Welcome to the culinary heart of Amsterdam! If you think Dutch food is just herring and pancakes, you’re in for a surprise!
Our city is packed with good restaurants that breathe new life into traditional Dutch cuisine.
Whether you’re a foodie hunting for your next favourite dish or just after a good, hearty meal, there’s something here that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
From old-school family recipes to modern twists on the classics, this list of the 10 best Dutch restaurants is your passport to the real flavours of the Netherlands.
Get ready to tuck into a warm bowl of stamppot and treat yourself to a perfectly caramelised stroopwafel—and yep, we’ve got the list of the good places to eat in Amsterdam that the locals actually love.
So, grab a fork and let’s explore Amsterdam’s best-kept culinary secrets together. Every bite tells a story, and every meal feels like a little celebration. Trust us, your palate will thank you!
1. Moeders (Mothers) – A Hug in Food Form
© Instagram Moeders
Location: Rozengracht 251, 1016 SX
Reservations: Highly recommended (it’s popular for a reason!)
Moeders celebrates Amsterdam cuisine with hearty dishes like stews, stamppot (mashed potatoes with sausage), and homemade meatballs. The restaurant has a cozy vibe, with the walls covered in photos of moms from diners worldwide.
Quick Tip: If you’re visiting on your birthday, you eat for free (if you bring ID, of course).
If you’re in search of good restaurants that feel like home, Moeders is the place to unwind with comfort food and a nice drink.
2. Vijff Vlieghen (Five Flies) – Where History Meets Flavor
© Instagram Vijff Vlieghen
Location: Spuistraat 294-302, 1012 VX
Reservations: Strongly encouraged
This spot isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Located inside five 17th-century canal houses, Vijff Vlieghen offers Dutch fine dining with a bit of flair. They serve modern takes on old-school Dutch dishes, like herring tartare and slow-cooked venison.
Rumor has it, a Rembrandt etching is hidden somewhere on the premises. So, between courses, take a quick scavenger hunt. Or just admire the antique wooden beams and stained glass—it’s history with every forkful.
3. Van Wees – A Toast to Dutch Spirits and Bites
© Instragram Van Wees
Location: Herengracht 319, 1016 AV
Reservations: Recommended for weekends
Van Wees is the place to go if you want to combine Dutch food with the best local drinks. Their menu merges traditional Dutch fare with international flair (like bitterballen with a twist). But what makes them truly stand out? Their gin selection. The place is practically an ode to jenever, the Dutch precursor to gin.
Fun Fact: Dutch sailors used to drink jenever before battle—liquid courage at its finest.
It’s a great place to kick off a night out or enjoy a casual lunch along the canal. Try the cheese fondue here—it’s melty magic in a pot.
4. De Silveren Spiegel – Dutch Dining for the Fancy at Heart
© Instagram De Silveren Spiegel
Location: Kattengat 4-6, Centrum
Reservations: A must for dinner
Looking for a high-end steakhouse vibe? De Silveren Spiegel offers refined Dutch classics in a romantic 17th-century building. Dishes like smoked eel and beef entrecôte make this one of the top restaurants for celebrations.
It’s pricey, but as they say, “You get what you pay for.” I once celebrated a milestone birthday here, and the experience was worth every euro. If you’re looking to impress, book a table.
5. ’T Heemelrijck – Tiny, Quirky, and Full of Heart
© Instagram ’T Heemelrijck
Location: Van Woustraat 23, 1074
Reservations: Not needed
This little gem is all about coziness. The space is tiny—just a few tables inside—so it feels like eating at a friend’s house. The menu changes frequently, but it’s always a tribute to Dutch classics with a twist. Their house-made apple pie is to die for, so save room for dessert.
The quirky interior makes it one of those places you’ll want to take a picture of before you dig in.
6. Café de Klepel – Wine, Cheese, and Dutch Charm
© Instragram Café de Klepel
Location: Prinsenstraat 22, Jordaan
Reservations: Recommended—this spot fills up fast!
If you’re into intimate, candlelit vibes and a love for good wine, Café de Klepel is where you want to be. This intimate cafe in Amsterdam offers a wine lover’s dream. Their ever-changing selection of wines paired with a stellar cheese board makes it a must-visit for an easygoing evening.
Quick Tip: Grab a seat at the bar if you want a front-row view of the wine-pouring action!
7. Hap-Hmm – The OG of Local Favourites
© Instragram Hap-Hmm
Location: Eerste Helmersstraat 33, Oud-West
Reservations: Walk-ins only
For an authentic local experience without the tourist crowds, Hap-Hmm is the place to be. It’s one of those good restaurants that serve home-style meals like grilled fish and meatballs at unbeatable prices.
8. Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs – Pancakes with a View
© Instragram Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs
Location: Grimburgwal 2, Centrum
Reservations: Recommended—there are only 4 tables!
A brunch spot in Amsterdam that’s so tiny, you have to climb a ladder to get to it. (Yes, really.) They serve Dutch pancakes—thinner than American ones, but just as delicious. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Plus, eating here feels like being in a quirky dollhouse.
Quick Tip: Try the bacon and apple pancake—it sounds weird but tastes amazing.
9. Restaurant Greetje – Nostalgic Dutch Dining
© Instragram Restaurant Greetje
Location: Peperstraat 23-25, Centrum
Reservations: Recommended for weekends
Greetje serves family recipes passed down through generations. Their dishes feel both familiar and luxurious, like the stewed beef or the mustard soup. The setting is old-school elegant, with chandeliers and antique furniture. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, but with better food.
10. Café Loetje – The Steak Everyone Talks About
© Instragram Café Loetje
Location: Various locations throughout Amsterdam
Reservations: Recommended at peak hours
No list of top restaurants in Amsterdam would be complete without Café Loetje. This legendary steakhouse is famous for its steak in gravy, served with fries and salad. It’s so beloved that people joke about flying to Amsterdam just for a taste.
Final Thoughts: Dutch Food Is the Best Travel Souvenir
Amsterdam’s Dutch food scene isn’t just a collection of restaurants—it’s a window into the country’s rich culinary traditions.
Each dish, whether it’s a juicy steak bathed in gravy or a crispy bitterbal enjoyed over drinks, tells a story about the Netherlands’ history and love for simple, delicious food.
So, as you savor the last bite of your meal, remember that dining in Amsterdam is more than just eating—it’s about experiencing a culture that welcomes you with every course.
Whether you’re a local, a first-time visitor, or someone looking to explore Dutch flavours beyond stroopwafels, these restaurants will leave your taste buds craving more.
Eet smakelijk and happy dining!