where the historical charm of the building lends a sense of occasion to every gathering.
Our team is always pleased to guide you through our selection of Grolsch speciality beers, handcrafted cocktails, mixed drinks, and carefully curated wines. In the kitchen, honest and flavourful dishes are prepared with care, offering a generous variety of vegetarian options and naturally accommodating allergies and dietary needs.
History
Welcome! In a historic, monumental building with a fascinating history, where hospitality and service are paramount.
A dive into the history of the Waag building provides a fascinating glimpse into its history. Before the building was converted into a Stadscafé in 1998, it served a long and varied series of functions. Originally, the Waag was a government building where goods were weighed. A weigh house is mentioned as early as 1342, but the first documents referring to the current Waag date back to 1539.
The Waag breathes history. You can see it on every floor, in every corner. The Waag dates back a long way. The first mention of the Delft weigh house dates back to 1342, but official documents state 1539.
As an active trading center, Delft was required to weigh its merchandise in a city weigh house. Initially, this was done in only half of the current building; the municipality purchased the other half in 1644. Now, there's room for a large set of scales. These still hang in the weigh house today and bear the date 1647.
Peat, poultry, vegetables, butter, and cheese: a great deal of merchandise is brought into the bustling trading center below, including by boat through the rear. Upstairs, the Goldsmiths' and Silversmiths' Guild is housed, later succeeded by the Doctors' and Pharmacists' Guild (still visible on a stone plaque on the rear facade).
In 1770, the Waag underwent a thorough renovation, and the two buildings became visibly one. After the guilds were abolished in 1798, the upper floor became, among other things, a gymnasium and a telephone exchange.
Around 1960, the last cheeses were weighed in De Waag. Delft subsequently used the building as a bicycle shed, and from 1973 onward, it served as a theater. Following a thorough renovation, the current Cafe opened in 1999.
