To truly experience a city, one must eat! And one must eat well. With all those canals calling you, museums to meander through, and hidden passages to hunt down, you'll work up quite an appetite.
Breakfast
I say breakfast, but if we're honest, it's always brunch. If you find the right spot, with delicious food, you'll set the tone for the rest of the day. And I'd say that Amsterdam does breakfast best.
Teds All Day Brunch
All-day brunch? Yes, please. Vegetarian? Vegan? Lover of eggs? Sweet tooth? Like a taste of Japan? Morning cocktails? - I don't judge. Teds offers the perfect package for brunch-ing. With a classic Van Gogh backdrop and seats along the canal, you won't forget where you are. Book your table online and choose from 2 Amsterdam locations (Amsterdam Oud-West, Amsterdam Jordaan).
Which one is better? I can only vouch for Amsterdam Jordaan along the famous Prinsengracht (one of the 4 main canals of Amsterdam's canal belt). Its surprisingly lower Google rating shouldn't put you off. We received excellent service, delicious food, and Instagramable moments. While Teds in Amsterdam Oud-West has received more visitors and a higher Google star rating. You can be the judge.
Dignitia
If you're a seeker of Google reviews and base your decisions on not only the star rating but that rating in relation to the number of reviews, I will firstly support you and I will secondly recommend Dignitia Hoftuin Court Garden (Nieuwe Herengracht 18a, 1018). Sit in a restaurant surrounded by glass, bringing the outside in, perfect for colder days, or place yourself in the sun, in, as they describe it, ' idyllic greenery '. It will be a classy affair of edible flowers, fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and the perfect cup of coffee, topped with treats made by their very own pastry team and bakers. I highly recommend the Benny Boy Avocado with the most epic hashbrowns you've ever tasted. Check out the rest of their menu here. And if this location doesn't suit you, you have two more to choose from (Vondelpark and Westerpark).
Omelegg
As their name suggests you'll find eggs here. More specifically, you'll find omelets. Plain omelets, omelets stuffed with cheese, omelets filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, omelets complemented by any meat, or classy omelets accompanied by salmon. Any food you can think of, they've put it in an omelet. If you so wish, you can choose a croissant, but you'd be missing the point of this restaurant.
Bakers and Roasters
My first brunch experience in Amsterdam was Bakers and Roasters, and boy did it set the bar high. It's my go-to recommendation to friends and family. This cafe, where New Zealand meets Brazil, serves up breakfast like your mom would, coffee roasted to perfection, and sweet treats that make you sweeter, all served by the best friend you never knew you needed.
You can choose from Bakers and Roaster's 2 locations, Kadijksplein and De Pijp. The downfall? With such perfection comes popularity and without the option to reserve a table you can expect long waiting times. So join the waitlist at your spot of choice and explore the area's surroundings with patience. Because "Good things come to those who wait."
Do You Like Coffee? Ahh, Only With My Oxygen.
Me? A coffee snob? Absolutely! And proudly so. Because in the age of hipster living and technology, there is no longer an excuse for bad coffee. Without wasting any time, here are the links to the best roasteries in town.
Snacks/ Lunch
If you have space for lunch after brunch-ing or need a quick snack to sustain you until dinner, here are a few choices.
Tony's New York City Bagels
Who does Bagels best? Apparently, New York. Because one thing all Bagel spots have in common is the reference to the famous city. So get a taste from this authentic and traditional bagel hot spot on Jodenbreestraat 15 in the fashionable Waterlooplein area.
Febo
Perhaps a less impressive affair but this experience is rather about appreciating how the fast food service has found a way to make food get to customers even faster. With a simple tap and go on the window hosting the snack you choose, you're eating again in less than a minute.
Chun Cafe
Toasted sandwiches? Boring! Well, that's not quite the case at Chun Cafe. They take a classic snack to the gourmet level. The word 'snack' doesn't do it justice with a generous helping of love and deliciousness all wrapped up in the shape of a warm sandwich.
Dinner
I can't say why, but dinner is the hardest code to crack in Amsterdam. I often feel overwhelmed by choice while feeling like there isn't enough choice. I think it comes down to the ambition to trick tourists. Be in the hotspots and you'll draw a crowd regardless of the quality of food. So I very rarely feel satisfied when it comes to my evening meal in this city.
But with a city like Amsterdam, there is always hope. Here are a few stand-out options to try.
Trattoria Graziella
What makes the meal you're eating more delicious? The surroundings? The staff? The Drinks? Trattoria Graziella has it all. This is an undeniable luxury. Indulge in classic, seasonal Italian dishes served with the familiarity of your own home. Book your table here.
Café George
Regardless of some questionable Google Reviews, Café George is recommended by the locals and the gentleman who took us on our canal cruise. And we therefore cannot refuse it. For lunch or dinner, this restaurant is all about the atmosphere. From French influence to New York Style to Amsterdam trendiness, Café George will suit you at any time, for any occasion, and any craving.
The Seafood Bar
I will always be skeptical of seafood, and carefully consider the restaurant's location in relation to the sea. With Amsterdam's connection to the North Sea through the long North Sea Canal, they have excellent access to fresh fish. This in combination with awards, five-star reviews, and success in London, Amsterdam, and Utrecht, you can't deny yourself an experience at The Seafood Bar.
Lion's Head Restaurant & Brewery
As a South African, this is personal. Living in Germany doesn't offer much in terms of South African food so when some fellow South African friends and I decided to plan a trip to Amsterdam we couldn't pass on the opportunity to get a taste of home. And it certainly didn't disappoint. Lion's Head is about comfort, warmth, and satisfaction. Indulge in some of the best South African cuisine, grab a beer, or watch a rugby game. Either way, you'll leave happy. Because if there is one thing South Africans do right, it's hosting and giving any guest a lekker time. Book your table here.
Takumi Ramen & Yakisoba Amsterdam Rivierenbuurt
Admitedly I have not tried this branch but the Takumi brand is well established in Düsseldorf, Germany, my current home and host to one of the largest Japanese populations outside of Japan. I would recommend it everytime. Hands-down the best Ramen I've ever had.
Something Sweet
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels
I can hear the eyes roll at the somewhat generic suggestion of this location. But every time I go, it never disappoints. Except it may have disappointed my dad's wallet as he swiped with his South African Rands. Expensive, yes. Is it an experience worth trying? Also yes. You could just go into a local grocery store, like Albert Heijn, and grab a pack of Stroopwafels, and you'll be satisfied. But Van Wonderen just levels the Stroopwafel up with endless toppings and sizes to suit any appetite and sweet tooth.
The Happy Pig Pancake Shop
They claim to offer the best pancakes in Amsterdam and they aren't wrong. Induldge in traditional Dutch pancakes and warm Dutch waffles. You'll leave The Happy Pig Pancake Shop, as promised, happy and stuffed.
Hans Egstorf
If The Happy Pig Pancake Shop wasn't enough you can walk a laborous 22m to Hans Egtorf, The oldest bakery in Amsterdam. Compare Stroopwafels and induldge in freshly baked goods. Titled the best and oldest bakery in Amsterdam. Embarrasingly, I have yet to try it but it's on the list for my next visit.
Massimo Gelato
Quality Gelato on a hot day? Duh! Massimo Gelato with their ambition for perfection, carefully sourced ingredients, and Italian craftsmanship will serve you exactly what you need and want on a summer's day in Amsterdam. Take your gelato for a stroll just around the corner in Sarphatipark.
Feeling hungry yet? I hope I've worked up your Appetite for Amsterdam.
"Eat the damn pizza, and buy yourself some bigger jeans"
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