Best known for the Dutch culinary classics – pancakes, herring and bitterballen – Amsterdam is definitely considered one of Europe’s top foodie spots. Although these are all extremely delicious, we shouldn’t forget the other tasty food that the city has to offer its visitors. Here are 9 of hidden foodie favourites in the city.
To enjoy more of the city’s undiscovered areas, check out our Amsterdam City Discovery games.
1. MONK'S COFFEE ROASTERS
We love good coffee. So we love Monk’s. Since 2016 this cosy café has been hidden next to Pantry Magic Medan. The secret of their popularity is a good quality service and fair portions. Locals don’t only come for the great coffee and cake, they also spend hours working from this lovely spot. Oud West is an up-and-coming district with a young, bohemian crowd and diverse cultural offerings, if this sounds right up your street then have a go at our Oud West game.
Neighbourhood: Oud West
WINKEL43
The BEST apple pie in town is eaten at Winkel43. Located in a traditional Amsterdam-style house in the heart of Jordaan, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and apple pie with whipped cream on the lovely terrace. Explore more about this neighborhood with our Jordaan game.
Neighbourhood: Jordaan
3. MATA HARI
Mata Hari is said to be the best excuse to visit the Red Light District and we couldn’t agree more! The building in which you find this cosy restaurant used to be a casino. Our favourite seat in the house is the couch near the window – it’s a wonderful spot for a cup of hot chocolate or glass of red wine on a cold day. When the sun is out, come here for lunch or a beer by the canal! The reasonably-priced menu is Mediterranean with a Dutch twist and they use seasonal products here.
Neighbourhood: Centre / Red Light District
4. CLONE 42
One of the most wonderful wine bars in Amsterdam! Clone 42 is located in the centre of the city, and it’s actually inside a gorgeous canal house! The owners say: ‘We believe that wines should be approachable to people from all ages and all walks of life.’, so at Clone42, they have an extensive wine list! The team also know a lot about their wines, so ask them anything. If wine isn’t your thing, they serve craft beers too – and have a small menu for plates to compliment your drinks.
Neighbourhood: Centre / Canal Belt
5. BROUWERIJ HET IJ
A brewery and bar inside a windmill! This is one of our favourite spots for locally brewed beers. A little out of the centre, in the Eastern part of the city, but worth the bike ride! Even if just for its wonderfully sunny terrace too. Check out our Amsterdam City Centre big adventure or our Amsterdam City Centre Discovery teaser games.
Neighbourhood: East
6. STADSPALEIS
The cutest spot in town! Stadspaleis is a short distance away from Dam Square and it’s a tiny café that looks like it has come straight from a fairytale. The café itself only has two tables inside but the outdoor sitting area is larger, making it a great spot for a Spring or Summer day. They serve delicious sandwiches, salads and soups here! Find out more about our City Centre Discovery game.
Neighbourhood: Centre
7. SINGEL 404
Filling sandwiches at a very affordable price, right in the centre, along the canals! This is one of our favourite spots for lunch. You might have to wait for a table for a short while, but it’s worth the visit.
Neighbourhood: Centre / Canal Belt
8. NOORDERPARKBAR
Noorderparkbar is on only open during Spring and Summer, however, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. As the name of this small bar tells, it’s located in Noorderpark and the building is made of material found from Martkplaats (our local Ebay/website for selling second hand items) or donated.
Neighbourhood: Noord (it requires a free ferry ride!)
9. PANCAKES.AMSTERDAM
Everyone who visits Amsterdam needs to try pancakes or poffertjes – mini pancakes you find at nearly every street market or right here at Pancakes.Amsterdam. It is a perfect place for breakfast, lunch and dinner and their menu has a large variety of pancakes, from a pancake pie to an American version. Their ‘pannenkoeken’ is slightly different than in other restaurants, they are cooked thinner and has a generous amount of savory or sweet toppings.
Neighbourhood: Centre. Jordaan. Noord.
10. RESTAURANT DE KAS
De Kas is one of the finest restaurants in the city! It offers truly unforgettable culinary experiences. Their menu is created daily based on what has been picked from the garden on that day, so your food literally comes straight from the garden to your plate. The building is a giant greenhouse from the 1920s, where during those days it was used as the city’s municipal greenhouse. Even though it’s a stylish restaurant nowadays, the spirit in the times gone by is still there.
Neighbourhood: Oost
11. CT COFFEE & COCONUTS
One of our favourite spots to work from when we’re out and about in the city. CT Coffee & Coconuts is a stylish three-storey coffee bar in old Ceintuur Theatre that attracts locals. Their retro furniture and brick walls create a relaxing vibe. Coffee and Coconuts is a perfect place to eat throughout the day, their menu has, for example, breakfast burritos and fancy cakes. If you are a coffee lover it’s a place to be too as they have a large variety of special coffees. Play our Pijp Discovery game.
Neighbourhood: Oude Pijp
Ready to unlock more foodie secrets?
It’s gonna be fun.
