Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands, renowned for its historic canal ring, world-class museums, vibrant cycling culture, and liberal atmosphere. Built on a grid of 17th-century canals lined with narrow gabled merchant houses, the city blends Golden Age heritage with contemporary art, cutting-edge food, and one of Europe's most energetic nightlife scenes.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Ciel Bleu
Popular French-Dutch fusion restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: 2 Michelin stars; French-Dutch tasting menus with panoramic Amsterdam views from the 23rd floor
Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 (Hotel Okura, 23rd floor), 1072 LH Amsterdam
Restaurant Vermeer
Popular Modern European restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: 1 Michelin star; creative Dutch seasonal cuisine in a 17th-century setting
Prins Hendrikkade 59-72 (NH Collection Barbizon Palace), 1012 AD Amsterdam
De Kas
Popular Dutch / Mediterranean restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: Set-menu restaurant housed in a 1926 municipal greenhouse; ingredients grown on-site or from partner farms
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam
Ron Gastrobar
Popular Modern Dutch / International restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: Former Michelin-star chef Ron Blaauw's casual fine-dining concept; Instagrammable small plates
Sophialaan 55, 1075 BP Amsterdam
Moeders
Popular Dutch home cooking restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: Traditional Dutch stamppot, hutspot, and stewed meats in a cozy restaurant covered wall-to-wall in photos of mothers sent by diners
Rozengracht 251, 1016 SZ Amsterdam
Sama Sebo
Popular Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: Amsterdam's most iconic Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table) experience; open since 1969
PC Hooftstraat 27, 1071 BL Amsterdam
Kantjil & de Tijger
Popular Indonesian restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: Long-running Indonesian restaurant near the Spui; excellent value rijsttafel in central Amsterdam
Spuistraat 291–293, 1012 VS Amsterdam
Foodhallen
Popular International / Dutch restaurant in Amsterdam.
Known for: Indoor food hall in a converted tram depot with 21 vendors offering everything from Dutch bitterballen to ramen, tacos, and wine
Hannie Dankbaarpassage 33, 1053 RT Amsterdam
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
French
Ciel Bleu
Bord'Eau
Brasserie Ambassade
The Seafood Bar
International
Foodhallen
Pllek
Stach Food
Dignita
Dutch
Café Winkel 43
Hannekes Boom
Scheepskameel
Indonesian
Sama Sebo
Kantjil & de Tijger
Indonesisch Restaurant Blue Pepper
Modern Dutch
Ron Gastrobar
Restaurant Breitner
Guts & Glory
European
Restaurant Vermeer
De Silveren Spiegel
Italian
Lombardo's Deli
Toscanini
Japanese
Restaurant Yamazato
MOMO Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Surinamese
Roopram Roti
Warung Mini
Chinese
Nam Kee
Dutch Bar Snacks
Café 't Smalle
Dutch Craft Beer
Brouwerij 't IJ
Dutch Home Cooking
Moeders
Dutch Jenever
Proeflokaal A. van Wees
Dutch Pancakes
Pancake Restaurant Upstairs (Upstairs Pannenkoeken)
Dutch Ribs And Grill
Café de Klos
Dutch Steaks And Sandwiches
Café Loetje
Mediterranean
De Kas
Modern Nordic
Restaurant C
Neapolitan Pizza
Mastino
New Zealand
Bakers & Roasters
Sandwiches
Bar Spek
Spanish
La Oliva Pintxos y Vinos
Thai
Bird Thai
Vietnamese
Pho Viet
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |