Where to Eat & Drink in Amsterdam

Oh, Amsterdam- a city I’m truly smitten with.

With delicious eateries, charming boutiques, and incredible museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam.

Every time I’m in Amsterdam, I check out new places to eat & drink, and revisit my favorites. The below picks are places I try to visit on every trip.

Where to Eat

The Pancake Bakery: When you’re in Amsterdam, it only makes sense to eat a Dutch Pancake. This restaurant may be tiny, but they make amazing sweet and savory pancakes. You’ll also find the best poffertjes (mini pancakes) in the city here
Moeders: I’ll admit I was skeptical of Dutch food (my diet in the US is plant and whole grain based, so I was worried traditional Dutch food would be too heavy). But, you really can’t go wrong mixing potatoes, cheese and vegetables- hotpotch is where it’s at. Moeders does a great presentation of the Dutch classics, and the photos of mothers everywhere are super adorable
Foodhallen: Beautiful food hall with lots of great vendors. Don’t miss the gin & tonic stall
Omelegg: There are a few locations in the city, which makes it easy to have a great breakfast (awesome omelets) wherever you’re staying
La Perla: Wood fired pizza, def the best in Amsterdam
SLA: Healthy, tasty salads. Usually a go-to for me for lunch if I know dinner is going to be a ‘treat yo self’ meal

Where to Have Dessert

Winkel 43: The place to be for traditional Dutch Appeltaart (so good)
Van Stapele Koekmakerij: Get a warm chocolate cookie with white chocolate center and walk the canals with your treat
Stroopwafelkraam: Located at the Albert Cuyp market and Zaanse Schans, these stroopwafels are made fresh and served hot. Few things are better than crispy wafers with gooey caramel sandwiched in between

Where to Have a Drink

If you’re in the mood to sample some of the best beer in Amsterdam, head to Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a modern brewery next to a windmill producing organic blonde and dark beers. We ordered the sampler to try a few local crafts and really enjoyed the experience of drinking them in the garden with the after-work crowd. The brewery also offers tours if you’re interested in the creation process
Door 74: Known as the first speakeasy in Amsterdam, the cocktails are amazing. If you don’t have a reservation, come early- otherwise, be prepared for a wait
Tales & Spirits: Phenom and inventive cocktails. If you tell the waiters what kind of flavors or spirits you like, they’ll take care of you. And, if you’re here on a warm day, try to grab a table outside
Cafe P96: There are a lot of places to sit and enjoy a drink along the canals, but I’m a fan of this one because it’s on a super cute street, and there’s houseboat seating

Where to Have Coffee

C.T. Coffee & Coconuts: Located in a former movie theater, this multi-level cafe has an open, gorgeous interior. Come for breakfast and linger over coffee or a freshly cracked coconut
Screaming Beans: Screaming Beans equals great coffee. Period
Back to Black: Super cozy cafe with good speciality coffee
Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters: Excellent flat white
Two for Joy Coffee Roasters: Love starting the day here with a latte and book, the couches up front are comfy, and there’s plenty of seating in the back
The Cold Pressed Juicery: Not a coffee drinker? Head here for a morning pick-me-up instead, great veggie juices & smoothies