The 16 best restaurants and places to eat in Amsterdam

Last Update: March 20th, 2026

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, offers many attractions: various museums, a canal system (called Grachten) that gives the entire city its character, and a cycling culture that is unrivalled in any other major city.

The city also has a lot to offer on a culinary level. Discover our top restaurants in Amsterdam.

Tip #1: The Magic Table

A completely new dinner experience elevates gastronomy to a level that has not existed before. At The Magic Table, reality merges with illusion, as this 3D dinner was co-produced by The Clairvoyants.

They are known from America’s Got Talent, where they enchanted the world with their spectacular mentalism and illusion shows. Now it comes to your table! During a five-course menu, you will experience magic* and wizardry up close and be part of it interactively.

Tip #2: Restaurant De Kas

One of Amsterdam’s best restaurants on our list is located just outside the city in Frankendael Park. Here you’ll find one of the world’s first farm-to-table restaurants: Restaurant De Kas**!

You are sitting in the middle of a large greenhouse, where you can see the plants that produced the fruits, vegetables, and herbs now on your plate.

A really great idea and concept, which has already received several top-class awards, including a red and a green Michelin star.

Tip #3: The Pantry

Dutch cuisine and its traditional dishes are not as popular as the classics from Italy or France, but they also deserve special attention!

You can enjoy them at another one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam’s city center: The Pantry. This family-run, very cozy, and rustic restaurant is an absolute must for anyone visiting the city.

The Dutch classics can be ordered as a menu or à la carte, for example: Boerenkoolstamppot with mashed potatoes, kale, and smoked sausage. Our favorite dessert: Vlaflip – a vanilla custard with yogurt and fruit syrup.

Tip #4: MOS

You could hardly spend a more romantic or festive evening closer to the water than at MOS in Amsterdam, a Michelin-starred restaurant directly opposite the A’DAM Tower and the Eye Filmmuseum.

Huge windows allow you to enjoy a fantastic view from your table during lunch or dinner**. The atmosphere is very elegant, and the use of different colors and floral elements creates further special eye-catchers. The restaurant is particularly suitable for a visit on a special occasion.

Tip #5: The Seafood Bar

Attention, all fish lovers! The Seafood Bar in Amsterdam serves the best catches from the sea. They receive fresh deliveries every day and attach particular importance to the purity and freshness of their produce.

The family-run business, which, funnily enough, also bears the Dutch translation of the surname „Fisherman,“ opened its first fish shop in 1984, followed by the first restaurant in Amsterdam in 2012, and now operates a total of six restaurants.

Tip #6: Senses Restaurant

If you are looking for the perfect place for a special occasion in Amsterdam, we can recommend Senses Restaurant**, located in the heart of the city.

For us, it is one of the best dinner spots in Amsterdam, because what is served on the plate is not only a culinary delight but also a work of art!

The chefs are inspired by Japanese cuisine and incorporate seasonal ingredients. You can not only make dinner reservations, but you can also eat here at lunchtime, too, and choose between three and five courses.

Tip #7: Restaurant Zaza’s

You will spend a fabulous evening at Zaza’s, because „absolutely fabulous“ is the motto of this very small and intimate restaurant with just 12 tables.

The menu offers international, fresh, and homemade delicacies inspired by Mediterranean, French, or Asian cuisine. In short: Some of the best food in Amsterdam can be found here.

Tip #8: Ashoka

Ashoka is sure to stick in your mind when you ask yourself where to eat in Amsterdam. Here, the owners have combined Indian and Nepalese food with the idea of fine dining, while keeping everything within a very affordable price range.

You can look forward to the classics and the tastiest signature dishes of India and Nepal, as well as well-known tandoori and curry dishes. The restaurant’s interior is also worthy of special mention, as it is very stylish and modern, in matching shades of beige and gold.

Tip #9: Restaurant Vermeer

We have found a remarkably stylish restaurant in Amsterdam: Restaurant Vermeer, which for us is one of the best places to dine in Amsterdam! A modern, clean, and very elegant ambience awaits you here.

At the table, you can choose from à la carte dishes prepared from daily fresh local farmers‘ products. Alternatively, you can opt for the chef’s selection of three to five courses. The dishes are presented in a very artistic, colorful, and simply special way, so don’t forget to take a souvenir photo!

Tip #10: Bistrot des Alpes

Have you ever heard of Savoyard cuisine? This is the name of the cuisine that is famous in the French Alps, and you can enjoy it in the heart of Amsterdam at the Bistrot des Alpes. Look forward to a hearty meal here, including delicious raclette, fondue, and gratin savoyard!

The ambience of the restaurant is in a typical Alpine style, with lots of wood and warm colors, making it a rustic and very cozy place that invites you to linger. A very special place to eat in Amsterdam!

Tip #11: Restaurant De Belhamel

The picturesque Brouwersgracht canal in Amsterdam is also a great place to eat! Delicious dishes from French, Italian, Dutch, and Flemish cuisine await you at RestaurantDe Belhamel**.

If you manage to get a table outside the restaurant, you can enjoy a romantic view of the water and the life on it. In addition to the culinary offerings, the restaurant has a very nice and well-stocked bar, which is definitely worth a stop too.

Tip #12: Restaurant De Utrechtsedwarstafel

Best places to eat in Amsterdam—that’s probably what all foodies are looking for before visiting the beautiful capital of the Netherlands. At Restaurant De Utrechtsedwarstafel, not only the foodies will be spoiled, but wine lovers as well!

The tables are covered with white tablecloths, and guests are served a five-course menu in combination with a carefully selected wine pairing. The theme of wine is also reflected in the interior design, so if you look around, you will notice the owner’s passion for wine – and of course for good food.

Tip #13: Gertrude

Gertrudeis located in a cozy neighborhood, charming guests with its cool vintage interior, delicious dishes, and perfect espresso martinis.

If you’re looking for a hip restaurant in Amsterdam frequented by young people and expats, this is the place to be.

Tip #14: Helling 7

Restaurant Helling 7 is located on the IJ waterway in Amsterdam. The restaurant is an old wharf canteen in a modern guise. The restaurant with a terrace is located on a flat rooftop where boats used to be repaired.

You can enjoy the charming view of the river as you dine on the contemporary food menu prepared in an open kitchen.

Tip #15: Nomad aan het IJ

If you are looking for an exclusive dining experience in Amsterdam, look no further than Nomad aan het IJ. You have never seen a menu like this before: every ingredient is carefully considered, beautifully presented, and ultimately delicious.

Take a seat in a serene atmosphere with subdued lighting and calm background music. This is the place for an upscale dinner in Amsterdam.

Tip #16: Foodhallen

Here, it’s all about diversity: people, flavors, and offerings—Foodhallenis a large hall with over 20 different vendors offering delicious specialties and drinks from various countries at their counters.

Spanish tapas, juicy burgers, Mumbai street food, and much more can be found here. So what are you waiting for—enjoy!

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!