10 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (Budget to Splurge-Worthy) (2024)

From world-renowned cheese to freshly caught North Sea fish, from Surinamese roti to Japanese ramen, from budget bites to special occasion splurges, the best restaurants in Amsterdam have something for every taste and budget. Here’s our round-up of the very best!

Believe it or not, 20 years ago Amsterdam was not reputed as a foodie city at all. Dutch restaurants were known for being bland and stodgy, while international restaurants went as far as French fine dining and Italian pasta but not a lot further. Thankfully, all that has changed over recent decades, and Amsterdam now punches well above its weight when it comes to gourmet eating. The culinary capital of the Netherlands is known not only for its creative local cuisine, but also for excellent Japanese ramen, Neapolitan pizza, Indonesian rijsttafel, and a lot more besides. So forget Dutch food’s outdated reputation, pack your baggy pants, and strap in for some serious eating.

10 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (Budget to Splurge-Worthy) (1)

Contents hide

1Our Picks for the 10 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam

1.1Floreyn

1.2De Kas

1.3Warung Spang Makandra

1.4Blauw

1.5A-Fusion

1.6Fou Fow

1.7nNea

1.8Fromagerie Abraham Kef

1.9WILS

1.10Gartine

Floreyn

Any list of the best restaurants in Amsterdam has to start with a Dutch one – and Floreyn is arguably the finest. Located near the Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp, Floreyn is a world away from the street food of the market. Seasonal, local products from Dutch soil and sea are turned into a seven or eight-course tasting menu (with wine pairings if you wish) in the expert hands of chef Jasper Holthuis. Think asparagus with juniper, wild garlic, and egg yolk. Or rhubarb with goat yogurt, hay, and cardamom. This is Dutch food as you’ve never tasted it before.

De Kas

De Kas literally translates as “the greenhouse”, and this longstanding Amsterdam institution takes up a couple of large greenhouses plus extensive gardens on the edge of Frankendael Park in Watergraafsmeer (southeast of the city center). All of this enables to chefs at de Kas to harvest their own produce every day and get it on your plate in a matter of minutes. What they can’t grow on location is cultivated 20 kilometers down the road at a farm in Beemster. Needless to say, the menu is very veg-led and highly seasonal, showcasing the best in Dutch produce.

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Warung Spang Makandra

Surinamese food is also hugely popular in Amsterdam, especially as a budget option or to take away. At Warung Spang Makandra (now with two locations), you can take a seat and relax while you order classics like bakabana (battered, fried banana), Surinamese sandwiches, saoto soup, or full roti dishes: yellow curry with meat, potatoes, long beans, egg, and the famous Surinamese flatbreads. All for just a handful of euros.

Blauw

Indonesian cuisine is a must when in Amsterdam, and perhaps our favorite comes from restaurant Blauw – a little off the beaten path at the far end of the Vondelpark. Blauw’s rijsttafel comes in dozens of boat-shaped dishes to share, from mild to spicy, eaten with rice. We love their moreish chicken satay and beef rendang, not to mention Blauw’s “grand dessert” for two people, with classics likespekkoekand mango ice cream, as well as more adventurous flavors like durian parfait.

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A-Fusion

Hands down the best Asian fusion food in Amsterdam (in our humble opinion) comes from A-Fusion in Amsterdam’s very own Chinatown on the Zeedijk. You mustn’t leave without trying the rib-eye truffle flambé nigiri, umami oysters, and steamed scallops with garlic and vermicelli. Better still, leave the ordering in the hands of the chef; with the Bib Gourmand menu, you’ll be treated to round after round of absolute deliciousness.

Fou Fow

For reasons we don’t entirely understand, Amsterdam has some of the best ramen joints in Europe. They started to pop up around a decade ago, and strong competition did the rest. The first was Fou Fow, now with two locations for ramen and one for udon. You can expect all the classic like tonkotsu, shio and miso ramen, plus fantastic tan tan men. The broths and noodles are exquisite, while the char siu, eggs, seaweed, and other toppings never disappoint. Fou Fow may be the original but it’s still one of the best.

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nNea

While Italian food has long since been a staple in Amsterdam, it wasn’t until nNea came along that the city found itself on the map for being home to one of the top 50 pizzas in Europe. nNea’s Neapolitan dough is pillow-y soft and airy, while its tomatoes come from the volcanic soils of Italy. Pizzas range from classics like the margherita and marinara, to more innovative options like the carne alla pizzaiola topped with slow-cooked beef, squeezed plum tomatoes, garlic, smoked scamorza, and oregano. Fast food this is not.

Fromagerie Abraham Kef

The Dutch are a tad obsessed with their cheese, and for good reason. Luckily, you can taste all the kaas the Netherlands has to offer (spoiler alert: it’s not just Gouda) as well as plenty of French fromage at Abraham Kef’s proeflokaal (tasting room) in Amsterdam Noord. Your best bet is to order the Dégustation Intermédiaire, which comprises two platters of nine cheeses in total, building up in intensity from mild to strong and ranging from runny to hard. Your cheese tasting is accompanied by two glasses of wine or craft beer, and can be supplemented with a charcuterie board to turn it into a full meal.

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WILS

Awarded a Michelin star just a year after opening, WILS is a restaurant where refinement meets back-to-basics cooking: with fire. The open kitchen means diners can watch as chefs cook on the firepit, wood-burning stove, and wood-fired ovens. A la carte options are available, but we advise you to splash out on the four or six-course chef’s menu that truly showcases the culinary excellence on offer. If you’re lucky, you can step up to the kitchen and watch as the chefs heat beef tallow in a flambadou (cone-shaped metal contraption on the end of a long metal pole) and use it to sear a langoustine tail. This is perhaps some of the most creative cooking in Amsterdam.

Gartine

Tucked down an alleyway just off the leafy Spui square and bustling Kalverstraat, Gartine offers much-needed respite during a day of shopping or sightseeing. Open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, its quaint interior offers a moment of serenity as well as exquisite refreshments. Much of their produce comes straight from their own allotments, which means their soups and quiches are garden-fresh. Gartine’s cakes and scones are also divine – just like your grandmother would’ve made them (if you had a Dutch grandmother who was a really good cook!).

Join a local expert for delicious bites on our. Taste the rich culinary history of the Netherlands for yourself as you explore three of Amsterdam’s most picturesque neighborhoods!

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Vicky Hampton

British by birth and Dutch by choice, Vicky Hampton is a food and wine writer who has lived and worked in Amsterdam since 2006 and been a digital nomad since 2021. She’s written for publications including The Guardian, New York Times andMichelin Guide, plus her own website,amsterdamfoodie.nl. Follow her on Instagram @amsterdamfoodie or @trufflesandtannins.

10 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (Budget to Splurge-Worthy) (2024)

FAQs

Do you tip in Amsterdam restaurants? ›

This one is pretty simple to answer – the Dutch do not have a tipping culture as strongly-ingrained as much of the English-speaking world. In a bar, restaurant, or private boat tour in Amsterdam, provided the service was good, a tip of around 10% is appreciated but not automatically expected.

Where is the best areas for food in Amsterdam? ›

Best areas to eat out

Most of the city center in Amsterdam is packed with restaurants, cafés, bars and fast food chains; nevertheless, the most popular neighborhoods to eat out include Dam Square and Spui (and their surroundings). For dinner, we recommend heading to Leidseplein.

What time is dinner in Amsterdam? ›

Most restaurants in Amsterdam open for lunch at around 12:00 PM. Dinner service usually starts at around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. Some restaurants may close for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so it's always a good idea to check their specific opening times.

What is Amsterdam's signature food? ›

10 Best Local Dishes from Amsterdam
  • Stroopwafel. Taste Netherlands' popular sweet treat. ...
  • Bitterballen. Try deep-fried meatballs. ...
  • See also. 10 Best Parks in Amsterdam. ...
  • Dutch pancakes. Enjoy specialty pancakes. ...
  • Raw herring. Try Amsterdam's Infamous Fish. ...
  • Cheese. Enjoy classic Dutch delicacies. ...
  • Poffertjes. ...
  • Snert.

What is the main drink in Amsterdam? ›

Jenever - the alcoholic beverage flavoured with juniper berries - is a traditional drink from the Netherlands. Jenever (also commonly spelled as genever) has a long history in the Netherlands.

Do restaurants in Amsterdam take cash? ›

many shops, cafes and restaurants don't accept credit cards? You can pay with cash or a debit card, and often with your phone via NFC (contactless payments), Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. But not everywhere! In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments.

Can I drink the water in Amsterdam? ›

Is the Tap Water in Amsterdam Safe to Drink? Yes, the tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink according to international standards. According to many Dutch people it's among the best in Europe. The local water provider Waternet continuously monitors water quality to ensure it meets high safety standards.

What is the etiquette in Amsterdam? ›

Tips on culture and etiquette in the Netherlands
  • Arrive at appointments on time and let people know if you're running a few minutes late.
  • Avoid dropping by someone's house unannounced.
  • Don't make boastful comments that display a sense of superiority.
  • Keep small talk to a minimum at formal and business meetings.

How to save money on food in Amsterdam? ›

Visit local markets

There's no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture and save money on food than by visiting Amsterdam's many outdoor markets. The Albert Cuyp Market, which is open six days a week, offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other delicacies at reasonable prices.

What's good to buy in Amsterdam? ›

What to Buy in Amsterdam?
  • Dutch Cheese. Treat your taste buds to the rich and creamy flavours of Dutch cheese, a quintessential part of Dutch cuisine. ...
  • Delftware. ...
  • Tulip Bulbs. ...
  • Dutch Licorice (Drop) ...
  • Stroopwafels. ...
  • Vintage and Antiques. ...
  • Dutch Chocolate. ...
  • Bicycles and Cycling Gear.
Jun 27, 2024

Where is the prettiest place in Amsterdam? ›

10 of the Best Views in Amsterdam and Where To Find Them
  1. Canal cruises. Take a guided boat trip along the picturesque canals. ...
  2. A'dam Lookout Tower, River Ij. ...
  3. NEMO Museum rooftop terrace. ...
  4. Westerkerk Tower. ...
  5. Damrak. ...
  6. LuminAir Amsterdam rooftop bar. ...
  7. OBA Oosterdok. ...
  8. Blue Amsterdam.

What is a normal breakfast in Amsterdam? ›

Dutch breakfast and lunch

As a basis we mostly eat bread, crackers or biscuits (beschuit). Popular toppings on bread and crackers are cheese, chocolate sprinkles, peanut butter, meat, jam and chocolate spread. Milk, coffee, juice and water are popular drinks to go with your food.

What is a typical meal in Amsterdam? ›

Among the typical foods to taste in Amsterdam, you cannot miss the erwtensoep, a pea and sausage soup, stamppot, mashed potatoes served with meat sauce or meatballs, suddervlees, pot roast, lekkerbekje, fried fish fillet, and of course the Dutch favourite, friet, the Chips.

How expensive is a meal in Amsterdam? ›

Dining out in Amsterdam
FoodAverage Cost
Sandwich€4 - €11
Lunch€8 - €15
Fast food€10 - €15
Dinner for 2€50 - €90
2 more rows

What is the most famous food of Netherlands? ›

1. Poffertjes. Probably one of the most famous Dutch dishes, Poffertjes are small pancakes, baked in an iron skillet, and traditionally served with melted butter and dusted with icing sugar. You can enjoy these all year round, but Christmas and New Year are typically the best times to have them.

What is Amsterdam best known for? ›

Amsterdam's main attractions include its historic canals; the Rijksmuseum, the state museum with Dutch Golden Age art; the Van Gogh Museum; the Dam Square, where the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and former city hall are located; the Amsterdam Museum; Stedelijk Museum, with modern art; the Concertgebouw concert hall; the ...

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