Popular Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its iconic canals. From traditional Dutch eateries serving hearty stamppot to Indonesian rijsttafel restaurants and innovative fine dining establishments, the city offers a feast for every palate. This guide takes you beyond the tourist traps to discover where locals and savvy visitors enjoy the best food in Amsterdam. Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a returning traveler seeking new flavors, our carefully curated recommendations will help you navigate Amsterdam’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Dutch cuisine might not enjoy the global fame of French or Italian food, but Amsterdam’s traditional restaurants offer delicious comfort dishes that deserve your attention. These establishments serve authentic flavors that have sustained locals through cold winters for generations.

Located in the central Jordaan district, Moeders pays homage to mothers everywhere with walls covered in framed photos of moms. The restaurant serves quintessential Dutch dishes in a quirky, homey atmosphere with mismatched plates and cutlery.

Don’t miss their “Hollandse Rijsttafel” – a Dutch feast featuring stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), slow-cooked beef stew, rookworst (smoked sausage), and red cabbage with apple. Their traditional pea soup with smoked sausage makes for a perfect starter on chilly Amsterdam days.

Housed in a former water pumping station from the 1900s, this spacious restaurant offers classic Dutch and European dishes in an impressive industrial setting. The high ceilings and original machinery create a unique dining atmosphere.

Their menu features expertly executed classics like steak-frites, Caesar salad, and Dutch seafood. The restaurant’s size makes it ideal for group dining or family gatherings, and the quality remains consistent despite serving a large number of guests.

For authentic Dutch comfort food at reasonable prices, this no-frills eatery has been serving locals since 1935. The menu features grandmother’s meatballs, Dutch steak, and seasonal stewed fruits like pears and rhubarb.

The restaurant’s cozy, old-fashioned interior enhances the experience of enjoying these traditional recipes. Arrive early as Hap Hmm doesn’t take reservations and regularly fills with locals – always a good sign for quality and value.

Amsterdam’s history as a trading hub and colonial power has enriched its food scene with international influences. The city’s immigrant communities have created authentic dining experiences that rival those in their countries of origin.

The Netherlands’ colonial history in Indonesia has blessed Amsterdam with exceptional Indonesian restaurants. The rijsttafel (rice table) – a feast of small, flavorful dishes served with rice – is a must-try experience.

Restaurant Max offers one of the city’s best rijsttafel experiences, with dozens of small dishes featuring complex spices and flavors. The owner personally explains each dish, creating an educational and delicious dining experience. Their lychee martinis perfectly complement the spicy food.

For a more casual Indonesian experience, Swieti Sranang serves excellent chicken satay with rich, flavorful peanut sauce that puts watered-down Western versions to shame.

Another colonial influence comes from Suriname, the South American country with Caribbean culture that was once a Dutch colony. Surinamese cuisine blends African, Asian, and indigenous influences into unique flavor combinations.

Swieti Sranang (mentioned above) also serves authentic Surinamese dishes alongside their Indonesian offerings. Their food reflects the diverse cultural heritage of Suriname, with dishes that might remind you of Caribbean or South Asian cuisine but with distinct Dutch-colonial twists.

For those who want to sample multiple cuisines in one visit, Foodhallen in the hip Oud-West area is perfect. This food hall inside a converted train depot features dozens of vendors serving everything from Dutch bitterballen to Spanish tapas, Greek gyros, and Asian bao buns.

The two-level space also houses several gin & tonic bars serving creative variations of the Dutch-originated spirit. The vibrant atmosphere makes it ideal for groups with diverse tastes or solo diners wanting to sample multiple small plates.

Once a working-class area, the Jordaan has transformed into one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods, filled with small restaurants, cafés, and specialty food shops. Its narrow streets and picturesque canals create a perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure.

Café ‘T Papeneiland serves exceptional Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) with whipped cream – so good that even Bill Clinton once stopped by for a slice. Winkel 43 is another contender for the city’s best apple pie, sparking friendly debates among locals about which is superior.

For seafood lovers, Pesca offers a unique “Theatre of Fish” concept where you select your fresh seafood before it’s expertly prepared. Their wine selection complements the maritime menu perfectly.

This bohemian neighborhood south of the city center has become Amsterdam’s foodie hotspot, with Albert Cuyp Market as its centerpiece. The market’s food stalls offer everything from fresh stroopwafels to herring and international street food.

Wijmpje Beukers stands out among De Pijp’s many restaurants with its creative, seasonal menu that elevates Dutch ingredients. Their smoked carrot with goat’s yogurt and fenugreek demonstrates their innovative approach to vegetable-forward cuisine.

Lion’s Head Restaurant & Brewery combines South African influences with Dutch brewing traditions, offering peri-peri chicken alongside house-brewed beers – a perfect spot for casual dining with friends.

Once an industrial area, Amsterdam Noord has reinvented itself as a creative hub with some of the city’s most innovative dining concepts. A free ferry ride from Central Station takes you to this up-and-coming district.

Hotel de Goudfazant occupies a former auto garage, with its industrial-chic atmosphere complementing a menu of French-influenced dishes. Their poultry and pistachio terrine has been a menu staple for over a decade.

Café Modern, despite its name, serves surprisingly sophisticated multi-course surprise menus with expert wine pairings. Their seasonal approach means the menu changes regularly, but always features creative combinations like boudin blanc with pistachio and duck-liver jus.

The eastern part of the city has become increasingly popular with locals seeking quality dining away from tourist crowds. This diverse neighborhood offers everything from casual eateries to ambitious fine dining.

Kop van Oost overlooks the iconic Brouwerij ‘t IJ windmill, making it perfect for visitors wanting a scenic meal. Their shareable plates include innovative combinations like baked cauliflower with miso and kosho sauce or sweet potato ravioli with celeriac.

Alba serves natural, organic wines alongside a menu that defies categorization – Japanese-style slow-cooked eggs might appear next to classic French gnocchi, all executed with precision and creativity.

Dutch pancakes deserve special attention as they differ significantly from their American counterparts. PANCAKES Amsterdam, with several locations throughout the city, specializes in both traditional and creative variations.

Pannenkoeken are large, thin pancakes (similar to French crepes) that can be sweet or savory. Toppings range from apple and cinnamon to bacon and cheese, with the ingredients often cooked into the batter.

Poffertjes are small, puffy pancakes with a light, spongy texture. Traditionally served with powdered sugar and butter, they’re also delicious with ice cream or chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without sampling Dutch cheese. Henry Willig cheese shops are ubiquitous throughout the city, offering free samples of their many varieties.

Gouda, named after a Dutch town, comes in various ages from young and mild to extra-aged with intense flavor and crunchy protein crystals. Specialty flavors include lavender, truffle, herbs and garlic, and even coconut.

For a more curated experience, JWO Lekkernijen in the Jordaan neighborhood offers expert guidance on cheese tasting, helping you understand the aging process and flavor development.

Different types of eating establishments in Amsterdam serve different purposes:

Amsterdam restaurants are generally accommodating of dietary restrictions. Vegetarian options are widely available, and many restaurants offer vegan dishes or can adapt menu items. For gluten-free dining, it’s best to call ahead, though awareness has improved significantly in recent years.

When communicating dietary needs, most restaurant staff speak excellent English, so don’t hesitate to ask questions about ingredients or preparation methods.

Amsterdam can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy good food without breaking the bank:

Amsterdam’s markets offer some of the most affordable and authentic food experiences in the city:

These restaurants offer quality food at reasonable prices:

For an only-in-Amsterdam cheap eat, visit a FEBO automat where you can purchase hot Dutch snacks like croquettes directly from vending machine-style compartments in the wall. It’s fast, cheap, and a uniquely Dutch fast-food experience.

Another budget-friendly option is to create your own picnic with items from cheese shops, bakeries, and markets, then enjoy it in one of Amsterdam’s many parks or along the canals.

For those wanting a deeper understanding of Dutch food culture, guided food tours provide valuable context and access to multiple tastings in a single experience:

Several companies offer excellent walking food tours through Amsterdam’s most interesting culinary neighborhoods:

Learn to make Dutch specialties yourself with a cooking class:

For those with specific interests, focused tasting experiences are available:

Amsterdam’s food scene rewards those who research and plan ahead. The city’s best restaurants often require reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons. Balance your itinerary between traditional Dutch experiences and the international cuisines that make Amsterdam a truly global food destination.

Consider organizing your culinary explorations by neighborhood to minimize travel time and maximize eating opportunities. The compact nature of central Amsterdam makes it possible to visit several food highlights in a single day if you plan efficiently.

Most importantly, leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Some of Amsterdam’s most delightful food experiences happen when you follow the recommendations of locals or stumble upon a busy café with enticing aromas.

Whether you’re seeking Michelin-starred excellence, authentic Dutch comfort food, or international flavors, Amsterdam’s restaurants offer memorable dining experiences for every taste and budget. Eet smakelijk! (Enjoy your meal!)