18 Best Places to Eat in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam foodie scene is way better than you would expect. They have such a wide range of options, so you will find tons of great things to eat in Amsterdam… if you know where to look.

Amsterdam may not be known for their food, but when you have tried as many places as me, you can find some great options.

They are famous for stroopwafels, but they have so much more to offer. You might even find yourself called to try the herring (I haven’t yet, so let me know how it goes!). 

If you want to find the best places to eat in Amsterdam, then keep reading and I’ll share my favorites after several visits to this incredible city. Planning to spend some time in Amsterdam?

Still planning your trip? Make sure to check out where to stay in Amsterdam so you can spend more time enjoying the city and less time planning.

What to eat in Amsterdam

Add these to your plan anywhere you see them on the menu: bitterballen, Dutch pancakes, kibbeling, and frites with mayo.

Trust me… these are staples of Dutch cuisine.

Now let’s talk about the top 18 can’t miss restaurants and food spots to eat at in Amsterdam for a delicious meal (or meals).

The shortcut to eating well in Amsterdam

If you want a shortcut to tasting Amsterdam’s food scene, then the best way is by doing a food tour. It’s the easiest way to try a little bit of everything without needing to research tons of places or accidentally miss the best stuff.

Food tours really opened my eyes to how delicious Amsterdam actually is. Plus you get local context, tons of hidden gems, and you get a delicious variety of food to try.

My favorite food tour to recommend is the 10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan. It takes place in the best part of the city, and it’s a great value for what you get on the tour.

The Amsterdam Food and Walking Tour is another great option if you want to double dip by learning fun information about the city in addition to the food. Each of these tours lasts a few hours, and you learn tons of fun facts that I hadn’t heard elsewhere.

These tours are both great options if you want to understand Dutch food beyond the classic stroopwafel. The stories behind the food are the best part, and you’ll even explore neighborhoods you probably won’t find on your own. If you’re short on time, a food tour is by far the best way to eat well in Amsterdam.

Sit-down restaurants that you’ll love

When you arrive in Amsterdam, there are tons of options, and it can be hard to choose where you want to visit first.

Foodhallen

If you’re anything like me, you like a variety and everything needs to taste super delicious. In that case, you’ll love to visit Foodhallen. It’s the perfect spot for someone who likes to try everything.

Foodhallen is a food hall with a ton of different types of food and options. While the food spots change from time to time, when I’ve visited, there has been japanese, mexican, some great bitterballen, and a nice bar.

You can’t miss Foodhallen if you’re visiting Amsterdam. It has so many great options, and it’s perfect for a group, especially if anyone is a picky eater. There is something for everyone here.

I could go on and on about this food hall, they have everything that you could possibly want.

The Commons

The Commons (also called The Social Hub) really surprised me when I visited.

This spot had some of the best garlic bread I’ve ever tasted. Their pizza is also very delicious. I know it can be hard to mess up, but I would definitely recommend this spot if you’re looking for something cheesy.

Lotti’s

Next up we have Lotti’s. It’s technically part of a hotel, which is why I was so surprised about the quality and value of the food.

They served up one of the best burgers I’ve ever had, and the wine was also quite nice too.

Lotti’s was the only place open on King’s Day too, so our options were a bit limited.

If you’re planning a visit during King’s Day, you can learn more about what to expect on King’s Day here.

Schumich Cafe

Next up, I need to recommend a spot off the radar a little bit. This place was called Schumich Café, and it was incredibly entertaining and overall a lot of fun.

The bartender there could talk your ear off, but she was super interesting. It was nice and not too crowded, plus it’s right on the canals which is perfect!

Fast quick, and easy eats

Sometimes you need food fast. And sometimes that food comes out of a wall.

Febo

Want a Dutch classic? Then I’d recommend Febo. 

This is an experience you can’t miss, and it’s open super late, so you’ve got options. Febo has a ton of different food options, but the most interesting part about it is how you get the food. You stick a coin in a vending slot. Out comes a hot snack.

It’s the best way to eat automated food.

Wok to Walk

When I needed carbs now, Wok to Walk delivered. Custom stir-fry cooked right in front of you. Cheap. Filling. Delicious.

This is another chain like Febo, but it’s another Chinese option and it’s super quick and easy. 

You can’t forget the sweet stuff

Let’s start with dessert. Amsterdam takes sugar seriously.

Stroopwafels

I grabbed my first warm stroopwafel from Van Holland Stroopwafels and it was perfect. Chewy, gooey, and not too sweet. They have tons of topping options and different sizes in case you just want a taste.

The famous Van Wonderen next door had a huge line, so I skipped it. No regrets with this better option that is just a little less famous.

Polaberry

For chocolate-covered strawberries that look like tiny art pieces, I went to Polaberry. They have a ton of cute little dessert/pastry options. It’s adorable, and it’s on Nine Streets so it’s perfect.

Great location, and a super delicious spot if you need something sweet.

Rene’s Croissanterie

The first time, I wasn’t sure if the delicious desserts at Rene’s Croissanterie were just a fluke… and then it became a nightly ritual.

This is a take-away only pastry and dessert shop, and I’d highly recommend it. It’s open late too, so it’s good at all times.

Corner Bakery

Want the wildest milkshake of your life? Then you aren’t going to want to miss the Corner Bakery.

This breakfast spot offers shakes that are stacked with cookies, cake, candy… basically a sugar bomb in a glass. It’s so delicious, and there are a ton of crazy options.

More affordable food spots

Amsterdam isn’t cheap, but you can still eat well without breaking the budget too much.

Caffe il Momento

Of course, I can’t forget to mention where to find some great coffee (and usually some yummy breakfast bits). My favorite cute little shop was Caffe il Momento.

It’s also a great spot to work from since it has outlets and wifi, so it was perfect for what I needed.

Bagels & Beans

Bagels & Beans is a local chain, but don’t let that fool you, it’s a great option to grab breakfast and a coffee. The locations are super convenient, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking for an easy and healthy option.

I especially like the one located near Central Station that is overlooking the water. The view is just as good as the food.

Skek

Skek is a student-friendly café with great food and even better deals. They have tons of discounted meals and laid back vibes.

It’s weird to say I was excited that they offered free tap water, but that was definitely something that added a plus to my experience.

Bars with bites

Some bars serve great drinks. Others give you the full experience. These places did both.

Café the Tribe was the perfect pre-party spot. Chill drinks, decent prices, and real bathrooms, which was a surprising luxury.

Café Hill Street Blues is a little more chaotic. The walls are covered in graffiti. It’s got some incredible personality. Definitely a great spot for photo-ops.

And again, I have to give another shout out to Lotti’s for the cocktails. Between the burgers and the drinks, we were thoroughly impressed. Well worth it.

Final thoughts

I came to Amsterdam for the canals, and I stayed for the food.

No one told me this was a foodie city. But I’m here to tell you that it totally can be.

Whether you want sweet, savory, cheap, fast, or fancy, Amsterdam’s got it.

And yes. Next time, I’ll try the herring.

Probably.

If you want any other tips on things to do, check out my favorite things to do in Amsterdam.

Have some questions about food in Amsterdam? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram at @LizsGreatPerhaps! I’d love to help you figure out where to eat.