Things to do in Amsterdam

Best restaurants in Amsterdam that’ll leave you craving more

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Let's talk about Amsterdam's food scene! For foodies like us, exploring local cuisine is one of the greatest joys of travel. Amsterdam's culinary scene is a delicious mix of traditional Dutch flavors with global influences, thanks to centuries of trading history. Sitting along the North Sea, the city's food culture naturally features plenty of fresh seafood, alongside rich dairy products and hearty dishes.

While you can't miss trying classic Dutch treats like warm stroopwafels and homemade appeltaart (apple pie), Amsterdam's restaurants offer so much more. Whether you're visiting during the festive Christmas season or any other time of year, you'll find incredible dining spots that won't break the bank.

Ready to discover where locals and food enthusiasts eat? Here's my curated list of Amsterdam's best value-for-money restaurants.

1. The Pantry

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Dutch
Price range: €20–30

The Pantry feels like being welcomed into a friend's home. The charming, cozy interior sets the perfect mood for exploring authentic Dutch cuisine. They have several specialties, from traditional herring to their signature gehaktballen (Dutch meatballs) served with rich gravy. Don't miss their stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and hutspot (root vegetable stew) – both absolute comfort food classics. The friendly staff and central location near Rijksmuseum make this a must-visit spot.



Must-try dishes: Dutch Ham, Cheese Croquettes, Smoked Sausage, Vlaflip, Dutch Steak

2. De Kas

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Fine dining restaurant
Price range: €100+

Housed in a stunning converted 1920s greenhouse, De Kas will give you a unique farm-to-table experience. The restaurant grows its own herbs and vegetables in the surrounding gardens, which you can explore after your meal. The six-course menu changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients, with each dish being a creative, beautifully presented masterpiece. For a Michelin-starred restaurant, the price point (under €100 for the tasting menu) is really great.



Must-try dishes: Pumpkin Soup, Goat Cheese Ice Cream, Fried Tapioca Crisps

3. Dignita Vondelpark

Location: Get there
Cuisine: All-day brunch
Price range: €10–20

This charming brunch spot near Vondelpark serves some of Amsterdam's best breakfast dishes. Their eggs Benedict with house-made Hollandaise sauce is legendary, and the French toast with seasonal fruits never disappoints. The bright, airy space creates a perfect atmosphere for lazy weekend mornings. Their signature "Benny Boy" – perfectly poached eggs served over crispy potato latkes – is a must-try. While the restaurant is small and popular (reservations recommended), the fresh ingredients, beautiful plating, and excellent coffee make it worth planning ahead for.



Must-try dishes: Eggs Benedict, American Pancake Stack, Chook Norris Sandwich

4. Eetsalon Van Dobben

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Dutch
Price range: €10–20

A local institution since 1945, Van Dobben serves Amsterdam's most famous broodje kroket (croquette sandwich). Their hot beef croquettes are crispy outside, creamy inside, and perfectly spiced. While tourists flock here for the krokets, locals know to try their broodje half-om (mixed beef and liver sandwich) and uitsmijter (open-faced sandwich with fried eggs). The no-frills atmosphere and quick service make this spot feel authentically Amsterdam. Do try their signature mustard sauce.



Must-try dishes: Roast Beef, Croquet in Bread Roll, Raw Minced Steak, Bitterballen

5. Scheepskameel

Location: Get there
Cuisine: European
Price range: €80–100

Located in a former navy building, Scheepskameel’s elegant interior features high ceilings and large windows overlooking the harbor. Their menu changes seasonally and is divided into five sections: raw, vegetables, meat/fish, cheese, and dessert. While portions are modest, the 4-5 course tasting menu leaves diners satisfied. The extensive German wine list has excellent pairings at reasonable prices (€6-9 per glass). Their seafood is perfectly prepared and you must try their innovative espresso-vodka sorbet for dessert.



Must-try dishes: Leg of Lamb, Raw Seafood Platter, Brownie, Beef Tartare

6. Namche Amsterdam

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Nepali and Indian
Price range: €20–30

This cozy restaurant serves authentic Nepalese and North Indian cuisine in generous portions. The menu features dishes like Momo dumplings (both steamed and pan-fried versions) and flavorful Pork Choila. What sets Namche apart is their attention to dietary restrictions - they give you detailed allergen menus. The restaurant's warm atmosphere and friendly owner who personally explains Nepali cuisine make dining here a delightful experience.



Must-try dishes: Chicken dumplings, Lamb Curry, Jhol Momo, Veggie Dal Bhat

7. Bistrot Neuf

Location: Get there
Cuisine: French
Price range: €10–20

This charming French bistro offers classic Parisian dishes in an intimate setting, complete with vintage posters and soft lighting. Their seafood dishes are particularly noteworthy – the Dover sole with beurre noisette and bouillabaisse are standouts. The chef's tasting menu (around €90 per person) is great value for money considering the quality. Their curated wine list features well-priced French selections. Vegetarian options are also well-executed, though the menu does lean heavily toward seafood.



Must-try dishes: Steak, Monkfish, Escargot, Portobello mushroom, Charcuterie plate

8. Nazka

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Peruvian
Price range: €100+

Nazka brings vibrant Peruvian flavors to Amsterdam's fine dining scene. Chef Juan Sanchez crafts innovative dishes combining traditional Andean ingredients with modern techniques. The elegant space offers both à la carte and tasting menus (4 or 6 courses), with each dish beautifully presented and explained by knowledgeable staff. Their pisco sours are exceptional, and the menu features standout dishes like fresh ceviche and perfectly cooked duck magret. While prices are high, the unique flavors and attentive service make it a worthwhile splurge for special occasions.



Must-try dishes: Sea Bass Ceviche, Salmon Tiradito, Peruvian Potatoes, Fish platter

9. Pizza Project

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: €20–30

This bustling pizzeria serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with a creative twist. Their sourdough crust, fermented for 48 hours, achieves the perfect balance of chewy and crispy. The open kitchen lets you watch pizzaiolos craft each pie by hand. While traditional Margherita and Marinara pizzas are the highlights, their innovative specials like the truffle-mushroom and spicy 'nduja versions are equally impressive. You’ll be spoiled for choices but if you feel confused then just blindly go for the ‘pizza of the month’, you won’t be disappointed.



Must-try dishes: Pepperoni & Spicy Honey, Nduja, Prosciutto Parmesan

10. Mezzave

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Israeli
Price range: €10–20

This Middle Eastern spot serves fresh, flavorful Israeli cuisine in a casual setting. Their hummus is made fresh daily and comes with warm, pillowy pita bread. Mezzave is known for their homemade meats and sausages, where traditional smoking and seasoning techniques create exceptional pastrami and salami. The shawarma plate and falafel wrap are local favorites, while their shakshuka makes for a perfect brunch option.



Must-try dishes: Smoked Short Ribs, Baguette, Mezzave Ribs, Beef Chuck Sandwich

11. Salmuera

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Latin American
Price range: €10–20

This is a vibrant Latin American restaurant that brings the flavors of Argentina and Peru to Amsterdam. The menu features perfectly grilled meats, fresh ceviches, and creative cocktails. Their empanadas are handmade daily, and the chimichurri sauce is exceptional. While the space can get a bit noisy during peak hours, the attentive staff and expertly prepared dishes more than make up for it. The steaks are noteworthy – juicy, perfectly cooked, and served with their signature house-made sauces.



Must-try dishes: Patatas Al Horno, Ribeye Steak Ranchero, Yucca Fries, Cheese Quesadillas

12. Staring at Jacob

Location: Get there
Cuisine: American
Price range: €20–30

This trendy West Amsterdam spot serves up stellar American comfort food in an industrial-chic setting. The menu features indulgent brunch classics like their famous chicken and waffles, perfectly made eggs Benedict, and fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup. Weekend brunchers flock here for the bottomless mimosas and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're seated at the stylish bar or enjoying the outdoor terrace on sunny days, you are sure to have a good time here.



Must-try dishes: Rasco Buttermilk Fried Chicken Waffle, Banana Bread French Toast, All Mighty Vegan, Maple Coffee

13. Hollands Hap Hmm Restaurant

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Dutch
Price range: €20–30

This cozy Dutch eatery is known for traditional home-style cooking in an unpretentious setting that feels like dining in a living room. Their menu features classic comfort dishes like stamppot, draadjesvlees (tender beef stew), and gehaktballen (Dutch meatballs). The beef stew arrives piping hot with buttery cabbage and perfectly steamed potatoes, while the schnitzel with pepper sauce is consistently excellent. Don't miss their stroopwafel pudding for dessert.



Must-try dishes: Viennese Schnitzel With Sauce, Stewed Beef, Fried Calamari, Grandmother's pudding

14. Winkel 43

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Dutch
Price range: €1–10

This charming corner café in Jordaan is famous for serving Amsterdam's best apple pie. Their apple tart features a perfectly buttery crust filled with chunks of fresh apples and cinnamon, topped with whipped cream. While the pie is the star attraction, they also serve excellent sandwiches and traditional Dutch snacks. The cozy atmosphere and outdoor terrace make it a perfect spot for people-watching while enjoying a slice of pie and coffee.



Must-try dishes: Apple Pie with Cream, Club Sandwich, Panini, Nachos

15. Bolenius Restaurant

Location: Get there
Cuisine: Dutch
Price range: €100+

Bolenius stands out as the Netherlands' first green Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Luc Kusters crafts modern Dutch cuisine with ingredients from their own urban garden. The elegant space in Zuidas offers seasonal tasting menus that celebrate vegetables in innovative ways. From pickled onion and horseradish sorbet to strawberry-elderflower coulis, each dish surprises with unexpected yet harmonious flavor combinations.



Must-try dishes: Scallops, Porcini mushrooms, The Zuidas vegetable garden

Best Restaurants in Amsterdam