The best restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a food city. Biking through the streets and along the canals, you’ll encounter a myriad of different restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall taquerias to serious fine dining.

There is not one cuisine that defines Amsterdam. In recent years, many chefs have embraced cooking with local, seasonal, and in some cases, homegrown produce. Restaurant De Kas, for example, operates from inside its very own greenhouse. A side effect of this local revolution is the revival of what the Dutch like to call vergeten groenten, or ‘forgotten vegetables’: fennel, endive, cabbages, brussels sprouts – hearty Dutch vegetables adorn menus everywhere, prepared in a multitude of eclectic ways, so don’t be surprised if you see a Dutch asparagus turn up in a miso dish. Many of the restaurants featured below share a no-nonsense approach: good and honest ingredients, creative techniques, and an excellent drinks list to boot. Amsterdam loves its local breweries but has a growing appetite for natural wines too, while great cocktails can be found at Bacalar or Parakeet.

Where to eat in Amsterdam

Many of Amsterdam’s best restaurants are conveniently located near the renowned galleries and museums of the Museumplein. It is well worth taking the free ferry to trendy Amsterdam Noord, where you’ll find Japanese and Mexican cuisine, alongside a monthly vintage market. Elsewhere, waterfront warehouses in Amsterdam West offer memorable restaurant views, while Oost lays claim to some of the city’s best bars, as well as a thriving food scene.

Centrum

Entrepot

Best for: Modern, upscale dining in a centrally located, casual setting
Location: Entrepotdok 7-8, 1018 AD Amsterdam Centrum, Netherlands
Price: Four courses for 47 EUR, five courses for 57 EUR, mains from 28 EUR

The first thing you notice when entering Entrepot is space. Located in a former billiards hall in Amsterdam’s shipyard and packing district, Entrepot has left heavy industrialism behind and ascended into the light. Its focus is on seasonal vegetables, fish, and game, locally sourced in the Netherlands and presented in four and five course menus, although it is also possible to order à la carte. Complemented by a wide selection of natural wines and a luminous atmosphere, Entrepot is hailed as one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam for its modern and welcoming approach to fine dining.

Dignita Hoftuin

Best for: All-day brunch, homemade cakes
Location: Nieuwe Herengracht 18a, 1018 DP Amsterdam Centrum, Netherlands
Price: Brunch dishes from 14 EUR

Hidden in the leafy courtyard behind the Hermitage Museum is Dignita Hoftuin, an all-day brunch spot with sister restaurants in Vondelpark, Westerpark and the Hague. A menu highlight is the Benny Boys – eggs benedict with various sides, served on crispy potato cakes – but all their dishes are well worth a try. In the summer months, Dignita opens abundant outdoor seating, and in winter, the glass-walled structure allows for unobstructed views across the courtyard. Reservations are recommended, as walk-ins often involve a long queue, but the wait is always worth it. Also of note, Dignita is a part of the NGO Not For Sale, with all profits going to the Dignita Academy, which offers work-study programmes to victims of human trafficking.

Gartine

Best for: Intimate brunch / lunch in the Negen Straatjes district
Location: Taksteeg 7, 1012 PB Amsterdam Centrum, Netherlands
Price: Lunch dishes from 10 EUR

Tucked away in a small alley in Central Amsterdam is Gartine, another ideal brunch and lunch spot. Gartine is run by Willem-Jan and Kirsten, who opened the restaurant using only produce from their own vegetable garden in the Flevopolder just outside of Amsterdam. It’s a small place, perfect for an intimate brunch or when you need a break from exploring Amsterdam’s Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) district, famous for its vintage shops and boutiques. Gartine serves up a delicious high tea from 2pm onwards – be sure to make a reservation in time as spots tend to fill up quickly.

Christiaan Smit

Best for: Date night at the new kid on the block
Location: Prinsenstraat 20, 1015 DD Amsterdam
Price: Three-course set menu from 52 EUR

Christiaan Smit is one of the latest editions to the Amsterdam’s culinary scene from the creators of Kikkie – the popular modern “eetcafe” known for its smash burgers. However, unlike its sibling gastro pub, this snug spot in the famous Jordaan Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) is focused on fine dining. The menu offers a three, four, or five-course chef’s menu alongside an extensive list of wines. While seatings are currently only available for dinner, the restaurant will soon roll out a lunch service.

Noord

Cornerstore

Best for: Japanese restaurant; natural wine and sake
Location: Papaverweg 11, 1032 KD Amsterdam Noord, Netherlands
Price: Mains from 11 EUR, set menu for 42.50 EUR

Cornerstore has fast gained a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam for its Japanese-inspired menu, combined with a soothing cross-section of mid-century modern and Japanese minimalist design. A record collection and turntable take centre stage at the dedicated vinyl bar, and small wooden tables are spread throughout the space below the steel struts of the pitched roof. Cornerstore is particularly celebrated for its natural wines and sake, as well as sharing dishes using local produce with a Japanese twist.

Bacalar

Best for: Quality tacos and mezcal
Location: Chrysantenstraat 4, 1031 HT Amsterdam Noord, Netherlands
Price: tacos from 10 EUR

For a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, cross the water to Amsterdam Noord. Bacalar might look like an old garage – true to the no-nonsense aesthetic that Noord is known for – but once you take a bite of their Taco de Pulpo, you’ll soon realise you don’t miss the excessive floral wallpaper and skull motifs of other Mexican restaurants. Founded by the former chef of Coba (another Mexican staple in Amsterdam Noord), Bacalar serves tacos for every diet. Pair them with a classic cóctel or sample their extensive mezcal collection.

FC Hyena

Best for: Sharing plates and a cinema trip, waterfront views
Location: Aambeeldstraat 24, 1021 KB Amsterdam Noord, Netherlands
Price: Mains from 12 EUR

On the Northern shore of the Ij sits FC Hyena, an open plan, down-to-earth restaurant and boutique cinema – perfect for meeting up with a group of friends on a Saturday night for an early shared dinner, before nestling down on a comfy sofa for the latest art-house film. In summer, FC Hyena opens its doors and spreads its tables outside along the waterfront. Sample a natural cider while watching the boats go by, and enjoy the sun set over the Amsterdam skyline.

West

Parakeet

Best for: Top-notch nachos and cocktails
Location: Douwes Dekkerstraat 22H, 1053 SX Amsterdam West, Netherlands
Price: Mains from 14 EUR

On a quaint corner in Amsterdam West, Parakeet’s lime green awnings beckon. Its central bar is the perfect place to perch for a paloma, and there’s an extensive nacho menu. The various toppings are named after Amsterdam’s parks – the Wester (‘chorizo’-spiced cauliflower, crumbled feta and pomegranate) is a vegetarian tour de force. Top it off with a signature cocktail – the White Negroni or the Bee’s Knees are particularly good – and take home the little origami bird as a souvenir from the tropics.

BAK

Best for: Special occasions, dinner with a view
Location: Van Diemenstraat 408, 1013 CR Amsterdam West, Netherlands
Price: Mains from 22 EUR

BAK is the place for fine dining. Found on the third floor of an old warehouse in Houthaven, Amsterdam’s former lumber port, the atmosphere might best be described as luxuriously robust, with sturdy wooden tables that come with little drawers for your cutlery. Dinner can be up to six courses long, with dishes shifting frequently to reflect the season, although every plate that emerges from chef Benny Blisto’s kitchen is a delight. Be sure to get the wine pairing for some surprising and quirky natural wines.

Restaurante Dona

Best for: Seasonal Portuguese plates and natural wines
Location: Nicolaas Beetsstraat 47h, 1053 RJ Amsterdam
Price: Four-course set menu 48 EUR per person

Owners Sjors Nouwens and Diogo Campaniço poured their heart and soul into this new restaurant in Oud West. Inspired by their grandmothers’ love of food and hospitality, Restaurant Dona is a tribute to their Portuguese heritage. Inside, the soft lighting and wall-mounted china has the same vibe as stepping into a family kitchen. There’s a seasonal four-course menu offering traditional Portuguese recipes from chef Diogo’s childhood, with a gastronomic twist. You might find flamed chorizo with sourdough or an octopus salad on the table during your visit. Don’t miss out on the long list of natural wines that take you on a journey throughout Portugal’s wine regions, from Alentejo to Douro.

Taco Lindo

Best for: Authentic Mexican tacos
Location: Haarlemmerweg 509, 1055 PL Amsterdam
Price: Tacos starting from 4.50 EUR

De Pijp’s Albert Cuypmarkt is arguably one of the best places to discover the city’s next big restaurants with aspiring chefs pulling out all the stops to attract people to their food stalls. Case in point? Owner Alejandro Galindo launched Taco Lindo in Mexico before opening a food stand here in 2022. Taco Lindo soon went viral on TikTok with queues of people from the Netherlands and beyond lining up to try his famed birria and cheese tacos. Thanks to its growing success, Galindo has just opened a permanent location in Amsterdam West. Expect counter seating where you can graze through messy, cheesy, delicious flavours.

Oost

De Kas

Best for: Plant to plate, dining under the changing Amsterdam skies
Location: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam
Price: Five courses for 63 EUR, six courses for 71 EUR

De Kas’s slogan is: harvested in the morning, on your plate in the afternoon. Its menu reflects the changing seasons and all their produce is grown in their own gardens in Amsterdam and the Beemster. The restaurant is located inside a greenhouse – hence the name – which results in some excellent natural light and beautiful views. While waiting for the next course, guests are invited to take a stroll through the greenhouse and garden. De Kas is run by Wim de Beer and Jos Timmer, who previously earned a Michelin star together as chefs at Rijks in Amsterdam. Book a table well in advance!

The Cottage

Best for: The ultimate comfort food and a homely vibe
Location: Linnaeusstraat 88, 1092 CP Amsterdam Oost, Netherlands
Price: Mains from 18 EUR / 20 USD

Cosy is the word at this Amsterdam favourite. The Cottage is a small restaurant with a homely British vibe and a menu that soothes the soul. It is very tempting to walk in here first thing and eat your way through the day: a full breakfast in the morning, followed by a home-made scone at 11, a pork belly sandwich for lunch that will see you through until it’s time for the cheese platter, and a hearty cottage pie for dinner. On Sundays they serve up a weekly rotating Sunday roast, which includes a great veggie option too. Sit outside when the weather is warm for delightful views of the neighbourhood.

Tiny Danser

Best for: Aperitivo and trattoria-style dishes
Location: Dapperstraat 10, 1093 BT Amsterdam
Price: Small plates start from 4 EUR; large plates start from 10 EUR

This cosy, little Italian pop-up opened this summer in Amsterdam’s non-touristy Oost neighbourhood from the same team behind successful Australian-style brunch spot Box Sociaal. The four-page menu is centred around drinks, from creative and classic Italian cocktails to wine for every taste. The humble food menu holds its own with notable dishes including squid ink risotto and cacio e pepe ravioli. If you’re looking for something sweet, finish it off with a traditional tiramisu. On Wednesdays, you can order fresh pasta, focaccia and a glass of wine for 20 EUR.

Bennies Restaurant

Best for: Classic comfort food in an industrial setting
Location: Helicopterstraat 28, 1059 CG Amsterdam
Price: Small plates start from 6 EUR; large plates from 17 EUR

After proving itself with two successful pop-ups, Bennies has officially established a fixed restaurant just across the canal from the Olympic Stadium.. The no-frills, no-waste menu focuses on fewer ingredients, favouring sustainability and traceability. During the day, it’s a patisserie serving brunch and lunch sandwiches on fluffy pastries. Dinner includes simple but tasty dishes such as tuna carpaccio and a cheese and mushroom ravioli. Don’t miss the snacks, the mini frikandellen (sausage) is a delicious gastronomic take on the Dutch fast-food favourite. Bennies is also one of the few places that keeps spaces open for walk-ins, making it a go-to for last-minute plans.

Continue your night with a visit to one of these recommended Amsterdam bars or music venues.