A list: Where to eat & drink in Amsterdam

Bitterballen, steak, & butter. The food in Amsterdam has only gotten better.

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We recently returned from Amsterdam (and Paris more on that later!) where we visited family — my brother and nephews. We’ve already done the touristy things in Amsterdam, like museums and walking tours. So this trip was all about family and food. Our 2 favorite things.

The city has changed quite a bit since our last visit. It feels even more modern and definitely busier. What hasn’t changed is the Dutch — they still yell at you if you get in the way of their cycling (fair).

Perhaps the biggest and best surprise was the food. And no, we aren’t talking about the famous maatjesharing (soused herring).

The quality and diversity of the food has grown by leaps and bounds over the past half decade. The bakeries are cranking out croissants that rival those in France (!!) and we’re still thinking about a particular savory quiche. Chinatown holds a myriad of tiny restaurants with lines flowing down the street. And popup restaurants and cafes are populating more and more corners.

Amsterdam has become one of our favorite food destinations.

What to eat & drink

They say happy cows live in California but did they speak to the ones in The Netherlands? The Dutch excel at cultivating livestock.

The Dutch Friesian cow is used to make the famous gouda cheese, as well as much of the milk (for drinking). So when in the land of great milk go dairy— cheese, yogurt, and creams. Oh and did we say ice cream? Dame blanche is one of our favorite desserts.

And definitely, get a nice juicy steak.

Where to eat & drink

Coffee/chai: Zizou, Admiraal de Ruijterweg 4, 1056 GJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Adorable outdoor cafe/coffee truck with some seating. Perfect place to sit in the sun and rest your feet while sipping on a chai or cappuccino.

Knock your socks off pastries: Bakhuys, Sarphatistraat 61, 1018 EX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Croissants and other incredible baked goods, sweet and savory. Get a few and share.

Drinks and late-night chats: Cafe Deengelbewaarder, Kloveniersburgwal 59HS, 1011 JZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Super cozy Dutch cafe/pub located right on the canal. Great beer selection. Perfect for an informal date or pre/post dinner drinks. They also serve food. During the warmer months, they do a lot of live music. Can feel more like a pub but children are welcome. Bring a deck of cards.

Afternoon drinks in the sun & casual dinner: Cafe Claauwhooft, Hendrik Jonkerplein 1, 1013 KM Amsterdam, Netherlands

Really fun Dutch restaurant with a full bar and outdoor/indoor seating. Great drinks and snacks. GET BITTERBALLEN! If you’re visiting in the spring/summer sit outside and enjoy the late sunset. They serve lunch and dinner. Get the Dame Blanche for dessert.

Lunch or dinner: Thaise Snackbar Bird, Zeedijk 77, 1012 AS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Wonderful, comforting thai food. There are 2 restaurants called Bird and they’re across the street from each other. They are NOT the same. You want to go to the snackbar, which has such tight seating you feel like you might fall off your chair. There’s almost always a line… It’s worth it! They don’t accept reservations. Everything was delicious.

Dinner: Restaurant Zwaantje, Berenstraat 12, 1016 GH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Traditional Dutch food in a super cozy atmosphere. Really lovely staff and quick service. Get bread and herbed butter, escargot, prime rib, and schnitzel, and of course, fries with mayo.

Can it feel a little touristy? Yes, but you’re a tourist. It hits all the right places so we will be back.

Farmer’s Market: The Pijp Albert Cuyp Market

The farmer’s market happens 6 days a week so chances are you’ll be able to stop by during your trip. There were so many tasty food stalls to try, including pickled herring if that’s your thing. There are also flowers and pastries. Lots of fresh cheese stalls and middle eastern food!

The Pijp neighborhood

Full of vintage stores, restaurants, and bars (great nightlife). You can spend the whole day here just walking around and popping in and out of stores stopping for lunch, sweet treats, dinner, and more sweet treats along the way (in that order).

Cheese shop: Kaasland Haarlemmerdijk

An almost overwhelming selection of cheeses (bet you didn’t know there was such a thing). The same could be the same for the amount of cheese shops in Amsterdam. If you find a shop you like while walking around pop in and buy some. You can also pick up cheese at the farmer’s markets scattered around the city.

Amsterdam has amazing food. We didn’t didn’t consume a single bad thing. The problem is we each have one stomach so couldn’t try more!

Andiamo, let’s plan your trip

Giuseppe and I are delighted to offer our travel consulting services! With summer travel season right around the corner now is the perfect time to work through the details of your itinerary.

Need recs for restaurants? We have a list.

Want to drive from the Amalfi coast to Puglia? We've done it and can help you plan (with stops!).

Need to visit family in Calabria or trace your roots? That’s our stomping ground! No town is too far or hidden.

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Until next time!

-Giuseppe & Skyler