Must-see restaurants in Amsterdam

  • Venkel

    De Pijp

    Timber tables at this light-filled salad bar are made from a fallen Vondelpark tree, as are planks on which dishes such as homemade hummus, house-baked…

  • Blauw aan de Wal

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Refined Blauw aan de Wal is a rose among thorns. A long, often-graffiti-covered laneway off Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99 in the Red Light District leads to…

  • Tokoman

    Amsterdam

    Queue with the folks getting their Surinamese spice on at Tokoman. It makes a sensational broodje pom, a sandwich filled with a tasty mash of chicken and…

  • Cottage

    Amsterdam

    A superb, popular and friendly neighbourhood cafe-bar, where the quirky decor features lots of foxes, stuffed and pictorial, and the menu focuses on that…

  • Thrill Grill

    De Pijp

    Burgers are the big deal at Thrill Grill (including its signature double-beef Thrill Burger with Gouda and bacon), accompanied by truffle-Parmesan fries,…

  • Escobar

    De Pijp

    An Amsterdam School–style former municipal bathhouse (1931), today this split-level space with a wrought-iron-framed mezzanine is a vibrant spot for tapas…

  • TisFris

    Amsterdam

    High-ceilinged TisFris floods with light through huge plate-glass windows, has outdoor seating for sunny days, and is handily located near Rembrandthuis…

  • New King

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Spread over several levels and adjoining buildings, this classy, low-lit restaurant is one of Chinatown's most beloved; book ahead or plan to wait at busy…

  • Choux

    Amsterdam

    Sharing its bright-red brick building with creative offices, this industrial-chic restaurant has an ever-changing menu using local, seasonal produce and…

  • Surya

    De Pijp

    Indian restaurants can be surprisingly hit and miss in this multicultural city, making classy Surya an invaluable address for fans of Subcontinental…

  • Renzo's

    Amsterdam

    Renzo's deli resembles an Italian tavola calda (hot table), where you can select hot and cold ready-made dishes, such as meatballs, pasta and salads, plus…

  • l'Entrecôte et les Dames

    Amsterdam

    Black-and-white awnings, a wall made from wooden drawers and a wrought-iron balcony set the scene at this restaurant, which has a simple menu of steak or…

  • Brasserie SenT

    De Pijp

    Smoke-infused meats at this barbecue specialist are cooked in a Big Green Egg (ceramic Japanese-kamado-style grill and charcoal smoker), including veal…

  • Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Climb some of Amsterdam's steepest stairs inside a 1539 building to reach this small-as-a-postage-stamp restaurant with 100-plus teapots hanging from the…

  • Restaurant De Knijp

    Amsterdam

    A dark-wood eatery close to Amsterdam's museum district, this evening-only French-influenced place offers meaty classics, such as snails in creamy garlic…

  • Taco Cartel

    De Pijp

    Fronted by a sky-blue facade, this cheap, cheerful restaurant serves nine varieties of its namesake tacos and another nine different burritos with…

  • Toko Joyce

    Amsterdam

    With a few bar-stool seats, this cheap and cheerful choice is great for a quick bite. You choose from a selection of Indonesian-Surinamese food; the …

  • George Bistro Bistro

    Amsterdam

    So good they named it twice, this French-style bistro has large windows, wooden chairs and a buzzy atmosphere. George's menu includes lobster cooked on…

  • Volt

    De Pijp

    Strung with coloured light bulbs, Volt is a neighbourhood fixture for daily changing, market-sourced dishes such as turbot-and-prawn ravioli with…

  • Stroom

    De Pijp

    A charming timber-framed corner building with large windows houses this split-level cafe with mezzanine seating, which opens onto one of De Pijp's…

  • Little Collins

    De Pijp

    On a side street near Albert Cuypmarkt, this hip hang-out is hopping during brunch, when dishes might include toasted brioche with grilled halloumi,…

  • Brasserie De Joffers

    Amsterdam

    Near the Vondelpark, this restaurant has a shaded terrace that entices you to sit nursing a drink in the sunshine, as well as a timber and curved-glass…

  • Happyhappyjoyjoy

    Amsterdam

    Happy happy joy joy is how you'll feel after digging into some tasty Asian fusion. Sit under hanging red lanterns out front or take in the eye-catching…

  • Breakfast Club

    Amsterdam

    If you're hankering for breakfast any time of day, this bright corner cafe is perfect: Mexican breakfasts with huevos rancheros (spicy eggs); English…

  • Stach

    De Pijp

    An Aladdin's cave of fresh produce, jams, preserves, teas, coffees, juices and chocolates, this food emporium also makes some of the best (and best-value)…

  • Boerderij Meerzicht

    Amsterdam

    In Amsterdamse Bos, on the northwest side of the Bosbaan (the long lake used for sculling), this old farmhouse is a marvellously family-friendly…

  • Burgerij

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Bypass Centraal Station's fast-food mega-chains and head to this contemporary spot for great burgers. Its 14 varieties include a towering beef Double…

  • Sea Salt & Chocolate

    De Pijp

    Tucked away in a quiet side street, this little cafe serves cakes (including spicy speculaas (spiced biscuit) cheesecake and signature sea-salt chocolate…

  • Pastis

    Amsterdam

    Red awning, pavement tables, rustic interior, bottle-lined walls and charcuterie: immerse yourself in a corner of France, with a regularly changing menu…

  • Roopram Roti

    Amsterdam

    This simple canteen-style Surinamese cafe often has a queue out the door, but it moves fairly fast. Place your order at the bar – the scrumptiously punchy…

  • Carter

    Amsterdam

    In the swanky residential neighbourhood the Old South, this split-level dining space has art and photography covering the walls, and a lovely street-side…

  • Eetcafe Ibis

    Amsterdam

    Bright with African art and brilliant-hued textiles, Ibis is a cosy and delightful spot to get your hands on (literally, using the spongy Ethiopian injera…

  • Mangiancora

    De Pijp

    Everything at Mangiancora is imported from Italy's Naples region – not only ingredients and wines but even the sand and stone from Mount Vesuvius that the…

  • Landmarkt

    Amsterdam Noord

    This large covered food market has fresh fruit, vegetables, an on-site bakery, gourmet foodstuffs, and a fine selection of cheese, wine and beers. There's…

  • Hemelse Modder

    Amsterdam

    'Heavenly Mud', named after its signature dark and white chocolate mousse, has a stylish mid-century-style interior and a Dutch-meets-global menu that…

  • Van Stapele

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Teensy Van Stapele is a true specialist, baking just one thing and baking it well: chocolate cookies. Specifically, it's a Valrhona dark chocolate cookie…

  • Broodje Bert

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Join the locals sitting on wooden chairs in the sun (or at the window seats inside) at this fabulous little sandwich shop in a winning canal-side location…

  • Bakken met Passie

    De Pijp

    Spicy carrot cake, flourless chocolate-and-raspberry cake, a zesty lemon cake, classic Dutch apple pie and cookies such as oatmeal, cranberry and coconut…

  • Dutch Delicacy

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Dutch cheeses are the speciality of this split-level deli; taste them on cheese boards at its handful of tables, or get them vacuum packed to take home…

  • Van Kerkwijk

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Low-key Van Kerkwijk is easy to miss, but locals sure know it's here: the small wooden tables are typically packed. It doesn't take reservations and there…

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