14 Exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam where you'll want to dine at least once >> (2024)

The most exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam are scattered throughout the city, from North to South and West. These restaurants will be etched into your memory forever.

14 X the most exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to many restaurants, each one better than the next. But where should you go for the most exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam? To these fourteen places.

Vuurtoreneiland

Perhaps the most exceptional restaurant in Amsterdam is Vuurtoreneiland. At this magical location, you dine in a small company. You book the dinner well in advance and are picked up by boat at the Hoxton Hotel Lloyd (also a remarkable place!). On the boat, you enjoy an aperitif and some delicious appetizers. The dinner itself consists of five courses made from local products. An experience like this is truly one of a kind, believe us.
Durgerdam, vuurtoreneiland.nl

REM Eiland

REM Eiland is located in Amsterdam North, at the NDSM-Werf. At REM, you dine with a unique view of Amsterdam, as the restaurant is at a high level atop the famous shipbuilding platform on the wharf. Chef Bobby Rust, known on TV, cooks up a storm there.
Haparandadam 45-2, Amsterdam, rem.amsterdam

Helling7

Another exceptional spot in Amsterdam North is Helling7. Besides a cosy and warm atmosphere, the cuisine is top-notch. All (local) ingredients are grilled over a wood fire, which guests can admire thanks to the open kitchen. Helling7 is high on the old NDSM site and offers a stunning view over the IJ River.
TT. Melissaweg 57, Amsterdam, helling7.nl

Even more exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam

De Kas

De Kas boasts a coveted green Michelin star, and it’s well-deserved. Not only is the setting exceptional, but the food is equally unique. Dining (or lunching!) amidst Park Frankendael, you’re surrounded by greenery right next to the greenhouses where some ingredients are grown.
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, Amsterdam, restaurantdekas.com

RIJKS

Right next to the Rijksmuseum, you’ll find RIJKS, the accompanying restaurant that has recently been revamped. At RIJKS, they serve – perfectly fitting with the setting – traditional Dutch dishes in a new, highly culinary style.
Museumstraat 2, Amsterdam, rijksrestaurant.nl

Sea Palace

Sea Palace is an institution in Amsterdam and its surroundings. Situated diagonally across from Central Station, this enormous boat features service by robots (yes, really!). The food is just as remarkable as the futuristic service; at Sea Palace, they serve dishes from Canton, Sichuan, and Peking.
Oosterdokskade 8, Amsterdam, seapalace.nl

Even more exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam

Restaurant Moon

At the top of the A’DAM Tower (already a remarkable place in itself), you’ll find Restaurant Moon. They serve modern dishes with international influences, featuring a regularly updated menu. The setting makes Moon extra special: the restaurant actually revolves, allowing you to enjoy the Amsterdam skyline from every angle.
Overhoeksplein 3, Amsterdam, restaurantmoon.nl

Skatecafé

From restaurants to skate parks to clubs – it all happens at Skatecafé. Until 9:30 pm, you can enjoy an à la carte menu, after which the tables make way for a dancing crowd. So, get ready to dance into the early hours!
Gedempt Hamerkanaal 42, Amsterdam, skatecafe.nl/restaurant

De Plantage

The Plantage is a historic venue for both young and old, located on the grounds of Artis. The building of The Plantage is a national monument designed in 1868 by the same architect as Artis. You dine there with dishes from all corners of the world, making it a great place to visit with family or large groups.
Plantage Kerklaan 36, Amsterdam, caferestaurantdeplantage.nl

Even more exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam

Restaurant Barracuda

It’s wise to book a table as soon as possible at Restaurant Barracuda in North, as the restaurant received a 9 from Het Parool and has been bustling ever since. As the name suggests, it’s a seafood restaurant with a ‘no-nonsense’ mentality, according to the founders. In this unique building on Aambeeldstraat, a family of four runs the business. Parents manage the service; one son works in the kitchen, and the other acts as a jack-of-all-trades. The love for food and their business is palpable in every aspect.
Aambeeldstraat 10, 1021 KB Amsterdam, barracuda.amsterdam

Breman Brasserie

Breman Brasserie, the restaurant of the newest Hoxton Hotel, is located in a remarkable building with a rich history. The interior of Breman Brasserie is as you would expect from a Hoxton establishment: refined, authentic, and filled with vintage treasures. The decor complements the Art Deco style of the former Lloyd building, including enormous glass chandeliers. Breman Brasserie focuses on all-day dining and comfort food. Two things close to our hearts. Think burgers, fries, large prawns, lobster, and perhaps even surf & turf. In addition, the sun-drenched terrace has 270 seats.
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, Amsterdam, thehoxton.com/amsterdam/lloyd

Wolf Atelier

Near Amsterdam Centraal, you’ll find Wolf Atelier – a unique place on high stilts. Wolf Atelier is located on a monumental railway bridge above the IJ in Amsterdam. In addition to a 15-course menu (!), you can also opt for 4 or 5 courses. Extra fun: during a full moon, they organize a Full Moon Party, where you can eat and drink unlimitedly for €99.
Westerdoksplein 20, Amsterdam, wolfatelier.nl

Even more exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam

Chateau Amsterdam

Chateau Amsterdam is an urban winery in Amsterdam North. In addition to good food, there’s a significant focus on, you guessed it, the wines. Because they make them on-site! This is the perfect place to get expert advice on matching wines.
Johan van Hasseltweg 51, Amsterdam, chateau.amsterdam

De Mark

De Mark is just outside Amsterdam but belongs on the list of the most exceptional restaurants in Amsterdam. Because this place is one to hold dear to your heart. Besides being a boutique hotel, the restaurant is a unique spot (with a terrace by the water) right on the other side of the water from IJburg. You’ll dine there with old Dutch recipes but at a high culinary level. In short, it is a place where time stands still.
Durgerdammerdijk 73, Amsterdam, dedurgerdam.com

more Amsterdam tips

Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙
⋙
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-!
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour

| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>

Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.

Let’s get social

I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.