Hidden Gems in Amsterdam: A Food & Drink Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
By Lucy Connors
Amsterdam is my city break of the summer. In less than four hours on a Eurostar from London, you can explore the culinary delights of a new city; whether your preference is to try the wide variety of dishes on offer in the Foodhallen, or sip on orange wine from a canal-side bar.
The city thrives in the sunshine, the evenings were marked by locals dragging tables and chairs out onto the streets, finding any perch available on which to eat, drink, and love, under the bright evening skies of this gorgeous city.
While Amsterdam is famous for a different type of consumables, I have stuck to a more traditional curation of all my favourite bars, restaurants, and bakeries in the city, to help with a complete food and drink guide.
From tucked-away bakeries and neighbourhood cafés to intimate natural wine bars and independent restaurants, Amsterdam has no shortage of places worth seeking out.
This selection brings together some of the city's lesser-known food and drink spots, alongside a few established favourites, for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist recommendations.
Best Bakeries and Breakfast Spots in Amsterdam
Louren’s Bakery
Upon entry to this bakery, you will be greeted by some of the most attractive and delectable pastries you have ever seen, but don’t be concerned, this is not a case of style over substance.
Their speciality pistachio-filled croissants are a must-try, but the entire display case will have your mouth watering, and the taste will match. Their matcha latte was also one of the best I have had.
The city's enthusiasm for inventive pastries is hardly unique, with London's independent bakeries similarly pushing the boundaries of traditional baking.
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This brunch spot was a gold-mine find tucked just off The Nine Streets – one of the best shopping locations – but out of the way of the tourist rush that that brings.
This café draws you in with its gorgeous interior and will keep you there with its next-level pancakes and specialty coffees.
Where to Eat Lunch in Amsterdam
Foodhallen
While this one is perhaps self-explanatory, your trip to Amsterdam won’t be complete without a visit to this food hall.
It’s always buzzing with people and music in the light, modern space, with vendors filling every possible gap. As you’re in Amsterdam, tasting the Dutch specialty Bitterballen is a rite of passage – and one that you won’t regret.
Stach
I stumbled upon this deli during my first afternoon wandering around the city, it’s a Dutch chain, recognisable by its painted windows, each riffing on a different flower motif.
They sell independently sourced produce and natural wines, but the star of the show is their croissant roll sandwiches. Their ‘Stach’ roll with meatball, truffle, parmesan, and rocket was perhaps one of the best sandwiches I have ever had, probably at least in part due to its uniqueness.
If you’re looking for quick fuel for your exploration, this is a good go-to.
Hidden Gem Restaurants and Wine Bars in Amsterdam
Kikkie’s
If you heed any of my recommendations, let it be this one. Kikkie’s is a stunning natural wine bar, and definitely an if-you-know spot.
Amsterdam's enthusiasm for natural and orange wines reflects a wider shift in drinking culture, with lesser-known producers and emerging wine regions increasingly finding their way onto restaurant lists.
The bar is a dark wood interior but with huge glass windows all thrown open, bathing the entire place in a soft orange glow. It’s intimate but airy, groups lounging across tables and at the bar, great music filling in the gaps in conversations.
Their house orange wine the ‘Ginger Ninja’ is perfect for summer sipping, and their smash burgers were perhaps the only dish exiting the kitchen, and for a reason. Simple, but perfected. Kikkie’s exudes cool.
Cafe d’Orangerie
Perhaps on the other end of the spectrum to Kikkie’s, this bar was veiled behind thick curtains, and a dimly lit atmospheric affair.
It’s under the radar and absolutely a locals spot. It had a cool and cosy vibe – the walls covered in unique posters and decor, you’ll discover something new and captivating just by looking around again.
Enjoy good Dutch beer in this late-night spot.
Cafe Dinette
Cafe Dinette is another natural wine bar - one of Amsterdam’s favourite scenes at the moment – situated in the buzzing Jordaan area.
As you’d expect, they were knowledgeable on their wines, so at the waitress’ recommendation I tasted the ‘Kolfok, Intra’ The Wild Weiss’ orange wine. It was a stunning drink - so light and fresh with a little bit more fruit and depth than a white - and a nice haze to it.
Their small plates are also a must - I had sourdough with whipped tahini and honey, and a pizza fritta with Stracciatella, asparagus and seaweed. Delicious, fresh, sensational.
The appeal of sharing plates is difficult to dispute in places like this, even as the format has become an increasingly divisive fixture of contemporary restaurant culture.
For another perspective on the pleasures of eating and drinking across Europe, explore our guide to Paris's favourite food and drink spots, from neighbourhood restaurants to the city's more understated discoveries.
