• Home »
• Guides and Info »
• Netherlands »
• Amsterdam »
• Eating out in Amsterdam

One of the first things to strike you about Amsterdam is the high volume of restaurants. From the minute you walk down the ‘Damrak’, the street perpendicular to Centraal Station, there are restaurants are far as the eye can see, all trying to entice tourists into the eateries with their special offers.

Little changes the further you delve into the city. Damstraat, the street linked to Dam Square, is also peppered with eateries, as are Leidsekruisstraat and Leidsetraat around the notoriously touristy Leidesplein.

Due to their location in the middle of the tourist trail, the quality of food in these restaurants is some times quite low. Instead to find a decent meal you need to veer off it. In areas such as Jordaan and De Pijp you will find a better choice.

When eating out in a restaurant is beyond your budget there is an abundance of fast food outlets all over the city centre where you can choose from pizzas, kebabs or chips. But be careful when asking for mayonnaise on your French fries – they will be absolutely drowned!

In the words of Vincent Vega...

At the beginning of 'Pulp Fiction', Vincent Vega talks to his partner in crime Jules about the little differences between the Netherlands and the USA. One of them he mentions is how the Dutch drown their French fries in mayonnaise. He wasn't lying. All over the Dutch capital are fast food outlets where you can get burgers, kebabs and such fare. If you get chips and you're asked whether or not you want mayo, be warned - they really do drown them in it!

Restaurants in Amsterdam

• Ah to Go

  Damrak 89-90, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  There's nowhere to sit in this sandwich bar/deli at the end of the Damrak but there is a fine selection of baguettes and sandwiches to choose from. Eating them in Dam Square is particularly enjoyable. A great place for lunch on the go.
  
  Open Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 12 noon-10pm; average baguette €2.50.

• 't Blauwe Theehuis

  Vondelpark 5, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  A sandwich here is a tad more expensive than in your average sandwich bar, but the setting is worth the extra couple of Euro. Overlooking Vondelpark, if the sun is shining you can't beat a couple of hours relaxing here, watching the rollerbladers zoom through the park.
  
  Open daily from 9am-1am.

• The Pantry

  Leidsekruisstraat 21, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  It is a crime to travel to a country and leave without trying out some native dishes. So if you fancy a Dutch culinary delight come here. Located just 5 minutes from Leidseplein, the staff are friendly and the meatballs are particularly tasty.
  
  Open Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat & Sun 12 noon-11pm.

• Iguazus

  Prinsen-gracht 703, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  Brazilian-Argentinian steak restaurant with excellent quality steak. Iguazu's also has a great selection of fish dishes. Try their chimichurri sauce which they serve at each table.
  
  Kitchen open daily 4pm-11 pm.

• L'Indochine

  Beulingstraat 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  One of the best dining experiences to be had is at the Vietnamese-Thai influenced L'Indochine restaurant. Dlicate place settings, warm lighting and attentive staff make it the perfect place. All food is spectacular especially the seafood. You can try a set menu for €20-€30 per person without drinks.
  
  Open Tues-Sun from 5.30pm-11.00pm, closed Mondays.

• Lucky Mothers

  Keizersgracht 665, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  One of Amsterdam's best general "coffeeshops", in an old canal house near Rembrandtplein.

• FEBO Kiosks

  Various locations, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  No matter where you are in the Dutch capital, you will never be far from a FEBO outlet. For around €2 you'll be able to get yourself a burger of some description.

• Hard Rock Cafe

  Max-Euwe-plein 57, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  Hard Rock has opened in Amsterdam in Spring 2000, it is located on the water close to the casino. Usual Hard-Rock fare with good ribs, pork-chops and hamburgers. Nice bar too.
  
  Open daily from noon until 11pm.