Restaurants · Updated September 2026

Restaurants in Amsterdam: where and how to eat out

Amsterdam’s restaurant scene ranges from neighbourhood bistros and Indonesian rijsttafel to Michelin-starred tasting menus. Here is where to look, what to expect on the bill and how to get a table.

Last checked: September 2026

Types

What kind of restaurant are you looking for?

Fine dining

Amsterdam has a growing number of Michelin-starred and Michelin-listed restaurants. Book weeks ahead and expect tasting menus.

Neighbourhood bistros

Relaxed restaurants serving modern Dutch and European food with seasonal, local ingredients.

Indonesian & Surinamese

A legacy of Dutch colonial history: try a rijsttafel of many small dishes, or a Surinamese roti.

Food halls

Foodhallen in Oud-West gathers dozens of stalls under one roof: easy for groups.

Grand cafés

Spacious cafés with long menus, open from breakfast to late evening.

Plant-based

From vegan fast food to refined vegetable-led menus. See our guide.

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Best areas

Where to eat out

AreaKnown for
De PijpThe widest choice: international kitchens, small bistros and the Albert Cuyp Market
JordaanCosy restaurants and brown cafés in historic streets
Oud-WestFoodhallen and a young, local dining scene
Canal RingRomantic canal-side dinners, often at a higher price
NoordWaterfront and industrial venues with views over the IJ
Tips

How to eat out like a local

  • Book at weekends: popular places fill up on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • Eat early: many kitchens close around 22:00.
  • Pay by card: many restaurants are card-only.
  • Tipping is optional: service is included; 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
  • Avoid tourist traps on the busiest squares: walk one or two streets further for better food at fairer prices.
Featured partners

Featured restaurants

Verified businesses that work with Welcome to Amsterdam.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book restaurants in Amsterdam?

For popular restaurants at weekends, yes. During the week you can often walk in, especially early in the evening.

What time do people eat dinner in Amsterdam?

Usually between 18:00 and 20:00. Some kitchens close around 22:00.

What is a rijsttafel?

An Indonesian “rice table” of many small dishes served together, a popular choice for a special dinner in Amsterdam.