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It goes without saying that the food scene in Amsterdam is top-notch. There’s thousands of restaurants to choose from, serving cuisines from all over the world. I’ve listed my favorites – err well, my top 50 favorites – below.

A few tips from me…

  • Firstly, always book if you can. Restaurants get very busy, so always book to avoid disappointment. 
  • Secondly, don’t expect exceptional service. The Dutch value quick and efficient service over being super friendly and attentive, so don’t get offended if they don’t want to now how your day has been! 
  • Finally, although there are some great Dutch restaurants, I would recommend eating out at a variety of cuisines and not just eating Dutch food because you’re in the Netherlands. The Dutch excel at bar snacks, pancakes, and pickled herring, so you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to eat in Amsterdam like a local.

Food Hallen

The foodies dream, Food Hallen is an indoor food hall with dozens of food and drink stands. Head to Vietview for a great Vietnamese banh-mi, to Shirkhan for a tandoori naan wrap, or to Dim Sum Thing for delicious dim sum.

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Restaurant Moeders

Experience traditional Dutch cuisine at this friendly and popular local restaurant. Try the popular dish ‘Stamppot’, or try a tapas-style meal showcasing various Dutch specialities, the ‘Hollandse Rijsttafel’.

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Brouwerij Troost Westergas

One of my favorites – Troost is a microbrewery serving some of the best beer in Amsterdam (try ‘Honingblond’ IPA’). It also serves some pretty good food on their all-veggie menu. Located in Westerpark and with a large outdoor terrace, it’s a great spot for summer evenings.

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Mata Hari

Mata Hari is a charming and cosy restaurant located in the heart of the Red Light District. The Mediterranean-Persian inspired menu is small but powerful, and the ribeye is amazing. When booking ask for a table upstairs by the window – and enjoy an interesting view whilst you eat!

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The Pancake Bakery

Located in a traditional canal house in the picturesque area of The Jordaan, The Pancake Bakery serves a huge array of pancake recipes - both sweet and savory - all cooked from an open kitchen. Busy at weekends.

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Mossel & Gin

Specialising in mussels and G&Ts, this is a great spot for a tasty pot of mussels. Choose from over 6 different sauces and enjoy in an authentic setting in Westerpark.

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The Lobby Nesplein

Situated in the heart of Amsterdam in the lobby of Hotel V, The Lobby is a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu offers up a variety of traditional food, with an extensive wine list to match and good cocktails.

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Loetje Centraal

For a big, juicy portion of tenderloin, head to Loetje. They have six sites across Amsterdam, with a water facing terrace at their site near Centraal Station. The Balinese sauce is a winner.

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Van’t Spit

Think Nandos, but even better. Go to Van’t Spit for super juicy, tasty chicken served with coleslaw, fries and sweet potato mash. They have two restaurants in Amsterdam, and one in Ibiza!

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Pho 91

In the trendy area of De Pijp on the Albert Cuypstraat you'll find this great little Vietnamese restaurant. Pho 91 uses all fresh ingredients to create Vietnamese classics.

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Poké Perfect

This Hawaiian inspired eatery is fresh, bright and modern with a range of healthy poke bowls ‘sushirritos’ on their menu. A tasty and healthy option if you want something quick for lunch or dinner, plus there are 5 locations in Amsterdam.

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Meatless District

A must for vegetarians and vegans, Meatless District uses fresh and organic ingredients to create a seasonal vegan menu. The atmosphere is open and relaxed and they serve food all day.

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d’Vijff Vlieghen

One of my favorite Dutch restaurants, d’Vijff Vlieghen (literally meaning ‘The Five Flies’) serves classic Dutch dishes in a lavishly decorated canal side restaurant. The beef tenderloin seriously tasty.

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Café AMOI

The Netherlands share a special relationship with Indonesia, embedded in their shared history of colonial interactions for centuries. One result of this is a variety of delicious Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam, with Cafe Amoi being one of them. Enjoy a tapas style meal with lots of little Indonesian dishes, washed down with a cocktail.

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Salmuera

Specialising in cocktails, ceviche and steak, this Argentinian restaurant is a gem. The space is buzzy and trendy, featuring a rustic open plan kitchen and original Argentinian fire pit.

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Spaghetteria

With 6 locations across Amsterdam you’re never far from the authenticity and buzziness of a Spaghetteria Pasta Bar. They have a daily changing menu of pasta dishes as well as bread sides and tiramisu. You can’t book so get there early to beat the queues – and be prepared to squeeze up next to fellow diners!

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Restaurant Luna

For some of the best steak in Amsterdam, head to Argentinian restaurant Luna. This local and rustic spot will take you to Argentina through the interior decor, the service and of course, the food. We had the Argentinian beef tenderloin served with jacket potato… amazing!

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La Perla Pizzeria

This small but buzzy pizza restaurant is located in Amsterdam’s picturesque Jordaan area. All pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired brick oven.

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Restaurant Blauw Amsterdam

Blauw is famous for their rijsttafels, a traditional Indonesian experience consisting of an array of bowls containing various rice-based dishes and side dishes. Expect 12-16 dishes with an explosion of flavors and colors.

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Lalibela Restaurant

Come here for traditionally prepared Ethiopian specialties in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. After ordering a number of dishes to share, they arrive on an endjera : a mildly sour pancake-like bread. You then eat in an original African way: with your hands!

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Calle Ocho

This vibrant, late-night eatery offers a small menu with dishes inspired by Cuban, Mexican and Caribbean cuisines with the idea that they reflect the unique flavours of Miami. They also do tequila and mezcal tastings and have a fun cocktail menu.

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Cannibale Royale

Open until 2am weekdays and 3am at weekends, this is a late-night indulgent spot for you meat lovers out there. They serve burgers, steaks, chicken wings, ribs and steak tartare... and they do serve some veggie options, too! Laid back and cosy, with 5 spots across the city.

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Sea Palace Restaurant

If you’ve never been to a large floating Chinese restaurant (?!) then this is your chance. Located near Centraal Station, Sea Palace offers an authentic Chinese experience with an extensive menu. Choose from Cantonese cuisine, Dim Sum, Beijing Duck & Sichuan dishes.

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Braai Westerpark

‘Braai’ is a South African tradition where people come together and eat from an open-fire BBQ. There are 3 Braai spots in Amsterdam, all serving a selection of small bites and main meals like burgers, ribs and curries, all served on rustic trays.

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De Kas

A real Amsterdam gem, Restaurant De Kas offers a unique dining experience inside an 8m high luxury greenhouse in the middle of a beautiful park. The fixed menu is designed around whatever has been picked that day, and the food is delicious. It's expensive, but worth it. Book weeks in advance.

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Lucius Visrestaurant

One of my favourite ever fish restaurants, Lucius has an extensive menu serving a variety of super fresh seafood - from clams and oysters to halibut and swordfish. The laid back French bistro feel kind of suits the food – simple, not overly fussy, but amazingly cooked.

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CAU

An Argentinian steak house in the middle of Amsterdam, Cau is a large restaurant serving some of the best burgers and steaks you can get your hands on. You can watch the chefs prepare fresh food daily in the open kitchen or sit by the window overlooking the busy Damstraat. The beef comes direct from Argentina where cattle are 100% grass-fed providing flavoursome and juicy meat.

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