5 Best Restaurants in Amsterdam that Make Overeating Seem Like a Good Idea
A few weeks ago, one of my colleagues invited us out for dinner at a spot they promised was a step above anything we could whip up at home. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I decided to tag along.
From the very first bite, I was hooked. The flavours, and even the little touches on the plate, made my usual cooking feel a bit… basic. Suddenly, staying in and making dinner didn’t seem nearly as exciting.
After that night, I started keeping an eye out for restaurants that could deliver the same kind of experience—places with a cosy vibe and dishes that make every meal feel like a treat.
After trying a few spots, a handful really stood out. So if you’re ready to upgrade your dinner plans and actually look forward to mealtime, these top restaurants in Amsterdam should be at the top of your list.
How much do restaurants typically charge in Amsterdam?
You can expect restaurants in Amsterdam to charge you at least €10 for a casual lunch or dinner. A full meal in mid-range restaurants may cost you around €30, while fine dining spots can reach up to €120.
1. The Pantry
Address: Leidsekruisstraat 21
Contact Details: +31 20 620 0922
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
If comfort food had a home, it would be The Pantry. This cosy spot serves up traditional Dutch dishes that feel both familiar and indulgent, with portions generous enough to share—perfect for a night out with friends or family.
Most of their loyal patrons go straight for the set menus. They’re mostly fans of sausage or meatballs topped with a variety of mashed potatoes, so they normally choose Set 1.
For the vegetarians out there, you’ll love that The Pantry also has available options for you, such as the Cauliflower Mash Pot and the Gratinated Goat Cheese Salad, so you won’t miss out.
It’s also great that their service is just as relaxed as the food is filling. The staff—and even the manager—make sure your water glass is topped up, and clients rave about how fast the meals come out, usually in under 20 minutes.
And if the weather’s nice, grabbing a table outside is a treat. You can watch the world go by while tucking into hearty Dutch classics.
Just keep in mind that a reservation here is a must, as this place fills up fast any day of the week.
The meat and onion stew is delicious
“What a wonderful discovery. We wanted to eat as locally as possible, and the Pantry was definitely the best choice. Small restaurant (reservations highly recommended) with local dishes and the possibility of choosing between various menus. The meat and onion stew is delicious! Add a friendly and nice staff that makes everything more pleasant, and the perfect evening is served.”
Filippo Zaltron, Google Review
The manager and the other staff were so sweet and they kept taking care of us
“We didn’t expect all the food to be this good! Not only was it so delicious but the service was amazing! The manager and the other staff were so sweet and they kept taking care of us, making sure everything was okay. I cannot recommend this place enough ❤️”
Kelly Shin, Google Review
2. De Kas
Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
Contact Details: +31 20 462 4562
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Walking into De Kas feels like stepping straight into a gardener’s dream. The greenhouse, built back in 1927, is one of the first farm-to-table restaurants in the world.
Over 300 vegetables and herbs are grown on-site, harvested in the morning and served on your plate that very afternoon. I think it’s safe to say that the freshness is impossible to miss.
The menu changes with the seasons, so every visit brings something new. The dishes, like the Beetroot with Jalapeño and the Yellow Curry White Asparagus with Peanut, are beautifully presented, balancing aesthetics with flavour without being overly elaborate.
There’s plenty of space inside, which makes it perfect for large groups. Even with the high ceilings and open layout, the acoustics are surprisingly good, so conversations flow easily without anyone having to shout.
On top of that, diners love that a meal here doesn’t break the bank—many customers mention that the prices are fair for the quality and freshness of the ingredients, especially given the central location.
On the downside, service can be slow at times. Empty plates linger longer than expected, and water isn’t automatically brought to the table—something a few restaurant-goers noted as a minor letdown in an otherwise enjoyable meal.
The food was delicately crafted, and it really is like art
“Went there for dinner and opted for the 5-course veg option. Really nice ambience. The food was delicately crafted, and it really is like art. The service was great. The grapefruit cocktail was amazing. Definitely recommend for a taste of the Michelin-star restaurant in Amsterdam. It gets booked out way in advance, so just a word of caution. And I think they change their menu often as well, but I am sure there is a lot of thought that goes into it. And the venue is huge, so lots of space.”
Kushagra Mehra, Google Review
The ingredients were fresh and perfectly paired
“The location, a large, open greenhouse, is warm and welcoming. Despite its enormous size, it’s not at all crowded or noisy. Truly impeccable service! Wolf, I hope I spelled his name correctly, assisted us throughout the dinner, explaining the dishes perfectly and helping us choose wines and cocktails. The dishes were absolutely delicious. Each one was refined and unique. The ingredients were fresh and perfectly paired. Perfect value for money. I’m attaching the bill so you can check it out for yourself! We will definitely be back to try the menu in spring.”
Sara, Google Review
3. Hearth
ddress: Camperstraat 26H
Contact Details: +31 61 928 4170
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
For those of you who like your dinners with a bit more going on, Hearth is one of those places that turns a simple meal into a full evening out.
With its blend of music and art, this restaurant creates a creative energy that sets is apart from the usual dining scene.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the sound. It’s warm and clean without ever being too much, sitting nicely in the background while still shaping the room’s mood.
Come by on a weekend, and it gets even better. They host listening sessions with different selectors curating the music, so the vibe shifts throughout the night.
There’s usually a rotating art exhibition too, one that features both emerging and established artists, so there’s always something new to take in between courses.
When it comes to their food, a few standouts keep coming up. Diners crave their Vegan Beetroot Sushi and the Charcoal Ravioli with Shiitake Mushroom.
And if you’re in the mood for a drink, their espresso-infused cocktail called Mocha Martini is another favourite here. It fits right into the flow of an evening that’s meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Naturally, Heath’s service doesn’t feel rushed either. You can even expect your waiter to introduce themselves and walk you through how to get the most out of the experience, which adds a more personal touch.
The trade -off is that you might be waiting a little longer than expected, with some guests mentioning delays of around 15 minutes even with a reservation.
Food was delicious and incredibly sophisticated
“Spectacular dining experience. Super welcoming and nice staff. Food was delicious and incredibly sophisticated. We really enjoyed and looking forward to coming back next time we are in Amsterdam.”
Alberto Sassi, Google Review
The staff is very welcoming
“I went here on a solo date, and I absolutely loved it. First of all, the vibes are amazing inside. Second, the food was so creative and flavorful, and third, the staff is very welcoming. I even had left tulips in the ladies’ restroom, and the staff ended up holding them for me to pick up the next day. Stunning restaurant.”
Kimberly22, Google Review
4. Restaurant Olijfje
Address: Valkenburgerstraat 223D
Contact Details: +31 20 330 4444
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
If your taste buds are ready for a little Mediterranean escape, Olijfje is calling. Think Grilled Kofte and Adana Kebab made with fresh, organic ingredients—plus sauces that are all homemade!
While the chef works their magic, it’s worth starting with the Humus and Tzatziki. Heads up for big groups, as you’ll want to order extra starters. The main portions lean on the smaller side, so you might want to get those appetisers flowing instead.
Customers also like pairing their meal with an ice-cold Spanish Mahou straight from the draft.
When it comes to the restaurant’s atmosphere, I like how relaxed and quiet it is here. In fact, it’s still easy to keep conversations going even with big groups surrounding your table.
The owners are very hands-on, too. A few diners even told me that they were surprised by a complimentary Baklava before heading out.
The only minor drawback at Olijfje is that their price point leans on the higher side. Nonetheless, restaurant-goers still feel it’s worth it for the quality and experience.
The staff are so lovely and make the experience really good
“The food is so delicious, with a wide variety of options. I tried some of the special options in the menu and loved it. The staff are so lovely and make the experience really good. Food is kind of expensive, but we also got a lot of items as a gift from the staff. Highly recommended. Even with a big group of people.”
Mina Ghadimi, Google Review
Great place with tasty food and a wide range of choices
“Great place with tasty food and a wide range of choices. We tried several special dishes from the menu and really enjoyed them. We had to wait a bit for our reservation, but the staff were very kind, apologized many times, and even gave us gifts and a discount, which was a nice touch. The prices are a little high, but the quality, atmosphere, and friendly service make it worth it. A great spot for food and fun, even if you’re with a large group as they have a very big table as well. Highly recommended.”
Aiden Zi, Google Review
5. Kartika
Address: Overtoom 68H
Contact Details: +31 20 618 1879
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Celebrating more than half a century of authentic Indonesian cuisine, Kartika has earned a following for a reason. Here, the food is full of flavour, and the spices really hit the spot.
The Beef Rendang and Chicken Fillet in Spicy Lemongrass are big hits. For vegetarians, the Sambal Goreng Buncis is a solid option—just don’t expect to be mild, either!
But here’s a little insider tip: try the jackfruit dish called Sayur Nangka Muda if it’s your first time. Kartika makes it easy to see why everyone is talking about it.
Portions are big, so you definitely get your money’s worth. Even if the service can be a little slow, the basket of crackers served right when you sit down makes the wait much more pleasant.
I also like that Kartika’s waiters are friendly. They will even make sure you know what you’re eating by introducing each dish upon serving.
Recommended if you want to try Indonesian food in Amsterdam
“We had a nice experience last night. The food was good, and the service was great! Michael, one of the servers, was fantastic. My husband & his best friend have been coming here for a long time, glad to finally have a chance to try it. The Rijsttafel concept is interesting. We ordered Ramayana for 4, it came with 10 dishes in smaller portions, so you can try various food (my favourite was chicken satay & beef semur). Recommended if you want to try Indonesian food in Amsterdam!”
Laura V, Google Review
An outstanding chicken satay on top
“The best nasi goreng I have had in years. Huge portions. Different curries, tofu, vegetables and an outstanding chicken satay on top. The cracker snacks served on arrival were also delicious. Worth it just for the peanut sauce!”
Carlos B, Google Review