When you travel to a new place, especially cities, it can get quite hard to figure out which restaurants and cafés are worth a visit. If you’re planning to visit Amsterdam, this is your lucky day! Since I’m there very often I dropped by in a bunch of restaurants, and not everyone of them was good. A lot of people ask me which places they should go at before flying to the Netherlands, so I decided to put together my absolute favourites in this post. But obviously, there is loads more than just the few ones I’m going to reccommend you here.

So here’s my Top 8 in terms of restaurants and bars, I tried to add some variety for every taste.

1. Café de Jaren

I was introduced to this place one day for lunch, because I was visiting the city with a friend of mine that used to live in Amsterdam in the 70s. The first thing I noticed at Café de Jaren was the impressive atrium, with reading table and high ceilings, and how big it is. Two floors, perfect for lunch or dinner (I had both), they offer a menu with plates for everybody’s taste. Strategically located behind Rembrandtplein, the most breathtaking thing isn’t even the architecture of the restaurant, it’s the terrace! You will sit where Amstel meets another smaller side canal, you’ll watch boats pass by and in the evenings it can’t be more romantic. The terrace can get quite packed, I would reserve a table.

Cafe de Jaren, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, 1012 CP Amsterdam

2. Trattoria Toto’

Doesen’t really matter where you travel to, there will always be this one Italian guy who opened his restaurant abroad. Same with this tiny and cute Trattoria, located close to the museum district. You’ll step in through the subterrain entrance, and you’ll notice that there is maybe space for 10 tables, no more. The owners are always welcoming and up for a chat, plus their menu is on top with the antipasti, pastas and risotti choice. If you’re a seafood lover, you should totally try the dishes, and ask for the plates of the day! As you could imagine, I’d reccomend a reservation here as well. Some people feel the menu as pricey, but I think it’s fair for the cuisine they offer. You’ll feel like a family member.

Trattoria Toto’, 1e Costantijn Huygenstraat, 1054 BZ Amsterdam

3. Bazar

You’ll might want to float on a midnight summer dream, taste some spices, try something different. Then you should consider going for a bite at Bazar. Located in one of my favourite quarters, De Pijp, I think on the border line where tourists still get and locals hang out, this moroccan restaurant is a true escape to the flavours of North Africa. Try it as well for an apero alternative after a stroll through the Albert Cuyp Market, on the same street. Sitting out there and do some people watching is priceless.

Bazar, Albert Cuypstraat 182, 1073 BL Amsterdam

4. Staring at Jacob

The one who invented this location’s name is pure genius. At the corner between Staringstraat and Jacob van Lennepkade, a place where you won’t see any tourist walking around, Staring at Jacob was born. An everyday brunchplace or a good bar at night, this restaurant is totally worth a visit. In addition to that, the staff is superfriendly and the view on the local houseboats just lush. Staring at Jacob is only avalaible via Instagram or Facebook and doesen’t take reservations.

Staring at Jacob, Jacob van Lennepkade 215, 1054 Amsterdam

5. Kevin Bacon

Speaking of bars and drinks, if you need one, then check Kevin Bacon out. This small bar is part of the Hotel not Hotel, where I stayed on my last visit. This place offers an unique room selection and was all designed by architecture students of Eindhoven. I didn’t see many hotel guests having a drink in the evening here, but it’s definetly one of the places chosen by the locals. The cosy lounge outside is perfect for enjoying a breezy summer night in Amsterdam. Great Cocktails and Staff!

Kevin Bacon, c/o Hotel not Hotel, Piri Reïsplein 34, 1057 KH Amsterdam

6. Flamingo

If you need a louder version of a bar, then there you go. Flamingo is also located in de Pijp in the middle of happening. This place is tiny, and you might end up standing somewhere at a certain hour of night, because it gets very packed. I love the oldschool feeling this bar gives, the nice cocktail glasses, the very little light you get and Kate Moss (the drink). Try one of the local beers, you’ll stay for two or three.

Café Flamingo, Eerste van der Helststraat 37 BG, 1073 AC Amsterdam

7. Bakers & Roasters

A recently opened place, Bakers & Roasters is a New Zealand inspired brunchplace. Also in de Pijp (I mentioned that I love de Pijp, right? 😀 ), very hip right now, and calculate some waiting time for a table, because reservations are a no-no here. Despite some Kiwi dishes, the obligate quinoa bowl and eggs benedict or florentine can’t be missing. Bright and nice interiors, fresh food.

Bakers and Roasters, Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54, 1072 BH Amsterdam

8. Jasmine

If you’re missing some good asian dishes, go to Chinatown and take a seat at Jasmine. I had some of the best thai food here while travelling and the best thing is, that you can have a walk through the red light district and delight yourself with the crazyness there.

Jasmine, Zeedijk 119, 1012 AW Amsterdam

Enjoy your meal ❤

Do you have some Amsterdam #foodporn stories to share? 🙂