Within the heart of Amsterdam you can find many of the best cafes and restaurants in the Netherlands. The capital city hasn’t always been known for its gastronomical fare but that has quickly changed over the last decade. In fact, new Amsterdam restaurants and cafes are opening all the time with a variety of different cuisines that go beyond the traditional Dutch favorites. From avocado inspired dishes to traditional pancakes, Amsterdam has options for all types of palates. After multiple trips to the city of canals, I’ve rounded up the best cafes in Amsterdam that you won’t want to miss during your visit.
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THE BEST CAFES IN AMSTERDAM
Cuisine is a huge draw for travelers especially when venturing outside of their home country. Amsterdam is filled with trendy cafes and cozy restaurants serving up some of the best food in Europe. Find out where to eat in Amsterdam and discover one of your new favorite restaurants.
» Must Read: Where to Go Shopping in Amsterdam: The Best Boutique Shops in the City
Greenwoods
Over the years, Greenwoods has secured its spot as one of Amsterdam’s favorite English Tea Rooms. With two locations in the heart of the city, Greenwoods is a popular breakfast spot that dishes up more than just tea and scones.
During one of my visits I checked out the cozy, 2-story space along the Keizersgracht canal. Escaping the cold, drizzly winter weather, I warmed myself with their delicious Chai tea latte and wasted no time filling my belly with an equally delicious home cooked meal.
The portions are huge and made with only the freshest ingredients. My favorite is their dish called ‘the Veggie’ which comes with cooked spinach, mushrooms, potatoes and eggs. Most of their breakfast dishes come with a side of Greenwoods signature homemade soda bread.
The atmosphere of Greenwoods is inviting and charming, making it easy to see why family and friends gather here to reconnect and refresh. Just make sure you arrive early as there is usually a line waiting out the door since it is one of the best cafes in Amsterdam.
- Address: Keizersgracht 465, 1017 DK Amsterdam
- Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 09:30 – 16:00 and Friday through Sunday from 09:30 to 17:00
The Avocado Show
Avocado lovers rejoice! Having just opened in spring 2017 in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, The Avocado Show is the first of its kind in Amsterdam to feature avocados as the main event.
All of their beautifully presented dishes revolve around the delicious, green fruit. From avocado smoothies and guacamole bloody mary’s to eggs benedict served in avocado boats. The world’s obsession with avocado’s doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon!
- Address: Daniel Stalpertstraat 61 HS, 1072 XB Amsterdam
- Hours: The Avocado Show is open from 9:00 to 17:00 everyday
Foodhallen
Easily accessable in Amsterdam’s Oud-West neighborhood, Foodhallen is a hip indoor food and drink market that is very popular with visitors and locals alike.
The market hall is filled with around 20 high-end food stalls ranging from Vietnamese spring rolls to the famous Dutch fallen balls, from gourmet hamburgers to vegan sushi rolls and everything in between.
Occasionally, there may be a change in one of the food stalls but its always a guarantee that each of these specialty dishes cooked up in tiny kitchens will be one you’ll never forget. Even better, there are multiple bars including the very popular Gin & Tonic Bar, where unique cocktails are served in fish-bowl style glasses.
Foodhallen is the perfect place to unwind after a full day of exploring Amsterdam’s trendy and history-rich city.
- Address: Bellamyplein 51, 1053, Amsterdam
- Hours: Foodhallen is open daily from 11:00am to 11:30 pm Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday the doors are open until 1:00am.
Winkel 43
Winkel 43 is a famous Amsterdam cafe well known for their delectable apple pie. Since opening in 1983, Winkel 43 has been freshly baking up sizable portions of their well known fruit pie. Baked with a homemade crust and topped with a hearty potion of heavy whipped cream, this really is one of the best cafes in Amsterdam.
Just make sure you don’t arrive during peak hours because I guarantee there will be a line of people waiting for a seat. Also, I totally forgot to take a picture of this incredible apple pie before devouring it so you’ll just have to take my word on how delicious it really is!
Address: Noordermarkt 43
G’s
With a tag line of “a really nice place,” its easy to see why this brunch spot is incredibly popular. Located in one of Amsterdam’s old row houses in the Jordaan District, Gs is a quaint spot with a quirky, eclectic theme.
If bloody mary’s are your thing, they offer a few unique spins on the old classic including one with fried chicken! Their menu caters to all palates whether you want to go for a healthier option or indulge in something sweet.
They have a few locations around the city (not just in the Jordaan District) including a brunch boat where you can eat, drink and get a tour of Amsterdam’s famous canals! How awesome is that? Setting sail every Fri, Sat & Sun, make sure to reserve your spot in advance. We joined Gs retractable-roof brunch boat during our last visit to Amsterdam and we think you should too!
G’s has two locations: the Jordaan neighborhood and the De Pijp neighborhood
- Address for the Jordaan area: Goudsbloemstraat 91. Open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00
- Address for the De Pijp area: Ferdinand Bolstraat 158. Open Thursday through Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00
» Must Read: Brunching Along the Amsterdam Canals with G’s Brunch Boat
Bakers and Roasters
What do you get when you combine a New Zealander and a Brazilian? Traditional brunch favorites with a New Zealand twist and some of the best damn coffee in Amsterdam.
Their clever-named dishes are best shared with friends as all the mouth-watering brunch items sound super delicious. Wash it down with one (or two) or their yummy chai latte’s or perfectly brewed Brazilian coffee. And be sure to save room for a piece of one of their home baked cakes, all on display at the counter!
Bakers & Roasters is one of the best cafes in Amsterdam and are open daily from 8:30am to 4pm. And with two convenient locations in Amsterdam, brunch should be the start to your day of exploration around the city.
- Address for the Centrum area: Kadijksplein 16, 1018 AC Amsterdam
- Address for the De Pijp area: Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, 1072 BH Amsterdam
Pluk Amsterdam
With multiple locations dotted along Amsterdam’s popular De 9 Straatjes, you have many opportunities to pop in to check out their selections of healthy food and drinks. They have a large array of homemade cakes and snacks that you can grab for on the go as you shop along the 9 Streets.
In each of their shops they sell cute home items that you can look through while you wait. They also have a very delicious chai latte that is perfect for warming your hands on a cold day strolling the canals of Amsterdam.
Pluk is super popular with locals and visitors and is definitely one of the best cafes in Amsterdam.
Lombardo’s
For the best damn burger in Amsterdam look no further than Lombardo’s.
No, seriously, they are that good. The huge meat patties are piled with delicious toppings, so go hungry because you’re going to need an appetite. My personal favorite at this Amsterdam restaurant is The Hangover Burger followed by the Kimchi Burger.
This small burger joint has limited seating, so be prepared to take it to go.
- Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 50
- Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-10pm
The Pancake Bakery
No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without devouring one of the famous Dutch pancakes. There are many different pancake restaurants in Amsterdam that specialize in these sweet and savory delights but my favorite is The Pancake Bakery. This famous Amsterdam cafe is conveniently located near the Anne Frank House Museum and can usually be spotted with a line out the door.
My two favorite savory pancakes are the Greenlandic and the French. The Dutch pancake is traditionally thinner than an American pancake but thicker than a French crepê and is topped with delicious combinations of meat, vegetables, cheese and more.
Be sure to save some room at this Amsterdam cafe for the famous Dutch dessert poffertjes with butter and sugar. Poffertjes are small “mini” pancakes which are perfectly cooked and topped with warm butter and powdered sugar. Poffertjes may just be my favorite Dutch dessert after the stroopwaffel!
Address: Prinsengracht 191
SLA
SLA is a healthy Amsterdam cafe with multiple locations throughout the city. They have an extensive menu of vegetarian or vegan salad and smoothie options. In fact, you can even build your own salad which is perfect for those who love to customize their own meals.
I personally went to the location on Haalemmerdijk while I was shopping at some of the best Amsterdam shops in the city. SLA is not only one of the best cafes in Amsterdam but would serve as a cozy place to get some work done if you are a digital nomad.
PANCAKES Amsterdam
Another delicious Amsterdam cafe that specialized in traditional dutch pancakes is PANCAKES Amsterdam. With 6 convenient locations throughout Amsterdam, you’ll easily be able to find yourself a seat at one of their cozy restaurants. We ate at the Westermarkt location which is right next to the Anne Frank House.
They have a massive menu with loads of delicious pancake combinations to choose from. You can even make your own custom sweet or savory pancake if you’d like! Of course they also serve Amsterdam’s well known poffertjes but only at the Westermarkt location.
Other Amsterdam Travel Guides:
- Complete Amsterdam City Guide: 22 Things to Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Where to Go Shopping in Amsterdam: The Best Amsterdam Shops to Visit
- Staying on a Houseboat Along Amsterdam’s Amstel River Canal
- A 7 Day Road Trip Through the Netherlands
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