Karin Engelbrecht

Whether you’re headed to Amsterdam to tour its world-class museums and galleries, pop out on a canal cruise, visit centuries-old cafés or sample one of its notorious coffeeshops, there is one thing you absolutely should not miss – and that’s the food scene, which is getting better and better every year.  In fact, now might be the best time to pay the city a visit, as there are eateries for every taste (and budget). Classic, family-run Dutch food. The freshest vegetable-driven menus. Exciting Michelin-star dining. Whatever tickles your fancy, there’s a restaurant in Amsterdam for you, guaranteed. Read on for our list of the very best restaurants in Amsterdam right now, picked by our experts.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🍳 The best brunches in Amsterdam🍷 The best bars in Amsterdam🏘️ Where to stay in Amsterdam🏨 The best hotels in Amsterdam This guide was recently updated by Karin Engelbrecht, a food writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

For food, culture and some serious partying, there is nowhere quite like Amsterdam. This city will take you by surprise, and in no time, you’ll be hopping on a bicycle, soaring through the streets and soaking up the art. Chances are, you’ll have a pretty wild night out at some point too.  But when you wake up bleary-eyed from a full night of Amsterdam’s best bars and clubs, there’s only one thing for it: brunch. Brunch will soon save you and have you ready for another long day of exploring the city, and give you something good-looking to slap on your Insta story. From fermented chilli Bloody Marys and caramel pancakes to cafés selling only omelettes, here is Amsterdam’s best brunch.  RECOMMENDED:🌿 The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam📍 The best things to do in Amsterdam🏨 The best hotels in Amsterdam This guide was last updated by Karin Engelbrecht, a food writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

What’s the vibe? Dignita is found in the Hoftuin garden, a serene green courtyard surrounded by monumental buildings. The glass-walled restaurant is bright and sunny with a kids’ corner and a casual ambience while the leafy terrace is the perfect place to chill and recharge.  What are the prices like? Brunch for two runs at about €30 for two (excluding drinks). Slices of cake start at €4.50. What should I order? The ‘Chook Norris’ (a katsu sando with avocado, black beans and chipotle mayo) has become Insta-famous for a reason. The desserts are ace too: try the Basque Burnt Cheesecake.  What’s worth visiting nearby?  The H’ART Museum (the former Hermitage Amsterdam) is right next door and a good place to visit one-of-a-kind exhibitions at an internationally renowned art museum. Do also take the time to walk up the adjacent ‘Schaduwkade’ (quay of shadows) on the Nieuwe Keizersgracht to honour the memory of the 200 Jewish Amsterdammers that were abducted from their homes here and killed by the Nazis during World War II, before visiting the striking National Holocaust Names Memorial at the end of the canal. 📍 Discover more of the best museums in Amsterdam

What’s the vibe? Gartine offers a cosy oasis just off the Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street. Organic food is served on mismatched vintage crockery and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. What are the prices like? Breakfast prices start at €4.50 for a croissant with butter and homemade jam and a more extensive brunch for two will set you back less than €30 (excluding drinks). What should I order? The menu undergoes regular seasonal revisions, though rest assured the ingredients will always be fresher than fresh as it’s harvested from the owners’ kitchen garden in the nutrient-rich soils of the nearby Beemster area. The Frisian sugar bread French toast is a signature. Served here with dates, roasted nuts, butter and maple syrup. What’s worth visiting nearby?  This restaurant is right at the heart of Centrum, steps away from a busy high street, the quaint Beginhof, a medieval Beguine courtyard with Amsterdam’s oldest still-standing house. Alternatively, hop on a canal boat tour at the quay of the Oude Turfmarkt just down the road or, if you’re interested in ancient history and culture, pop into the adjacent Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities. 🍴 Discover more of the best restaurants in Amsterdam

What’s the vibe? You’ll find an eclectic crowd of Dutch and international residents, expats and tourists here, with an easy-going atmosphere and English-speaking servers. It’s always convivially packed on weekends, and the walk-in-only policy means you might be in for a wait, though a small terrace offers some more seats, weather permitting. What are the prices like? Simple brunch dishes start at around €5.50 for a slice of banana, rosemary and chocolate loaf, though you can easily spend about €40 on brunch for two (drinks excluded) here. Totally worth it, however.  What should I order? The menu changes quite often here, and while choices are limited to a dozen or so dishes more than half are vegan or vegetarian, with a good balance of hearty and sweet and some gluten-free options too. You’re likely to find labneh, pita, all manner of spices and chillis on the menu; if you’re lucky, there might be a huge, deep-fried pickle. Trust us, with so many moreish offerings, you’ll still find it tricky to choose, but fear not: everything is delicious.  What’s worth visiting nearby?  Little Collins is located in De Pijp, a trendy neighbourhood in Amsterdam with great indie stores, bars and restaurants (most are clustered around the Gerard Douplein and -straat). The bustling Albertcuyp market is just down the road – do try some freshly made stroopwafel here if you can possibly manage it. Alternatively, walk off your brunch in the pretty nearby Sarphatipark, one of the best parks in Amste

What’s the vibe? The dining experience at this 11-seater fine dining restaurant is intimate. There’s no denying that Flore is posh, with prices to match, but the food and service are impeccable. You might even get to visit the kitchen to meet the chefs. What are the prices like? This is one to keep in mind for an upcoming celebration, but it’s an indulgence well worth the expense. Expect to budget around €225 per person here for a tasting menu (excluding drinks). Lunch runs at around €150 each. What should I order? The clue’s in the name because at Flore it’s all about sustainable local produce, sourced from small organic farms and sustainable fishmongers. Chef Bas van Kranen’s so-called ‘conscious fine dining’ foregoes dairy in favour of lighter, brighter flavours and more easily digestible food. The tasting menu changes weekly. What’s worth visiting nearby?  Ideally situated in the heart of Old Town, with spectacular views of the Amstel River, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. Hop on a canal boat tour at the quay of the Oude Turfmarkt just down the road or, if you’re interested in ancient history and culture, pop into the adjacent Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities. Or wander down the Kloveniersburgwal to admire the majestic former city gate, De Waag (circa 1425) before stopping off for a drink at one of the many cafes lining Nieuwmarkt.

What’s the vibe? BAK is situated in the old Het Veem warehouse, and the restaurant makes the most of its location with glimpses of the Oude Houthaven. A clean, modern interior best described as ‘Dutch minimalist’ doesn’t detract from its sophisticated seasonal fare. What are the prices like? Tasting menus start at €75 per person for five courses including dessert, or opt for seven or nine courses.  What should I order? The seasonal menu changes daily, based on what’s available from the ace local producers and sustainable fishmongers the restaurants work with. Just note that gluten-free options are limited, though vegetarians and vegans are well catered for (BAK was originally a veggie restaurant). Previous menus have featured winter cod with mussels and dry shelling bean, and quail with corn and radicchio. If there are oysters, order them.  What’s worth visiting nearby?  Take the time to explore the nearby Westelijke Eilanden, a trio of islands (Prinseneiland, Realeneiland and Bickerseiland) with a history of trade, shipping and industry harking back to the 17th century. There’s plenty to see, including monumental warehouses and iconic bridges. Despite being located relatively near the city centre, these islands are tranquil and charming. 📍 Discover more things to do in Amsterdam

What’s the vibe? Kaagman & Kortekaas is hidden down a narrow medieval alley at the heart of the Palace District. It couldn’t be more central, but make no mistake: this is no tourist trap. This spot is unpretentious, unique, and constantly in-demand by locals.  What are the prices like? Tasting menus start at €69.50 per person for four courses, though you can go all-out with a five or six-course feast, too. Frankly, you probably should. What should I order? The menu changes quite frequently here based on the season, but it’s always inventive and surprising with plenty of venison and sustainable nose-to-tail offerings. If you haven’t managed to snag a booking, stop by to see if there’s a free spot at the bar to enjoy a glass of wine with housemade charcuterie and oysters. What’s worth visiting nearby?  Grab an early dinner after shopping on the nearby Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk high streets or pop into Amsterdam’s oldest tasting room, De Drie Fleschjes, for a post-prandial tipple just one street away. Alternatively, check out which art, culture or photography exhibition is on at De Nieuwe Kerk, just around the corner. 📍 Discover more things to do in Amsterdam