Everyone has their own list of best restaurants. Here are my favorites in Amsterdam! Created over years of exploring the Amsterdam restaurant scene. Trying out new restaurants, analyzing the experience, returning to the good ones, and exchanging thoughts and ideas with other Amsterdam foodies. Then venturing out to distant places, coming back to Amsterdam, comparing new culinary experiences with the best of Dutch grub. Adding names to the list and removing others.
The result is Amsterdam’s top four restaurants: Balthazar’s Keuken, De Kas, Marius, and De Witte Uyl – in alphabetical order. They share a modern French or International menu, the use of purely organic ingredients and an incredible drive and passion for food. Yet each restaurant has its own distinct personality – a bohemian buzz at Balthazar’s Keuken in the heart of the Jordaan, the incredibly hip but remote greenhouse setting of De Kas, Marius’ individualism and provincial style near the IJ, and De Witte Uyl’s way of thinking globally and acting locally in cosmopolitan Pijp.
Balthazar’s Keuken
Balthazar’s Keuken is a small and crowded restaurant located in a former blacksmith’s workshop in the heart of the Jordaan. The staff tries hard to make all guests feel at home and the setting is certainly intimate, if slightly crammed. The food is a set three course menu. The first course usually is a mixed appetizers platter, presented on a sort of elevated stand as the large plate hardly fits the table. The crowd is mixed, from tourists to locals and from young to old. There is a bohemian feel to the restaurant that is designed around an open kitchen with an ominous “no access” sign.
www.balthazarskeuken.nl
Elandsgracht 108
1016 VA Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0)20 420 21 14
De Kas
De Kas is a large restaurant and nursery, located in a former greenhouse on the outskirts of Amsterdam. The concept is based on serving only food produced on associated farms around Amsterdam. There is an annex with an herb garden that you can visit in between courses. The food is a healthy and organic 3 course fixed menu, prepared meticulously and presented with lots of attention to detail by the attentive service. The inside spacious and hip, as is the crowd. The wine list is extensive.
www.restaurantdekas.nl
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
1097 DE Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0)20 462 45 62
Marius
Marius is a small restaurant with a provincial style decor and located somewhat off the beaten path. A Chez Panisse trained chef runs Marius with a small staff, serving a semi-set four course chef’s menu that changes daily but leaves some options. The kitchen is organic, modern French. The mood is fun and upbeat, dominated by the chef’s laid back attitude and the guests high spirits from being rewarded by the food for having made it all the way over to Marius.
No web site
Barentszstraat 243
1013 NM Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0)20 422 78 80
De Witte Uyl
De Witte Uyl is different. From the 1920s interior in which no two chairs are the same to the unusual menu from which guests pick two main courses but no starters. Knowledgeable hostess Annemieke is the glue that ties it all together. De Witte Uyl has a seasonal menu that changes four times a year and often is inspired by recent trips of the owners to far away places. The dishes are a combination of tradition and inspiration, prepared form the finest but also most ecologically sustainable ingredients. The wine list is extensive and Annemieke makes great recommendations. The chocolate board – hunks of chocolate that you will attack with an ice pick – is legendary.
www.witteuyl.com
Frans Halsstraat 26
1072 BR Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0)20 670 04 58
Good Amsterdam food from a trusted source - not a vending machine.
I would like to know what do you have to say to the restaurant Supperclub? do you recomend this restaurant? why?
Thank You
Regards
Alexandra Lourenço
January 21st, 2009 at 17:05
Hi Alexandra,
I am not a big fan of the Supperclub. It obviously depends on what you’re looking for. The Supperclub might be alright if you are looking for a performance and party with food. If you want “all your five senses tickled” as their slogan says.
My favorite restaurants are all about the food and the Supperclub is nowhere near. You will find much fresher ingredients, a much more creative menu, and more attentive and knowledgeable service at either of my recommendations and probably many other restaurants in Amsterdam.
Not being a fan, I have not been to the Supperclub in a long time. I do not seem to hear about it much lately, so I suspect it’s declining.
Hope this helps!
dutchgrub
January 21st, 2009 at 20:09
I’m an airline pilot and get to Amsterdam often. Bought the year long museum pass. I booked the below offer. What the restaurant like? I noticed in my last several visits, several restaurants have offers. What are the best of these?
Restaurant de Roode Leeuw
Special Offer: ‘De smaak van Maart’ – 3 Gangen diner voor €26 p.p * Details: This offer is available from March 14, 2009 until April 12, 2009
March 31st, 2009 at 17:02
Hi Charlie,
I have never been to De Roode Leeuw but would still caution against it. It’s right in the middle of the tourist zone on Damrak and tries very hard to create the type of Dutch atmosphere that would give tourists the idea that they are enjoying an authentic Amsterdam experience. I also often find restaurants located in hotels to be rather unimaginative, trying to please all kind of places.
The four restaurants I recommended in the article would certainly set you back more than € 26,=. As an alternative I would suggest you look at Bloesem: http://www.restaurantbloesem.nl/
It’s in the Jordaan, less than a 10 minute walk away from the Dam. You will like the area and it’s far enough away from the crowds. Bloesem has a good and reasonably priced set menu. It’s a small and friendly restaurant with an ambitious kitchen.
Hope this helps!
–dutchgrub
April 1st, 2009 at 06:50
In your opinion, which restaurant has the best wine list in town? Not in terms of “smart buys”, but simply the best?
Thank you, regards,
Jan
April 4th, 2009 at 03:25
Hi Jan,
that’s a great question! Think I will have to write an article on best wine list soon.
For a quick answer I would have to go with De Witte Uyl. Their wine list has both breadth and personality. They have something for every taste and to accompany any dish. And at the same time there is clear focus on small organic winemakers that dare to be different.
Personally I am not a fan of long, standard wine lists with over 1000 kinds of which 350 plus are from Bordeaux…
Another thing that I love about De Witte Uyl is that you get great, personal recommendations. Their wines are different. But given a few words about what you like, the hostess has often found us the wine that perfectly accommodated our taste and order.
Who would get your vote? What criteria would you use?
–dutchgrub
April 5th, 2009 at 12:08
In your opinion, which Amsterdam restaurant has the best ristaffel? Also, what is your opinion of De Oesterbar?
April 20th, 2009 at 18:12
Hi James!
Even though the Indonesian rijsttafel is popular with visitors, I would recommend against it.
I think many people go for it because it’s the closest thing to good local food. The Dutch cuisine is not highly regarded and there is a long Indonesian tradition. I guess it’s also fun to have a rijsttafel with a group of friends since you will be able to sample and share many different dishes. And it offers some exotic flavors such as fried banana, coconut flakes or peanut sauce.
But it somehow feels like your typical average buffet food…
If you now still want to go, I would recommend Tempo Doeloe on Utrechtsestraat. It’s quality food in a fun street just off the beaten path: http://www.tempodoeloerestaurant.nl/
And please do not go to the Oesterbar. It’s situated right on Leidseplein – a big square in the middle of Amsterdam that is full of tourists, dubious entertainment, bad food, high prices and poor service…
–dutchgrub
April 20th, 2009 at 20:59
Dear Dutchgrub: Where in Amsterdam should I go for a Dutch pancake breakfast?
May 4th, 2009 at 15:54
Hi James,
welcome back!
I guess my answer on pancakes is somewhat similar to the one on rijsttafels – people ask for them frequently because they are genuine Dutch, but no pancake place ranks high on my list of places I would recommend.
I do have pancakes occasionally and my favorite place is Pancakes! in the Berenstraat, one of the “9 straatjes”: http://www.pancakesamsterdam.nl/ It’s a small, friendly place with some interesting sweet and hearty pancake options.
For the best breakfast in Amsterdam, go to Greenwood’s on Singel. English-style, though.
–dutchgrub
May 4th, 2009 at 21:00
Hi Dutchgrub!
Hoping you might help us with two suggestions…
What do you recommend for the best rijstaffel in Den Haag?
And, is there a non-touristy, typical brown cafe near the Rijksmuseum?
Thanks so much!
June 24th, 2009 at 02:21
Hi Susan,
I do not know the Den Haag restaurant scene very well and I usually caution against the rijsttafels as they tend to be overrated buffet style food.
There is no brown cafe right by the Rijksmuseum, but there are a several great ones in walking distance.
One idea would be to head north-east, down Weteringsstraat where you find Cafe Kale, a well frequented brown cafe with a terrace and eetcafe menu. A bit further on you hit Utrechtsestraat, which has a number of fun cafes, restaurants and shops. For a brown cafe, I suggest Cafe van Leeuwen or Café de Huyschkaemer. Vooges is a great eetcafe where you can have a beer, good food and wine. And there is also the best rijsttafel in Amsterdam at Tempo Doeloe. All in the Utrechtsestraat.
Alternatively you could head on to De Pijp where I recommend Cafe Gollem on Daniel Stalpertstraat, or head south to Cafe Gruter on Willemsparkweg, which also has a nice terrace!
Hope you have fun! Let me know how you liked it!
–dutchgrub
June 25th, 2009 at 17:32
With regards to the best wine list in Amsterdam: I was personally the most impressed by the service, selection & advice from Ciel Bleu. The list is here:
http://www.cielbleu.nl/images/stories/winelist.pdf
July 1st, 2009 at 11:20
where can i find the best japanese fusion restaurant in amsterdam ?????
July 2nd, 2009 at 15:27
Hi Michael,
unfortunately, Japanese fusion is not easy to find in Amsterdam. I love that kind of kitchen, but Amsterdam falls way short.
Momo – http://www.momo-amsterdam.com – certainly has the menu and vibe, but has gotten mixed reviews and been so busy that I have not made it there yet.
And De Witte Uyl (see above) might be an option. It’s more Dutch / French with some Japanese and other Asian influences than proper fusion. But it’s very good overall.
–dutchgrub
July 7th, 2009 at 17:29
Hi Dutchgrub
Great site!
Would you have any recommendations for classy restaurants with good vegetarian options? De Kas?
Cheers
s
July 22nd, 2009 at 16:26
Hi shikha!
De Witte Uyl is probably the most vegetarian friendly restaurant on my list as you get to choose two dishes from 12 options plus daily specials, usually one vegetarian.
The other three have a set menu which is not ideal for vegetarians. De Kas will serve you a vegetarian version if you ask for it. Marius usually has some vegetarian a la carte options. Balthazar’s Kitchen is probably most difficult.
–dutchgrub
July 22nd, 2009 at 21:37
Hi Dutchgrub
I’m hoping you can suggest a great restaurant recommendation – I am travelling to Amsterdam with my wife to celebrate her 40th birthday in October.
We’re staying at the Toren hotel – I’m looking for something pretty special so that dinner is memorable.
Something elegant/classy…
Thanks
Simon
August 23rd, 2009 at 21:14
Hi Simon,
sounds like a great treat to celebrate her 40th with a classy dinner in Amsterdam!
From my list of best Amsterdam restaurants, I would go with De Kas if you’re looking for classy. The setting in the former green house is amazing and they have the highest level of service.
Beyond my list, you might want to consider the Michelin star restaurants in and around Amsterdam. Personally, I find the restaurants on my list more exciting and innovative, but the Michelin star restaurants might be more elegant and classy. La Rive at the Amstelhotel would be an option, or Ron Blaauw in Ouderkerk, a small romantic village just outside Amsterdam.
Hope this helps!
–dutchgrub
August 25th, 2009 at 14:51
Hi Dutchgrub
I’m hoping you can help me out. I just moved to Amsterdam and I’m muslim. My husband and I love to go out and eat, we enjoy going to nice restaurants and trying new foods.
The problem is that all the “Halal” (meat slaughter according to islamic custom) places I’ve found serve shawerma, falafel, etc.. and don’t seem that nice.
I was hoping you could recommend some other places with Halal meat that could be a bit fancy and a menu that’s not so middle-eastern.
hope it’s not too challenging
)
Thanks alot
August 25th, 2009 at 17:38
Hi Jailan,
that’s a good question! I know exactly what you mean, but unfortunately also do not know which better restaurants serve Halal food.
Maybe somebody else has a suggestion?
–dutchgrub
August 27th, 2009 at 08:46
Hi Dutchgrub,
In two weeks we will be in Amsterdam for a short stay. This will be our first visit to the Netherlands and we want to try local food. What kind of food should we try and what kind of food should we avoid?
August 31st, 2009 at 13:39
Hi Jay,
I’ve been meaning to write a longer post about typical Dutch but haven’t gotten around to it… So here are some quick thoughts.
Many tourists are asking about rijsttafel and pancakes. I think both are overrated and people like them more for the tradition and authenticity than the actual food. If you really want pancakes, try http://www.pancakesamsterdam.com/. And if you cannot resist the rijsttafel, you should go with either http://www.tempodoeloerestaurant.nl/ or http://www.restaurantblauw.nl/
For real good food, you can find a list of all my recommendations here: http://www.dutchgrub.com/dutchgrubs-recommended-amsterdam-restaurants/ It’s sortable by neighborhood and cuisine.
You can find some ideas on street food to try and avoid in one of my posts on chow: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/623950. Try french fries and bitterballen, but avoid FEBO and Shoarma.
Hope this helps!
–dutchgrub
September 1st, 2009 at 14:29
Hi,
Me and 4 friends are coming to Amsterdam for 4 days for my birthday. Being students (and one of us having had to double their spend on flights due to the collapse of sky europe) we are feeling the credit crunch. It’s my 22nd birthday on Wednesday 9th September and we are looking for somewhere special to have my birthday meal without breaking the bank. We have a budget of max 30 euro a person, but I don’t expect this to pay for 3 courses and wine. I would rather have one delicious main course for 20 euro in a fantastic ambience, than lots of food in an awful atmosphere.
So, your budget but special recommendations please. Anything to say about De Waag restaurant? I am being seduced by the candles, and its prices seem reasonable.
Thanks in advance,
Laura
September 6th, 2009 at 15:44
Hi Laura,
I’m afraid that’s not an easy one. Food in Amsterdam is not cheap, with €40 – €50 for regular and €70 – €100 for more ambitious places for food and wine not unusual.
I’m not too wild about De Waag – location on Nieuwmarkt is great, but also makes it more expensive. The building is pretty inside and outside, but the food is average.
Of the places on my blog, Yam Yam and Zus en Zus come to mind. Yam Yam is a pizzeria. The amazing truffle pizza and fun ambiance make it special. And Zus en Zus, which just re-opened, has a 3 course menu for €25.
Hope you have a great birthday dinner and fun Amsterdam trip!
–dutchgrub
September 6th, 2009 at 21:12
Hi Jailan,
Firstly, great ‘blog’, always interested to try out your recommendations
I am planning to ask my GF to marry me in a couple of weeks and need a nice intimate place not that far from Vondelpark, any good recommendations?
Thanks
Nick
November 24th, 2009 at 14:15
Hi Nick,
that’s a tough one… and comes with a lot of responsibility – wouldn’t want to recommend the wrong place for a marriage proposal!
To be perfectly honest, I can’t think of a place that has great food, is intimate and close to Vondelpark. Zus en Zus is close and intimate, but probably not special enough. Pulpo is also close and more special, but trendy rather than intimate. And there is Brasserie Senz, which is good and close by but rather formal. Or Oriental 128 which is close by and classy with great service that would probably be more than happy to make arrangements for a perfect dinner. It’s a Chinese / Asian menu.
Hope this helps. Maybe somebody else has suggestions?
–dutchgrub
November 25th, 2009 at 13:52
Great blog dutchgrub…
I’m taking my girlfriend away for our anniversary, we’re mid 20’s, would like somewhere with a great atmosphere, away from the tourist traps, and great food, we’re open to lots of different food. don’t mind paying a fair bit as long as we’re paying for quality.
somewhere that is rated highly by the locals would be great too, off the beaten track, maybe a place to try eating dutch!
kas looks really interesting, is that central?
thanks, and sorry for asking so many questions!
November 29th, 2009 at 11:58
Hi Eric,
I think all restaurants on my list fit your criteria very well – great food, value for money, not tourist traps but places that the locals love.
Given that you’re mid 20s and looking for something central with great atmosphere, I would go with Balthazar’s Keuken. It’s in the Jordaan, a young and vibrant neighborhood that will be fun before and after. And the restaurant itself has a great, busy and special vibe.
De Kas is kind of out of the way – say 20 minutes by tram. It’s also more classy and formal.
For a good local place, check http://www.dutchgrub.com/best-authentic-dutch-restaurants-in-amsterdam/. Don’t go there for your anniversary, but try them out for lunch or on another evening.
–dutchgrub
November 29th, 2009 at 12:11
Hi Dutchgrub,
I’ve been enjoying reading your blog and posts on Chowhound, and am wondering: of your favorites, which two would you pick for dinners for a vegetarian? Thanks so much!!
Rachel
December 1st, 2009 at 19:31
hello! so glad i found this site. im visiting amsterdam next sunday with my husband and 2 kids,ages 12 and 8. its my husbands 50th birthday on monday and we. want to take him to a really nice restaurant with great food but mostly somewhere with incredible ambience…somewhere memorable. wer staying in the marriot and will be getting a taxi so somewhere within reason. the kids are used to eating out and are well behaved in restaurants so i dont need that to be factored. thanks a million.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:18
Hi Rachel,
De Kas, Balthazar’s Keuken and Marius have set menus. So even though they do accommodate special wishes, you’re best off with De Witte Uyl. They have 16 dishes to choose from, including several vegetarian ones.
–dutchgrub
December 3rd, 2009 at 23:22
Hi Helen,
Distance wise, De Witte Uyl and Balthazar’s Keuken are closest to the Marriot. De Kas and Marius are certainly doable by taxi, too.
Otherwise not sure what you like. Have you looked at my lists and posts? Anything that fits your taste? I’ll be happy to help out if you give me some more starters.
–dutchgrub
December 3rd, 2009 at 23:27
A problem with restaurants in Amsterdam on Mondays is that De Witte Uyl, Marius and Balthazar’s all have that day off. De Kas is the only one on dutchgrubs Top Amsterdam list that is open. Have reservations though, because without a reservation you may be disappointed after your trip there. A place pretty close to where you are staying and with good recommandations from the locals is Restaurant Spelt, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 5A
1017 DB Amsterdam, Telephone : (020) 420 70 22, Website : http://www.restaurantspelt.nl/ with a Dutch/international kitchen.
Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
lucie
December 4th, 2009 at 21:56
Here are a few additional ones that I like.
Le Hollandais (Reservations needed)
Amsteldijk 41 (679 12 48).
Delicious regional French cuisine, with one of the specialties being the homemade sausages. Lovely selection of wines.
Bordewijk (Reservations needed)
Noordermarkt 7 (624 38 99)
This is one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. I’ve been there several times for special occasions and it is wonderful.
Pianeta Terra (this one is really delicious! I had a wonderful long New Year’s dinner here with 4 friends once.)
Address: Beulingstraat 7, Canal Ring, Amsterdam
Phone: 020/626-1912
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/review-133899.html
Blauw aan de Wal (in a racy area but very nice inside, and delicious food)
Address: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99, Amsterdam 1012 DD
Down an alley in the Red Light District lies this Mediterranean restaurant, a two-level place with both bar and dining room.
The clean-lined interior ensures that food, more than decor, receives the attention it’s due. Attentive service, an accomplished kitchen.
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/review-134217.html
December 11th, 2009 at 21:41
Do you know any cooking workshop on this saturday (20th of Feb.) ?
February 16th, 2010 at 00:27
Hi Handan,
Unfortunately I don’t have any data, but I did like these guys: http://www.kookstudioamsterdam.nl
Also fellow Amsterdam food blogger Amsterdam Foodie does cooking lessons: http://www.amsterdamfoodie.nl/cookery-lessons/ Maybe get in touch and check if she has anything going on or can do suggestions.
–dutchgrub
February 16th, 2010 at 18:43