Top 10: the Best Amsterdam Restaurants lined up

Top 10: the Best Amsterdam Restaurants lined up

Looking for the best restaurants in Amsterdam? Here they are on a silver platter in a top 10 list!

The past year was a great year in which loads of new restaurants opened in Amsterdam. Having a nice and cozy dinner with friends, a first date, an anniversary or just because going out for dinner is always a good idea! Enough reasons to go out and enjoy the amazing cuisines Amsterdam offers. Because there is such a broad choice we will look back at our top 10 of 2020.

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10. Sinne

Sinne

From the outside it doesn’t look like much but please, do go inside! The decor is not very special but the food… my god, it is amazing!

In November 2014, Sinne was awarded with a Michelin star, which is totally deserved because wow (!), these chefs can cook.

In Swedish, ‘Sinne’ means ‘sense’, and your senses will be positively stimulated when the beautiful dishes with exquisite tastes arrive at your table.

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal and the staff is sublime. We recommend the guinea fowl with foie gras, truffle and Madeira or the lovely fresh scallops.

The best thing we haven’t even told you yet! Sinne is a super quality restaurant but the prices are very reasonable!

Sinne
Ceintuurbaan 342
1072 GP Amsterdam
The Pijp

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 18.00 – 22.00
Thursday: 18.00 – 22.00
Friday: 18.00 – 22.00
Saturday: 18.00 – 22.00
Sunday: 18.00 – 22.00

9. Vuurtoreneiland

Vuurtoreneiland

A truly special experience is having dinner at Vuurtoreneiland (lighthouse island), it is just like a mini vacation! Slowing down from the city center of Amsterdam in a completely different setting.

Nature, culture, labor and craft are the keywords for this pure nature experience. The food they work with is exclusively from producers who are environmental friendly, with care for animals and humans, which creates beautiful dishes.

Furthermore, all dishes are prepared using traditional cooking methods.

A standard 4- course dinner that changes every few weeks is served. Of course the menu can be adjusted for vegetarians or people who have allergies.

Getting to this island is already an adventure, as the boat leaves at exactly 18:30 from Lloyd. After a small hour on the boat you will enjoy your romantic dinner and at 23:30 you will be a happy person and go back to the city center of Amsterdam.

This brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city leaves you feeling fantastic.

Vuurtoreneiland
A small island in the IJmeer off the shore of  the reclaimed land of IJdoorn at Durgerdam.

During the summer opened from May till September: 

Monday: 18.30 – 23.30
Tuesday: 18.30 – 23.30
Wednesday: 18.30 – 23.30
Thursday: 18.30 – 23.30
Friday: 18.30 – 23.30
Saturday: 18.30 – 23.30
Sunday: 18.30 – 23.30

8. MOS

MOS

Perhaps the most beautiful location of Amsterdam, a fine dining restaurant with a view over the IJ river, could it be any more romantic?

MOS has three 3 floors, each with it’s own feel to it. Downstairs is the bar where the atmosphere is relaxed and great wines are poured.

The first floor is a cozy space with round corner sofas which we highly recommend for small groups.

The top floor is reserved for beautifully set tables where the true fine dining experience takes place.

A nice detail are the stairs, which are made of old railway carriages!

The decor is a combination of modern elements with Moroccan influences which they describe as: Where Paris meets Marrakesh. The turquoise wall and chairs create an eastern impression where you feel right at ease.

The real eye catcher is, you could have guessed it, the wall that’s completely covered with moss. If your desire is to have a fine dining experience with an amazing view and lovely ambiance, than MOS is a great restaurant for a date night in Amsterdam.

MOS
IJdok 185
1013 MM Amsterdam
Western Islands

Lunch:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12.00 – 15.00
Wednesday: 12.00 – 15.00
Thursday: 12.00 – 15.00
Friday: 12.00 – 15.00
Saturday: 12.00 – 15.00
Sunday: Closed

Dinner:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: From 18.00
Wednesday: From 18.00
Thursday: From 18.00
Friday: From 18.00
Saturday: From 18.00
Sunday: Closed

7. The Duchess

The Duchess

If you have something special to celebrate, than we highly recommend The Duchess! Awarded the best cocktail bar of 2015 by Entree Hospitality & Style awards, only 6 months after they have opened their doors at the W Hotel

Inspired by the ingredients of France and Italy, the chefs create ridiculously beautiful art pieces on a plate, which are classic but with a refreshing touch.

If you love dining at candlelight and chandeliers, this is your spot! Great chandeliers immediately catch your eye when you enter the restaurant, just like the amazing old fashioned clock.

The staff is outstanding and can tell you everything about the lovely food and fantastic wines, because boy o boy.. the wines…..

The Duchess
Spuistraat 172
1012 VT Amsterdam
Burgwallen – Nieuwe Zijde

Tea Room:

Monday: 18.00 – 23.00
Tuesday: 18.00 – 23.00
Wednesday: 18.00 – 23.00
Thursday: 18.00 – 23.30
Friday: 18.00 – 23.30
Saturday: 18.00 – 23.30
Sunday: 18.00 – 23.00

Dinner:

Monday: 18.00 – 23.00
Tuesday: 18.00 – 23.00
Wednesday: 18.00 – 23.00
Thursday: 18.00 – 23.30
Friday: 18.00 – 23.30
Saturday: 18.00 – 23.30
Sunday: 18.00 – 23.00

Bar:

Monday: 18.00 – 01.00
Tuesday:18.00 – 01.00
Wednesday: 18.00 – 01.00
Thursday: 18.00 – 01.00
Friday: 18.00 – 02.00
Saturday: 08.00 – 02.00
Sunday: 18.00 – 01.00

6. Café Panache

Café Panache

Café Panache is located at the Ten Kate Markt in Amsterdam West. Some say the restaurant’s interior is one of the most beautiful of Amsterdam. It’s a combination of super modern and hip, that feels cozy and warm when you step inside.

We are not the only ones that discovered Panache, getting a table can be quite challenging.

Their menu is dominated by shared dining dishes and boasts many enticing dishes like Pulpo Haze, a whole sea bream which is covered in salt, and of course the Côte the Boeuf, served perfectly pink.

Especially on Friday nights the crowd can be super enthusiastic and the cocktails are served abundantly, which are also available in pitchers!

This might not be suitable for a romantic dinner because of the loud music and vibrant people, but it’s perfect for a night out with friends in Amsterdam.

Café Panache
Ten Katestraat 117
1053 CC Amsterdam
West

Monday: 17.00 – 01.00
Tuesday: 17.00 – 01.00
Wednesday: 17.00 – 01.00
Thursday: 17.00 – 01.00
Friday: 17.00 – 03.00
Saturday: 17.00 – 03.00
Sunday: 14.00 – 21.00

5. Kaagman & Kortekaas

Kaagman & Kortekaas

Almost hidden away in this very tiny street, called the Sint Nicolaasstraat, close by the Anne Frank House you will find Kaagman & Kortekaas. Upon arriving you might think you’re in a Parisian bistro because of the cozy wooden tables and an intimate and informal atmosphere.

That subtle romantic feel of the restaurant makes it perfect for a nice first date. Start at the bar with a glass of fresh white wine and some oysters. The relaxed ambiance will make for a laid back evening with your new sweetheart.

In the open kitchen chefs primarily cook with fresh seasonal products, like tasty poultry and venison. Your mouth waters when the enticing plates of food make their way to your table, served by knowledgeable staff, that knows what they are selling.

The same is true for their knowledge of wines, which is extensive. So don’t be shy and ask for advise on what wines go best with your choice of dishes.

Kaagman & Kortekaas
Sint Nicolaasstraat 43
1012 NJ Amsterdam
Burgwallen – Nieuwe Zijde

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 18.00 – 22.30
Wednesday: 18.00 – 22.30
Thursday: 18.00 – 22.30
Friday: 18.00 – 22.30
Saturday: 18.00 – 22.30
Sunday: Closed

4. The Roast Room

The Roast Room Bar & Kitchen

Our Top 10 of the best restaurants in Amsterdam is not complete without mentioning Roast. Even the exterior of this restaurant is impressive, looking in through the glass at lots of shimmering lights and an artistic decor.

Inside is equally as beautiful, with the butchery placed in front of a mesmerizing royal blue tiled wall. The butchery is a glass house where great pieces of meat ripen at the ceiling and the chefs are busy preparing these pieces.

The Roast Room exist has two floors each with their own kitchen. On the ground floor is The Roast Bar; a cozy brasserie with a view of the butchery and the amazing bar decorated with bronze elements.

During the day you can have a great lunch here with nice comfort food like a Pulled Pork Burger or a Roast Beef Salad. One floor up is the Rotisserie, that looks like it came out of an interior magazine.

The bronze accents are switched with gold ones and you will see that beautiful royal blue color on the walls again.

The Rotisserie is a high class restaurant where beautiful pieces of meat are prepared for you, like the Aberdeen Angus and the Butchers Patter, and now we aren’t even mentioning the side dishes… it’s all mouthwatering!

The Roast Room
Europaplein 2
1078 GZ Amsterdam
South

The Roast Bar:

Monday: 09.00 – 23.30 (bar is open till 01.00)
Tuesday: 09.00 – 23.30 (bar is open till 01.00)
Wednesday: 09.00 – 23.30 (bar is open till 01.00)
Thursday: 09.00 – 23.30 (bar is open till 01.00)
Friday: 09.00 – 23.30 (bar is open till 01.00)
Saturday: 09.00 – 23.30 (bar is open till 01.00)
Sunday: 09.00 – 23.00 (bar is open till 00.00)

Rotisserie:

Monday: 12.00 – 14.30 &  18.00 – 22.30
Tuesday: 12.00 – 14.30 &  18.00 – 22.30
Wednesday: 12.00 – 14.30 &  18.00 – 22.30
Thursday: 12.00 – 14.30 &  18.00 – 22.30
Friday: 12.00 – 14.30 &  18.00 – 22.30
Saturday: 18.00 – 22.30
Sunday: 18.00 – 22.30

3. Mr. Porter

Mr. Porter

Not long ago the W Hotel opened his doors in the city center of Amsterdam. It was a big happening that created quite a buzz, because wow (!), the steaks they are serving might be the best in Amsterdam.

This is not your typical restaurant steak, but a juicy rib-eye, a fantastic Hangar steak or a Japanese Wagyu steak.

This great food is served in a classic environment with a modern twist. What about a romantic dinner at the fireplace or a refreshing cocktail at the 360 degrees bar.

Outside you will find one of the best rooftops of Amsterdam, where you have a front row view of the Royal Palace whilst sipping on a fancy cocktail on one of the comfy lounge sets.

And don’t be afraid, even if you don’t prefer steaks you are still able to have a lovely dinner here, try the Yellow Tail Ceviche or the lobster, everything is full of flavor and the presentation is great.

Mr. Porter
Spuistraat 175
1012 VN Amsterdam
Burgwallen – Nieuwe Zijde

Breakfast:

Monday: 07.00 – 10.00
Tuesday: 07.00 – 10.00
Wednesday: 07.00 – 10.00
Thursday: 07.00 – 10.00
Friday: 07.00 – 10.00
Saturday: 07.00 – 10.30
Sunday: 07.00 – 10.30

Lunch:

Monday: 12.00 – 14.30
Tuesday: 12.00 – 14.30
Wednesday: 12.00 – 14.30
Thursday: 12.00 – 14.30
Friday:12.00 – 14.30
Saturday: 12.00 – 15.00
Sunday: 12.00 – 15.00


Dinner:

Monday: 18.00 – 23.00
Tuesday: 18.00 – 23.00
Wednesday: 18.00 – 23.00
Thursday: 18.00 – 23.30
Friday: 18.00 – 23.30
Saturday: 18.00 – 23.30
Sunday: 18.00 – 23.00


Bar:

Monday: 10.00 – 01.00
Tuesday: 10.00 – 01.00
Wednesday: 10.00 – 01.00
Thursday: 10.00 – 01.00
Friday: 10.00 – 02.00
Saturday: 10.00 – 02.00
Sunday: 10.00 – 01.00

2. Restaurant C.

Restaurant C.

The creators of Baut and Baut Zuid; Chefs Michiel van der Eerde and Arnout van der Kolk introduce a surprising concept where everything is about Celsius, something we haven’t seen before.

The products they cook with are chosen carefully, but their main focus is on the preparation.

The same products are featured in multiple dishes, served at different temperatures, which totally changes the taste perception. Exciting!

The menu is divided in four categories ranging from -20°C to 200°C: Raw and cold, low temperatures, steam and cook and grill, plancha and tempura. All dishes are to be shared with your dinner guests, which makes it possible to do a 360 C tour through the menu.

Be surprised by this exceptional culinary experience. We highly recommend this one!

Restaurant C.
Wibautstraat 125
1091 GL Amsterdam
Weesperzijde

Monday: 10.00 – 01.00
Tuesday: 10.00 – 01.00
Wednesday: 10.00 – 01.00
Thursday: 10.00 – 01.00
Friday: 10.00 – 03.00
Saturday: 10.00 – 03.00
Sunday: 10.00 – 01.00

1. 212 Amsterdam

Restaurant 212 Amsterdam

Our absolute number 1 is restaurant 212! Located just around the corner of the Rembrandtplein, this no-table restaurant is a special one.

Michelin star chefs Richard van Oostenbrugge en Thomas Groot previously worked at Bord’Eau restaurant in the ‘L Europe hotel which had 2 Michelin ** at the time but decided to open their own restaurant at the beginning of 2018 to follow their dream.

The cozy restaurant doesn’t have tables but everybody is sitting at the bar and so you have a first row view on the culinary action in the open kitchen. Seeing the kitchen staff creating your next course while drinking a world class wine selected by top sommelier Daphne Oudshoorn is something we could do every day.

They recently started their new project “212 at home” which is a fine dining experience but then in your own home. They offer a luxurious dinner box with a 4 course menu which changes every two weeks. With just some small actions you can have your own Michelin * dinner coming out of your kitchen. Sounds like a perfect date to us.

The boxes are €53 p.p. and can be ordered on the website of 212.

Restaurant 212 received their first Michelin * only eleven months after opening but in our opinion they could well receive their second Michelin * next year.

212 Amsterdam
Amstel 212
1017AH Amsterdam

These were our best Amsterdam restaurants of 2020. Do you miss one or would you like to make a suggestion for our 2021 list? Or are you super excited about one of these restaurants? Let us know via our contact page or a comment on this post. Looking for a nice restaurant just outside Amsterdam? We can recommend Brasserie 1434 in Purmerend. It’s also possible to stay there for the night in their B&B.

2021-08-02T21:10:40+01:00

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