Harvest Cafe & Bakery

Harvest Cafe & Bakery was founded in 2018 by Loes and Zjevaun, two passionate hospitality professionals who brought their experience from Melbourne’s vibrant coffee culture to Rotterdam. Their goal was to introduce Australia’s high-end breakfast and coffee culture to the city. What started as an espresso bar quickly evolved into a beloved destination for breakfast and brunch, focusing on great coffee, delicious food, and exceptional service.

Over time, the concept expanded into a full-scale bakery, leading to the current name: Harvest Cafe & Bakery. This new format emphasizes craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere.

The coffee at Harvest is produced in collaboration with the specialty roastery Ripsnorter Coffee. This roastery is known for its bold, energetic beans and creative approaches to coffee drinks. The selection at Harvest includes a wide range of coffee varieties, from perfectly pulled espressos to flat whites and other classic espresso drinks. These pair beautifully with the brunch menu and freshly baked treats.

The coffee culture at Harvest is deeply rooted in the traditions of specialty brewing, where pour-overs and filter brews play as vital a role as milk-based coffees. This reflects the care and attention to craftsmanship and quality that are central to their offering.

Harvest’s location near the water and its laid-back vibe make it a popular spot for both locals and travelers. The cafe serves as an informal meeting place for remote workers and coffee enthusiasts enjoying long mornings by the canal. This strong sense of community is also evident on Instagram, where customers frequently share their experiences with seasonal menus, brunch moments, and cozy gatherings.

While no official workshops or cuppings are advertised, the close tie with Ripsnorter Coffee suggests that Harvest is involved in broader events within the specialty coffee community.

Harvest Cafe & Bakery places great emphasis on using high-quality, local ingredients. For instance, Wildfarmed flour is used for baking sourdough bread, aligning with regenerative farming practices that promote soil health. This demonstrates their commitment to ethical and regional suppliers.

Additionally, the coffee is sourced directly from producers, testifying to a transparent and meticulous approach to bean selection. In interviews, the owners of Harvest have stated that they maintain strong relationships with their suppliers, ensuring the integrity of their supply chain.

The roastery Ripsnorter, linked to Harvest, is highly respected within the Dutch specialty coffee scene. The roastery has strong ties with several Dutch Barista Champions and coffee competition finalists, contributing to the reputation of Harvest Cafe & Bakery.

Harvest is frequently mentioned in local guides and rankings of the best brunch and coffee destinations in Rotterdam. High customer ratings confirm the broad public appreciation for both the coffee and the excellent food and freshly baked treats, making it an undeniable culinary destination in the city.