13 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Last Updated on January 31, 2026 by Lauren Allen

Searching for the best restaurants in Amsterdam? I don’t blame you – it’s a great city for foodies with everything from authentic Dutch cuisine to fine dining establishments.

However, not all eateries live up to the hype and some are absolute tourist traps. As someone who spends a lot of time in the capital, I’ve eaten my fair share of rubbish (and pretty overpriced) dishes.

That said, I’ve also savoured some amazing meals that I’ve remembered long after I’ve landed back in the UK.

In this guide, I’ll share the top places to eat so you can skip the disappointing food and enjoy a memorable culinary experience. Every spot in this list has been tried and tested by me or recommended by a local on my past trips, so you know you’re in for a treat…

Best Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam

Here’s where to eat Dutch cuisine in town:

The Pantry

When people ask me where to eat in Amsterdam, I always suggest The Pantry.

The first time I dined here was completely unplanned. I was looking for a cocktail bar to satisfy my margarita craving when I saw a large queue outside. As I hadn’t eaten yet, I decided to wait and see what all the fuss was about. You may have guessed this already, but I totally understood the hype.

They serve a range of tasty Dutch dishes like stamppot, hutspot and stew – ideal if you’re visiting Amsterdam in autumn or winter and fancy some home-cooked comfort food. Their set menus priced between €25 and €41.50 offer excellent value for money.

Beyond that, the service here is fab and the staff are incredibly friendly! I often visit Amsterdam solo and they always make an effort to chat and make me feel welcome. I love this place so much that I eat here almost every time I’m in the city.

While you can book a table online (which I recommend as it’s busy), they also accept walk-ins if you don’t mind waiting.

Moeders

If you want an authentic foodie experience, Moeders is a must-try. It opened in 1990 and has mismatched plates and countless photos of mothers on the walls (hence the name).

It’s the perfect spot for a meal if you want to surprise the ladies in your life (mums, grandmas and wives) as they provide small gifts for birthdays and Mother’s Day. Make sure you book in advance, though.

Their menu has a strong focus on Dutch dishes like stamppot and pea soup, but you can also order things like steak and duck if you’d like something different.

I visited Moeders with a friend who lives near Zaanse Schans and we opted for the Dutch rice dish (€22 per person). Not only was it absolutely delicious, but it was basically a platter of all the local food Moeders sells, so it’s a fab way to enjoy traditional cuisine.

Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje

Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje is a lovely venue for a relaxed Dutch meal in the Jordaan neighbourhood. It has a homely vibe with good service, an inviting ambience and cosy interiors.

They serve a mix of soup, fish and meat alongside their specialities. I went for Grandma’s braised meat stew with veggies, mash and homemade apple sauce. Let me tell you, this was one of the most flavoursome dinners I’ve ever eaten! I’ve only been here once so far, but I plan to return on my next trip to Amsterdam because I liked it that much.

De Blauwe Hollander

De Blauwe Hollander (or The Blue Dutchman in English) has previously been recommended to me by a local and while I haven’t yet dined here, it’s another excellent choice for traditional dining. Like most eateries on this list, it comes highly rated with an average rating of 4.4/5 on Google.

Other great restaurants in Amsterdam

Fancy something a little different? Here are some more amazing places to eat in Amsterdam:

Miry Mary

If you’re into Indian food, you’ll love Miry Mary. Located in the hip neighbourhood of De Pijp, it’s one of the top restaurants in Amsterdam.

Upon reading the many outstanding reviews on Google, I couldn’t wait to try this spot and booked a table for my aunt and me last April. As we were staying in Haarlem on this particular trip, it was a bit of a faff to get there via public transport, but it was 100% worth the journey!

After eating here myself, I can understand why it’s so popular. I ordered the chaat hummus with devilled egg and it was so tasty – rich and packed with flavour without being too spicy.

In terms of drinks, I suggest the homemade spiced chai, which was super yummy!

Also, the staff are attentive and the decor is nice too, which are the kind of things I look for when I’m eating out.

Ashoka

Ashoka is another good Indian restaurant in Amsterdam. I ate here for my birthday a few years back and the meals were delish! The vibe is relaxed yet elegant – ideal if you’re celebrating a special occasion like I was, without breaking the bank.

Food wise, you can expect popular Indian meals like chicken korma, lamb madras and chicken tikka masala. If you’re vegan or veggie, they also serve dishes like malai kofta, paneer jalfrezi, daal tarka and more.

They have two restaurants, including their city centre location and Amsterdam West, but their central restaurant is just a short walk from Dam Square. This means it’s easily reachable once you’re done exploring the sights of Amsterdam.

Blue Amsterdam

Fancy a meal with unreal views of Amsterdam? Then make your way to Blue! Situated on the very top floor of a central building, they boast panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks and impressive buildings.

They offer tables to walk-in customers and sell all-day breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups. Honestly, the food isn’t quite as flavourful as other restaurants on this list, but they have a good variety if you’re travelling in a group. Plus, the incredible views and great cocktails kinda make up for it.

De Plantage

Situated next to Artis Zoo, De Plantage is a great choice for dining out in the Dutch capital. Its excellent location means you can easily head here after seeing some animals or hitting up museums like Micropia, the Goote Museum or the Resistance Museum.

With its high ceilings, greenery and bustling atmosphere, it’s also a good spot for a solo date, romantic meal or leisurely lunch.

From a quick look at their website, the menu has changed since I visited. However, everything I ate was incredibly tasty and I will definitely go here again on future trips to Amsterdam!

Black and Blue

If you’re a steak lover, Black and Blue is one of the best places to eat in Amsterdam. They pride themselves on serving organic meat and offer a range of dishes to meet dietary requirements.

I do eat meat, but I’m not really a massive steak fan, so I opted for the veggie curry and an Aperol Spritz. Both were good!

The decor is pretty elegant and feels upmarket for a relatively affordable restaurant. I also dined here in November, so the low-lit setting was ideal for a cosy autumnal city break.

Furthermore, it’s just two minutes away from Anne Frank’s House on foot. This is perfect if you’re cramming a lot into your Amsterdam itinerary, as you won’t need to go far for a bite to eat.

Prins & Aap

Located inside the Andaz Hotel, Prins & Aap is one of the most stylish restaurants on this list. As you may expect, the food also comes impeccably presented with oysters served in a funky gold money. How cool!

On this occasion, I was travelling with a group and we ate lamb, oysters, grilled pineapple, prawns and more. I’m not easily pleased when it comes to food and I’m fussy in terms of seafood too, but everything I ate here was a solid 10 outta 10!

Pair that with the glamorous setting and it’s one of my top picks for dining out in the capital.

RIJKS Restaurant

Fancy treating yourself to a fine dining experience in Amsterdam? Consider booking a table at Rijks Restaurant. I wouldn’t normally recommend eating so close to major attractions, but this Michelin-starred restaurant is a hit.

Despite its expensive price point (which is expected), you’ll enjoy beautifully presented food, fantastic service and grand interiors. Their wine pairing is also highly rated!

Namche Amsterdam

Namche is an Indian/Nepalese restaurant that serves rich curries, dumplings and dishes that will leave you wanting more!

When I dined here, I was spoilt for choice. Everything sounded so good that I didn’t know what to order. In the end, I went for the Thali, which is a platter of veggies, rice, chutneys and curry. It was bursting with flavour!

Overall, this is a good choice if you’re looking for a laid-back place to eat in the heart of the city.

De Kas

For a unique farm-to-table experience, head to De Kas. Situated in a greenhouse (literally), they grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs on-site. If you’re looking for a colourful Michelin-starred meal, go here.

The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh and you can order their tasting menu to sample a variety of dishes. While it’s not the cheapest, you get what you pay for!

Tips for eating out in Amsterdam

Consider these things before dining out in the Dutch capital:

Book your table in advance

Although some restaurants will accept walk-ins if they’re not busy, you’ll need to book in advance for more popular places like Moeders and De Plantage. This is especially true if you’re eating dinner in Amsterdam, as it’s a particularly busy time to eat out.

You can typically book online, call ahead or stop by in person to reserve a table. Depending on where you want to eat, I recommend booking a few days in advance. That said, you may want to book sooner if you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring or summer.

Sample the local cuisines

As a frequent traveller, I love trying the local cuisine wherever I am in the world – the Netherlands is no different!

During your time in Amsterdam, don’t be afraid to eat Dutch food like stamppot and bitterballen. Trust me, they’re delish. And if you’re a bit unsure about what to get, just ask the staff for suggestions. They’re usually happy to help.

Carry some cash

Most restaurants accept cards, but it’s always handy to have a bit of cash just in case.

FAQs

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many top restaurants in Amsterdam and it’s a great city for foodies. From hearty Dutch stews to international favourites, there’s no shortage of fab places to eat.

However, it’s worth having a quick look at the reviews before going somewhere new. This can work wonders when it comes to avoiding tourist traps and underwhelming meals – there’s nothing worse than spending money on food you don’t enjoy.

Some of my best memories in Amsterdam are tied to dining experiences. I hope this guide helps you create some of your own!