The best restaurants in Amsterdam for 2026

What is it? An international fine dining restaurant in Noord with a 25-metre-long turquoise epoxy counter that strikes like a lightning bolt across the room. Diners look directly into the kitchen, catching glimpses of the chefs at work, making the whole experience interactive and engaging.

Why we love it: Restaurant Europa rises above the hip Hamerkanaal district scene with funky cooking that has a deep umami edge. Here, chef Rein op ’t Root, a self-taught Rietveld art college alum, crafts inventive tasting menus with a local seafood slant. There’s a clear artist’s eye at work, particularly in the interplay of colour and texture. The cod tsukune is barbecued, lacquered with a langoustine glaze, and served on a juniper branch atop a pewter plate. A salad of pumpkin, seaweed, chard, asparagus and chestnut bursts with bright yellows, greens, and oranges, like a painter’s palette. Large art pieces on the walls rival the artistry on the plate. An in-house bakery is a bonus, and a free sourdough loaf to take home completes the experience.

Time Out tip: There’s room for just 18 at the zigzagging dining bar, and with only three years left on the permit clock, it’s one to visit before it disappears. On a budget? Next door Europizza and Euro Soft Café by the same owners, are also worth checking out.

Address: Gedempt Hamerkanaal 81, 1021 KP, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Thursday to Friday, from 7pm-11pm; Saturday, from 1pm-11pm; closed Sunday to Wednesday.

Expect to pay: €93 for the tasting menu, drinks not included. 

What is it? A sleek two Michelin-starred “conscious fine dining” restaurant overlooking the Amstel river, where Dutch micro-seasons inspire unexpectedly light cuisine that combines local ingredients with global techniques. Ranked among the top three Best Vegetable Restaurants in the World 2025 by the We're Smart Green Guide, Flore offers elegant plating, impeccable service and a choice between omnivore and herbivore menus.

Why we love it: Chef Bas van Kranen’s entirely dairy-free cooking centres on slowly grown vegetables, wild-foraged herbs and sustainable seafood. The result is bright, clean flavours that never feel heavy, even after multiple courses. With just 11 tables in the main dining room, the atmosphere is intimate, and foodies will appreciate the kitchen tour, where chefs talk through standout ingredients in a striking custom-built kitchen. Add an award-winning wine list curated by Gault&Millau’s Sommelier of the Year 2026, Antonello Nicastri, and you’ve got special-occasion dining at its best.

Time Out tip: For a front-row view of the action, book the 10-seat Kitchen Table, where you’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow food lovers.

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 CP, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Wednesday to Thursday, from 6.30pm-10pm; Friday to Saturday, from noon-10pm; closed Sunday to Tuesday

Expect to pay: €250 for the six-course dinner menu, and €120 for the wine pairing

What is it? One of the city’s most influential dining rooms. Situated on the third floor of historic warehouse Het Veem in Amsterdam’s Houthavens, a minimalist interior and waterside views set the stage for thoroughly modern cooking.

Why we love it: BAK helped shape Amsterdam’s nouveau ruig movement in the early 2010s, along with mainstays like Choux and Café Modern, championing pure, honest cooking in stripped-back surroundings long before it became mainstream. Trend-setting yet utterly unpretentious, the kitchen leans on fermentation and bright acidity to bring balance and depth to ever-changing seasonal dishes.

Time Out tip: The cellar is as compelling as the kitchen, with around 500 low-intervention wines, mainly from France and Italy, and many available by the glass. Alternatively, opt for the house-made non-alcoholic pairing built around kombuchas and juices.

Address: Van Diemenstraat 408, 1013 CR Amsterdam

Opening hours:  Wednesday to Friday, from 6pm-10pm; and Saturday to Sunday, from 12.30pm-10pm; closed Monday and Tuesday

Expect to pay: €75 for the tasting menu, and €67.50 for the wine pairing.

What is it? A serene Japanese restaurant serving refined kaiseki and kappo cuisine.

Why we love it: Yamazato, the first Japanese restaurant in Europe to receive a Michelin star for its kaiseki-style dining experience, might be the obvious choice here. Yet, we love that Hatsune is still a little under the radar. Opened in the latter half of 2025, chef Mitsuhiro Narita, who was formerly an instructor at Osaka’s prestigious Tsuji Culinary Institute, delivers understated precision without theatrics. Expect a carefully choreographed progression of dishes built around seasonal ingredients, from delicate sashimi and silky chawanmushi to a centrepiece of tempura served piece by piece for peak crispness. The experience feels like a slice of Osaka in Zuid.

Time Out tip: With just a handful of tables, reservations are advised.

Address: Beethovenstraat 180, 1077 JX, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday, from 11.30am-2pm; Tuesday to Thursday, from 11.30am-10pm; Friday to Saturday, from 6-10pm; closed Sunday. 

Expect to pay: €25-€50 for lunch sets, and €120–€150 for kaiseki tasting menus, excluding drinks.

What is it? One of the world’s first farm-to-table restaurants. This trailblazer in a renovated 1926 greenhouse consistently remains one of our faves.  

Why we love it: Seasonality and local sourcing are common now, but when De Kas opened in 2001, it was ahead of its time. It still inspires much fevered talk among foodies, and the impressive surroundings certainly don’t hurt. The dining room, by Dutch design icon Piet Boon,  boasts an eight-metre-high glass conservatory with spectacular views of Frankendael Park. An open kitchen and an annexe nursery, where some produce is grown and harvested, connect guests to the culinary process. If the weather permits, enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the park-facing patio before heading inside. 

Time Out tip: Looking for something a little more casual in Oost? Buurtcafé de Tros is one of the city’s best neighbourhood restaurants. It’s cosy enough for a date, with a great wine list and creative spins on comfort food.

Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE,  Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from noon-midnight; closed Sundays

Expect to pay: €53 for a three-course lunch, or €92.50 for a six-course dinner, excluding drinks.

What is it? A family-run restaurant and bakery that has become a go-to destination for Cantonese cuisine in Amsterdam. Situated next to He Hua Temple—the region’s largest Chinese Buddhist temple—this popular eatery features a traditional tiled roof. Its name, ‘between heaven and sea’, reflects the community’s seafaring roots.

Why we love it: Hype spots come and go, but Hoi Tin has been a fixture in mainland Europe’s oldest Chinatown for nearly half a century. It’s famous for its dim sum, including delicate har gau, savoury siu mai and soft steamed cha siu bao. The menu extends to expertly roasted meats and sizzling wok dishes. A renowned in-house bakery produces everything from silky custard tarts to traditional mooncakes. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the pork buns or the crispy black radish cake with XO sauce. 

Address: Zeedijk 122–124, 1012 BB, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Open daily from noon-10pm.

Expect to pay: €7–€13 for dim sum, and €18.50-€29.50 for mains.

What is it? The ‘Golden Pheasant Hotel’ is not a hotel at all, but an enormous restaurant housed in a former garage in Noord (with some quaint old cars still left inside).

Why we love it: On the River IJ, this is a summer standout, when the garage doors open and the dining room spills onto the waterfront. It’s not fancy – you’ll sit on red plastic chairs – but servers are attentive, and the views are fabulous. Come for modern Mediterranean food, prepped in an open kitchen and served at actually reasonable prices. If the roast chicken’s on, order it. It’s their signature.

Time Out tip: Rent a bike. It’s a 20-minute walk from the metro. No table? Try Hangar next door for waterside drinks, or head to nearby Coba Taqueria for top-tier tacos and cocktails.

Address: Aambeeldstraat 10H, 1021 KB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 5.30pm-midnight; closed Monday

Expect to pay: €14 for starters, €26.50 for mains, €4.50 for sides, and €11.50 for desserts. Or try the three-course meal for €47.50, excluding drinks.

What is it? A buzzy, contemporary French bistro, where former Michelin chefs put a creative spin on classic French cuisine.

Why we love it: Tucked away in Oost, Troef is intimate and unstuffy, with unabashedly decadent dishes like whole lobster with sauce antiboise, bisque and artichokes, plus a rotating pie. The oxtail version we once tried with sweetbreads in mushroom foam still lingers in the memory. The wine room is an oenophile’s dream, with over 2,000 bottles spanning standout vintages and more accessible picks alike.

Time Out tip: Reservations get snapped up quickly, so be sure to book in advance. If you can’t get a reservation, Tannay is also a solid bet for French food, too.

Address: Schollenbrugstraat 8, 1091 EX, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Open daily from 5.30pm-11pm 

Expect to pay: €19-€22 for starters, €24-€29 for mains, €5-€6 for sides, and €4.50-€15 for desserts, excluding drinks.

What is it? A destination restaurant on a tiny island east of Amsterdam, reached by boat and built around a seasonal set menu. Part of the UNESCO-listed Stelling van Amsterdam, a 19th-century defensive network of forts and waterworks, the island is home to Amsterdam’s only lighthouse, a historic fort and rugged, largely untouched nature that was long closed to the public.

Why we love it: Half the magic lies in the journey: a boat ride from the city, a wander across the windswept island, then a multi-course dinner in either a glasshouse or historic fort, depending on the season. From summer 2026, chef Benny Blisto (BAK) takes the helm, bringing his produce-led, fire-driven cooking style, with ingredients sourced from local waters, wild foraging and herbs grown on the island.

Time Out tip: Book well in advance, dress for the weather, be punctual and then let the experience unfold slowly.

Address: Vuurtoreneiland, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 6.30pm-11.45pm; Sunday, from 3.30pm-8.45pm; closed Mondays.

Expect to pay: €100 for a six-course menu, plus €35 for the boat transfer, excluding drinks.

What is it? An Indonesian restaurant near Vondelpark, pairing a modern, high-ceilinged interior with authentic, flavour-packed cooking. It may be called ‘Blue’, but this peppy spot is done out in black, white and red, with a mural-sized family portrait dominating one wall.

Why we love it: Blauw offers a broad taste of the Indonesian archipelago, minus the batik-and-gamelan clichés. The rijsttafels (a selection of meat, fish and/or vegan dishes) are the move, but there are also Indonesian street food options and more traditional dishes on the menu.

Time Out tip: Going à la carte? Don’t miss the signature daging rendang (coconutty braised beef) or sate kambing (roasted goat meat with soy sauce).

Address: Amstelveenseweg 158-160, 1075 XN, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 5pm-10pm; and Friday to Saturday, from 5pm-10.30pm

Expect to pay: Rijsttafels €42-€48 pp, excluding drinks.

What is it? A popular brasserie set in a cavernous, 19th-century monument in the Westerpark area. This former water pumping station now pumps out sumptuous seafood platters and brasserie fare like oeufs mayonnaise, coq au vin and steak frites 

Why we love it: Ask any local foodie for their favourites and chances are they’ll mention evergreens like Rijsel and Kaagman & Kortekaas. Cradam, though, is where they go when they’ve got multiple generations or picky eaters in tow. It has adoring fans of all ages (there’s a kids menu, too). If it’s sunny, order some chilled white wine and grab a spot on the terrace.

Time Out tip: Come springtime, order white asparagus with steamed potatoes, boiled eggs, melted butter and ham. It’s local and timeless.

Address: Watertorenplein 6, 1051 PA, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 10am-midnight; Friday to Saturday, from 10am-1am; and Sunday, from 10am-midnight

Expect to pay: €4.75-€24.75 for starters, €18.25-€30.75 for mains, and €2-€12.50 for desserts, excluding drinks

What is it? A Jordaan-based restaurant famous for its regional Italian specialities since 1985.

Why we love it: The authentic Italian food at this bustling spot is prepared in a large open kitchen by chef Leonardo Pacenti and his team. The appeal lies in its simplicity: seasonal ingredients, handled with care, in the style of a neighbourhood trattoria you might stumble across in Italy. Don’t go expecting pizza. Toscanini serves bread from its own bakery, as well as homemade pasta, meat, vegetable and fish dishes and Italian wines – many from small producers.

Time Out tip: Do make sure to book early if you want to get a table. 

Address: Lindengracht 75, 1015 KD, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 6pm-11.30pm. Closed Sundays.

Expect to pay: €7-€18 for stuzzichini, €19-€22 for antipasti, €22-€26 for primi, €27-€31 for secondi, and €11-€12 for dolci, excluding drinks.

What is it? A popular East-side eatery serving contemporary Dutch fare in an industrial-rustic setting.

Why we love it: While there are quite a few fancy Dutch fine dining spots like the much-lauded RIJKS and Bolenius, this is one of the few dependably excellent mid-range options. A relaxed atmosphere and great-value daily menu keep Wilde Zwijnen a firm favourite. The idea at the ‘Wild Boars’ is simple: choose three, four or five courses (or order a la carte), pick some wine, and let the kitchen work its magic with fresh, seasonal produce and local meat, game and fish.

Time Out tip:  A pretty sizeable terrace on Javaplein makes this a good choice for fair-weather feasting.  

Address: Javaplein 23, 1095 CJ, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 6pm-10p; Sunday, from noon-10pm

Expect to pay: From €50-65 for three to five courses (vegetarian €48-62), excluding drinks. Or have the wild boar stew with a glass of wine for €25. 

What is it? A low-key neighbourhood seafood spot in Noord that’s always full to the gills with locals.

Why we love it: You’d be hard-pressed to find fresher fish in Amsterdam, and Barracuda’s self-service setup helps keep prices relatively low. Start with the crab legs or the shellfish in white wine. Then, if it’s available, order the grilled monkfish with tomatoes, capers and olives for the table.

Time Out tip: It’s jam-packed with families at the 5pm opening, which is perfect if you’ve got little ones and worth timing around if you don’t.

Address: Aambeeldstaat 10, 1021 KB, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 5pm-11pm; and Saturday to Sunday 12.30pm-11pm

Expect to pay: €8.50-€16.50 for starters, €14.50-29.50 for mains, €4.75 for sides, €3-€8.50 for desserts, excluding drinks.

What is it? A lively wine bistro in the Jordaan serving thoughtful small plates alongside a nearly 400-strong wine list, with a focus on classic French wine regions.

Why we love it: Café Parlotte nails that easy-going neighbourhood feel, with a convivial buzz that spills onto the Jordaan pavement. Chef Maarten Pinxteren’s bistro-style cooking is simple yet precise, while award-winning sommelier Margot Los’ wine list rewards leaps of faith, with plenty of smaller producers and grower Champagnes.

Time Out tip:  The menu is set, but you can choose the number of courses. Start with a few bar snacks and ask the expert team to pick a bottle to match.

Address: Westerstraat 182, 1015 MR, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday, from 4pm-1am; Wednesday to Friday, from 4pm-1am; Saturday, from 1pm–1am; and Sunday, from 1pm–9pm; closed Tuesdays

Expect to pay: €52.50 for three courses, excluding drinks

What is it? An award-winning pizzeria, which ranked 7th in the 50 Top Pizza Europe Awards 2025.

Why we love it: Neapolitan chef Vincenzo Onnembo honours tradition while not being bound by it. His precise two-day dough process results in perfectly charred and chewy crusts that are impossibly light and fluffy inside. Toppings at nNea vary from fairly traditional to wildly creative. The Margherita, with San Marzano tomatoes, perfect puddles of fior di latte di Agerola, basil and Parmigiano Reggiano is simplicity at its best while the chef’s specialty, SuperMarinara, with roast octopus, mountain oregano and garlic deserves its cult-like status. Leave some space for dessert if you can. The babá al rum with grilled peaches, lemon thyme and crème légère is not to be missed.

Time Out tip: There is always a long line here, so reservations are recommended. 

Address: Bilderdijkstraat 192, 1053 KX, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Open daily, from 5.30pm-10.30pm. 

Expect to pay: Between €11-26 for a pizza, excluding drinks.

What is it? A colourful, laid-back Thai street food bar in De Baarsjes, serving bold, flavour-packed dishes in a convivial, welcoming setting.

Why we love it: The recipes come from Bo Bertels, the Thai-born mother of co-founder Kora Bertels, whose 40-plus years in the restaurant business show in every dish. Expect vibrant, true Thai flavours, from the signature pad khao soi udon noodles with crunchy fried chicken and coconut curry to stand-out fish cakes and crispy moo krob (pork belly). The warm service, kitchen-garden ingredients and relaxed vibe, complete with a games corner, make Thai Thai Poppetje just as good for families as for groups of friends.

Time Out tip: Pair your meal with a tamarind sour made with Mekhong rum, or keep it casual with a Thai Chang beer or one of the local craft brews. The drinks list also includes Thai sodas, and house-made lemonades.

Address: Van Speijkstraat 157HS, 1057 GX, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 5.30pm-11pm; closed Mondays and Sundays.

Expect to pay: €9.50-€12 for starters, €23-€26 for mains, and €8 for desserts, excluding drinks.

What is it? An old-school Surinamese restaurant with generous plates of comfort food.

Why we love it: New Draver is the kind of place where regulars greet each other like old friends and the atmosphere is warmly homely. It’s been serving home-style Surinamese soul food to a loyal local crowd since 1984. The roast chicken bami is the must-order: juicy, well-seasoned meat over springy, non-greasy noodles. You’ll also find classics like moksi alesi (yellow rice with chicken, salted beef and vegetables) and heri heri (boiled cassava, sweet potato and salted fish) – all satisfying and full of flavour.

Time Out tip: Check the handwritten board for daily specials.

Address: Tweede Oosterparkstraat 2-4, 1091 JC, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday, from 2pm-11pm; Wednesday to Sunday, from 2pm-11pm; closed Tuesdays

Expect to pay: €3-€8 for starters and snacks, and €10-€15 for mains, excluding drinks

What is it? A local brasserie mini-chain that is a mecca for all things chargrilled.

Why we love it: The burgers are impeccable. You can’t go wrong with the bacon-cheese or the buttermilk-marinated fried chicken burger with chilli mayo and fresh coleslaw. Or pig out on the house speciality, with added pulled pork, sauteed onions, sauerkraut and matured cheddar. A 1,100 g Dutch grass-fed Tomahawk steak and lemon-parsley roast chicken are just some of the other delights on offer. Cannibale Royale’s craft beer menu is excellent, too, with a rotating range of local brews on draught, including a house Blonde and Pale Ale. There are five other locations in Centrum, Zuid and Noord.  

Time out tip: Looking for authentic Kansas City-style smokehouse barbecue? Head to Pendergast Smokehouse for the city’s best brisket and ribs. For more upscale open-flame cooking, try Nela, Veneur or Wils.

Address: Handboogstraat 17‑19, 1012 XM, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from noon‑1am; Friday to Saturday, from noon‑2am; and Sunday, from noon‑1am

Expect to pay: Around €15‑17 for burgers, excluding drinks.

What is it? The quintessential Amsterdam lunchroom, serving traditional Dutch broodjes and more.

Why we love it: Around since 1945, practically unchanged, Eetsalon Van Dobben is an Amsterdam institution where simplicity reigns. Locals line up for the legendary sandwiches, though there are also soups (including Dutch pea soup in winter), steak, chops and eggs. It’s all unapologetically old-school and refreshingly affordable.

Time Out tip: First time? Go straight for the classic broodje kroket, a crispy veal croquette served on a fluffy buttered white roll with sharp mustard to balance the richness. It’s pure nostalgia. For full authenticity, order it with a glass of milk. Still hungry? Try the broodje halfom with corned beef and liverwurst, an Amsterdam staple, or the bal gehakt (meatball sandwich).

➡️ Discover more cheap restaurants in Amsterdam

Address: Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat 5, 1017 BH, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 10am–8pm; Friday to Saturday, from 10am–9pm; Sunday, from 10am–8pm

Expect to pay: €3-€7.25 forr broodjes, €5.50 for soups, and €8.95 for omelettes and uitsmijters (open-faced ham and egg sandwiches), excluding drinks.

What is it? A 100% plant-based shared dining restaurant that’s been around since 2016.

Why we love it: Traditional Dutch cuisine, with its emphasis on meat, potatoes and robust fare, isn’t particularly kind to vegetarians, and vegans even less so. However, this pioneering vegan spot in Oud West still offers a tasty alternative to stamppot culture. The seasonal menu changes regularly but may feature jackfruit tacos, Korean fried cauliflower, lion’s mane “steak” or rainbow veggie sliders. Meatless District was founded by vegan Cathelijne Huijben and nutritionist Cil Vermolen, who wanted to create “a place where you could go out with friends, drink a cocktail, share different dishes, and go home feeling satisfied - without missing meat.”

Time Out tip: Looking for something more specific? Specialists like Men Impossible (vegan ramen), Vegan Sushi Bar (the clue’s in the name) and Margo’s (vegan pastry) will blow your socks off.

Address: Bilderdijkstraat 65-67 HS, 1053 KM, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, from 5.30pm-10pm; closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Expect to pay: €6.50-€16 for sharing plates

What is it? A cosy old-school Jordaan joint serving classic Dutch food in a traditional brown-café setting.

Why we love it: In a city awash with small plates, the hearty portions are a welcome throwback to simpler times. Around since 1973, Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje is practically an institution. The interior feels frozen in time and many regulars have been coming for decades. Despite its prime location, prices have stayed reasonable, so you can fill up on dishes like snert (Dutch pea soup), grandma’s beef stew with mashed potatoes and warm apple pie and still have plenty of funds for drinks after.

Time Out tip: If you’re seeking a more refined take on Dutch cuisine, you might want to head to the Michelin-starred Bolenius or RIJKS at Rijksmuseum instead. 

Address: Berenstraat 12, 1016 GH, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Open daily from 4.30-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: €4.50-€15.75 for starters and soups, €17.75-29.75 for mains, and €5.75-€7.75 for desserts, excluding drinks.

What is it? A stylish, family-friendly pancake restaurant in Amsterdam Zuid, serving traditional pannenkoeken and other Dutch classics.

Why we love it: Many Dutch pancake houses lean either touristy or too kid-focused, but Restaurant Hendrik is aimed squarely at locals and their whole families. A stunning, country house-chic interior sets the tone, pairing relaxed comfort with polished style. Pancakes are made with organic flour, local milk and free-range eggs, then piled high with sweet and savoury toppings. There’s plenty for kids, but adults are equally well catered for, with crowd-pleasers like chicken satay and Flemish beef stew.

Time Out tip: This isn’t just a pancake-and-lemonade kind of place. There are also wines, cocktails and beers, so parents can unwind while the kids tuck in.

Address: Ruysdaelstraat 50-56, 1071 XE, Amsterdam

Opening hours: Tuesday to Wednesday, from 5pm-10.30pm; Thursday, from noon-10.30pm; Friday to Saturday, from noon-11pm; and Sunday, from noon-10.30pm. Closed Monday.

Expect to pay: €8.25–€21.25 for pancakes, excluding drinks.