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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Amsterdam

The best restaurants in Amsterdam, from Ciel Bleu and Michelin tables to Indonesian rijsttafel, canal-side terraces, romantic date spots, and buzzy new openings by neighborhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Amsterdam means embracing a city that treats dining as both refined craft and easygoing ritual.

In a single day you can slurp a raw herring from a market stall for lunch, share an elaborate Indonesian rijsttafel at dusk, and end at a canal-side brown cafe with bitterballen and a jenever toast.

Amsterdam's food identity is built on centuries of trade, its colonial ties to Indonesia and Suriname, and a compact but ambitious fine-dining scene that has quietly earned a cluster of Michelin stars.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallCiel BleuReserve
By CuisineTempo DoeloeReserve
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred RestaurantsCiel BleuReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsCiel BleuReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsSkyLounge AmsterdamReserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsBoleniusReserve
Herring & Iconic Amsterdam EatsStubbe's HaringReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsRijksReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Amsterdam on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 De Pijp

Ciel Bleu

Contemporary$$$$· Special occasion

Perched on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura, Ciel Bleu is Amsterdam's benchmark for high-altitude fine dining, holding two Michelin stars for its precise, luxurious cooking. The tasting menu is modern and refined, built on impeccable produce and technical polish, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame a sweeping panorama of the city. Service is gracious and the mood quietly special. If you want to understand why Amsterdam belongs in the fine-dining conversation, this is the essential pilgrimage.

What to order: Ever-changing tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Watergraafsmeer

De Kas

Farm-to-table$$$· Bright greenhouse

Set inside a restored 1926 nursery greenhouse in Frankendael park, De Kas helped define modern Dutch farm-to-table dining. Much of the produce is grown on site or on the restaurant's own land, and the daily changing set menu follows the harvest with clean, ingredient-driven cooking. The soaring glass room floods with light and feels calm and green. Reservations are wise, but the reward is one of the city's most distinctive tables, deeply tied to the seasons.

What to order: Seasonal set menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Museum Quarter

Restaurant Rijks

Modern Dutch$$$· Refined & bright

Attached to the Rijksmuseum, this Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Joris Bijdendijk turns Dutch culinary heritage into something confident and contemporary. The menu draws on the Netherlands' colonial-era spice history and local growers, delivering polished plates in a bright, high-ceilinged room beside the museum garden. It is refined but approachable, ideal after a morning with the Old Masters. For serious cooking rooted in Dutch identity without tasting-menu formality, Rijks is among the city's very best.

What to order: Seasonal Dutch menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Leidseplein

Café de Klos

Grill$$· Dim & lively

A cramped, wood-panelled institution just off Leidseplein, Café de Klos is beloved for one thing above all: enormous racks of tender, sticky spareribs served with bread and garlic sauce. The dim, convivial room fills fast with locals and visitors elbow to elbow, and the portions are generous and affordable. There is nothing precious here, just hearty grilled meat and cold beer. Come early or expect a wait; the ribs are worth the ritual of squeezing in.

What to order: Spareribs

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Jordaan

Winkel 43

Café & bakery$· Casual local favorite

For many visitors, Winkel 43 is Amsterdam apple pie. This corner café on the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan is famous for a towering, cinnamon-scented appeltaart with a crumbly crust and a mountain of whipped cream. Grab a canal-side table, order a slice with coffee, and watch the Monday flea market or Saturday farmers' market spill across the square. It is simple, generous, and deeply tied to the neighborhood's charm. Expect a queue on market days.

What to order: Dutch apple pie

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Jordaan

Moeders

Dutch$$· Cosy & sentimental

Moeders, meaning 'mothers', is a gloriously sentimental tribute to Dutch home cooking, its walls covered floor to ceiling with photos of customers' moms. The kitchen serves comforting classics like stamppot, hutspot, and slow-braised stews alongside mismatched vintage crockery and a warm, chatty atmosphere. It is more experience than gastronomy, a cosy time capsule near the Rozengracht. Come for the hospitality and the sharing plates, and bring a photo of your own mother for the wall.

What to order: Stamppot

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Oud-Zuid

Restaurant Blauw

Indonesian$$· Sleek & flavorful

One of Amsterdam's finest addresses for the Indonesian rijsttafel, Blauw brings polish and depth to the sprawling 'rice table' feast. Dozens of small dishes, from rendang and satay to sambals and pickles, arrive together for a rich, spice-layered tour of the archipelago's cooking. The room is sleek and modern, a step up from the city's more casual Indonesian spots. It is a genuinely essential taste of the Netherlands' colonial-era culinary legacy. Reserve ahead.

What to order: Rijsttafel

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Jordaan

The Pancake Bakery

Dutch pancakes$$· Family-friendly

Tucked into a 17th-century canal-house basement on the Prinsengracht, The Pancake Bakery is a long-running temple to the Dutch pannenkoek. The thin, plate-sized pancakes come in dozens of sweet and savoury variations, from bacon and cheese to apple and syrup, plus powdered-sugar poffertjes. The atmospheric brick cellar and canal-front setting make it a reliable, family-friendly stop between sights. It is touristy but genuinely good, and one of the easiest ways to check off a Dutch classic.

What to order: Pannenkoeken

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Jordaan

Toscanini

Italian$$$· Lively & handmade

A perennial Jordaan favorite, Toscanini is where locals go for authentic, regional Italian cooking and a buzzing open kitchen. The handmade pastas, seasonal antipasti, and carefully sourced Italian ingredients keep the lively room full night after night. Warm service and a thoughtful all-Italian wine list make it ideal for both special occasions and casual splurges. Booking is essential, sometimes weeks ahead, which tells you everything about its standing among the city's best neighborhood tables.

What to order: Handmade pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Oud-West

Foodhallen

Food hall$· Casual & bustling

Housed in a converted tram depot in De Hallen, Foodhallen is an indoor food market packed with stalls slinging everything from bitterballen and dim sum to Vietnamese, Spanish, and gourmet burgers. Grab a drink at the central bar, graze across cuisines, and share a communal table in the bustling hall. It is casual, affordable, and perfect for groups who can't agree on one kitchen. A fun, low-commitment way to sample a slice of Amsterdam's diverse food scene under one roof.

What to order: Bitterballen & global bites

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Oud-Zuid

Café Loetje

Steak$$· Relaxed brown café

Café Loetje is an Amsterdam steak institution, famous for its 'biefstuk van de haas', a seared tenderloin served swimming in a buttery, peppery pan gravy that begs to be mopped up with bread. The original Oud-Zuid location has a relaxed brown-café feel with a coveted terrace. It is unfussy, generous, and beloved by locals who come for the meat and the sauce above all. Order the classic steak, add fries, and expect a lively, crowded room.

What to order: Biefstuk in gravy

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Canal Belt

Vinkeles

French$$$$· Intimate & warm

Set in an 18th-century former bakery within The Dylan hotel, Vinkeles is a Michelin-starred jewel of the canal district offering refined French-influenced tasting menus. The intimate room, with its old bakery ovens preserved in the walls, feels both historic and luxurious, and the service is impeccable. Precise, elegant cooking makes it a favorite for anniversaries and milestone celebrations. For polished fine dining in a genuinely romantic canalside setting, Vinkeles is among Amsterdam's most special tables.

What to order: Luxe tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Utrechtsestraat

Guts & Glory

Contemporary$$$· Creative & relaxed

Guts & Glory built its reputation on storytelling menus, multi-course journeys that each focus on a single theme, ingredient, or narrative dreamed up by the kitchen. The cooking is inventive and produce-forward, the plating precise, and the room stylish yet relaxed. It rewards diners who want a creative tasting experience without stiff formality. A consistently exciting pick on the Utrechtsestraat, it captures the ambitious, playful energy driving Amsterdam's modern dining scene. Book the full menu ahead.

What to order: Themed tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Dam Square

Bougainville

French-Asian$$$$· Refined & elegant

Overlooking Dam Square from Hotel TwentySeven, Bougainville is a two-Michelin-star destination pairing luxurious French technique with subtle Asian accents. The elegant, art-filled dining room and expansive tasting menus make it a true splurge, executed with restraint and precision. Caviar, seafood, and seasonal composition define the experience, delivered by polished, attentive service. For grand-occasion fine dining in the very heart of the city, it is one of Amsterdam's most refined and rewarding rooms. Reserve well in advance.

What to order: Grand tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 De Pijp

Yamazato

Japanese$$$$· Serene & ceremonial

Also within Hotel Okura, Yamazato is a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant widely regarded as the finest traditional Japanese dining in the Netherlands. The multi-course menus follow the seasons with meticulous care, from delicate sashimi to precise simmered and grilled dishes, served in a serene room with a view of a small Japanese garden. It is calm, ceremonial, and quietly extraordinary. For authentic, high-level Japanese cuisine that feels transportive, Yamazato is among the city's very best experiences.

What to order: Kaiseki menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 City Center

Gartine

Brunch & high tea$$· Cosy & hidden

Hidden down a tiny alley off the Kalverstraat, Gartine is a charming daytime spot beloved for brunch, lunch, and an elaborate afternoon high tea. The kitchen uses herbs and vegetables from its own garden plot, turning out fresh sandwiches, salads, and homemade preserves with real care. The cosy, antique-filled room feels like a secret. It is a lovely, unhurried refuge from the crowds and a strong pick for a relaxed, produce-driven midday meal in the center.

What to order: High tea

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Oud-Zuid

Ron Gastrobar

Contemporary$$$· Stylish gastrobar

After earning Michelin stars, chef Ron Blaauw reinvented his Oud-Zuid restaurant as a gastrobar, serving small, refined plates at accessible prices with no fixed menu order. The result is fine-dining quality in a buzzy, informal setting, letting diners graze across a menu of consistently excellent dishes. The stylish room and lively bar keep the mood upbeat. It is a smart choice for anyone who wants ambitious cooking without the tasting-menu commitment, and it remains a reliable Amsterdam favorite.

What to order: Small plates selection

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Multiple / City Center

FEBO

Dutch snacks$· Retro automat

No Amsterdam street-food tour is complete without FEBO, the beloved automat where hot kroketten and frikandellen wait behind little coin-operated windows. Pop in a few euros, slide open the hatch, and pull out a fresh, crunchy croquette, the quintessential late-night Dutch snack. The retro yellow storefronts dot the city and the counter service is fast and cheap. It is more ritual than meal, the easiest and most fun way to taste an iconic Dutch fast-food tradition.

What to order: Kroket from the wall

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Amsterdam by Cuisine

Amsterdam's trading past and colonial history make it one of Europe's most layered cuisine cities, where a short tram ride can carry you from an Indonesian rijsttafel on the Utrechtsestraat to Surinamese roti in De Pijp and Cantonese oysters on the Zeedijk.

The best restaurants in Amsterdam by cuisine reward exploration beyond the canal ring: neighbourhood specialists in Oud-West, Oost, and the Jordaan often outshine flashier tourist spots.

Whether you crave a spiced rijsttafel spread, a bowl of saoto soup, injera with wat, or hearty Dutch stamppot, the city delivers depth and value across price points.

This roundup highlights standout picks spanning the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the city limits.

  • Tempo Doeloe

    Regional Indonesian $$$

    This intimate Indonesian institution on the Utrechtsestraat has served one of the city's most respected rijsttafels for decades. The multi-course spread balances gentle coconut curries with fiercely spicy sambals, and the kitchen is happy to warn you which dishes bite hardest. Reservations are essential, and the reward is a benchmark for authentic regional Indonesian cooking in Amsterdam.

    What to order: Rijsttafel; sambal goreng; rendang

    Reserve

  • Warung Spang Makandra

    Surinamese-Javanese $

    A cheerful, family-run spot in De Pijp specialising in Surinamese-Javanese home cooking. Regulars come for steaming bowls of saoto soup, generous roti plates, and bami packed with flavour at friendly prices. It is unfussy, deeply satisfying, and a fine introduction to the Surinamese kitchen that shaped so much of Amsterdam's everyday eating.

    What to order: Saoto soup; chicken roti; bami

    Reserve

  • Roopram Roti

    Surinamese $

    A no-frills counter near the Dappermarkt in Oost, beloved across the city for its flaky roti and slow-cooked fillings. The chicken roti with a soft-boiled duck egg and a swipe of fiery madame jeanette pepper is the order to beat. Expect a queue at lunch and portions that keep you full for hours.

    What to order: Chicken roti with duck egg

    Reserve

  • Moeders

    Dutch $$

    A cosy Jordaan restaurant serving classic Dutch comfort food on a wall of mismatched plates donated by guests. The stamppot, hutspot, and hearty stews are exactly what you want on a grey Amsterdam evening. It is warm, unpretentious, and one of the easiest places to try traditional Dutch cooking done with care.

    What to order: Stamppot; hutspot; slow-cooked stews

    Reserve

  • Nam Kee

    Cantonese $$

    A Zeedijk mainstay in the heart of Amsterdam's small Chinatown, famous for its oysters in black bean sauce and brisk, no-frills service. The Cantonese menu runs long and reliable, from steamed fish to roast meats. It is a beloved anchor of the city's Chinese dining scene and a dependable late-night bite.

    What to order: Oysters in black bean sauce

    Reserve

  • Restaurant Blauw

    Indonesian $$$

    A modern Indonesian restaurant in Oud-Zuid that gives the rijsttafel a stylish, contemporary setting without losing its soul. The spread arrives in a parade of small dishes, and vegetarian versions are handled with real thought. It is a strong pick for a celebratory dinner that showcases the range of the Indonesian kitchen.

    What to order: Rijsttafel; satay; beef rendang

    Reserve

  • Bird

    Thai $$

    A bustling Thai favourite split between a snack bar and a restaurant on the Zeedijk, cooking punchy, fragrant dishes to order. The tom yum, green curry, and pad thai land with genuine heat and freshness. Tables turn quickly and the room is loud in the best way, making it a lively spot for a fast, flavourful meal.

    What to order: Tom yum; green curry; pad thai

    Reserve

  • Toscanini

    Italian $$$

    A long-running Italian restaurant in the Jordaan with an open kitchen and a daily-changing menu built around handmade pasta and seasonal produce. The cooking is regional and precise, and the buzzing dining room feels convivial rather than formal. Book ahead, as it remains a firm local favourite for a relaxed but serious Italian dinner.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; seasonal antipasti

    Reserve

  • Lalibela

    Ethiopian $$

    One of Amsterdam's oldest Ethiopian restaurants, tucked into Oud-West and named after the famous rock-hewn churches. Diners share platters of spongy injera topped with spiced meat and vegetable wat, scooped by hand with no cutlery required. It is communal, affordable, and a warm introduction to Ethiopian cooking and its slow-brewed coffee ritual.

    What to order: Injera with assorted wat

    Reserve

  • Foodhallen / Oud-West

    International food market $$

    Set inside a converted tram depot, this indoor food market gathers dozens of stalls under one roof, from Vietnamese and Spanish to Dutch bitterballen and dim sum. It is ideal for groups who cannot agree, letting everyone graze across cuisines with a drink in hand. Come hungry and treat it as a tasting tour of the city's global appetite.

    What to order: Grazing across global stalls; bitterballen

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's fine-dining scene is compact but seriously accomplished, anchored by a cluster of two-Michelin-star kitchens and a deep bench of one-star tables.

The best fine dining in the city ranges from panoramic hotel dining rooms to canal-house intimacy and conscious, plant-forward cooking, and many kitchens lean hard on Dutch growers, North Sea seafood, and the country's greenhouse produce.

Expect tasting menus, seasonal changes, and considered wine and non-alcoholic pairings. These are the rooms for anniversaries, milestone dinners, and once-in-a-trip splurges.

Book well ahead, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; Amsterdam's top tables reward diners who surrender to the experience.

  • Ciel Bleu

    Modern French $$$$

    Amsterdam's two-Michelin-star benchmark, perched on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura with sweeping views across the city. The kitchen delivers precise, luxurious modern French tasting menus with immaculate service and a serious wine list. It is the go-to for a polished, high-altitude celebration.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Spectrum

    Modern French $$$$

    The two-star dining room of the Waldorf Astoria, set in a grand canal-house palace on the Herengracht. Chef Sidney Schutte's refined cooking weaves subtle Asian accents through classical technique for elegant, detail-obsessed plates. A special-occasion room built for indulgence.

    What to order: Chef's tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Flore

    New European $$$$

    Bas van Kranen's two-star restaurant inside Hotel De L'Europe champions what he calls conscious fine dining, plant-forward and hyper-seasonal with sustainability at its core. Vegetables take center stage while seafood and game play supporting roles. A thoughtful, forward-looking splurge overlooking the Amstel.

    What to order: Plant-forward tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Vinkeles

    French $$$$

    A one-Michelin-star French restaurant set in an 18th-century bakery within The Dylan hotel, its original brick ovens still framing the room. The cooking is classical and refined, plated with finesse and paired with a strong cellar. Romantic and intimate, ideal for a landmark dinner.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Bougainville

    Modern European $$$$

    Chef Tim Golsteijn's one-star dining room inside Hotel TwentySeven overlooks Dam Square from a jewel-box setting. Expect luxe ingredients, meticulous plating, and Asian-inflected European cooking in a plush, art-filled room. A refined choice at the heart of the old center.

    What to order: Signature tasting menu

    Reserve

  • RIJKS

    Modern Dutch $$$

    Set beside the Rijksmuseum, this one-star kitchen from Joris Bijdendijk builds contemporary menus around Dutch growers, heritage produce, and North Sea catch. Bright, gallery-adjacent, and unmistakably local in spirit, it is a natural pairing with a day among the Old Masters.

    What to order: Dutch-rooted tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Yamazato

    Japanese kaiseki $$$$

    A rare authentic kaiseki restaurant with a Michelin star, also inside Hotel Okura. The seasonal multi-course menus follow classical Japanese traditions with pristine ingredients and quiet precision. A serene, meditative counterpoint to the city's European rooms.

    What to order: Seasonal kaiseki menu

    Reserve

  • Daalder

    Contemporary $$$

    Chef Dennis Huwae's one-star restaurant sits canal-side in the Jordaan, blending refined technique with a relaxed, neighborhood warmth. The seasonal menus are inventive and playful without losing precision. A characterful pick that feels distinctly Amsterdam.

    What to order: Surprise tasting menu

    Reserve

  • MOS

    Contemporary $$$$

    A small, one-star restaurant tucked on the IJdok waterfront with views over the water. The kitchen serves modern, produce-led tasting menus in an intimate, unfussy setting that lets the cooking speak. A quietly excellent choice away from the tourist core.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Sinne

    Modern European $$$

    A one-star favorite in lively De Pijp offering some of the best value fine dining in the city. The modern European menus are confident and seasonal, served in a warm, unpretentious room. Ideal for a refined dinner without the full grand-hotel formality.

    What to order: Seasonal set menu

    Reserve

  • De Kas

    Farm-to-table $$$

    Set inside a soaring 1926 municipal greenhouse in Frankendael Park, De Kas grows much of its own produce on site and in nearby fields. The daily menu follows the harvest for bright, Mediterranean-leaning cooking in a light-flooded glass room. A fine-dining landmark that is pure Amsterdam.

    What to order: Daily greenhouse menu

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Amsterdam

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Amsterdam pair candlelight and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from canal-side French dining rooms and hidden courtyards to cozy Jordaan trattorias and glamorous former bank halls. Romance here leans on atmosphere: a moody gable-house interior, a shared bottle of wine, and a view over the water as the light fades.

Whether you want skyline glamour from a top-floor perch or a tucked-away table down a narrow alley, these picks set the mood. Reserve well ahead, request a quiet corner or a window over the canal if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Ciel Bleu

    Modern French $$$$

    Perched on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura, this two-Michelin-star room pairs sweeping views over the city with precise, modern cooking. Low lighting, plush seating, and a superb wine list make it a showstopper choice for a milestone celebration.

    What to order: Tasting menu; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Vinkeles

    French $$$$

    Set inside The Dylan hotel in a restored 18th-century bakery, this Michelin-starred dining room glows with romance. Canal-side tables on the Keizersgracht, elegant French plates, and impeccable service make dinner feel like an occasion.

    What to order: Refined French tasting; canal setting

    Reserve

  • Restaurant De Kas

    Farm-to-table $$$

    Housed in a former municipal greenhouse in leafy Frankendael Park, De Kas is luminous by day and intimate by night. The daily menu comes largely from its own gardens, making for a fresh, unhurried dinner among the plants.

    What to order: Garden-grown menu; greenhouse dining

    Reserve

  • La Rive

    French $$$$

    The riverside restaurant of the InterContinental Amstel Hotel is a classic special-occasion spot. Elegant French cooking, a terrace over the Amstel, and a serious wine list combine for a polished, romantic evening on the water.

    What to order: Riverside fine dining; Amstel terrace

    Reserve

  • Toscanini

    Italian $$$

    A warm, buzzy Italian institution tucked into the Jordaan, ideal for lingering over wine and handmade pasta. Regional dishes and a relaxed-but-romantic mood make it a beloved neighborhood choice for couples.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; Jordaan charm

    Reserve

  • Restaurant Blauw

    Indonesian $$$

    For a shared feast, this Old South favorite serves a generous Indonesian rijsttafel with dozens of little dishes to graze over together. The warm setting and slow, communal pace make it a comfortable, flavor-rich date.

    What to order: Rijsttafel feast; sate

    Reserve

  • Blauw aan de Wal

    Mediterranean $$$

    Hidden down a narrow alley off the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, this 17th-century former herb warehouse opens onto a quiet courtyard. The tucked-away setting and seasonal Mediterranean plates make it one of the city's most atmospheric hideaways.

    What to order: Courtyard hideaway; seasonal plates

    Reserve

  • The Duchess

    Brasserie $$$

    Set in a grand former bank hall near Spui, this glamorous brasserie dazzles with marble, Art Deco flourishes, and soaring ceilings. Oysters, classic plates, and a lively bar suit couples after a celebratory, dressed-up night.

    What to order: Oysters; classic brasserie fare

    Reserve

  • Bougainville

    Modern French $$$$

    This Michelin-starred room at Hotel TwentySeven overlooks Dam Square with refined, artful cooking and a lush, jewel-toned interior. Elegant plating and attentive service make it a sophisticated destination for a special dinner.

    What to order: Michelin plating; Dam Square views

    Reserve

  • Moeders

    Dutch $$

    A cozy, candlelit spot on the Rozengracht with walls covered in family photographs, Moeders serves hearty Dutch home cooking with real warmth. Comfortable and affordable, it makes for a relaxed, low-pressure evening together.

    What to order: Stamppot; hutspot

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam rewards a good vantage point, where the canals, the IJ waterfront, and the historic gabled skyline offer surprisingly varied backdrops once you get above street level.

The city's centre is famously low-rise, so the best rooftop and view spots cluster around the IJ, the modern towers of Amsterdam Noord, and a handful of high hotel floors near Centraal Station.

Warmer months are peak season, when terraces fill quickly and booking ahead or arriving early becomes essential. Many of these venues focus as much on the setting and the drinks as the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a cocktail on a revolving floor above the river or a laid-back terrace overlooking the water, these spots deliver some of Amsterdam's most photogenic dining.

  • SkyLounge Amsterdam

    International $$$

    Perched atop the DoubleTree by Hilton beside Centraal Station, SkyLounge offers wide views over the IJ, the harbour, and the old city. The indoor lounge and open-air terrace make it a prime golden-hour spot for cocktails and shareable bites.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable plates; harbour views

    Reserve

  • Twenty Third Bar at Hotel Okura

    Japanese-French $$$

    High on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura, this refined bar pairs sweeping city panoramas with Champagne, cocktails, and Michelin-level small plates. Come for the view and a drink; the vantage over the rooftops and beyond is memorable.

    What to order: Cocktails with panoramic views

    Reserve

  • Blue Amsterdam

    International $$

    Set atop the Kalvertoren shopping centre with a full glass wall of windows, Blue offers a rare 360-degree outlook over the historic core. It is one of the centre's most accessible high spots for coffee, lunch, or a drink above the crowds.

    What to order: Coffee; lunch; panoramic views

    Reserve

  • Moon

    European $$$

    Atop the A'DAM Toren in Amsterdam Noord, Moon is a slowly revolving restaurant that turns a full circle each hour above the IJ. The changing outlook over the water and skyline makes it a special-occasion spot for dinner and cocktails.

    What to order: Cocktails; revolving IJ views

    Reserve

  • Madam

    International $$$

    One floor up in the A'DAM Toren, Madam is a lively bar and restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass and knockout views back toward the centre. Its energetic vibe makes it a strong choice for evening drinks and plates high above Noord.

    What to order: Cocktails; small plates; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Floor17 Bar

    International $$

    A relaxed rooftop bar in the Amstelkwartier serving cocktails and bites with a broad outlook over the river and the eastern skyline. Its easygoing feel makes it a solid pick for after-work drinks or an unhurried sunset.

    What to order: Cocktails; bar bites; river views

    Reserve

  • Canvas at Volkshotel

    International $$

    On the top floor of the Volkshotel in Oost, Canvas is a creative rooftop cafe and bar with a wraparound terrace overlooking the city. The strong food and late-night energy set it apart from view-only spots, making it a top all-around pick.

    What to order: Brunch; small plates; city views

    Reserve

  • The Rooftop at W Amsterdam

    International $$$

    A stylish hotel rooftop in the heart of the city with a pool-side terrace and views over the rooftops toward the Palace. The chic scene, cocktails, and small plates draw a fashionable crowd on warm evenings.

    What to order: Cocktails; small plates; rooftop terrace

    Reserve

  • NEMO Rooftop

    Cafe $

    Atop the copper NEMO Science Museum sits one of the city's largest roof terraces, stepping up above the harbour with sweeping views over the centre. The cafe setting and dramatic waterfront perch suit groups and casual daytime visits.

    What to order: Coffee; snacks; harbour panoramas

    Reserve

  • Hangar

    Mediterranean $$

    A relaxed waterside restaurant and bar on the Noord shore of the IJ, set in a converted industrial space with a large terrace at the water's edge. The Mediterranean-leaning plates and open outlook make it an atmospheric warm-weather waterfront spot.

    What to order: Cocktails; sharing plates; waterside terrace

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Amsterdam span canal-side comfort-food cafes, refined seasonal tasting menus, and globally inspired spots serving everything from plant-based fast food to vegetarian Ethiopian and Indian.

Many of the city's produce-driven chefs source from local growers and their own gardens, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Amsterdam can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • Bolenius

    Vegetable-forward $$$

    A stylish, plant-forward restaurant in the Zuidas district offering an elevated vegetable-centric menu with much of the produce grown in its own garden. It demonstrates how far Amsterdam's meat-free dining has come, with refined plates and a sophisticated bar program that appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.

    What to order: Elevated vegetable tasting plates

    Reserve

  • Vegabond

    Vegan Cafe $

    A vegan cafe and shop on the Leliegracht serving plant-based comfort food, hearty breakfasts, and baked goods. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable Jordaan stop for satisfying vegan versions of familiar favorites.

    What to order: Plant-based comfort brunch; baked goods

    Reserve

  • Golden Temple

    Vegetarian $

    A longtime vegetarian restaurant on the Utrechtsestraat serving wholesome, health-oriented dishes drawing on Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern flavors. Its dedicated, health-focused approach has earned a loyal following over many years.

    What to order: Mixed veggie platters; dosas

    Reserve

  • De Bolhoed

    Vegetarian $$

    A pioneering meat-free spot on the Prinsengracht famous for its hearty vegetarian and vegan comfort classics and homemade cakes. A canal-side institution since the vegetarian scene's early days, it remains a beloved go-to for plant-based indulgence.

    What to order: Vegetable curries; homemade cakes

    Reserve

  • Meatless District

    Vegan $$

    A fully vegan spot in Amsterdam West serving creative plant-based comfort food and weekend brunch. Inventive dishes and a warm vibe make it a strong choice for those seeking hearty, flavorful meat-free meals.

    What to order: Plant-based comfort food; brunch

    Reserve

  • Lalibela

    Ethiopian $$

    An Oud-West Ethiopian restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • De Ceuvel

    Vegetarian $$

    A waterside cafe and bar in Amsterdam Noord with a largely vegetarian menu and plenty of vegan options. Sustainable, friendly, and beloved by locals, it offers globally inspired meat-free plates and a lively canal-front terrace.

    What to order: Global veg plates; vegan options

    Reserve

  • Beter & Leuk

    Vegetarian $$

    A vegetarian and vegan cafe in Amsterdam Oost serving globally influenced plant-based plates, brunch, and specialty coffee. Its neighborhood charm and creative menu make it a comfortable, reliable meat-free destination.

    What to order: Brunch bowls; plant-based plates

    Reserve

  • Vegan Junk Food Bar

    Vegan $$

    An Amsterdam-born vegan spot serving hearty plant-based takes on fast-food classics like loaded burgers, kapsalon, and bitterballen. Its playful, satisfying cooking makes it a fun stop for indulgent vegan comfort food across the city.

    What to order: Plant-based burgers; vegan bitterballen

    Reserve

  • Choux

    Modern European $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, this modern kitchen near Centraal Station offers standout vegetable-forward dishes worth seeking out. Its creative produce cookery makes it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters in the city center.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward plates; seasonal menu

    Reserve

Best Herring & Iconic Amsterdam Eats

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Amsterdam without diving into the city's iconic hometown foods: raw herring, crispy kroketten and bitterballen, warm stroopwafels, and thick-cut patat drowned in mayonnaise.

Hollandse Nieuwe herring is the headline act, mild silvery fish eaten with chopped onion and pickles straight from a canal-side stand, while the deep-fried snacks pulled from a FEBO wall are what locals actually grab on the go.

Beyond these, a towering wedge of Dutch appeltaart and a shared Indonesian rijsttafel are essential rites of passage rooted in the country's colonial trade history. These dishes are affordable, unpretentious, and deeply tied to Amsterdam's mercantile past.

Come hungry, embrace the mess, and taste the foods that define the city's culinary identity.

  • Stubbe's Haring

    Herring $

    The definitive herring stand for many, perched at the Haarlemmersluis lock since generations. The Hollandse Nieuwe, served with raw onion and gherkins, is impeccably fresh and generously cut. A no-frills family institution, it is dependable and quintessentially Amsterdam.

    What to order: Hollandse Nieuwe herring with onions and pickles

    Reserve

  • Vleminckx Sausmeesters

    Fries $

    Beloved by locals for its double-fried Belgian-style patat, thick and crisp and served in a paper cone. The long queue near the Spui and dozens of house sauces make it a proper city-centre fries ritual.

    What to order: Patat with mayonnaise or oorlog sauce

    Reserve

  • Van Dobben

    Dutch Snacks $

    A historic snack bar off Rembrandtplein serving the classic beef kroket on soft white bread with mustard. Standing at the counter with a hot croquette and a coffee is a quintessential, unpretentious Amsterdam meal.

    What to order: Rundvleeskroket on white bread with mustard

    Reserve

  • FEBO

    Fast Food $

    The essential automat experience, where you drop coins into a wall and pull out a hot kroket or frikandel from a little glass hatch. Late-night, cheap, and oddly satisfying, it is a rite of passage after a night out.

    What to order: Kroket or frikandel from the wall

    Reserve

  • Winkel 43

    Cafe / Apple Pie $

    Famous for its towering appeltaart, a spiced, chunky apple pie served warm with a heap of whipped cream. Touristy yet genuinely satisfying, the corner terrace on the Noordermarkt is a go-to for a classic Dutch afternoon treat.

    What to order: Dutch apple pie with slagroom

    Reserve

  • Van Wonderen Stroopwafels

    Stroopwafels $

    A cult favourite near the Kalverstraat pressing stroopwafels fresh to order, warm and gooey with caramel syrup. You can pile on chocolate and toppings, making it a distinctive, deeply indulgent street sweet worth the queue.

    What to order: Warm stroopwafel with toppings

    Reserve

  • Kantjil & de Tijger

    Indonesian $$

    A long-running Indonesian kitchen serving rijsttafel, a spread of many small spiced dishes shared around the table. A dramatic, over-the-top feast reflecting Amsterdam's colonial trade roots, it rewards a hungry group with variety and heat.

    What to order: Rijsttafel; nasi rames

    Reserve

  • Holtkamp

    Patisserie / Croquettes $$

    An elegant Art Deco patisserie near the canals, revered for its refined croquettes. The shrimp croquette and the bitterballen are benchmark versions of the Dutch snack, crisp outside and molten within, elevated far beyond bar food.

    What to order: Garnalenkroket; bitterballen

    Reserve

  • The Pancake Bakery

    Pancakes $$

    A canal-house institution in the Jordaan serving enormous Dutch pancakes, both sweet and savoury, plus fluffy poffertjes dusted with powdered sugar. A cosy, filling stop that turns a simple street food into a proper sit-down meal.

    What to order: Dutch pancakes; poffertjes

    Reserve

  • Reypenaer

    Cheese $$

    A classic cheese house near the Nine Streets offering guided tastings of aged Gouda paired with wine and port. Sampling crystalline, well-matured wheels in the cellar represents Amsterdam's everyday cheese tradition beyond the market stalls.

    What to order: Aged Gouda tasting flight

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Amsterdam by Neighborhood

Amsterdam is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and the best restaurants in Amsterdam are scattered across them rather than concentrated in a single dining district.

De Pijp and the Jordaan form the liveliest, most walkable food hubs, while Oud-Zuid and the Grachtengordel reward those seeking polished, classic dining.

Amsterdam-Noord and Oost have become magnets for chef-driven cooking in converted warehouses and greenhouses, and the Zeedijk anchors a compact, atmospheric Chinatown.

Using neighborhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, canal-side strolls, and a genuine sense of local life. This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across the city.

  • De Pijp, Bar Fisk

    Israeli-Mediterranean $$

    A buzzy Israeli-Mediterranean spot just off Marie Heinekenplein, all sharing plates and grilled fish. De Pijp is Amsterdam's most vibrant food quarter, home to the Albert Cuyp Market, and Bar Fisk captures its energetic, casual spirit. Come early or expect a wait.

    What to order: Mezze; whole grilled fish

    Reserve

  • Jordaan, Moeders

    Dutch $$

    A cozy, characterful institution serving traditional Dutch home cooking in one of the city's prettiest neighborhoods. The walls are covered in guests' family photos, and the hearty classics make it the ideal introduction to the Jordaan's snug, canal-lined charm.

    What to order: Stamppot; hutspot; hachee

    Reserve

  • Amsterdam-Noord, Hotel de Goudfazant

    French $$$

    A soaring former warehouse near the IJ waterfront that helped ignite the Noord dining boom. French-leaning bistro cooking, an open kitchen, and an industrial-chic room capture the neighborhood's transformation into a creative destination best reached by free ferry.

    What to order: Steak; whole roast fish

    Reserve

  • Oost, De Kas

    Farm-to-Table $$$

    A working greenhouse restaurant set in the leafy Frankendael Park, growing much of its own produce. The daily-changing set menu and farm-to-table ethos anchor the eastern districts and make it worth planning a full afternoon around Oost's parks and gardens.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu; garden vegetables

    Reserve

  • Chinatown (Zeedijk), Nam Kee

    Cantonese $

    A no-frills Cantonese favorite famous across the city for its steamed oysters in black bean sauce. Amsterdam's compact Chinatown along the Zeedijk offers dim sum, roast meats, and bustling energy, making a dumpling-and-tea crawl a rewarding, affordable outing.

    What to order: Steamed oysters; Peking duck

    Reserve

  • Oud-Zuid, Ron Gastrobar

    International $$$

    Chef Ron Blaauw's relaxed take on fine dining, serving a menu of accomplished small plates at a flat price near Vondelpark. Elegant yet unfussy, it exemplifies the refined, chef-driven cooking of Amsterdam's genteel southern neighborhoods.

    What to order: Small plates; langoustine

    Reserve

  • Westerpark, Mossel & Gin

    Seafood $$

    A festive mussels-and-gin bar tucked into the Westergas cultural complex, a former gasworks turned events hub. Steaming pots of mussels and a deep gin list make it a convivial anchor for exploring Westerpark's galleries, festivals, and green spaces.

    What to order: Mussels; gin cocktails

    Reserve

  • Grachtengordel, Tempo Doeloe

    Indonesian $$$

    A beloved, long-running Indonesian restaurant on Utrechtsestraat serving one of the city's finest rijsttafels. Reservations are essential, and the intimate canal-district room makes it a classic reason to plan a meal around the Grachtengordel's historic ring.

    What to order: Rijsttafel; rendang

    Reserve

  • Oud-West, Foodhallen

    Food Hall $$

    A lively indoor food hall in De Hallen, a beautifully restored former tram depot, with stalls spanning bitterballen to dim sum. It captures Oud-West's creative buzz and pairs perfectly with the surrounding boutiques, cinema, and weekend market.

    What to order: Bitterballen; global street food

    Reserve

  • De Baarsjes, Bar Baarsch

    Gastropub $$

    A warm, unpretentious neighborhood gastropub on Jan Pieter Heijestraat known for its burgers and rock-and-roll vibe. De Baarsjes has become one of the city's most rewarding low-key dining strips, and this is a friendly place to settle in with locals.

    What to order: Burgers; bar snacks

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's dining scene never stands still, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Amsterdam keep the city on the national radar year after year.

Recent momentum has centered on Amsterdam-Noord's continued expansion across the IJ, ambitious neighborhood debuts, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second and third concepts.

New openings tend to book up fast on buzz alone, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps. Because the freshest spots evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go.

These picks highlight recently opened and buzzy restaurants that capture where Amsterdam dining is heading right now.

  • Rijks

    Modern Dutch $$$$

    Chef Joris Bijdendijk's Michelin-starred restaurant beside the Rijksmuseum champions Dutch produce and heritage ingredients with contemporary technique. Its museum-quarter setting and precise cooking made it a defining modern fine-dining arrival.

    What to order: Dutch-produce tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Bak

    Organic European $$$

    Perched atop a former warehouse in the Houthavens, this organic, sustainability-driven restaurant serves a set menu with sweeping views over the IJ. Its green ethos and harbor light have made it one of the city's most distinctive tables.

    What to order: Organic set menu; IJ views

    Reserve

  • Guts & Glory

    Modern European $$$

    A story-driven restaurant on the Utrechtsestraat where each multi-course menu is built around a single ingredient or theme. Its playful, ingredient-focused format keeps it firmly in the conversation as a modern favorite.

    What to order: Story-driven multi-course menu

    Reserve

  • Breda

    Modern European $$$

    A stylish spot on the Singel serving inventive, seasonal small plates in a light-filled room. Its polished cooking and buzzy atmosphere made it an instant see-and-be-seen destination in the center.

    What to order: Seasonal small plates

    Reserve

  • Bar Fisk

    Mediterranean Seafood $$

    A lively De Pijp seafood bar blending Israeli and eastern Mediterranean flavors with grilled fish and generous mezze. Its energetic room and sharing plates keep it popular for groups.

    What to order: Grilled fish; Israeli mezze

    Reserve

  • Scheepskameel

    Dutch $$$

    A refined Dutch restaurant on the Eastern Islands pairing seasonal cooking with an all German and Austrian wine list. Warm, understated, and quietly ambitious, it reflects a move toward focused, ingredient-led dining.

    What to order: Seasonal Dutch plates; German wines

    Reserve

  • Wilde Zwijnen

    Seasonal Dutch $$

    A neighborhood favorite in the Indische Buurt serving robust, seasonal Dutch cooking with an emphasis on game and shared dishes. Its rustic, welcoming feel exemplifies the modern neighborhood-bistro trend outside the center.

    What to order: Seasonal game; Dutch sharing plates

    Reserve

  • Bar Botanique

    Mediterranean $$

    A plant-filled, tropical-themed cafe and eatery on the Javastraat serving Mediterranean sharing plates in a greenhouse-like room. Its lush atmosphere and easy menu make it a reliably buzzy Oost destination.

    What to order: Sharing plates; tropical setting

    Reserve

  • The Duchess

    Grand Brasserie $$$$

    A glamorous grand brasserie set inside a former bank on the Spuistraat, with marble, classic French-Italian dishes, and a see-and-be-seen crowd. It represents the polished, upscale dining that continues to draw buzz downtown.

    What to order: Brasserie classics; grand room

    Reserve

  • Foodhallen

    Food Hall $$

    A curated food hall inside the converted De Hallen tram depot in Oud-West gathers standout local vendors under one roof, offering an easy way to sample multiple buzzy cuisines in a single, casual visit.

    What to order: Multiple local vendors under one roof

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Amsterdam most famous for?

Amsterdam is most famous for Dutch snacks like bitterballen, raw herring (haring), stroopwafels, and poffertjes. Thanks to colonial history, Indonesian rijsttafel is a local institution, alongside fine dining such as two-Michelin-star Ciel Bleu.

Where can I get the best Indonesian rijsttafel in Amsterdam?

Top rijsttafel spots include Tempo Doeloe and Sampurna in the center, Restaurant Blauw in Oud-West, and Sama Sebo near the Rijksmuseum. Book ahead and come hungry; the shared spread runs to dozens of small dishes.

Do I need reservations for top Amsterdam restaurants?

Yes. Michelin-starred spots like Ciel Bleu, Spectrum, and Rijks, plus the greenhouse favorite De Kas, need reservations released weeks ahead. Casual eetcafes and Foodhallen stalls are walk-in. Book early or sit at the bar.

Which Amsterdam neighborhoods are best for dining?

De Pijp buzzes around the Albert Cuypmarkt, and Oud-West draws crowds to the Foodhallen. The Jordaan has cozy bistros and brown cafes, Amsterdam Noord offers waterfront and industrial-chic spots, and the center holds classic rijsttafel houses.

How expensive is fine dining in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam's top tasting menus are a splurge, typically running well into three figures per person before pairings. Neighborhood eetcafes, market stalls, and FEBO-style snacks offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Amsterdam?

Yes. Vegan and vegetarian spots include the Vegan Junk Food Bar, Mr & Mrs Watson, and the long-running De Bolhoed in the Jordaan. Many fine-dining kitchens accommodate plant-based menus with notice, and Surinamese and Indian spots offer meat-free platters.