Bridges, bicycles and beautiful buildings – a walk around Amsterdam this autumn is seriously dreamy. If you’ve never been to the Dutch capital and you just want to soak it all up, head to the famous 9 streets (or De 9 Straatjes).
But if you’re looking for something off the beaten track, good things come to those who wander. These are nine of the best hidden cafes and restaurants where you can taste the real Amsterdam and all its many multicultural flavours. Plus, you’ll forever avoid those pesky brunch queues…
For breakfast / brunch
Rainbowls
Tucked away in Amsterdam’s bohemian De Pijp district, Rainbowls is a bright little slice of paradise in the city. The colourful range of smoothie bowls will light up your Insta feed and are more than worth the wait. Try ‘The Violet’ for a shot of blueberry-strawberry-peanut-buttery goodness.
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Dignita Vondelpark
Nestled next to the city’s prettiest park, Vondelpark, Dignita serves up an impressive all-day brunch. But forget the basic eggs – we’re talking red velvet pancakes, umami avocado toast with seaweed and yuzu and the tastiest plant bowls.
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Coffee and Coconuts
Set in a former cinema built in the roaring 20’s, the beachy interiors alone are worth a visit. The menu is inspired by its other, more tropical location in Bali, Indonesia. Think delicious Java coffee, fluffy and fruity French toast, superfood bowls and coconut lime bread.
For lunch
Kanarie Club
From the people who run Amsterdam’s popular Foodhallen, Kanarie Club is a fun work/play space where you can grab a coffee or a local beer at the enormous central bar. Formerly an old tram shed, the new design is fresh with neon lighting and botanicals galore. Fancy a long lunch? Upstairs there’s a pool bar and cocktails aplenty.
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Waterkant
Tucked under a multi-storey car park (stay with us), is this beloved terrace restaurant/hang out space. There’s a sun-drenched terrace, the vibe is chill-meets-party and the food is a colourful mix of Dutch and Surinamese – a small country in northeastern South America formerly colonised by the Dutch. Oh and there’s a weekly pub quiz if you’re up for it!
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For dinner
Men impossible
Looking for the best vegan ramen in Amsterdam? Found it! Owner Atsushi Ishida is passionate about taking care of the planet and makes all the noodles from scratch. The restaurant also only works with reservations to minimise waste.
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Sotto Pizza
This new pizza joint is a total find. Think doughy-based pizzas with a perfectly crisp crust, sauces made with Italian-grown tomatoes and plenty of oozy Buffalo mozzarella. All tucked away in the trendy Roelof Hartstraat area.
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Everything you need to know about food in Amsterdam
There are some killer breakfast options
Anyone that’s ever travelled/lived/lives in Australia will know, Aussies know how to breakfast. What does this have to do with Amsterdam? Everything. Little Collins in De Pijp is our absolute favourite breakfast/brunch spot in the Dam. Set up by Melbourne natives, expect the usual Aussie brunch faire plus Bloody Marys that will blow your head off (in a good way).
Close seconds – Fraiche on Westerstraat 264 and De Bakkerswinkel on Warmoesstraat 69
Desert goes any time of day
Dam Square and the Red Light District Area combined have more pastry shops than you’ve had hot dinners (maybe). If you’re a sucker for your sweet tooth, this is the place to go. Waffles, pancakes, poffertjes (baby pancakes), cakes, pastries and tarts are all on the menu, just in case you’re wandering round feeling somewhat peckish…
Fried balls make the perfect snack
Pipe down over there in the corner and hear us out – we’re talking about Bitterballen, the Netherlands infamous deep fried snack. A crunchy breadcrumb coating filled with a gooey mixture of chopped beef, beef broth, flour, butter, herbs and spices is pretty much the deal, but all you really need to know if they are DELICIOUS. The Sky Lounge do some pretty epic bites with some mediocre views of the city.
Hot food casually comes from vending machines
Get to know the name FEBO (pronounced ‘fay-bo’). Dotted over the city, these babies offer you late night, early morning or any other time of day nutrition in the form of fried food vending machines. Raise your eyebrows now, but we know come 2am the FEBO will be your drunk food saviour.
The coffee from the coffee shops is very, very bad
Let’s be real, the coffee shops are there for one reason and one reason only, and it’s not to drink coffee. For a real caffeine fix, Amsterdam has a bunch of incredible options, with speciality coffee bars popping up all over the city. Two for Joy, Screaming Beans and Lot Sixty One all do great coffee including the Dutch speciality, a Koffie Verkeerd.
Cheese is everything
Gouda, Edam, Leerdammer, Leyden, Maaslander, Maasdam and of course a gourmet Old Amsterdam all make up the Dutch cheese arsenal. Pay a visit to the cheese museum (yes really) located just opposite the Anne Frank House and indulge in the mountains of free cheese tasters they have on offer (and perhaps buy some too). De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam is also a total cheese heaven.
Raw herring is a thing
If you want to go down the super traditional route, grab yourself a broodje haring (raw herring). Traditionally eaten by holding the fish by the tail and dunking it in your mouth, we prefer the slightly less intense sandwich version from Vishandel Molenaar.
Foodhallen is the greatest place on Earth
Cheap food, goblets of gin and tonics, attractive people, mountains of choice, more cheap food and happy vibes. We’re totally sold on Foodhallen.
Patat will become your go to food on the move
Essentially fries, but dolloped in mayonnaise (because the Dutch really, REALLY love their mayonnaise). If you’re feeling more exotic, load your patat up with patatje oorlog, a tasty concoction featuring peanut sate sauce, mayo and onions. And the best news? Your patat treat can be bought from the family favourite, the FEBO.
