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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Thanks for sharing! We’re planning a long weekend in Amsterdam and this post sure comes in handy!
I wish I had read this before I went, but there’s always another time
I have been to Burger Bar…It’s too good!
Warung Spang Makendra was rather ordinary! Nasi Padang in Indonesia or Singapore is better anytime!
I’m from Amsterdam but living in SG. You are spot on about Loetje vs Castell – although Loetje is not bad (they have several restaurants) I would prefer Castell any day. You forgot to mention that Castell serves its food on large wooden chopping boards and you eat with the board on your lap around a fireplace – rather unusual but fun!
Another great place for authentic Dutch food is restaurant Moeders on Rozengracht. It means ‘Mothers’ in Dutch, you’ll see why when you visit. Best to book ahead coz it’s very popular.
Being from Amsterdam, and appreciating the effort, this list in nowhere does justice to the incredible cuisine the city has to offer. Try: Rijsel, Toscanini, Wilde Zwijnen, Cafe Modern, As, Bak, Hotel de Goudfazant, Pekelhaaring and many many more…
I saw Warung Spang from your list and tried it out. So good! Great intro to Indonesian food. First time I had it was at Sie Joe’s by Die Port Van Cleve and thought it was ok and I didn’t get the 4 star rating on Yelp, but Warung immediately screamed authentic and flavorful. Next on my list is that Thai place. I’ve been craving really good Asian food non stop since moving here from New York. It’s been hard to find. There are some other places I like though like Omelegg and d&a Hummus Bistro. Have you been to them? So good!