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Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried sausages)—along with thick pea soup and hearty meat and potato dishes. These days, however, Amsterdam restaurants serve much higher-quality and more varied food than ever before. Many forward-thinking Amsterdam res
Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried sausages)—along with thick pea soup and hearty meat and potato dishes. These days, however, Amsterdam restaurants serve much higher-quality and more varie
Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried saus
Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried sausages)—along with thick pea soup and hearty meat and potato dishes. These days, however, Amsterdam restaurants serve much higher-quality and more varied food than ever before.
Many forward-thinking Amsterdam restaurants have embraced a "New Dutch cuisine," using organic and locally sourced meat, fish, and seafood, and expertly cooked vegetables served with interesting sauces and side dishes. Some chefs are taking it a step further and growing produce and herbs on land or rooftops attached to their restaurants—garden to table cooking, if you will. Multicourse tasting menus or small plates that you can mix and match are popular at upscale eateries, making use of what's freshest at the moment, perhaps farm-fresh asparagus or North Sea mussels. The classic standbys are still widely available, too—it's hard to resist those delicious bitterballen—but they're often prepared in updated, modern interpretations.
Amsterdam has a wealth of international cuisines. The city has long been known for its Moroccan, Turkish, and Indonesian food, and there are excellent Vietnamese eateries, where you can finally get a decent bánh mì, as well as pretty much every type of cuisine you might be craving. Another thing that's big on the Amsterdam food scene these days is brunch. Traditionally, the Dutch opt for relatively simple breakfasts of buttered toast with chocolate sprinkles (called hagelslag), but places for more American-style brunch—eggs Benedict or oatmeal with fresh fruit—have popped up throughout the city, attracting the city's trend-followers. Although steak restaurants have existed for years (and continue to open on a regular basis), hamburgers are also trendy, with tiny spots elbowing their way in to become the most popular in town.
Pockets of interesting dining are emerging away from the city center, too, but Amsterdam is a small city, so don't be daunted by distance. Everything's still easy to reach by cab, tram, or bus—or make like a local and burn off some calories by renting a bike.
Despite all these changes, one thing's stayed relatively the same: the pace of service. Expect a wait to get menus, to order, and then to receive your food. You just have to go with it: it's the Dutch way!
Befitting its location in the former shipyards of the newly hip NDSM area, this quirky restaurant is housed in a series of cavernous shipping containers—it attracts a young, lively crowd that appreciates the organic meat and vegetables and sustainably caught fish and seafood. In summer, the huge terrace and sandy man-made beach along the river turn into a party with DJs.
TT Neveritaweg 59, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1033WB, Netherlands
You don't need to borrow a book to visit this informal cafeteria on the seventh floor of the public library. Order a salad or slice of cake and grab a table near the window or on the summer terrace to enjoy the most spectacular views.
Oosterdokskade 143, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1011 DL, Netherlands
Not far from Westerpark and just across the main canal that borders the Jordaan, Checkpoint Charlie serves excellent, locally produced snacks, like homemade vegetarian quiche, and organic grilled-cheese sandwiches—the little cheese croquettes are recommended. At night, there are DJs, acoustic rock, and spoken-word performances.
Nassaukade 48, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1052CM, Netherlands
This lively spot with soaring ceilings and three levels of seating attracts a young crowd for the eclectic but generally healthy menu of all-day brunch, including especially delicious coconut pancakes. There's also an extensive juice menu, including fresh coconut served with a straw, plus a selection of salads and deli items like burgers, burritos, and sandwiches and, as the name implies, an in-house roastery and full range of single-origin espresso-based drinks and pour-over coffees. Although the casual atmosphere is more haphazardly funky than tropical chic (be prepared to sit on rather uncomfortable beanbags if the regular tables are full), you'll have ample opportunity to watch the international millennial clientele as you wait.
Ceintuurbaan 282-284, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1072 GK, Netherlands
One of Amsterdam's brunch pioneers, this intimate Australian-run eatery has a laid-back vibe and friendly servers. Although you'll inevitably have to wait for a table on weekends (or make brunch reservations), the eclectic menu, which includes sweet and savory options, is worth it. Pass the time with one of the tasty brunch cocktails: there are four types of Bloody Marys. Dinner is small plates with influences from near and far. In early 2019, a second outpost, offering brunch by day and pizza by night, opened in West (Bilderdijkstraat 140).
1e Sweelinckstraat 19-F, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1073 CL, Netherlands
A meal at this former offshore TV tower transported from the North Sea—and perched (thankfully not precariously) out on the IJ River—is one of the most unique dining experiences you can have in Amsterdam. The food does take a bit of a backseat to the location, but bistro-style offerings like burger and fries are good; and at dinner, you can't go wrong with the sea bass.
Haparandadam 45-2, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1013AK, Netherlands
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