Where to Eat in Amsterdam

De Kas

During my recent trip to Amsterdam with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, I was able to explore and eat my way around like a local because of all the wonderful recommendations that I received on instagram. Here is a guide on where to eat in Amsterdam. I hope that this will be useful when you are visiting the city.


Bazar


Bazar, a Middle Eastern and North African restaurant housed in an old church at Albert Cuyp Market, is a gem in Amsterdam. Not only can you expect affordable and delicious Middle-Eastern food – think of anything from kebabs to falafel and hummus – the restaurant also has an electrifying atmosphere.

Albert Cuypstraat 182
1073 BL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 675 0544

Bird Thai Restaurant


Bird Thai Snack Bar


Many locals name this place as the best Thai eatery in Amsterdam. This little snack bar, situated on the fringe of the Red Light District, is a nice spot to grab some snacks and people-watch. You can also go to their sister restaurant – just across the street — which is a sit-down restaurant with a bigger space and more dishes on the menu.

Zeedijk 74
1012 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 620 1442

Burger Bar


Burger Bar


One of the top burger joints in Amsterdam, Burger Bar serves several variations – Irish beef (€4.95), Black Angus (€6.25), Wagyu (€9.95), and chicken (€4.95) – and you can choose to add different toppings to your burger. A very satisfying and affordable meal.

Kolksteeg 2
1012 PT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 624 9049

Brown Cafe


Cafe ‘t Smalle


For an authentic brown-cafe experience, drop by Cafe ‘t Smalle in Jordaan. Like what I have explained in my earlier post, a brown café is a pub – with a dark wood interior, nicotine-stained ceiling and dim lighting – where locals gather to have some snacks and drinks. These cosy watering-holes make up a big part of Amsterdam culture, so it is the ideal spot to take a peek of the city’s everyday life.

Egelantiersgracht 12
1015 RL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 623 9617

Loetje


Cafe Loetje


Cafe Loetje was one place that everyone kept talking about. It seemed to be on everyone’s mind, many locals name this as one of the best steakhouses in Amsterdam. I knew I had to check it out. However, we were not completely won over. The beef fillet steak was decent, but not fantastic. That said, Cafe Loetje is a nice place to dine at and have a good time. The restaurant is extremely popular, so make sure you go early to get a table.

Johannes Vermeerstraat 52
1071 DT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 662 8173


Castell Restaurant


Castell is a barbecue restaurant and steakhouse where you can have dinner till after midnight. From a 600g T-Bone steak (€29.50) to Spare Ribs (€18), Lamb Chops (€17), and Prime Ribs (€22.50), this trendy and uber-chic restaurant is the place to go for meat-eaters.

Lijnbaansgracht
252-253-254 1017 RK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
+31 20 622 8606

De Kas Restaurant


De Kas


One of the best meals that I had in Amsterdam was at De Kas, a stunning greenhouse restaurant that specialises in using organic ingredients that are grown on-site. When we were there for lunch, the huge glass panels allowed light to shine in and fill the entire restaurant. I could imagine it to be equally beautiful once the sun goes down. De Kas serves a 2-course lunch for €37.50 and 3-course dinner for €49.50, which is superb value given the quality of food. I would highly recommend having a meal here when you are in Amsterdam.

Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
1097 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 462 4562


Fraiche Restaurant


If you do not mind splurging on a good meal, go to Fraiche Restaurant in Jordaan. They aim to serve Michelin star quality food in a cosy and intimate setting. The menu is small and compact – there are three choices under each category of the menu – and prices range from €32 for 3-course to €45 for 5-course.

Westerstraat 264
1015 MT Jordaan, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 627 9932

Haesje Claes


Haesje Claes


This is an institution in Amsterdam. This is where locals and tourists alike come for hearty and authentic Dutch food – such as Salted Herring (€6), Beef Stew with red cabbage (€16.25), Dutch Beefsteak (€17.95) – in a traditional restaurant.

Spuistraat 275,
1012 VR Amsterdam, The Netherlands
+31 20 624 9998

Manneken Pis


Manneken Pis


This is probably the most famous fries in Amsterdam. They offer fries in three portions, and you can choose from many different sauces (our favourite is Joppiesaus).

Damrak 41
1012 LK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
+31 346 562 040

The Butcher Burger


The Butcher


The Butcher is a burger and cocktail bar at Albert Cuyp Market which dishes out terrific burgers. Choose from The Butcher (€8.50) – prime Aberdeen Angus beef with lettuce, tomato and grilled onion; The Daddy (€10.95), a solid 250g prime Aberdeen Angus beef topped with melted cheese, bacon and BBQ Sauce. Other options include a prime NZ lamb burger (€8.50), a 100% beef hotdog (€5.50), and a cod beer battered (€10.95) served with chips.

Albert Cuypstraat 129
1072 CS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 204 707 875

The Pancake Bakery


The Pancake Bakery


And while you are at Cafe ‘t Smalle, cross the canal and go to The Pancake Bakery. Situated in an historic warehouse on one of the main canals, The Pancake Bakery is one of the most popular places in Amsterdam. They serve a mind-blowing selection of pancakes from savoury to sweet. Also try their poffertjes (Dutch baby pancakes) with apple strudel and cinnamon ice cream. A delightful treat.

Prinsengracht 191
1015 DS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 625 1333


Warung Spang Makandra


Indonesia was a Dutch colony for many years, so it is not surprising that there are plenty of good Indonesian restaurants in The Netherlands. Warung Spang Makandra is one of them. Located at De Pijp (near Albert Cuyp Market), it is a place where locals go to satisfy their cravings for Surinamese-Javanese food.

Gerard Doustraat 39
1072 VK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 670 5081


Also read my post on 10 Things to do in Amsterdam