Our guide to a weekend in the city of Amsterdam.
We were lucky enough to visit the canal city of Amsterdam in December 2021 whilst there was restrictions in place the city looked as beautiful as ever and the city was bustling with Christmas cheer and tourists exploring. Here is our guide for where to eat, shop and see in Amsterdam.
Sagardi Amsterdam
Where to find: Spuistraat 304, 1012 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
The concept at Sagardi was an eye-opening experience for sure. It allowed us to try various dishes on the menu guidance from the super helpful Sagardi team who were extremely knowledgable about each dish on the menu.
The appetiser of ‘La Gilda’ was a combination of salty, rich and strong flavours bursts into your mouth, which is definitely an aquired taste but I would highly recommend it ti fully embrace yourself in the basque culture at Sagardi.
Our food was truly an experience and each course offered an insight into the different areas of basque cuisine. We had the Iberico ham croquettes as a starter which were amazing and the great part was that you can amend the amount of each item to make your order perfect for you.
We also had the Txuleton beef which was ‘insert chefs kiss here’ and the cod which was also cooked to perfection were served with fresh dressed salad and peppers. Honestly the steak was amazing and we are still thinking about it now.
Breakfasts @ Cafe Koosje and Box Sociaal
Cafe Koosje
Where to find: Plantage Middenlaan 37, 1018 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands
The neighbourhood breakfast spot was luckily only next door to our hotel. The dim lit dark wooden cafe space is beautiful with promo posters covering the walls of events that are happening around the city.
Unfortunately, we wished we could have visited the cafe more frequently than we did but due to the closing of places early at 5pm due to COVID. We would have loved to have been able to have a glass of wine in the evening whilst people watching on Plantage Middenlaan.
The breakfast was super quick and was the perfect start to a busy day in the city. We ordered a toastie and a traditional dutch breakfast and the most perfect freshly squeezed orange juice. If you are near the area of Amsterdam Oost you should pay cafe Koosje a visit.
Box Sociaal
Plantage Middenlaan 30A, 1018 DG Amsterdam, Netherlands
We went for a lovely breakfast at the hipster hangout of Box Sociaal on the corner of Plantage Middenlaan. We both went for the Kater Breakfast Sandwich’ pictured below. A full breakfast on a soft bun was an indulgence but it was the weekend so who cares?
If you have ever been lucky enough to visit the wonderful Brunch Club here in Liverpool, it is similar to their brunch burger.
This brunch was paired perfectly with two fresh pressed juices which is the perfect morning start. The cosiness of the Box Sociaal was what made it such a great hangout. Did I mention it is dog friendly? Who doesn’t want to be surrounded by cute pooches at breakfast?
The Duchess
Spuistraat 172, 1012 VT Amsterdam, Netherlands
On our trip to Amsterdam we were lucky enough to visit the The Duchess , a Michelin star restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam. We were amazed at the beauty of the building and the service was impeccable. The menu had items to die for and each course was truly a delight and like nothing we had ever tried before.
The first courses was some Rosti Potato with Truffle & Parmesan Aioli alongside some Oysters with Tomato Consommé. Both of these were truly incredible and the best way to start the delightful meal at The Duchess.
The main courses consisted of Hand Crafted Pasta with Braised Short Ribs and Beef Wellington. The two dishes were *chef’s kiss*. The truffle mashed potato was honestly the richest thing we had ever eaten but it was honestly amazing.
Special Mentions
De Pizza Bakkers
Plantage Kerklaan 2, 1018 TA Amsterdam, Netherlands
We were amazed by the local pizza shop ‘De Pizza Bakkers’ as it was the perfect place in the neighbourhood that did really good pizza for such a good price and was made right in front of you which is amazing. The concept of pizza and Prosecco is something that is right up my street and seemingly right up a lot of locals streets as it was jam packed!
Anna and Nina
Gerard Doustraat 94, 1072 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Anna and Nina is such a beautiful concept store in the area of De Pijp. The store has such beautiful homewares and accessories. The store is home to some other amazing independent brands alongside products created by Anna and Nina themselves.
Some of our favourite Anna and Nina pieces are the candlesticks and the notebooks.
All the luck in the world
Gerard Doustraat 86HS, 1072 VW Amsterdam, Netherlands
All the luck in the world has a store in De Pijp that was fabulous, the dark interior allowed the products to truly shine and they did. The jewelry is dainty and pretty and you would struggle not to find a gift here. There is definitely something for everyone.
The Cool Collective
Reestraat 18, 1016 DN Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Cool Collective we visited was in the famous 9 Streets area of the city. It was truly lovely. We recieved such a lovely welcome from the staff. The bijou store housed some fabulous pieces of homeware and fashion. The Cool Collective also housed some lovely local jewelry brands.
