Explore the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is first to mind when it comes to many things – beautifully preserved canal houses, perilous biking, vintage shopping, techno, and tasty beer. However, food historically has not been one of them.
While visitors to Amsterdam will encounter a steady stream of canal-side terraces and gorgeous modern interiors, the Dutch cultural capital’s culinary scene is still relatively nascent. In layman’s terms, it’s expensive and easy to step a foot wrong. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of gems to be found. Amsterdam is a truly international city, and nowhere is this better represented than in the city’s best restaurants, no offense to those offering more traditional fare. While the Netherlands offers some of the best bar snacks in the world, bitterballen and gouda alone won’t sustain a day of biking in the rain.
Cafe Binnenvisser
A laid-back dinner spot in Amsterdam-West, Cafe Binnenvisser serves natural wines and seasonal plates. Dishes such as yellow beets with pistachio, buttermilk, and smoked trout sit alongside raw halibut and bone marrow on the daily-changing menu. The atmosphere is rustic and unfussy, with a large terrace on a quiet neighborhood corner.
- Area: Amsterdam-West
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: The five-course “menu binnenvisser” dinner.
Cafe-Restaurant Amsterdam
A spacious restaurant housed in a former engine room near Westerpark, Cafe-Restaurant has an air of old-school grandeur despite its industrial, stripped-back interiors. It serves an expansive pan-European menu for lunch through to supper, highlighting excellent seafood dishes.
- Area: Westerpark
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Shrimp Croquettes – Gambas with Aioli
Little Collins
Make sure to get to either of Little Collins’ locations in De Pijp or Oud-West early on a weekend, as the queue often winds around the block for good reason. You’ll find specialty coffee and intriguing flavor combinations on their brunch menu, such as kimchi and gruyere scrambled eggs.
- Area: De Pijp (brunch only), West
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Brisket with Beets and Garlic Kefir
Tolhuistuin
Tolhuistuin is a unique dining experience located just north of Centraal Station, offering a huge menu with seasonal small plates influenced by global cuisine. Make an evening of it by visiting the nearby Eye Film Museum.
- Area: Noord
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Chicken Satay
De Kas
Renowned for its casual style, De Kas is one of the few haute cuisine restaurants in the city. This modern organic restaurant is nestled in a garden conservatory, serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu with ingredients grown onsite.
- Area: Oud-West, Zuid
- Price: £££
- Dish to order: Seasonal menu
Bird Thais
Located in the city’s oldest neighborhood, Bird Thais has been a favorite among locals for 25 years. Despite the queues, the casual Thai restaurant serves delicious dishes that will satisfy even the busiest of schedules.
- Area: De Wallen
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Spare Ribs
SORA Sapporo Ramen
SORA is famous for serving mouth-watering ramen in a style native to Sapporo, Japan. A visit promises a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food.
- Area: De Pijp, West
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Shoyu Ramen
Pesca
For a truly unique dinner experience, Pesca treats dining like a theatrical event, allowing guests to select fresh seafood from a brightly lit “stage”.
- Area: Jordaan
- Price: £££
- Dish to order: Daily catch recommendations
Flo’s Appetizing Amsterdam
Emulating a New York deli, Flo’s offers delicious bagels, though their unique twist will surely appeal to local tastes. Don’t miss the Hot Mess bagel for a grab-and-go bite.
- Area: Oud-West, Jordaan, De Pijp
- Price: £
- Dish to order: Hot Mess Bagel
Gitane
Gitane is a chic natural wine bar with a cozy atmosphere and a comforting menu of small plates. Open for brunch and dinner, the spot has quickly become a favorite.
- Area: Oud-West
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Lamb rump
Restaurant DS
Combining great food with Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife, Restaurant DS features a modern kitchen focused on fermented foods and seasonal ingredients.
- Area: West
- Price: £££
- Dish to order: Changing five-course menu
Choux
Located near Centraal Station, Choux offers farm-to-table dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious, focusing on modern French cuisine.
- Area: Centrum
- Price: £££
- Dish to order: Seasonal five-course menu
Bar Centraal
This bistro is loved by locals for its cozy atmosphere, extensive natural wine selection, and inventive plates. The lively environment makes it an ideal spot for any occasion.
- Area: De Baarsjes
- Price: £££
- Dish to order: Halibut
Nnea
Nnea has quickly risen to fame for its Neapolitan pizzas that have gained international acclaim. This pizzeria’s dedication to quality is reflected in its award-winning pies.
- Area: De Baarsjes
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: ‘Nduja Tonnata Pizza
Pizza Project
Pizza Project is known for its Neapolitan sandwiches and pies, with a focus on traditional techniques and flavorful ingredients. The casual setting is perfect for a quick bite.
- Area: Oud-West, Zuid
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Pepperoni Pizza
Cornerstore
Cornerstore features a trendy atmosphere with an Asian-influenced menu offering unique dishes accompanied by vinyl music. It’s a great spot to unwind.
- Area: Noord
- Price: ££
- Dish to order: Fried chicken wings
Venus & Adonis
With a stunning view of the Prinsengracht canal, Venus & Adonis offers a modern baroque atmosphere that perfectly complements its surf-and-turf menu.
- Area: Jordaan
- Price: £££
- Dish to order: Gnocchi with kimchi
