The 50 Amsterdam restaurants and cafe’s you can’t afford to miss – 2024

Updated 2024

Our top three Amsterdam restaurants and cafe’s whatever your mood

Everyone loves a shortlist, and navigating all the foodie recommendations on our Amsterdam blog (click here for the homepage) might feel a little overwhelming, so we have compiled a list of Amsterdam’s hot, hip and totally non-touristy restaurants and cafe’s by way of a shortcut. But please, don’t let it stop you exploring the fuller list.  We have only included places on AmsterdamWonderland that we really rate so check out the main menu and navigate the blog further to discover many other unique and wonderful places to eat.

Remember, our blog is focussed on the places “Amsterdammers in the know” choose to dine out.

We make a point of avoiding restaurants like predictable upmarket pan-Asian: Momo or Soho House’s global Italian Cecconis. 

We steer clear of dated 90’s cliche: Supperclub; “Argentinian steakhouse”: Cau (actually a provincial British chain) or the dreaded Pasta e Basta with its “p’opera” singing waiters.

And just in case you were in any doubt, this also isn’t the spot to find faddy recycled recommendations like FabelFriet or Chun – stores in the 9 Little Streets with hour-plus queues driven by mindless TikTok influencers who follow each other around like lemmings.

Disappointingly, in a city packed with authentic local and ethnic cuisine, these uninspired eateries are frequently recommended as city dining highlights but in fact cater almost exclusively to high, mid or mass market (mostly British) tourists. Whilst you will definitely find clued-up visitors and expats dining at our shortlisted venues, you’ll also be rubbing shoulders with Amsterdam’s finest.

Clicking on the recommendations below will take you to our full review. This list is updated regularly as new gems knock old favourites off the list so it should always be current and relevant.

We’ve also added vegan and vegetarian options for every dining experience – but don’t forget to check out this fuller listing with 25 vegan-friendly choices if that’s specifically what you’re after.

Explore. Discover. Enjoy.

Quality Amster-dining will knock your socks off.

 

look just Cut to the chase, I’m there for a weekend and have three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, where should I go?

Whilst we really would urge you to read on for the best places to eat for different vibes, here’s is a highlights of highlights list with a taster of the best food, buzz and views.

Breakfast:

Dignita – Simply the most wonderful food in a stunning setting.  Practically perfect in every way.

De Bakkerswinkel – Incredibly Dutch, usually full of hip Amsterdam mamas.  Head to the fabulous Westerpark branch.

Pure Boats – I’m cheating slightly here but a private canal tour with breakfast on board is literally as good as Amsterdam gets.  The best of the best.

Lunch:

George – Small, hip and probably the odd Dutch ‘sleb seeing and being seen on the postage-stamp terrace.  If you’re in the heart of town then its Cafe George you want or for the ultimate Dutch experience head to the neighbourhood vibe of George W.P.A. or Zacy’s favourite Petit George.

De Ysbreeker – The classic Grand Cafe, enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful interior or linden-tree-lined terrace along the Amstel.  The food is great too.

Cafe Marcella – Step away from the madness of the Nine Little Streets and stroll towards the Amstel for picture-perfect cafe boasting fewer tourists; a stunning canal-side terrace; a cosy interior and a menu of Dutch and international faves.

Dinner:

De Belhamel – Wonderful food in a romantic canal-side restaurant of dreams (pictured) that has completely stolen our heart.  Whilst restaurants like De Kas and Ron Gastro Oriental are also strong contenders, this is how the Dutch really do it.

Loetje – I can’t say it often enough, this is the only place we come to every single time we come to Amsterdam.  Nothing and I mean nothing is as good as a Loetje steak.

Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam – The vast pump-room interior literally echoes with the buzz of Amsterdammers.  Tables for two, tables for parties, beloved by kids, it ticks all the boxes.

I’m going to cheat ever so slightly here as there are so many incredible restaurants for a special dinner it’s almost impossible to keep it to a list of three.  Some require booking (way!) in advance so if you are planning ahead please also scroll down and read about De Kas and Ron Gastro Oriental Downtown as both offer exceptional Amsterdam dining or check out Sjefietshe for a small canal-side restaurant specialising in fabulous ceviche that we return to time and time again.  Alternatively, if you’re feeling brave then head over to Amsterdam North for something extraordinary at Helling 7.

Cafe and cake.  and herring

Cafe t’Smalle – The food is nothing special but the teeny tiny terrace offers one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque views.

Cafe Marcella – Just a short stroll along the Prinsengracht canal will you bring you to this dreamy ‘neighbourhood’ cafe with great food, killer coffee and fabulous people-watching as well as an Instagrammable canal-view of dreams.

Winkel – A must-visit place for the best apple pie in the world.  Full Stop.

Herring – Get one from a herring truck.  You haven’t visited Amsterdam if you haven’t had one.

Bonus points here if you can get to Amsterdam West and check out Fort Negen – a world class bakery that’s made it to the top of international chefs’ secret foodie lists for some serious bakes.

 

Now for our fully loaded top three’s…

 

Best for special occasions (or what the hell – you don’t need an excuse!)

1. De Kas – A one-off.  Romantic, packed with the wow-factor, a bucket-list kinda place (pictured)
2. Vuurtoreneiland – An utterly unique foodie experience in a glass structure on a remote rugged island reached by boat
3. Wilde Zwijnen – one of our favourite ways to avoid the tourists at this sensational unpretentious food-lovers paradise in the hip East of the city,

∗ A special mention here for The Duchess, scoring highly for the extraordinary room, and the “scene”, it’s a truly stunning space in the old Kas bank, now the W Hotel.  Other recommendations following closely behind include Toscanini, Vis Aan De Schelde and Red all of which feature very highly in our smart-dining recommends.

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Choux – whilst we would definitely include De Kas (above) as a superb option for vegans or vegetarians, we’re throwing in another special treat for you.  Choux does tasting menus that look like art and taste like heaven and you’ll miss nothing if you opt for the veggie version.  Don’t believe us?  Click the link to see their stunning creations.

 

Best for a buzzy, hip vibe and hanging with the beautiful people

1. Ron Gastrobar Oriental Downtown – We used to be obsessed with Ron Gastro’s Indonesia Downtown (you can find the previous review here) and were absolutely gutted when it closed down.  Well the Ronster is officially back downtown with killer food and cocktails alongside some sizzling hot entertainment for Amsterdam’s most buzzy night out.  Pull up a seat at the gastrobar and get ready to shimmy (or for something utterly unique and special, head along the Amstel river just out of town to Ron Gastrobar Indonesia in the beautiful surroundings of Ouderkerk – our favourite location for Indonesian Rijstafel – even former President Barak Obama is a recent fan!)
2. Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam – This restaurant can almost guarantee a visit from us each time we’re in town.  Based in a fabulous former pump station the stunning industrial interior echoes with the buzz of Amsterdammers who have been filling it night after night for the last 25 years (top picture above).
3. Helling 7 – Make your way over to Amsterdam North and be wowed at this former dockworkers cantina sitting high above a shipyard on the River IJ for killer views and food cooked over an open fire (pictured)

*Special mention this time goes to Hotel de Goudfazant another reason to head to Amsterdam North for the buzz, the food and another vast garage interior (second picture).  Or how about NENI – based in a former Citroen garage this bright and breezy hotspot has landed on the scene with a sizzle, serving modern-Israeli/Middle-Eastern cuisine du jour from an open-kitchen, with counter seating, sharing tables, a deli and bar to say nothing of some fabulous indoor trees.  You could also check out MaMa Kelly – Amsterdam’s most Instagrammable pink palace serving chicken and lobster –  a definite case of ‘Here Come The Girls’!  Finally, of course there’s Foodhallen – also recommended for lunch below, Amsterdam’s mega tramshed, now a cultural centre and food hall, is rocking at night and packed with the good-time boys and girls.

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Mr & Mrs Watson – Head over to The Watsons for a menu that leads on their award-winning vegan cheeses delivered with panache – think cashew fondue and vegan tiramisu.  As they say, “we are for vegan food lovers and cheese addicts”.

 

Cosy hotspots to avoid the tourists and enjoy some of the city’s best food

1. Loetje – Lying in first place, we adore the food as well as the incredibly Dutch atmosphere and gezellig locations (especially the Ouderkerk aan de Amstel branch pictured above).  It is almost unheard of for us to come to Amsterdam without at least one visit to a branch of Loetje…and we come often!
2. De Belhamel – This stunning spot in the Jordaan could be our new favourite place.  Incredibly picturesque setting, wonderful interior, fabulous service and exceptionally good food.  Be sure to book ahead.
3. Sjefietshe – If you’re looking for a real gem of a local then head to this corner of De Pijp for the ceviche of your dreams.  Incredibly good food and not a tourist in sight.

*Very special mention for a couple of other real favourites. Just like its big brother in the Special Occasion section, Bar Bachrach (the younger brother of next-door Wilde Zwijnen) is a little gem offering seriously fantastic ‘borrelhapjes’ and small plates and ranks as one of our must-visit Amsterdam eateries.  Alternatively Tel Aviv inspired vibes are hot in Amsterdam right now so head to one of the city’s recent favourites – the lovely Night Kitchen – in a super cosy setting and their appealing promise:  Our aim is to give our guests the perfect night out – one of escapism, where not only their appetites are left satisfied.  At Night Kitchen, you’re the star of your own private dinner party. Sit back, relax and let us host you. This is what we LOVE to do.  Another excellent bet is Fa. Pekelhaaring, Italian-inspired buzzing local favourite which is the perfect place to while away a kicked-back evening

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Yerba – The amazing reviews keep coming for this fabulous “plant-led” restaurant run by a chef who cut his teeth at our beloved Wilde Zwijnen above.  Seasonal food of the highest quality.  Worth considering whether you’re vegan or not (they also cater for omnivores on demand)

 

 

Best on a boat – private cruising paired with food makes for the ultimate Amsterdam  experience

1. Pure Boats – book a cruise with our favourite boaties and they’ll do the rest.  Whether you’re after cakes for a celebration, nibbles for a natter or a full on feast these guys and girls are the best in the biz and will snack you up or lay on a spread with treats from the city’s best foodie hotspots.
2. G’s Brunch Boat– also listed in our brunch suggestions below these guys cruise on weekends offering Eggs Benny, Avo Bae’s and the Notorious BLT along with “Tipsy Drinks” or “Sober” ones.  There’s even a bottomless brunch option for those in the party mood.
3. Amsterdam Food and Canals tour – how about a tour on which you get to eat and explore the city’s tasty hotspots and local foodie specialties – start on foot before jumping onboard a private saloon boat for some “lekker” treats.

 

Best for breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, coffee and cake

The hotspots below are all favourites and most offer food from early to late.  We’ve opted for our favourite meals at each, but don’t rule out having breakfast at a lunch listing or a snack at a breakfast gem – we rate the places as much as specific meals.

Best for breakfast

1. Corner Bakery Amsterdam – Cute as a button cafe near the museums for a perfectly Instagrammable brekkie
2. De Bakkerswinkel– This has always been a special place for us – incredibly “Amsterdam” offering a cool but unpretentious vibe; organic food coupled with sweet treats; chalk boards, homemade jams and wooden tables.  You can’t go wrong.
3. Scandinavian Embassy– Could there be a Michelin star in the offing for this tiny yet utterly perfect coffee bar in the Pijp (pictured) that also serves a limited menu of exceptional food.

* Special mention for CT Coffee and Coconuts, a 1920’s art deco theatre that’s been converted into one of the city’s major hotspots. You’ll find the place buzzing from early to late serving up tropical treats to The Pijp’s finest.  Or for something a little-less tourist-jammed, breakfast on the terrace or warm interior at the fabulous modern-Amsterdam institution, Cafe de Jaren.

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Juice By Nature – Though not exclusively vegan, head to one of the city’s favourite spots for amazing cold pressed juices, smoothie bowls, vegan porridge, waffles and more.  Healthy has never tasted this good.

 

Best for brunch

 

1. Dignita – If you only do one brunch in Amsterdam, make it this one!  Some of the most fabulous early morning food in the city, presented with effortless style in a stunning setting.  Eat well, do good – ticking all the boxes.
2. G’s Brunch Boat– A chance to cruise the canals without enduring the full tourist “shabang” whilst enjoying great brunch and bloody marys (pictured).
3. George Amsterdam – Amsterdammers’ favourite no-chain, chain.  In their words “a French brasserie in New York….In Amsterdam’.  Think metro tiles, wooden chairs and white tablecloths galore along with Eggs, croques, club sarnies, steak tartare, oysters and lobster rolls.  Their ‘tuna pizza’ essentially tuna carpaccio served on a paper thin bread crisp is the stuff of legend.

*Special mention for Oeuf Amsterdam – a new discovery in one of the loveliest parts of The Pijp serving everything ‘eggs’ in a lovely unpretentious setting and De Wasserette – a much larger and ever-popular terrace over in the heart of the Pijp perfect for hanging with the beautiful people on a sunny morning.  These and the names on our breakfast list are so much better than the endless queues at the groaningly touristy Bakers and Roasters or The Avocado Show.

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Mr Stacks – what could be more Dutch than pancakes for brunch, and if you’re of the vegan persuasion there are none better (or more instagrammable) than Mr Stacks.

 

Best for lunch

1. Gartine – Book ahead for this tiny slice of perfection (pictured) serving seasonal produce at breakfast, lunch and tea, all picked in their kitchen garden
2. Proeflokaal A. Van Wees – Whether you sit out on the terrace; under the arched portico (my favourite) or in the cosy interior complete with bar cat, this is a picturesque spot by the Nine Little Streets to taste classic Dutch food and perhaps a knock back a small glass of Dutch liqueur ‘genever’.
3. De Ysbreeker – Probably Amsterdam’s finest Grand Cafe, this beauty, slap-bang on the Amstel river has one of the city’s very best sunny terraces and a gorgeous and historic interior.

∗ A few special mentions here.  The first for Buffet van Odette where you can pull up a chair by the beautiful Prinsengracht canal and enjoy quality food in a charming setting – the truffle cheese omelette is legendary.  Or for brasserie favourites check out the George cluster of restaurants (each one of the locations has a slightly different menu and ambience).  The “French Brasserie in New York…in Amsterdam” concept is much loved and has become a reliable go-to for crowd-pleasing favourites.  Finally if you want a slice of authentic old-school Amsterdam why not visit Eetsalon van Dobben for a kroket sandwich and a dose of banter on the side.

If you’re shopping in the 9 Streets around lunchtime, you’ll be spoiled for choice, check out this link for the 9 best places to eat in the area.

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Men Impossible – We’re going to spoil you here.  Men Impossible is a tiny, outstanding ramen bar serving some of the most surprisingly brilliant vegan food in the city.  But its only open for lunch on Sundays so here are some other options: The Vegan Junk Food Bar is a must with its crazy insta-hip-hop vibe or for something a little less wild check out Spirit for a vast selection of veg and vegan salads sold by the weight.

 

Best for tea

1. College Hotel – There is simply no better spot in Winter to warm up over a cup of something steamy (pictured)
2. The Duchess– High end, high tea that is instantly Instagrammable
3. Pompadour – On a chilly day in the Nine Streets, drift into this “Mittel-European” chocolaterie, patisserie and tearoom.

*Not a full high tea, but if you’re after some delicious (and very pink!) tartlets and cakelets head over to Sticky Fingers for something special

Vegan/Vegetarian option: Koffie ende Koeck – This gorgeous little cafe is open from morning to late afternoon but their speciality is a vegan high tea.  Drop in for plant based sandwiches and scones like you’ve never had before.

 

Best for coffee (yes coffee NOT coffee shops!)

1. Scandinavian Embassy – One of the only locations to feature twice on the list, but if you’re a coffee drinker, not heading to this special place would be almost criminal
2. Blauwe Theehuis – You won’t find gourmet beans at this historic Amsterdam cafe, but cycle out to the modernist “flying saucer” in the middle of the Vondelpark and you’ll be rewarded with a vast and wonderfully unpretentious terrace for a koffie verkeerd and a spot of people watching.
3. Bocca’s Coffee – After supplying coffee to most of Amsterdam’s best eateries for years, the Bocca brothers have now opened a state of the art “tasting and training showroom” in a hidden garage-space on the Kerkstraat.

∗ Special mention for Lot Sixty One which is shaking up the Dutch “west-side” coffee scene.

 

Best for Dutch apple pie

1. Winkel 43 – Quite simply the greatest apple pie in the world and a total Amsterdam institution (pictured)
2. Cafe Papeneiland – This brown bar dates back to 1642 and serves a killer appeltaart in a cosy setting near the Noordermarkt
3. De Ysbreeker – A classic Grand Cafe along the Amstel serving a slice of heaven, apple pie style (with cream of course)

Best for waterside views

1. Cafe t’ Smalle – Amsterdam’s most picturesque tiny canalside terrace (pictured above and main picture)
2. Cafe Marcella – with iconic red and white stripy umbrellas and away the super-hectic tourist beat lies this gloriously picturesque cafe on the Prinsengracht.  If you’re incredibly lucky you’ll snag the tiny side-by-side two-person table facing the canal – the perfect spot to enjoy watching boats in the sunshine over a glass of something chilled.
3. Cafe van Zuylen – Grab a seat right on the bridge over the Singel canal for a stunning vista along with your coffee,  The food isn’t too shabby either (a recent Ossenworst sandwich with pickles, onions, capers and mustard-mayo definitely hit the spot).

*special mentions here for two other spots – the first is for De Ysbreeker – a wonderful Grand Cafe that has a huge terrace along the Amstel beloved by locals who enjoy sunny lunchtime rays and good food.  Or how about Cafe de Jaren – An Amsterdam institution with its Amstel-side wooden deck and excellent food.  Chances are you’ll have to fight for a prime spot on a sunny lunchtime

Best for food on the go

Impossible to rank in any order so in joint first place…

• Herring – The original streetfood and the best bar none.
• Fort Negen – foodie fave for some serious bakes and weekend specials that will blow your socks off
• Patisserie Holtkamp – Visit Amsterdam’s most refined bakery, – supplier of croquettes and perfect patisseries to the Dutch Royal Family
• Vleminckx – Chips, patatjes, frites…whatever you call them, a visit to Amsterdam would be incomplete without a taste
• Pisa Ijs – The only place to head for ice cream on a hot Summer day
• Charley’s Satébar – a moving food truck that sets the standard for the Netherlands’ favourite ethnic eat

 

Best for Instagram and foodie fads

 

 

Amsterdam ranks highly in the Instafood phenomenon and there’s no shortage of places keen to generate ‘likes’ for snaps of your snacks.  So get your Clarendon, Lark or X-Pro II at the ready and start uploading these bad boys to your feed:

• The Avocado Show – Everything’s avo at one of the city’s most anticipated and blogged about hotspots serving the green stuff against a backdrop of blush pink banquettes
• Corner Bakery and Bulls and Dogs – If freakshakes are your thang, go freaking crazy with Amsterdam’s sugar monsters
• Sticky Fingers– The pink tiled wall at this hotspot has provided the perfect backdrop for bloggers nibbling patisserie perfection
• Vegan Junk Food Bar– insane punk mash-up sees vegan food in rainbow colours.  Pinky Bratwurst or Daddy McChik’n anyone?

(and if Instagram is your thing, check out this post with tons more “insta-inspiration”

Best by season

Check out our full “Amsterdam by season” post here packed with restaurants and cafes for lazy Summer days or long Winter nights.

Best for kids

Click here for our “Eating out with kids” guide to find a much bigger selection, but if we had to pick a handful of places that are as good for the mini’s as the ‘maxi’s” it would look something like this…

• Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam – Wonderful room (pictured) and a kids menu to boot.  Just the kind of kid-friendly but grown-up place we love
• The IJ-kantine – Another laid back adult vibe in a place that caters brilliantly for little people on the North side of the river Ij
•  Fa. Pekelhaaring – Seriously excellent laid-back grown-up interesting Italian-ish and super family friendly if your little ones are fans of spaghetti. Lets face it.  Who isn’t?!
• George Restaurants – Soho House-style ‘French brasserie in New York….in Amsterdam’.  Head there for metro tiles, leather sofas, brass and marble, along with a kids’ menu at a number of their outposts.  Amsterdam’s favourite no-chain, chain.
• Celia at the Kimpton de Witt – a new addition to the dining scene with a California sunshine vibe and a menu that keeps our little rays of sunshine happy too.