🍽️ What to Eat in Amsterdam: 20 Best Places
Amsterdam is a city that knows how to eat, and how to eat well. Sure, there are the tourist traps, but the real joy comes from discovering the places where locals actually go: family-run stalls in centuries-old markets, tiny bakeries with pastries fresh from the oven, and pubs where the beer list reads like a love letter to Dutch brewing. In this Amsterdam food guide, I’ll show you exactly what to eat in Amsterdam in 2025, combining traditional Dutch classics with a few modern hotspots you won’t want to miss.
- 1. 🧇 Rudi’s Stroopwafels: Albert Cuypmarket
- 2. 🐟 Stubbe’s Haring: Raw Herring Stand
- 3. 🧀 De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam: Cheese Heaven
- 4. 🥞 The Amsterdam Pancake Boat
- 5. 🍪 Van Stapele Koekmakerij: Cookie Perfection
- 6. 🐠 Volendammer Vishandel: Kibbeling Kings
- 7. 🥧 Winkel 43: Dutch Apple Pie Legend
- 8. 🥟 FEBO: Snack Wall Magic
- 9. 🍟 Fabel Friet: Fancy Fries
- 10. 🥞 Pat’s Poffertjes: Oude Leliestraat
- 11. 🍫 Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore: Ethical Chocolate
- 12. 🍰 Patisserie Holtkamp: Best Tompouce in Town
- 13. 🍺 Proeflokaal Arendsnest: Dutch Beer Central
- 14. 🥪 Zero Zero: Italian Sandwiches
- 15. 🥐 Saint-Jean Amsterdam: Pistachio Croissants
- 16. 🥗 Moeders: Dutch Home Cooking
- 17. 🍖 Café Loetje: Tasty Steak
- 18. 🍽️ Sampurna: Indonesian Cuisine
- 19. 🌯 Albert Cuypmarkt: Street Food Treasure
- 20. 🍜 Foodhallen: Indoor Food Paradise
- 🗺️ Map of What to Eat in Amsterdam: 20 Best Places
1. 🧇 Rudi’s Stroopwafels: Albert Cuypmarket
Located in the heart of Amsterdam’s most famous street market, Rudi’s Stroopwafels is a no-frills, all-flavor kind of place. You’ll see the waffles pressed in front of you, caramel poured between the hot layers, and steam rising into the air. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that makes you stop mid-walk and just enjoy the moment. Unlike the flashy, overpriced tourist options (yes, Van Wonderen, we mean you), Rudi’s keeps it traditional, which is exactly why it’s so good. The market itself is buzzing with life, making this an experience as much as a snack.
🧇 Rudi’s Original Stroopwafel
🍫 Rudi’s Original Stroopwafel with chocolate topping
🕙 Mon – Sat, 9:00 – 17:00
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Go mid-morning for the best balance of fresh bakes and manageable crowds. Bring cash, some stalls don’t take cards. Pair it with a coffee from a neighboring stand, then stroll the market for more bites.
2. 🐟 Stubbe’s Haring: Raw Herring Stand
Sitting on the edge of the Singel canal near Central Station, Stubbe’s is one of those quintessential Amsterdam experiences. The family behind the stand has been in the fish business for decades, and their Hollandse Nieuwe (new herring) is considered among the freshest in the city. Eating here feels wonderfully old-school: no seating, no frills, just you, your fish, and the water. The flavor is clean and slightly sweet, balanced perfectly by onions and pickles. If you’re hesitant about raw fish, this is the best introduction you’ll find.
🐟 Hollandse Nieuwe (new herring) with onions and pickles
🥪 Broodje haring (soft white roll with herring)
🐟 Kibbeling (deep-fried fish nuggets with garlic sauce)
🕙 Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Herring season peaks in June for the freshest catch. If you’re not into raw, go straight for the kibbeling. Eat it right away, herring is not a takeaway snack.
3. 🧀 De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam: Cheese Heaven
Tucked into the charming Nine Streets district, De Kaaskamer feels like a treasure chest for cheese lovers. Shelves are stacked from floor to ceiling with Gouda, Edam, goat cheese, and artisan specialties from all over Europe. The shop smells like heaven for dairy fans, and the staff treat cheese tasting like an art form. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time sampling and learning about aging processes, textures, and flavor notes.
🧀 Old Amsterdam aged Gouda
🧀 Jong geitenkaas (young goat cheese)
🧀 Cheese picnic box with bread and chutney
🕙 Mon – Sat, 9:00 – 18:00
📍 Google Maps
🌟 Weekdays are quieter for sampling. They vacuum-seal purchases for air travel. Combine with a stroll along the boutique shops nearby.
4. 🥞 The Amsterdam Pancake Boat
Imagine a floating buffet where the view changes every few minutes. The Pannenkoekenboot is a pancake cruise that sails through Amsterdam’s waterways while serving unlimited Dutch-style pancakes. These pancakes are thinner than American ones but thicker than crêpes, and you can load them with a range of sweet and savory toppings. It’s especially fun for families, but couples and friend groups love it too. The boat’s relaxed vibe, large windows, and constant supply of fresh pancakes make for one of the most enjoyable meals you can have in the city.
🥞 Pancake with apple and cinnamon sugar
🥞 Pancake with bacon, cheese, and syrup
🥞 Pancake topped with seasonal fresh fruit and whipped cream
🕙 Daily (times vary)
📍Google Maps
🌟 Book in advance, especially for evening cruises, which often sell out. Come hungry; it’s all-you-can-eat. If you can, grab a window seat for the best canal views.
5. 🍪 Van Stapele Koekmakerij: Cookie Perfection
This tiny bakery has achieved what most can only dream of: perfection through simplicity. Van Stapele makes only one kind of cookie: a rich, dark chocolate biscuit with a molten white chocolate center. Freshly baked throughout the day, they’re always warm when you buy them. The shop’s old-world charm, with wood paneling and a warm glow, makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a little pocket of happiness.
🍪 The signature chocolate-white chocolate cookie (you don’t have a choice, and that’s the beauty of it)
🍪 Buy a box to take home as a gift
🕙 Daily 10:00-18:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 They sell out daily,often before mid-afternoon, so go early. A single cookie is rich enough to share, but you probably won’t want to.
6. 🐠 Volendammer Vishandel: Kibbeling Kings
A staple for locals craving crispy fried fish, Volendammer Vishandel is one of Amsterdam’s go-to spots for kibbeling: bite-sized pieces of white fish, battered and fried to golden perfection. The shop also sells a variety of smoked fish, shrimp, and seafood salads. The smell of fresh frying oil mixed with sea air hits you before you even step inside. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick snack between sights and feel like you’ve just had a proper taste of Dutch coastal culture.
🐠 Kibbeling with garlic sauce
🐠 Lekkerbek (fried whole fish fillet)
🐠 Smoked eel (paling) for the adventurous eater
🕙 Monday-Saturday 08:00-17:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Eat it right away while it’s still hot and crispy. If the weather is nice, take your food to a nearby bench and watch the world go by.
7. 🥧 Winkel 43: Dutch Apple Pie Legend
Winkel 43 is practically a pilgrimage site for pie lovers. Their appeltaart is tall, chunky, and generously spiced with cinnamon. Each slice is packed with big pieces of tender apple, held together by a buttery crust that’s just the right amount of crumbly. The café sits on a corner near the Noordermarkt, so you can sit outside under the awning and people-watch while savoring your dessert. The vibe is laid-back, with locals reading the paper alongside tourists who came specifically for that pie.
🥧 Dutch apple pie with whipped cream
☕ Cappuccino to pair with your pie
🍲 Seasonal soup if you’re after a savory starter
🕙 Daily, 8:00 – 01:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 The pie is served all day, so it works as breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. If it’s market day (Saturday or Monday), the area is especially lively.
8. 🥟 FEBO: Snack Wall Magic
FEBO is a uniquely Dutch fast-food concept that feels like stepping into a retro-futuristic vending machine dream. Instead of ordering at a counter, you choose your snack from a wall of heated compartments, pop in a few coins, and pull it out instantly. It’s quick, cheap, and oddly satisfying, especially after a night out. The brand has been around since the 1940s, and while the idea is simple, the quality of the fried snacks has kept FEBO a local favorite.
🥟 Kroket (deep-fried ragout-filled croquette)
🥟 Frikandel (spiced sausage)
🥟 Kaassoufflé (cheesy pastry)
🕙 Many open late, some 24/7
📍Variety of places
🌟 Always have small change ready, though most locations now take cards. Great for a post-bar bite or quick lunch on the go.
9. 🍟 Fabel Friet: Fancy Fries
Amsterdam takes its fries seriously, and Fabel Friet is at the top of the game. They use high-quality potatoes, double-fry them for that perfect crunch, and serve them in paper cones with a dizzying variety of sauces. The shop’s branding is chic and modern, a far cry from your average chip stand. The smell of fresh fries and truffle oil is enough to make anyone stop in their tracks.
🍟 Fries with truffle mayonnaise
🍟 Fries with satay peanut sauce
🍟 Fries with “oorlog” (peanut sauce, mayo, and chopped onions)
🕙 Daily 11:00-21:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Fries are best eaten immediately, so find a bench nearby. If you’re not into mayo, try the curry ketchup.
10. 🥞 Pat’s Poffertjes: Oude Leliestraat
Pat’s is a cozy little spot tucked away from the main tourist streets, but well worth the short detour. Poffertjes are small, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour, cooked in a special pan that gives them their signature shape. At Pat’s, they’re made fresh to order, served in generous portions, and topped with a mountain of powdered sugar and melting butter. The café itself feels like someone’s warm kitchen, making it an inviting stop on a chilly day.
🥞 Classic poffertjes with butter and powdered sugar
🥞 Poffertjes with strawberries and whipped cream
🥞 Poffertjes with Nutella drizzle
🕙 Daily 10:00-20:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Go early in the day to avoid waiting for a table, the space is tiny. Cash is easiest here.
11. 🍫 Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore: Ethical Chocolate
Tony’s Chocolonely is a Dutch brand on a mission to make the chocolate industry 100% slave-free. Their superstore in Amsterdam is as colorful and playful as their wrappers, with walls of chocolate bars, interactive displays, and the option to design your own flavor. It’s part shop, part chocolate playground, and a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
🍫 Limited-edition store-only flavors
🍫 Classic milk caramel sea salt bar
🍫 Your own custom chocolate creation
🕙 Daily 10:00-19:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Great for gifts, the packaging is bright and fun. Go on weekdays to avoid weekend family crowds.
12. 🍰 Patisserie Holtkamp: Best Tompouce in Town
Holtkamp is one of Amsterdam’s most beloved pastry shops, renowned for mastering the art of the tompouce, a delicate cream-filled pastry topped with a perfectly smooth layer of pink icing. This is no ordinary bakery; it’s a family-run institution where craftsmanship and tradition meet. The shop’s display windows are filled with picture-perfect pastries, tempting both locals on their daily rounds and visitors in search of authentic Dutch sweets. Every bite is as much about texture as it is about flavor, flaky, creamy, and sweet all at once.
🍰 Tompouce (their signature classic)
🍓 Seasonal fruit tartlets
🍫 Chocolate truffles for a decadent treat
🕙 Monday – Saturday, 8:30 – 17:30
📍Google Maps
🌟 There are multiple ways of eating a tompouce as it can be a challenge! Can you figure out how?
13. 🍺 Proeflokaal Arendsnest: Dutch Beer Central
Set in a cozy canal house, Arendsnest specializes exclusively in Dutch-brewed beers, over 50 on tap and even more by the bottle. The wooden interior, with its long bar and friendly, knowledgeable staff, makes it an ideal place to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just curious, this is the spot to explore the country’s brewing scene in one place.
🍺 Beer tasting flight (4 or 6 small pours)
🍺 A seasonal specialty beer on tap
🧀 Cheese or sausage platter to pair with drinks
🕙 Daily, 12:00 – 00:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Ask the staff for pairing recommendations, they know their stuff. The terrace is perfect for sunny days, but seats fill quickly.
14. 🥪 Zero Zero: Italian Sandwiches
This small sandwich shop has a cult following for its panini, which are made with fresh Italian bread, high-quality cured meats, and carefully chosen toppings. The owners take pride in sourcing ingredients directly from Italy, so every bite feels like a quick trip to Rome. The vibe is casual and friendly, making it a great lunch stop before continuing your city wanderings.
🥪 Mortadella with pistachio cream
🥪 Prosciutto with mozzarella and tomato
🥪 Caprese with basil pesto
🕙 Daily, 8:00 – 18:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Limited seating inside, so takeaway is often the way to go. Sandwiches can sell out during lunch rush, go early.
15. 🥐 Saint-Jean Amsterdam: Pistachio Croissants
Saint-Jean is a chic patisserie that has gained Instagram fame for its beautifully layered pistachio croissants. The interior is stylish yet minimal, letting the pastries take center stage. Everything is made in-house with a focus on both taste and aesthetics, making this a destination for pastry lovers.
🥐 Pistachio cream croissant
🥐 Raspberry cream Danish
🥐 Pain au chocolat
🕙 Daily, 8:00 – 17:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Expect queues on weekends, they often sell out of pistachio croissants before noon.
16. 🥗 Moeders: Dutch Home Cooking
“Moeders” means “Mothers” in Dutch, and this cozy restaurant is a love letter to home cooking. The walls are covered in photos of mothers brought in by diners, and the menu is full of hearty Dutch comfort food. It’s warm, quirky, and exactly the kind of place you go to when you want a meal that feels like a hug.
🥗 Stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage)
🥗 Dutch pea soup (erwtensoep) in winter
🥗 Indonesian-style rijsttafel
🕙 Daily, 17:00 – 23:30
📍Google Maps
🌟 Bring a printed photo of your mum to add to the wall. Portions are generous, so pace yourself.
17. 🍖 Café Loetje: Tasty Steak
Café Loetje’s story is almost accidental, what began as a café in 1977 turned into Amsterdam’s most famous steakhouse after the owner put his mother’s biefstuk recipe on the menu. The steak is tender, cooked in butter, and comes swimming in a rich gravy that’s as addictive as the meat itself. The atmosphere is lively and casual, making it great for both weekday lunches and celebratory dinners. It’s a beloved institution among Amsterdammers, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
🍖 Biefstuk Bali (spicy version with sambal)
🍖 Classic biefstuk with fries and salad
🍖 Bitterballen as a starter
🕙 Daily, 11:30 – 22:30
📍Google Maps
🌟 Always book ahead for dinner. Wear dark clothes if you’re prone to splashes, the gravy is generous. Order extra bread to soak it up.
18. 🍽️ Sampurna: Indonesian Cuisine
Located right on the Flower Market, Sampurna has been serving authentic Indonesian food since the 1980s. The Netherlands has a long history with Indonesian cuisine, and the rijsttafel, an elaborate spread of small dishes served with rice, is one of the best culinary legacies of that connection. Sampurna’s interior is warm and inviting, with batik fabrics and wooden accents that transport you straight to Southeast Asia.
🍽️ Rijsttafel with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sambals
🍽️ Satay ayam (chicken skewers with peanut sauce)
🍽️ Gado gado (vegetables with peanut dressing)
🕙 Daily, 12:00 – 22:30
📍Google Maps
🌟 Best enjoyed with a group so you can share more dishes. Book ahead for dinner, it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
19. 🌯 Albert Cuypmarkt: Street Food Treasure
This bustling market in De Pijp is the largest in Amsterdam and a paradise for street food lovers. Stalls sell everything from fresh produce and flowers to international snacks. You can easily spend an hour or two grazing your way from one end to the other, tasting flavors from Suriname, Turkey, Vietnam, and beyond.
🌯 Surinamese roti
🌯 Turkish gözleme (stuffed flatbread)
🌯 Vietnamese spring rolls
🕙 Mon – Sat, 9:00 – 17:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Closed Sundays. Come hungry and bring cash for small purchases.
20. 🍜 Foodhallen: Indoor Food Paradise
Foodhallen is an indoor street food market inside a converted tram depot, and it’s a perfect example of Amsterdam’s modern food scene. Here, you’ll find more than 20 vendors serving everything from bao buns to artisanal burgers. The vibe is communal and lively, with groups sharing tables and hopping between stalls. It’s ideal if you want to try a variety of dishes in one place, or if your travel group can’t agree on what to eat.
🍽️ Truffle bitterballen from De BallenBar
🍽️ Vietnamese spring rolls from Viet View
🍽️ Gourmet hotdog from Bulls & Dogs
🕙 Daily 12:00-00:00
📍Google Maps
🌟 Evenings and weekends have the best atmosphere but also the biggest crowds. Arrive early if you want a table. Great spot for groups with different tastes.
🗺️ Map of What to Eat in Amsterdam: 20 Best Places
This Amsterdam food guide gives you the full picture of what to eat in Amsterdam in 2025, from old-school markets to innovative patisseries. You’ll taste your way through Dutch traditions, international influences, and late-night snacks you never knew you needed.
Just remember: in Amsterdam, the best way to balance out a day of eating is with a bike ride… or another poffertje.
📖 Amsterdam Travel Guide
See my full Amsterdam Travel Guide for more tips on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, day trips and itineraries!
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