Best Restaurants in Amsterdam: Tried and Tested

Pancakes Amsterdam serves large portions of both Dutch and international pancakes, with prices starting at €8. Their menu includes sweet and savory options, such as apple-raisin pancakes and cheese-topped varieties, making it a popular breakfast or brunch venue open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

This restaurant sits at Berenstraat 38, just a 10-minute walk from Centraal Station. Inside, the aroma of buttery batter and caramelizing apples fills the air. The walls are decorated simply, focusing attention on the towering pancakes arriving at your table. The traditional Dutch poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, are ideal for sharing.

Savory options like the cheese and bacon pancake add a smoky, salty balance to the sweeter dishes. Portions are generous enough to split between two, but many choose to eat one solo given their size. Prices remain affordable, with basic pancakes starting at €8 and specialty toppings increasing the cost slightly.

For those interested in traditional Dutch cuisine and giant food portions, this spot is a great introduction. Check out our guide on traditional Dutch cuisine for more local food insights.

The Seafood Bar, located at Van Baerlestraat 5, is known for its large seafood platters starting at €39.95. The restaurant sources seafood responsibly and has a lively atmosphere, making it a favored dinner spot where reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

The moment you enter The Seafood Bar, the scent of fresh ocean brine blends with the sound of busy waitstaff and clinking glasses. The platters come piled high with oysters, lobster, prawns, and mussels arranged on crushed ice, lively with colors of pink, orange, and pearly white.

The commitment to sustainability means that the seafood is traceable and responsibly caught, which is a growing concern for many diners. The menu also includes individual dishes like grilled fish and classic fish stew, but the platters remain the highlight for those wanting to share or enjoy a seafood feast.

For more on sustainable dining practices, visit the official Marine Stewardship Council site. Also, see our article on sustainability in Amsterdam dining for further tips.

Foodhallen, at Bellamyplein 51 inside De Hallen, is an indoor food market featuring large portions of street food dishes averaging €10 each. It operates from noon until midnight, providing a casual setting with diverse international flavors under one roof.

This venue buzzes with chatter and sizzling sounds from open kitchens. Stalls display oversized burgers dripping with cheese, loaded nachos topped with jalapeños and sour cream, and hearty curries served in generous bowls. The smell of grilled meat, spices, and fresh bread wafts through the air, tempting every passerby.

Foodhallen suits groups or those sampling several dishes without committing to a single cuisine. Seating is communal, and the lively environment encourages conversation. It lies about a 20-minute tram ride from Centraal Station; tram lines 3 and 12 stop nearby.

If you want to know more about Amsterdam’s street food culture and portion sizes, see our Best Street Food in Amsterdam guide.

Moeders, at Rozengracht 251, specializes in traditional Dutch dishes served in large portions, with main courses starting at €16.50. The cozy, photo-filled interior creates a homelike atmosphere. It is open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, but reservations are advised.

Walking into Moeders, you hear soft Dutch folk music mingling with the clatter of plates. The walls are covered in photographs of mothers from around the world, echoing the restaurant’s name which translates as "Mothers." The menu includes hearty classics like stamppot, a mashed potato and vegetable dish, and hutspot, a carrot and onion stew.

Portion sizes are ample, designed to satisfy even the biggest appetites. The shared platters allow diners to taste several dishes in one sitting and create a convivial dining scene. Prices are reasonable considering the quantity and quality of food.

For further reading on Dutch traditional dishes, visit our page on Dutch delicacies.

Café Loetje is located at Johannes Vermeerstraat 52, just a 10-minute walk from Museumplein. It is famous for its generous portions of steak served with thick gravy and fries, with the 'Biefstuk Bali' priced at €24.95 standing out for its spicy twist.

The interior is unpretentious, with wooden tables and a relaxed vibe. The smell of grilled meat and buttered fries fills the air, accompanied by the quiet murmur of diners. Portions are filling, and the gravy adds a rich, savory note that complements the tender beef.

Open from 10:00 AM to midnight, Café Loetje is convenient for both lunch and dinner. The casual atmosphere attracts locals and visitors alike, providing a straightforward Dutch dining scene focused on quality meat.

Learn more about Dutch meat dishes and dining culture in our guide to traditional Dutch cuisine.

De Kas, located at Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, operates inside greenhouses and serves a multi-course menu based on daily harvests from their own gardens. Meals cost around €59.50 and highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients in generous portions. Reservations are essential.

The restaurant’s glass walls let in natural light and views of the garden beds just outside. Inside, the scent of herbs and freshly picked vegetables lingers. The menu changes daily depending on what is ready to harvest, ensuring freshness and variety.

Diners enjoy courses that showcase vegetables, meats, and fish prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. The tranquil atmosphere suits special occasions or those seeking a different dining environment. De Kas opens for lunch and dinner, with limited seating to maintain exclusivity.

For more on farm-to-table dining and sustainable food practices, visit our sustainability page.

Cannibale Royale, with several locations across Amsterdam, is known for its large portions of meat dishes starting at €15. The ‘Ribs for Two’ at €35 is a notable dish featuring a mountain of tender ribs, great for sharing.

The dimly lit restaurant has a rustic, almost industrial feel, with wooden tables and exposed brick walls. The smell of smoked meat and barbecue sauce fills the air. Burgers, steaks, and ribs come piled high and are often messy but rewarding eats.

Open until late (some locations until 2:00 AM), Cannibale Royale is popular for dinner and late-night meals. It’s easy to reach by public transport; for example, the Van Woustraat branch is near tram lines 3 and 12.

See more about large meat dishes and Amsterdam’s dining scene in our article on meat restaurants in Amsterdam.

Bakers & Roasters at Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 54 serves large portions of New Zealand-style brunch dishes. The ‘Kiwi Brekkie’ is priced at €16.50 and includes eggs, bacon, sausage, and baked beans.

The café hums with conversation and the smell of fresh coffee and baking bread. The interior is bright with colorful tiles and wooden tables. Besides brunch, they offer freshly baked pastries and specialty coffees, catering to varied tastes.

Open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Bakers & Roasters is a popular spot for a leisurely start to the day. It lies about a 15-minute tram ride from Centraal Station.

For ideas on brunch and other casual dining options, see our Amsterdam brunch guide.

Winkel 43 at Noordermarkt 43 is celebrated for its large slices of apple pie, priced at €4.50. The pie features a buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, often served with whipped cream.

The café’s cozy interior is filled with wooden chairs and small tables. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples greets visitors, making it an inviting spot for a break. It opens early and closes around 5:00 PM, great for a mid-afternoon snack.

The market square location adds to the visit, with the chance to sit outside when weather permits. Winkel 43 is a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing in the Jordaan neighborhood.

Learn more about Dutch desserts and treats in our Dutch desserts guide.