Where to Eat In Amsterdam

Restaurants in Amsterdam offer food from all over the globe and to suit every budget. Whilst you might be better off giving some of the questionable kebab shops a miss, it is still possible to eat here relatively cheaply.

The quality of restaurants in Amsterdam has increased over the last 10 years. A new generation of chefs have emerged bringing exciting new flavours to the city and bringing new twists to old Dutch favourites. Just don’t mention Febo!

Where To Eat In Amsterdam

Bazar

Huge restaurant serving African and middle-eastern food in a converted church. The food is reasonably priced and was quick to arrive. Because of its size, you can expect to find large groups so it perhaps wouldn’t be ideal for a romantic meal. Map.

Benny’s Chicken

If you are after street food in Amsterdam, ‘Benny’s Chicken’ (map) is a street food stall located in the popular Albert Cuypmarkt. You can not miss them as they will shout at you as you pass insisting you try their chicken. They are very confident in their chicken and with good reason. It is delicious. It is also reasonably priced, considering a lot of tourists come to this market.

Beste Kebab

More great street food in Amsterdam can be found at the Dappermarkt. Beste Kebab (map) make good quality, affordable kebabs and other middle-eastern food. Tender and well-spiced lamb is served in delicious freshly made warm bread. This place is a favourite with the locals which is always a good sign.

Billy’s Thai Restaurant

Unpretentious Thai food in casual surroundings, ‘Billy’s Thai Restaurant’ (map) offers popular Thai dishes at a reasonable price. Despite being on Prinsengracht and not far from Leidseplein, it doesn’t feel touristy. Friendly staff and great food.

Bird Thai

Bird is a popular Thai restaurant located in the Chinatown area. It is advisable to book in advance as it is usually busy. As I was travelling solo, they managed to find me a single table straight away. The food was great, probably the best Thai food I have had in Amsterdam. Map.

Burgerfabriek

Burger bar with a number of locations. The burgers are nothing special and not the cheapest. Many reviews complain about rude service but I didn’t have this experience.

Cafe De Klos

I have seen this place many times without knowing it is one of the most highly-regarded restaurants in the area. ‘Cafe De Klos’ (map) is known for its ribs. You cannot book in advance and it is usually full. They have a bar on the same street where you can wait for your table. The ribs are as good as their reputation. Most customers seem to prefer the non-smoked ribs. The meat literally falls off the bone. Not for vegans.

Cafe Loetje

There are a number of Loetje restaurants in Amsterdam. They are best known by locals and tourists for their steaks. There are so many Argentinian steak restaurants across the city, I wanted to see just how good Cafe Loetje was to be so highly regarded.

The answer is… very good. I had a beef tenderloin steak with chicken livers, bacon and onions with a side order of chips. It cost around 20 Euros and was a real treat. The restaurants are always busy so it is advisable to book ahead.

Cannibale Royale Handboogstraat

Cannibale Royale now has 5 locations across the city, showing just how popular they have become over the last few years. I visited the restaurant on Handboogstraat (map). I hadn’t booked a table so had to make do with sitting at the bar. The ribs were good, though a tad overdone for my liking. If it’s ribs you want, I would go with Cafe De Klos.

Febo

I’m going to be honest. My criticism of Febo in the opening paragraph was not entirely justified. Where else can you buy hot food from a vending machine? It is very easy and popular to mock Febo but they are coming up to their 80th anniversary and they show no signs of slowing down. There are 22 Febo take-aways in Amsterdam at the time of writing.

Febo sell burgers, fries and many varieties of croquettes and are very cheap. No, it’s not the one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam, but you can’t visit Amsterdam without visiting a Febo.

Foodhallen

Foodhallen is a big food hall located in an old tram station. As well as food, there are many boutique shops and galleries. There is a great choice of food available. I have eaten there many times (Dutch, Spanish, Vietnamese, etc.) and it has been great food every time. Check the website for listings as they have gigs and DJs in the evenings. Not all food vendors take cash. Map.

Frens Haringhandel

Forget looking for an English breakfast. You’re in Amsterdam so eat Dutch. And what better way to eat like a local than with some lovely raw herring first thing in the morning from ‘Frens Haringhandel’ (map). It’s actually delicious and cheap.

Genki Sushi

Sushi bar with a nice garden that offers all-you-can-eat sushi for around 20 Euros (before a certain time). You order 5 dishes at a time and you can only order the next 5 once you’ve eaten all the food in front of you. There’s a maximum of 5 rounds so it’s not really all you can eat, but you certainly won’t be leaving hungry! The sushi was surprisingly good and we did actually get to round 5. My tip is to start on the sashimi first and leave the rice dishes to the last orders. Map.

Het Papeneiland

Het Papeneiland is a small cafe in a beautiful spot on the Prinsengracht. The coffee is excellent and you simply must try the classic Dutch apple pie with whipped cream. It is a perfect start to the day. Map.

Jacketz

If you’re missing some British home comfort food, head along to ‘Jacketz’ (map) for the most instagrammable jacket potato you will ever have. Jacket potatoes are served with a variety of different toppings, including vegan. A great meal.

Jasmine Thai

Jasmine Thai is a small, Thai restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown. As a solo traveller, I don’t really care for any fuss and here I was in and out in 45 minutes, giving me more time to enjoy the Amsterdam evening. The food was decent and reasonably priced. UPDATE – PERMANENTLY CLOSED.

Kabab Corner

When you walk into a fast food restaurant and there’s a sign on the door saying ‘good luck’ you should probably lower your expectations. ‘Kabab Corner’ (map), which is not actually on a corner, is one of those fast food places in Amsterdam that locals warn you about. There is no way of knowing just how long those pizzas in the window have been there. I had a kebab here and it was acceptable. Nothing great, but not dreadful. People complain that they have seen a rat whilst here. It is Amsterdam, a city built on canals. You will see rats!

Kantjil & De Tiger

Kantjil & De Tiger is a popular Indonesian restaurant located near the Spui (map). I came here for takeaway food. All I can say is I hope that the restaurant is an improvement. I was looking forward to trying the food but the box of brown slop I was given did not impress.

Maenaam Thai Restaurant

Maenaam Thai Restaurant is a highly-rated Thai restaurant located on the Spuistraat (map). Great food but confusing when ordering. I asked three different waitresses to get one beer. It came, eventually, but then I was charged for all three on the bill. I got it sorted in the end but they need to improve on that.

New York Pizza

I’ve lost count of how many nights I’ve ended up in a New York Pizza franchise after a night enjoying the Amsterdam nightlife. There are many New York Pizza restaurants dotted around Amsterdam with some being better and cleaner than others. You can buy pizza by the slice and there are usually many different types to choose from. It’s not the greatest pizza in the world but if you get them fresh and you’ve had many beers, you can’t beat it.

Pantry

The pantry is a charming, small restaurant serving traditional Dutch cuisine near Leidseplein. It’s not the type of restaurant you expect to find in this very touristic area. I had a special 3-course menu for 20 Euros and I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Map.

Poco Loco

Poco Loco is a restaurant and bar selling simple sandwiches and pancakes/crepes. As the restaurant faces Nieuwmarkt, it’s a good place to grab an outside table, enjoy a beer and some bar snacks and do some people-watching. Map.

Seafood Bar

The Seafood Bar (map) offers many types of fish to take away. They also serve finger food including traditional Dutch favourites such as herring and kibberling. I had the kibberling and it was delicious: soft pieces of cod lightly battered and deep-fried with a side-dip.

Soup En Zo

With three locations across the city, Soup En Zo sell freshly prepared soups served with fresh bread rolls. They have a small choice each day, always with a vegan option, and the menu changes. I had a goulash soup which was super tasty. For locations and further information, click here.

Taj Indian Restaurant

Taj Indian Restaurant serve delicious Indian food that is not too spicy. The friendly staff brought us free poppadoms, free pickle tray and even topped up our rice. As close to the Indian restaurants in England as you’ll get in Amsterdam. Map.

Three Sisters Pub

Three Sisters is a big sports bar located in Rembrandtplein. The food is standard pub food but it’s a great place to sit outside and people-watch, weather permitting. Map.

Vondeltuin

Vondeltuin is an outdoor cafe in Vondel Park. It’s a family-friendly place selling both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and food. It’s a great place to relax with a drink but be warned: in the summer, there are a lot of wasps! Map.

Winkel 43

Known for its apple pie, ‘Winkel 43’ (map) is a cute, small brown cafe located on the Prinsengracht, not too far from the Anne Frank House. They sell a variety of drinks and cakes but it’s the apple pie you need, preferable served with a strong coffee.

Best Bars in Amsterdam | Things to do in Amsterdam | Where to stay in Amsterdam