Whether you’re looking to sample some traditional food from the Netherlands, or you fancy something more contemporary, there’s somewhere here to suit every taste and fancy. Let’s take a look at some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam, as well as some Michelin Star spots and famous eateries you simply can’t say no to.
The 10 best restaurants in Amsterdam
Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find something perfect among the beautiful canaled streets of Amsterdam. Here are some of our favourites, although there are lots more great spots to try.
- De Kas
- Stork
- Choux
- Café Restaurant Amsterdam
- Rijsel
- Hotel De Goudfazantv
- BAK Restaurant
- De Plantage
- Meatless District
- Alex + Pinard
1. De Kas
Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Restaurants using fresh, local produce is nothing new. But here at De Kas, ingredients are picked in the morning and served to you just a few hours later. They grow their own stuff, which is perfect since this unusual spot is tucket inside a series of towering glass greenhouses. Chefs prepare a fixed menu every day, so show up with an open mind and an empty belly.
2. Stork
Address: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201, 1021 KP Amsterdam, Netherlands
This beautiful café-restaurant is right on the water, on the northern banks of the IJ. It’s one of the best choices for seafood in Amsterdam. Think whole lobster, oysters, and ever-delicious catch of the day. On a sunny day, order a chilled bottle of white and plonk yourself down on the terrace. What could be better?
3. Choux
Address: De Ruijterkade 128, 1011 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
This Michelin Guide eatery puts vegetables at the forefront. Head here for something different but delicious. The atmosphere is excellent, too.
4. Café Restaurant Amsterdam
Address: Watertorenplein 6, 1051 PA Amsterdam, Netherlands
This unusually named restaurant occupies a 19th-century water pump station, giving it a great vibe from the moment you arrive. The vast menu includes something for everyone, from lighter bites at lunchtime to seafood, meat, and excellent pasta at dinner.
5. Rijsel
Address: Marcusstraat 52, 1091 TK Amsterdam, Netherlands
This traditional yet modern rotisserie restaurant regularly changes its menu. Head here for classic French-Flemish dishes. The bright space and open kitchen put the food at the forefront, so you know you’re in for a memorable meal.
6. Hotel De Goudfazant
Address: Aambeeldstraat 10, 1021 KB Amsterdam, Netherlands
Not a hotel, or even in a hotel, this laid-back waterfront restaurant is well worth the trip. Inside a refurbished warehouse, Hotel De Goudfazant focuses on French cuisine. Hop on a ferry, and you’ll be there in minutes. Trust us, it’s worth it.
7. BAK Restaurant
Address: Van Diemenstraat 408, 1013 CR Amsterdam, Netherlands
About time we threw some fine dining your way. BAK Restaurant uses the best ingredients from sustainable sources, entertaining guests with ethical, imaginative dishes. The set menu is different every day, so you never know what you’re going to get. You just know it’ll be great.
8. De Plantage
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 36, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Try to suppress a ‘wow’ as you head into De Plantage. This conservatory restaurant is surrounded by lantern-lit sycamore trees. You’ll find it in Amsterdam’s 19th-century pleasure gardens.
9. Meatless District
Address: Bilderdijkstraat 65-67, 1053 KM Amsterdam, Netherlands
At the heart of the Old West area, Meatless District is a vegan menu that even carnivores will enjoy. Head here for lunch, dinner, or drinks, and we’re sure you’ll leave feeling great.
10. Alex + Pinard
Address: Dapperstraat 10, 1093 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands
This excellent wine bar boasts a menu of natural, organic, and biodynamic bottles. At the same time, the open kitchen serves delicious but straightforward dishes which let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Amsterdam’s Michelin Star Restaurants
Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a memorable meal, choose one of the city’s 18 Michelin Star spots.
- RON Gastrobar
- Vinkeles
- The Duchess
- MOS
- RIJKS®
- Bolenuis
- Bougainville
- The White Room by Jacob Jan Boerma
- Le Restaurant
- Bord’Eau
- Vemeer
- Lastage
- Spectrum
- Graphite by Peter Gast
- Restaurant 212
- Sinne
- Ciel Bleu
- Yamazato
You can’t go wrong when you book a table at one of these beautiful spots. Amsterdam’s Michelin Stars cover cuisines from all over the world. Of the 18, a couple of these restaurants as good enough to have two stars!
Spectrum
Address: Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Each dish at Spectrum looks as fantastic as it tastes. Using the best Dutch products and international techniques, Sidney Schutte, the brains behind Spectrum, creates a unique dining experience. Set inside a typical canal-side building, this refined restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
Ciel Bleu
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands
This one’s as flashy as they come. Situated in the top floor of luxury Hotel Okura, guests can enjoy spectacular views over Amsterdam while they dine. Each dish is approached with technical skill and creativity, while unusual combinations mean every mouthful is a surprise. If you’re looking for excellence, look no further.
Famous Restaurants in Amsterdam
As well as plenty of excellent Dutch and world-inspired restaurants, Amsterdam is home to some unique spots you’ll remember forever. Whether they stand out for their location, theme, or cuisine, here are some of the best-known restaurants in Amsterdam.
REM Eiland
Address: Haparandadam 45-2, 1013 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
REM Eiland is set inside a former broadcast platform. That’s a towering structure once owned by a Dutch pirate radio station. When the illegal operation was shut down, the now-famous rig was towed to shore and fixed in place. Now you can eat and drink there! The elevated restaurant boasts fantastic views over the city, while the modern French menu includes something for everyone.
Dinner Train
Address: Start from Platform 2B, Amsterdam Centraal Station
Zoom through the Dutch countryside with this totally unique dinner experience. Chefs will surprise you with a delicious meal as you journey through colourful tulip fields, past beautiful historical windmills, and eventually back to Amsterdam. There’ll be a guide on board to point out exciting landmarks. At the same time, you enjoy a meal of traditional Dutch cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients. It’s a perfect way to see some more of the Netherlands.
MOON
Address: Overhoeksplein 3, 1031 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands
The city’s only revolving restaurant, MOON sits at the top of the A’DAM Tower on the banks of the IJ. Almost 100 metres above sea level, this unique restaurant is known throughout the city for its unbeatable views and excellent gourmet food.
Natuurlijk Smullen
Address: Jan van Galenstraat 78, 1056 CD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Perhaps, thanks to its standing as a European nightlife capital, Amsterdam has nailed fried snack food. This spot in Amsterdam West serves up some of the best in the city. From traditional koroket and bitterballen (breaded, meat-filled snacks) to perfect Dutch-style fries and mayonnaise, it’s an ideal place to pick up a bite.
Natuurlijk Smullen was the first of its kind to adapt to healthier preferences, and only serves food made from natural, organic ingredients. It’s popular among locals for its guilt-free treats, and we know you’ll love it too!
TonTon Club West
Address: Polonceaukade 27, 1014 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you love classic arcade games and great Japanese food, head to TonTon Club West for a unique experience. The upper level is packed with coin-operated arcade games including Time Crisis III, Street Fighter IV, and Tetris. Remember those?
Downstairs, the restaurant is centred around a bar where you can grab tokens, drinks, and Japanese-style dishes to refuel. Think ramen, gyoza, and even a selection of Japanise-inspired burgers to sink your teeth into.
Getting around Amsterdam
Amsterdam has been named among the most liveable cities in the world. Perhaps part of this is down to its quick, comfortable, and convenient public transport system. Getting around Amsterdam by tram, train, or bus couldn’t be simpler. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not hire a bike and explore Amsterdam like a local?
The city is known for its clear, safe cycle lanes, which mean you can discover the Dutch capital in the most exciting way!
Choosing a public transport ticket
If you’re going to be using public transport in Amsterdam – and we recommend you do – there are a few options when it comes to choosing your tickets.
The easiest way for tourists to explore is with a multi-day transport pass. This will let you use any of the city’s services for a period that suits you. Select the I Amsterdam City Card for unlimited travel for 24, 48, or 72 hours. The services are easy to navigate, with lots of straightforward apps available to help you find your way. The OV-chipkaart is another good option, letting you check-in and out of stations with a swipe.
If you’re confused about getting around, head into a transport station and ask for assistance or visit the information desk. The Dutch are very friendly, and most speak perfect English, so you can get straightforward advice about what to do.
When does Amsterdam public transport run?
Trams, busses, and Metros run from 06:00 to 00:30. If you need to travel between 00:30 and 07:00, you can take a night bus. Of course, there are also lots of taxi services running around Amsterdam, so you have another option if you need to travel in the small hours.
Whether you’re visiting for the food, nightlife, history, or culture, there’s something in Amsterdam to please everyone. We’re sure you’ll have a wonderful time in the laid-back Dutch capital.
Travelling to Amsterdam by train
It's easy to take the train to Amsterdam from many major destinations across Europe. Travel direct with Eurostar from London to Amsterdam in just 4h 2m or from Paris to Amsterdam in just 3h 12m. Brussels to Amsterdam is also another well-connected route, taking just 1h 45m.
The journeys won't take long on the way back either: Amsterdam to London takes just 5h 11m, Amsterdam to Paris takes just 3h 13m and Amsterdam to Brussels take just 1h 46m.
You can find out more about travelling around the Netherlands by train in our trains in the Netherlands guide.