Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Although traditional Dutch food has a reputation for being shabby, today’s chefs showcase the best of Dutch cuisine Hotspots. They are now embracing local ingredients such as Gouda cheese, farm-fresh veggies, and the ubiquitous herring and are creating intricately crafted dishes that incorporate international influences. Amsterdam is a world-class city that has always been open to international cuisines. It’s not surprising that it offers everything from Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki to Indonesian rijstaffel. These are our top picks for Amsterdam’s best restaurants.
Ron Gastrobar
Ron Blaauw was Amsterdam’s most famous chef and restaurateur in 2013. He left Amsterdam in 2013. Blaauw reopened this casual restaurant. The Gastrobar is the benchmark for Amsterdam’s new-generation dining scene. You will find small plates with expertly prepared dishes like dim sum shrimp dumplings in chicken broth and shiitake mushrooms. Dry-aged steaks, dry-aged gin, and tonics are the highlights of this restaurant.
The White Room
The White Room, Amsterdam’s oldest restaurant, was established in 1885 in the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky on Dam Square. Jacob Jan Boerma, the renowned chef, uses fruit flavors and aromatic spice in his exquisitely presented nine-course menus. Think North Sea Crab, buttermilk, and watermelon. Or venison with pumpkin, Delcorf apples, and chicory.
Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs
This tiny cafe with four tables is a true Amsterdam landmark. It’s located in an old 16th-century home on the edge of the Red Light District. You can only reach the dining room through a narrow staircase. There are also quirky teapots hanging from ceilings and the only menu item is pancakes. The dessert you might choose is the “Bali” pancake with a Dutch liqueur Pisang Ambon, coconut, and bananas.
Yamazato
You arrived in Amsterdam and not Tokyo. So you didn’t intend to eat Japanese food. But you might reconsider. Yamazato, a Japanese restaurant that excels at kaiseki, was awarded a Michelin star for its cuisine in 2002. The Japanese decor is evident in the dining room, which even has a view of a garden. Kaiseki is the main event.
Waterkant
This spot is easily overlooked, nestled between the Singel canal and a massive concrete parking garage. However, you will notice the string of bright outdoor lights that hang from the patio. In summer, a young crowd gathers here to refuel before heading out. Waterkant is a Surinamese-themed restaurant. Waterkant serves dishes from South America’s former Dutch colony, including Surinamese bread with salted codfish, snake bean, pickles, and sambal. You can also enjoy global favorites like Chicken Tikka.
