I’ve found Amsterdam’s culinary scene to be as vibrant as the city itself. There are so many cool neighborhoods like Jordaan and more that have plenty of trendy places to pop in for a treat. Of course locals know all of the best spots to dine in Amsterdam. So for my trip, I consulted with friends to find some off the tourist trail locations to add to my dining list. If you are traveling here and looking for the flavors of home, you can certainly find a little bit of everything. And while Dutch cuisine might not be as internationally renowned as Italian or French, it has its own unique charm that is worthy of exploration. The city offers a delightful array of dining options to satisfy the tastebuds of every foodie.
I chose to focus on traditional Dutch cuisine during my most recent visit since you are certain to get the best versions of the flavors when you do it in the home country. I can always get southern food when I’m home in the US so need to look for that here (although I hear there is a great black owned spot called “Ladybird Fried Chicken” that I’ll seek out next time). Besides, food is great way to get a real introduction to the culture of a country and I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. If you will be dining in Amsterdam, there are a few places that you will absolutely want to add to your itinerary.
What is Traditional Dutch Food
When you think of classic Dutch dishes, you probably expect hearty comfort food that’s both flavorful and filling. You wouldn’t totally be wrong with this assumption. Stamppot, Stroopwafels and Herring come immediately to mind. And of course, let’s not forget the cheese. That said, there are some other options to explore that won’t send you straight for an afternoon nap.
Poffertjes
Small, fluffy pancakes often dusted with powdered sugar and served with butter.
Dutch Pancakes
These giant skillet pancakes are sometimes called “Dutch Babies” and are baked in the oven, rather than being cooked stovetop.
Bitterballen
These little balls of heaven can be found all over the city. The official version is filled with a beef stew but we found a a chef that has his own take and creates a few different flavors.
Top Spots to Dine in Amsterdam
Now that we’ve gotten the staples out of the way, you probably want to know where exactly are the best places to find them. Let’s start with breakfast.
Breakfast Spots
It’s hard to find a great dutch pancakes in the US so getting one here should be top of your list. There are a few restaurants that score high marks from me.
De Carrousel Pannenkoeken
This place is incredibly close to the Rijks Museum and a fantastic stop to get your breakfast fix before spending a day at the museum. Here you’ll find a very traditional dutch pancake on offer with classic options like bacon and powdered sugar. But the poffertjes are the stars here. So light and fluffy you forget that one serving is 20 cakes. I loved them simply with powdered sugar but add chocolate to have a delightfully sweet breakfast treat.
MOAK Pancakes
Stop here for a more creative take on the dutch classic. Take your choice of sweet or savory toppings to enjoy as you hang out in this very trendy spot. They even have vegan options. The Pancakes here garnered rave reviews. But be warned they pile the toppings high here so one order will certainly test your intake. If pancakes aren’t your thing, there are a few other menu items to enjoy including salads or yogurt bowls.
Coffee House versus Coffee Shop
A coffee house and coffee shops are two totally different things. In Amsterdam, if you want a place that actually sells coffee, you want a coffee house. In a coffee shops you might get coffee but will definitely get your choice of cannabis treats. So to be clear, we are talking about coffee house not a coffee shop.
Cafe Winkel
You would never know it by the exterior or even the menu, but this place has amazing apple pie. This is one of those IYKYK places. This was recommended by a local who suggested I stop in during my time in Amsterdam. I visited one Monday afternoon and patrons came in groups to sit and enjoy a slice of apple pie heaven. There’s other stuff on the menu too but the star of the show is the pie. But the pie is not on the menu. You just have to ask.
De Laatste Kruimel
This is a really cute spot to stop for a midday snack or coffee break. There are a multitude of traditional coffees or teas on the menu but you’ll be completely distracted by all of the other treats on display that you are most certain to enjoy a slice of pie or one of the amazing cookies. If you’re looking for a bit more, you’ll be happy to know they make a pretty mean quiche.
Lunch Indulgence
Amsterdam is pretty much a pedestrian city. That means you will burn a lot of calories exploring the city and will need a few extra carbohydrates to get you through your day. For lunch, the best places to sample a little bit of everything are the markets/foodhalls.
Albert Cuyp Market
Here you will get an authentic market experience. This one is a bit farther out than most, so you will need to plan your visit accordingly. Once you arrive, you will find loads of street food and local produce. Grab your Stroopwafels here as you are sure to find multiple vendors selling this treat. It’s outdoors with lots of walking, which will be needed to burn off the extra calories you will consume.
Foodhallen Amsterdam
This indoor food market was the former tram depot in Amsterdam but now houses a variety of stalls offering everything from sushi to burgers. But it’s the local fare that will have your stomach doing the happy dance. This is where you can try Bitterballen at its best. A Michelin starred chef opened a Bitterballen stall here and it is everything you thought you needed in this Dutch classic.
Trendy Dinner
By dinnertime, you might be interested in something a little bit fancier. But you can leave your high heels at the hotel when you go out to dine for dinner in Amsterdam. The cobblestoned streets and canal crossings make it tricky to balance in anything other than flats.
Restaurant Bougainville
This one will hurt your pocket. But if you are looking for a fine dining experience in Amsterdam, this place is for you. The chef is highly rated, the restaurant has earned Michelin status and every dish is a work of art. Located in Hotel TwentySeven just off Dam Square across from the palace you will find this surprising fine dining experience. It rather unusual for a restaurant of this quality in the center of a highly touristic area but they have pulled it off.
Restaurant De Kas
You might think your taxi driver got lost when they drop you at the street and point to the woods. But cross the wooden bridge and arrive at one of the most beautiful restaurants in Amsterdam. Set in a greenhouse, Restaurant De Kas provides a dining experience with a focus on sustainability and seasonal, farm-to-table dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. While you can have any number of adult beverages on order, you only get two choices for dining: 5 course or 6. The food is absolutely delicious. Settle in for what is likely to be your best dining experience in Amsterdam. It certainly was mine.
FuLu Mandarijin
If you tire of Dutch food, there is a great spot right off of Dam Plaza for some authentic Asian cuisine with a Dutch touch. Another great restaurant hiding in a heavily touristic area. FuLu Mandarijin is an exception to that standard. Here the portions are large and designed for sharing. They have two rooms providing very different dining experiences. One of which is more posh than the other. Make a reservation in advance if you want to have a more exclusive experience. Walk-ins are welcome at the smaller more casual part of the restaurant. Either way, the food is really good.
What Else
It would be incomplete to talk about the best dining in Amsterdam and not mention the bars that many folks flock to the city to experience. And since we are veering away from traditional dutch food, let’s not miss some other treats.
Tales & Spirits
This stylish café is well known for its innovative drinks. It’s even been recognized as one of the World’s Best Bars. They have some the most innovative cocktails in the city with some pretty cool names. Try ‘The Bird in the Wood’ if you like cocktails or if you are more of a classic drinks person, opt for the ‘The Nutcracker’. Of course if you are hungry, they have some delightful treats like onion rings or truffle risotto on the menu to address your needs.
Van Stapele Cookies
They do one thing and one thing only here: a dark chocolate cookie with a gooey white chocolate center. And it’s been that way since it all started in 2013. But this place is rather famous. Prepare to stand in line for this treat as it will certainly be crowded all day. All cookies are to-go as there is no place to sit and linger, although you could stand in the window and stare at the team making the cookies for as long as you want. You can take a single or order a box. I would recommend you get more than one. They are that good.
Cheese
The Dutch take their cheesemaking practices very seriously. Gouda by far is the most popular variety you can find here. There must be a cheese shop on every block in Amsterdam primarily designed for tourist. While those aren’t the most authentic places to make your cheese purchase, it is quite convenient to pop in for a taste. If you want some authentic cheese, find a local vendor at the Albert Cuyp Market mentioned earlier in this post. If you are really serious, go outside the city to Gouda or Edam to really explore cheese at its finest.
My Perspective
I did my very best to cover many of the traditional Dutch cuisine in this post but you should know that the Amsterdam culinary scene is top notch. With such an eclectic mix of international and traditional foods, there is something for everyone. Explore the neighborhoods, discover local favorites, and enjoy the best dining experience that Amsterdam has to offer. You can always take a bike ride or find some other way to work off those calories in between meals.
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