The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam for 2024: Our FAVORITES!
Among renowned and hipsters here are the best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Welcome to our handpicked guide to the best eateries in Amsterdam! This city is where historical charm meets cosmopolitan flair, and a feast of flavors awaits you.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Dutch food or exciting global tastes, Amsterdam’s culinary scene has something to offer even the pickiest eaters. So, get ready to explore the best spots Amsterdam has to offer! Bon appetit!
Here are The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
The TOP 23 best restaurants in Amsterdam. Scattered among the city’s best neighborhoods, we’ve selected a hotly contested list of the best places to eat in Amsterdam.
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01
Spectrum: The Epitome of Fine Dining in Amsterdam
Restaurant in Amsterdam Canal Belt
Are you ready for a food experience like no other? Then head to Spectrum, one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. Here, the two-Michelin-star magic happens as Chef Sidney Schutte crafts beautifully presented dishes. Can you imagine indulging in Dutch lobster with a side of quirk? Nestled in a typical canal building, the place effortlessly radiates class without being stuffy. While it’s a bit of a splurge, every bite unequivocally justifies it. So, there’s no wonder, Spectrum is considered among the best places to grab dinner in Amsterdam.
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02
Caffè Toscanini: The Best Italian Tasting Menu in Central Amsterdam
Restaurant in Amsterdam Canal BeltGot an Italian food craving in Amsterdam? If so, then Caffè Toscanini is the place you want to be. With its tried-and-true tasting menu of seasonal Italian dishes, it’s been a hit with both locals and tourists for over 30 years. This place cannot be missing from our list of the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam. Imagine savoring a plate of handmade pasta, accompanied by the comforting hum of the deli next door. It’s like a scene straight out of an Italian postcard, right? When you consider everything that Caffè Toscanini has to offer, there’s no wonder it’s a beloved fixture in Amsterdam’s restaurant scene.
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03
Restaurant Klein Breda: Inventive Seasonal Menu in a Cosy Setting
Restaurant in Amsterdam Canal BeltTucked just off Rembrandtplein, you’ll find Restaurant Klein Breda, which is a food lover’s paradise. Renowned for its seasonal menu and BBQ’d delights, this place truly turns every meal into an adventure. Be it a lavish seven-course dinner or a laid-back lunch, Klein Breda caters to all cravings. For anyone with a fondness for food, this place offers an unforgettable dining experience, making it a must-visit Restaurant in Amsterdam.
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04
Cannibale Royale: An Oasis for Meat Lovers in The Dutch Capital
Restaurant in Amsterdam Old City
When in Amsterdam, a stop at Cannibale Royale is a must for all the meat lovers out there. Nestled at the bottom of De Pijp (but also in 5 more restaurants in Amsterdam), this brasserie is one of the best places for chargrilled delights. Whether you’re craving their signature burger with pulled pork or the best ribs in town, this restaurant serves up bold flavors until late. And to top it off, they have a craft beer menu that perfectly complements your meal, so you really can’t go wrong at Cannibale Royale.
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05
Choux: A Tasty Vegetable Forward Menu near Station Centraal
Restaurant in IJ Waterfront
Next up on our list is Choux, the place for vegetarian options near Station Centraal. Offering a carefully composed rotating menu, Choux features dishes like pigeon leg confit and butter beans under edible flowers, making it a standout in Amsterdam’s restaurant scene. What’s more, is that their Theater Menu provides an early dining experience for only €50. That makes this restaurant the perfect date spot before a night at the nearby Bimhuis for some jazz tunes.
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06
Jansz: A Celebration of Modern-Dutch Cuisine
Restaurant in Amsterdam Canal BeltIn the heart of Amsterdam, you’ll find Jansz. Definitely enters the league of the best of Amsterdam’s Restaurants. This restaurant serves as a culinary tribute to 17th-century craftsman Volkert Jansz. Here, their beautifully crafted dishes are inspired by modern-Dutch cuisine and served amidst a simple yet beautiful space with warm lighting and canal views. Whether you’re drawn to seafood, small plates, or classic mains, Jansz makes every occasion special.
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07
Eddy Spaghetti: Your Best Choice for Italian Food in Oost
Restaurant in WatergraafsmeerForget the bustle of the city center and find solace at Eddy Spaghetti in Oost. This quaint diner offers a short but on-point pasta menu, thin-crust pizzas, and homemade tiramisu. For the adventurous, ask for their city-famous Negroni. Regardless of what you order, between its relaxed atmosphere and attentive staff, Eddy Spaghetti truly brings a slice of Italy to Amsterdam. A combination of Amsterdam and Italy, how can it not be one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam?
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08
De Kas: Farm-to-Table Experience in a Vintage Greenhouse
Restaurant in WatergraafsmeerIf you are on a quest for the finest, freshest produce in Amsterdam, De Kas consistently emerges as a must-visit. Situated in a 1926 greenhouse, this restaurant serves a fixed, daily changing menu prepared with local ingredients grown in its own nursery. Perfect for group dinners or your proudest vegetarian or vegan friend, De Kas offers a genuine farm-to-table experience, complete with working greenhouse views between three or four courses of food. Here Vegans and Vegetarians will also find options among the best Restaurants in Amsterdam.
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09
Café Restaurant Amsterdam: A Historical Brasserie in a 19th-century Pump Station
Restaurant in Westerpark AmsterdamImmerse yourself in a slice of history at Café Restaurant Amsterdam, which is located in a 19th-century pump station. Since its inception in 1996, the brasserie has offered a rich and varied menu, ranging from sandwiches to seafood. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a dessert devotee, you’ll find something to cherish here. And the best part is that they welcome families and food enthusiasts alike, making it a place where great food meets the charm of yesteryear.
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10
Sotto Pizza: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in the Heart of Amsterdam
Restaurant in Amsterdam Oud-ZuidNext up, experience authentic Italian cuisine at Sotto Pizza, a place where traditional Neapolitan pizza finds a home in Amsterdam. Crafted from the finest ingredients from Naples, these pizzas sport delicate dough, succulent sauces, and mouth-watering buffalo mozzarella. As one of only two pizzerias in the Netherlands accepted by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, this Amsterdam restaurant is a testament to the love and passion for pizza done right.
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11
Fou Fow Ramen: Asian Delights at Amsterdam's First Ramen Shop
Restaurant in De 9 StraatjesBorn from the ingenuity of Chinese-Dutch filmmaker Fow Pyng Hu, Fou Fow Ramen is an exciting destination for noodle lovers. Whether you’re seeking a comforting tonkotsu ramen or a sophisticated shio ramen with chicken broth, Fou Fow Ramen promises to deliver. Having evolved from a simple shop in a market to multiple full-fledged locations, this Amserdam’s restaurant truly symbolizes the ever-growing appreciation for the art of noodles. So, if you’re looking for good food at reasonable prices, then Fou Fow is your place!
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12
Rotisserie Amsterdam: Guilty Pleasures at their Finest
Restaurant in De BaarsjesFrom its smashing burgers to juicy rotisserie chicken and infamous turbo cheese fries, Rotisserie Amsterdam redefines the term ‘guilty pleasure.’ Handcrafting everything from scratch, including sauces, pickles, cheese, and buns, the restaurant takes the ‘junk’ out of junk food. In fact, this place always promises an indulgent feast, making the Rotisserie the perfect restaurant in Amsterdam for food enthusiasts who crave exceptional quality ingredients paired with tantalizing flavors.
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13
De Hapjeshoek: Bringing Surinamese Food to Amsterdam
Restaurant in Jodenbuurt - Jewish neighbourhood of AmsterdamThis is an insider tip on the best Restaurants in Amsterdam. Relish the vibrant tastes of Surinamese food at De Hapjeshoek, a bustling café nestled inside the Waterlooplein metro station. Conceptualized by the Singh brothers, the café menu serves up a range of flavorful dishes from pom and roti to bara. Whether you enjoy a three course meal in the dining room, snack on their outside terrace, or take it to enjoy by the Amstel River, a trip to De Hapjeshoek is a culinary journey you won’t want to miss.
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14
Cornerstore: Melodies and Pan-Asian Flavors in Amsterdam Noord
Restaurant in Buiksloterham
Cornerstore, a product of veterans from renowned eateries like Café Binnenvisser and De Klaproos, infuses a unique harmony of pan-Asian dishes and natural wines into Amsterdam’s Restaurants scene. With vinyl music resonating through the minimalist space, it offers a multisensory dining experience where vegetables steal the show, and meat, such as rotisserie chicken, and fish offer subtle accompaniments. Dance the night away as supper transfigures into a lively soirée at this iconic restaurant in Amsterdam Noord.
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15
Haring & Zo: Experience Traditional Dutch Herring in Amsterdam
Restaurant in Dam SquareRevel in the traditional Dutch delight of salt-cured herring at Haring & Zo. As one of Amsterdam’s few remaining herring stalls, they celebrate the season’s first catch, known as Hollandse Nieuwe. Indulge in this delicacy au naturel or with classic accompaniments of raw chopped onion and pickles. Offering a variety of fish products, salads, and sandwiches, Haring & Zo is a modern haven for lovers of healthy and flavorful food. So, even if you’re not into fish and small plates, try it! Maybe not a traditional Restaurant Tip in Amsterdam, but definitely worth your visit.
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16
Restaurant Blauw: Modern Indonesian Dishes Near Vondelpark
Restaurant in Amsterdam Oud-ZuidAuthentic and historic, this restaurant could not be missing from our highly contested list of the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam. Restaurant Blauw offers a fresh take on Indonesian food amidst a lively, high-ceilinged ambiance in Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid neighborhood. While here, enjoy a full meal of traditional rijsttafels or delve into the ‚Experience Menu‘ for a taste of Indonesian street food. This restaurant’s hearty rijstafel, which includes rice and many shareable dishes, is a great way to sample Dutch-Indonesian cuisine. But be warned – it’s best enjoyed with friends!
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17
Viên: Authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi in Amsterdam
Restaurant in JordaanAt Viên, run by a Dutch couple with Vietnamese roots, you can savor a variety of banh mi, ranging from classic pork to beef, chicken, fried fish, or tofu. What’s more is that you can top off the fluffy white bread with spicy marinated grilled pork, mayonnaise, pickled carrot, and daikon, as well as red chile pepper and coriander for a real treat. Located near the International Theaterschool, this restaurant offers a delectable taste of Vietnam with their excellent iced coffee and mango bubble tea. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll agree that it’s possibly the best restaurant in Amsterdam.
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18
Pesca: A Seafood Theatre in the Middle of Amsterdam
Restaurant in JordaanFor a true seafood spectacle, Pesca is the place to be. At this self-proclaimed ‘theatre of fish,’ you can sip champagne while perusing the day’s catch and then indulge in perfectly cooked dishes amidst the lively atmosphere. Whether you opt for oysters, crudo, ceviche, or North Sea crab, each dish shines as a star performance. Next time you’re searching for the best restaurant in Amsterdam, look no further than Pesca; you’ll love the innovative seafood dishes and charming setting.
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19
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs: Europe's Smallest Pancake House
Restaurant in Red light DistrictTucked inside a historic Amsterdam house dating back to 1539, Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs is the smallest pancake restaurant in Europe. As you climb the steep staircase, you’ll be welcomed into a cozy space with four tables, perfect for up to 18 guests. Try their top-selling pancake, The Kai, a delectable blend of bacon, brie cheese, and honey. Adorned with over 100 teapots and Dutch Royal Family portraits, it’s a charming restaurant cherished by locals and visitors alike, making it the best place for pancakes.
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20
Moeders: A Tribute to Mothers and Traditional Dutch Food in Amsterdam
Restaurant in JordaanNo list would be complete without mentioning this gem of a restaurant – Moeders. This city-center location, which is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam, pays tribute to mothers and their beloved recipes. When you dine here, be sure to indulge in the traditional Dutch dish, Stamppot. This hearty combination of mashed potatoes, cabbage, bacon, and sausage, garnished with a generous meatball, will surely delight your taste buds. But bring your appetite because Moeders offers a culinary experience that is as comforting as a warm hug from your mother.
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21
nNea Pizza: Leading Amsterdam's Modern Neapolitan Pizza Revolution
Restaurant in JordaannNea Pizza has broken the stereotype of pizza as fast food by blazing a trail in the realm of modern Neapolitan style. In fact, it’s held in high regard as one of the top European pizzerias outside of Italy. This Amsterdam restaurant prides itself on its rigorous dough preparation process and carefully selected seasonal produce. Located in the bustling Bilderdijkstraat, nNea Pizza offers a vivid culinary narrative that combines traditional methods with innovative flavors.
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22
Box Sociaal: The Best Restaurant for Brunch or Dinner Opposite Artis Zoo
Restaurant in PlantageBox Sociaal, located a short walk from the Artis Zoo, offers a tempting menu of all day brunch and dinner that combines the best of Australian and Asian culinary traditions. But that’s not all. They also cater to late-night cravings with a delicious selection of quality coffees and a full cocktail bar, making Box Sociaal the perfect restaurant to unwind after a night out. When you step into this neighborhood favorite, you can truly savor the combination of diverse flavors that promises a memorable culinary experience.
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23
Restaurant Flore: A Michelin-starred Canalside Haven of Innovative Cuisine
Restaurant in De WallenConcluding our list of the best places to eat in Amsterdam is Restaurant Flore. Nestled by the city’s canals, this restaurant offers fine dining with a touch of elegance. Evolving from Bord’eau, it gracefully showcases Michelin-starred expertise, resulting in mesmerizing dishes. Moreover, you’ll enjoy how executive chef Bas van Kranen skillfully combines locally sourced, fresh Dutch ingredients in innovative ways. Between the impeccable service and relaxed ambiance – this is one restaurant not to be missed!
What are the Do’s and Don’ts in the best Restaurants in Amsterdam?
While Amsterdam’s eclectic dining scene has something to offer everyone, it’s essential to understand the local dining etiquette to make the most of your experience. The main thing to know is that the city’s restaurant culture is a unique blend of traditional European courtesy and laid-back Dutch directness. So, with that in mind, here are some tips to help you enjoy Amsterdam’s food with ease and sophistication:
The Do’s in Restaurants in Amsterdam
- Do make reservations: Popular spots in Amsterdam tend to fill up quickly. If you’re eyeing a specific restaurant, it’s always a good idea to book in advance, ensuring a smooth dining experience.
- Do take your time: Dutch dining is often leisurely. Enjoy the atmosphere, savor your food, and don’t feel rushed to leave. Your table is yours for the evening.
- Do show appreciation for the service: Though tipping is not obligatory in the Netherlands, it’s common to leave a small token of appreciation, especially for good service. A tip of around 10% is considered generous.
- Do try local delicacies: Embrace the opportunity to try local dishes like Stamppot, Bitterballen, or Poffertjes.
The Dont’s in Restaurants in Amsterdam
- Don’t ignore dietary restrictions: Dutch menus often cater to a range of diets. If you have any allergies or restrictions, don’t hesitate to ask the staff. They are typically more than willing to help.
- Don’t be late: If you’ve made a reservation, ensure you arrive on time, because this culture values punctuality.
- Don’t wave or shout to get attention: This might be seen as impolite. If you need something, make eye contact with the staff, and they will assist you.
- Don’t forget to enjoy the gezelligheid: A Dutch word roughly translating to a warm, cozy, and sociable atmosphere. It’s more of a feeling than a thing, and enjoying it is an essential part of the Dutch dining experience.
Ultimately, if you follow these dos and don’ts, you are guaranteed a dining experience that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a true taste of Dutch hospitality and culture!
Where are the Best Restaurants in Amsterdam?
Are you up for a Restaurant Hoping? Known as the culinary capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam’s lively streets are filled with great restaurants. However, if you’re not a local, it can be hard to determine which areas are the best places to eat in the city. To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of the best streets and neighborhoods for restaurants below:
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01 Haarlemmerstraat
Known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and eateries, Haarlemmerstraat is an ideal destination for food enthusiasts. This lively street houses an array of restaurants, such as Toussaint, serving exceptional Dutch dishes. It’s a food lover’s paradise any time of the day, but evenings are especially vibrant with the twinkling lights and bustling bistros.
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02 Utrechtsestraat
This charismatic street offers an array of cuisines to suit every palate. With an array of restaurants, including the famous Italian Trattoria Fantasia, it’s an ideal destination for food lovers. The best time to visit is during the evening when the area becomes a culinary hotspot
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03 De Pijp
Home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, this vibrant neighborhood boasts streets teeming with multicultural restaurants. Whether you want Spanish tapas at Barça or pancakes at The Pancake Corner, there’s something for everyone here. Early evenings are ideal for experiencing De Pijp’s lively dining scene.
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04 Jordaan
This picturesque neighborhood is filled with narrow, winding streets, home to charming cafes and restaurants. Winkel 43, known for its apple pie, and Daalder, a Michelin-starred restaurant, are must-visit spots. The area is particularly buzzing during weekend brunch times.
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05 Reguliersdwarsstraat
Famous for its lively night scene, Reguliersdwarsstraat is also home to several exceptional restaurants, including the Indonesian eatery Srikandi and the Thai restaurant Rakang. The street comes alive in the evenings, offering an energetic dining experience.
FAQs: Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Where do celebrities eat in Amsterdam?
Celebrities in Amsterdam can often be spotted dining at exclusive hotspots such as Paradiso Amsterdam, a legendary music venue with a hip restaurant. If not there, then there’s White Room, known for its sophisticated ambiance and gourmet cuisine, which also attracts famous guests. For those seeking a touch of glamor, RED Steakhouse is a popular choice. Additionally, there’s Restaurant Vasso where the delectable Mediterranean cuisine makes it a favorite among the city’s elite.
How many Michelin-star restaurants are in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam takes pride in its diverse culinary scene, boasting an impressive 23 Michelin-starred restaurants. Each dining experience offers a distinct journey, from traditional Dutch delicacies to international fusion creations. These coveted stars reflect the city’s unique location, rich cultural tapestry and the exceptional skills of its culinary maestros. Amidst the picturesque canals and historic landmarks, prepare for an unforgettable and delectable adventure.
What is the most popular food in Amsterdam?
One of the most popular foods in Amsterdam is “Bitterballen.” These tasty snacks are deep-fried meatballs typically filled with a mixture of beef or veal ragout, herbs, and spices. Bitterballen is commonly served in bars and cafes as a delicious accompaniment to drinks, making them a favorite among both locals and visitors alike. Other popular foods in Amsterdam include stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup), yorkshire pudding, and poffertjes (small, fluffy pancakes often served with powdered sugar and butter).
Do people eat late in Amsterdam?
Yes, eating late is quite common in Amsterdam. The city’s dining culture is influenced by its vibrant nightlife and laid-back atmosphere. Many restaurants in Amsterdam, especially in popular areas and tourist spots, stay open until late in the evening to accommodate locals and visitors who enjoy dining after traditional lunch and dinner hours.
At what time is dinner usually eaten in Europe?
In Europe, dinner is typically eaten later in the evening compared to some other regions. Southern European countries like Spain and Italy start around 8:00 pm or even later, while Western and Northern European countries like France and Germany dine between 6:30 pm and 8:00 pm. Customs can vary, so it’s essential to be aware of local dining practices.
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