Brunch, bakery stops, long lunches & late dinners, the Amsterdam food spots you need to know…
No matter how many times I visit Amsterdam, it always feels like the first time. Each trip uncovers more new parts of the city—new cafés, deli’s and restaurants to visit, and corners of the city I’ve yet to explore.
If you’re looking for the perfect spots to eat your way through a long weekend in Amsterdam, this guide has you covered. From cozy brunch spots to unforgettable dinners, these are the places that you need to add to your list for your next trip to the Dutch capital.
Anook Bakehouse
Anook Bakehouse, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighbourhood, is a charming spot perfect for a solo visit like I did on a Saturday afternoon.
With its warm, minimalist atmosphere, you feel as though you are in a retreat of some sort and it’s an inviting place to enjoy a quiet morning or afternoon. Known for its handcrafted pastries made in house whilst offering a variety of speciality coffees and teas. I would recommend visiting early to ensure a seat as it is only small where you can savour your treat while taking in the relaxed ambiance. I would recommend their traditional chocolate brownie.
If no seats are available you can take out and explore the De Pijp area, visit the nearby Albert CuypMarket on a Saturday or take a stroll through Sarphatipark.
Ceppi’s Trattoria
Lijnbaansgracht 256, 1017 RK Amsterdam
This small, intimate restaurant around the corner from Leidseplein is perfect for a special occasion, whether it’s a romantic date or a fun girls’ night like we had. Personally I would say reservations are essential, as walk-ins are frequently declined. The menu, while not extensive, showcases focus on the dishes they have on the menu.
Our group of three shared the Foccacia with Burrata from the Aperitivo menu. While the portion was generous, it’s probably best enjoyed by two people. I was ravenous when we arrived, so I ordered the Diavola Sbagliata pizza. The fresh ingredients were evident, and the dough was the best pizza dough I’ve had– so good, it didn’t even need a dip!
My friends both opted for the Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka, which they thoroughly enjoyed, although I found it slightly too al dente but that is my personal taste and not reflective of the dish. They then shared the Salsiccia e Patate pizza, a unique white based pizza with smoked buffalo mozzarella, Tuscan sausage, potato, Parmesan, basil, and rosemary. It’s definitely a different style of pizza, and while I wouldn’t order a whole one myself (I’m a Diavola fan!), it was extremely flavorful and one for those wanting to push the boat out with their pizza choice.
Staring at Jacob
Jacob Van Lennepkade 215, 1054 ZP Amsterdam
We enjoyed one of my favourite breakfasts here on a Friday, this was a smart move, as I suspected it would get busy on weekends – reservations recommended!. The “Rasco” (chicken and waffles) was a hearty and delicious blend of sweet and savoury, perfect for fried chicken lovers like me. Their homemade lemonade (It was Mango flavour when we visited and changes daily) was super refreshing and a great compliment. My friends enjoyed the “All Around Carnivore,” a blend of buttermilk pancakes, smoked bacon, soft scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, hash browns, and maple syrup on the side, again a sweet and savoury lovers paradise.
There is a good amount of dishes on the menu that cover all breakfast needs including sweet options such as banana bread French toast and fruit parfaits to Eggs Benedicts’ and Royales’.
Cannibale Royale (Various Locations)
We visited this one: Lange Niezel 15, 1012 GS Amsterdam
Cannibale Royale is a meat lovers dream in Amsterdam.
Despite the location we visited being centrally located in a generally touristy area, it’s well worth a visit – in fact, I’d recommend visiting any of their locations. I had the ribs which are smoky, and practically falling off the bone and incredibly filling. However, we did order sides to share and would recommend the garlic brocoli mac and cheese is the perfect indulgent side, and the charred broccoli adds a delightful smoky counterpoint.
My friends also thoroughly enjoyed their meals: one raved about the perfectly roasted and juicy half chicken, while the other savored a beautifully cooked and tender ribeye steak. We also enjoyed their spicy Palomas – a great way to kick off the meal. Beyond the delicious food and drinks, the staff were incredibly attentive and genuinely interested in where we were from and what we’d been up to in the city. We all agreed that Cannibale Royale delivers on flavor, quality, and service, and each of us would recommend our chosen dishes and would likely choose these again when back in the city.
Flo’s Deli
Two Locations: Utrechtsestraat 122, 1017 VT & Jan Pieter Heijestraat 121, 1054
Flos Deli was the highlight of our Saturday, I wish we had a place like this back home as there isn’t anything that compares. I loved my “Gobble Up” bagel – the smoked turkey, tomato, lettuce, mayo, and crunchy Lay’s salt chips were a perfect combination and had a great crunch factor. My friends raved about their “Hot Mess” bagels (fried egg, melted cheese, pickles, and hot sauce), a delicious but admittedly the messier warm bagel option. Everything is made fresh in front of you with the kitchen just behind the seating area, which is fantastic. We visited the Jan Pieterstraat location, a small spot with limited seating, so would recommend we grabbing your bagels to go and enjoy them in nearby Vondelpark – the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon if its not raining!
