The 11 absolute best brunches in Amsterdam

Of course, if you’re talking about brunch in Amsterdam, you’ve got to talk about The Breakfast Club. This is Amsterdam’s most iconic breakfast, with everything from breakfast burgers to buttermilk pancakes with berries. Oh, and don’t worry, if your head is really aching from the night before, this is the perfect place for a hair of the dog situation. Wine, beer and cocktails are served up alongside brekky from noon till night.

Price: Mid-range

Billed as ‘the Netherlands’ first omelettery’, it’s no surprise what the speciality is at this cute spot at the southern end of De Pijp (they also have a branch near Centraal, on Nieuwebrugsteeg). Starting at 7am, they serve every variation of omelette you could possibly imagine. Hungry? You’ll need the Farm Boy, complete with bacon, salami and chipolatas. Like it hot? The Spicy Mariachi has you covered. Or if you’re after something sweet, try the Banana Peanutbutter, which comes with lashings of honey and cinnamon. Their coffee ain’t half bad either. 

Price: Mid-range

One of Amsterdam’s brunch pioneers, Bakers & Roasters blends a typical ‘Kiwi brekkie’ with punchy Central and South American flavours – meaning eggs benny and the New Zealand version of a full English sit alongside Navajo eggs and huevos rancheros on their eclectic menu. Throw in fantastic coffee and a good range of homemade cakes, and it’s no surprise queues start to form at both branches around 10am. Oh, and if the weather’s nice, head to the one on Kadijksplein – they have a huge outdoor terrace.

Price: Mid-range

If Little Collins’ hangover-busting Bloody Mary can’t wake you from your stupor, nothing will. This quaint address, nestled down a leafy street in De Pijp (they also have a branch in West), takes its name and inspiration from Melbourne’s famous Little Collins Street, even though their brunch dishes have a more global feel. They do a wondrous kimchi and gruyère scramble, the health-conscious will enjoy the fava bean hummus, and the waffles with potatoes, bacon and poached eggs are a sure-fire stomach-filler. 

Price: Mid-range

Voted one of the 25 coolest hotels in the world by Forbes, Zoku is no slouch when it comes to food either. In their rooftop restaurant, you can order one of four warm brunch dishes – inventive takes on the classics that change daily – or tuck into the all-you-can-eat breakfast spread complete with unlimited coffee and juice. And once you’re done, the multiple terraces with views over the city and supremely comfy sofas make this the perfect place to kick back for a few hours. 

Price: High-end

Tastefully decked out in white and blonde wood, this calm, cosy basement spot in De Pijp serves classic brunch dishes with a Nordic twist. Bear sausages and home-cured salmon with roe come with perfectly poached eggs, while the porridges and soups are hearty and bursting with flavour. Finish with a slice of Amsterdam’s best carrot cake and one of their award-winning small-batch coffees. If it’s a nice day, grab them to go, then head across the road to the park.

Price: Mid-range

This US-influenced café is where to head for huge, hearty, hangover-friendly comfort food. The star of the show is the fried chicken with buttermilk waffles, but they also offer tip-top poached egg dishes and a mean banana bread. If the morning after is proving particularly vicious, order the Dirty Dirty Bloody Mary – it’ll sort you out in no time.

Price: Mid-range

Amsterdam is, of course, famous for its canals, and what better way to enjoy them than a leisurely two-hour brunch cruise? G’s operates ‘the world’s only brunch boat’, and it sails every weekend come rain or shine. The menu is a little short and basic, and the portions are not huge, but the food is excellent and, really, there’s no more indulgent way to start the day than sipping on a mimosa as the world sails by. Booking is a must, although it is currently closed for renovations. We can't wait for the re-opening.

Price: High-end

Those after a sweet start to the day should head to this large, open-plan bakery and café next to Weesperplein metro on Sarphatistraat. All manner of cakes, buns, loaves and treats are baked daily, and the alluring smell wafting out the door from 7am is enough to tempt any passerby. Their savoury goods aren’t bad either, with pizzas, fresh soups and a range of hot and cold sandwiches catering to a buzzy lunchtime crowd of students and office workers. Excellent coffee and a decent range of beers and juices seal the deal. 

Price: Budget 

There’s a Hawaiian vibe to this light-filled converted art deco cinema in De Pijp that promises ‘food for the soul’. The main focus here is the humble coconut – they come juiced, squeezed and blended in all manner of thirst quenchers and cocktails – or served fresh and whole. When it comes to mains, expect rather out-there fusion plates: Korean tacos, ‘Tijuana deli’ sandwiches and coconut pancakes, plus eggs done all ways and a wide range of healthy bites and bowls.

Price: Mid-range

Set within the pristine gardens of Hoftuin, behind the Hermitage Museum, Dignita is the ideal relaxing spot for an alfresco brunch. The focus is very much on health and wellness here, with most dishes incorporating fresh organic produce and vegetables from their own garden. The menu features things like wholegrain granola with nuts and chia jelly, zucchini and chickpea fritters, and macrobiotic salad bowls, as well as more standard plates like umami avocado and eggs benedict. Kids are well catered for, too, with a special menu and plenty of space to run around.

Price: Mid-range