Amsterdam is a great city but it admittedly pales in comparison to the likes of Paris, Rome, and more when it comes to food. The Dutch capital isn't exactly what you'd call a 'food capital,' at least, not by a long shot. And that's okay! Amsterdam doesn't need to be! It remains a beautiful and beguiling metropolis even if it's not known for its culinary scene. Nevertheless, this also doesn't mean that the food here aren't worth noting. Or rather, the places to eat here, particularly traditional Dutch cusine, are anything to scoff at. You certainly won't when you get the chance to eat at any of these popular hotspots.
Café de Prins
A waterside terrace café that gets as much sunlight as possible? That's Café de Prins for you! Located in the Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam, you'd sooner think that you were in Paris when you eat here. It certainly lives up to the charming ambiance the French capital is known for, but in this Dutch capital hotspot, you can expect that the goodies here are as local as ever. Pair your well-brewed cups of coffee with their delectable menu of Dutch pastries, each more scrumptious than the next. After a bite or two, you'd instantly understand why the country's sweets are pretty famous around the world.
Source: Café de Prins
De Silveren Spiegel
Translated to English as 'The Silver Mirror,' there's certainly an other-worldly allure with De Silveren Spiegel, that's for sure! This top Dutch restaurant, housed in a stunning 17th-century house, can't help but draw you in with its historic charm. You'd likely think of this place as some sort of gallery at first, only to be surprised by a hearty menu of traditional Dutch dishes. And speaking of their food, 'hearty' doesn't even begin to describe what they serve. From braised leg of rabbit to baked duck breast, you're sure to have your fill and more if you get lucky enough to eat here!
Source: De Silveren Spiegel Facebook Page
Hap-Hmm
Hap-Hmm's homely appeal is their greatest strength. With its diner-style ambiance, comfort is the name of their game. Dutch dinner table staples like potato soup or rice stew pair their heartier main courses, allowing you a sort of palette cleanser, especially for those who are eating traditional Dutch food for the first time. There's also Hap-Hmm's array of vegetable delicacies, offering up a healthier cuisine at the end of the day. It's a good thing this place is pretty affordable too—main courses range from €7.50 to €12.75 each—since it allows you to enjoy a huge feast without increasing your
costs in the city to an overwhelming degree.
Source: Restaurant Hap-Hmm Facebook Page
Restaurant Greetje
Despite their rich menu of traditional Dutch dishes, Restaurant Greetje is also all about offering comfort through culinary arts. The space itself is arranged to look like a classic Dutch home, complete with all the artistry and reality that comes with Flemish culture. You'd initially think that the place is a bit too much but, once you order your food, you'll know you've seen nothing yet! From appetizers like smoked sea bass and duck liver terrine to main courses like pheasant and beef stew, eating here is a foodie experience you won't soon forget! Every spoonful will feel like the flavors of The Netherlands are rammed down your throat.
Source: Restaurant Greetje Facebook Page
Restaurant Haesje Claes
Herring, pea soup, beefsteak, and more. These are the kinds of traditional Dutch food to expect here in Restaurant Haesje Claes. Standing out with its stark red exterior along Spuistraat, this classic diner-like hotspot treasured everything about the Netherlands' culinary scene. It's not afraid to go all traditional, offering up the real and authentic flavors of the country with every dish. And with its old-world ambiance, Restaurant Haesje Claes simply wants to remind everyone, both locals and tourists alike, what the true legacy of this country is. A proud homage to Dutch culture in the heart of the capital city!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Marion Golsteijn
Restaurant Moeders
In Dutch, this place's name is translated to 'Mothers.' This alone should tell you what to expect in this Dutch foodie hotspot in Amsterdam. Serving as a mecca of homemade meals, this is the sort of place that reminds you of your childhood. That is if your childhood was spent in The Netherlands. Charming details such as mismatched tableware and portraits of mothers of the restaurant's patrons amp up the homely appeal, creating the perfect ambiance for their painstakingly traditional dishes. It's a particularly potato-heavy menu, complete with boiled potatoes,
stamppot (mashed potatoes served with different vegetables),
boerenkoolstamppot (mashed potatoes with kale and sausage), and the like. Is your tummy ready for all of that? Mother seems to think so!
Source: Restaurant Moeders Instagram Page
Restaurant Wilde Zwijnen
And finally, there's Restaurant Wilde Zwijnen! Located in the emerging Indische Buurt district of Amsterdam, this place is all about the meat! Pork is one of the stars of the show here since the place's name, 'Wilde Zwijnen,' translates to 'Wild Boar.' This will already give you a good idea of what to expect here! A whole host of game meats, pheasants, ducks, and the like also jazz up their menu, each more delicious than the next. At the end of your meal, you won't just feel satisfied, you'll be too full to even walk too!
Source: Restaurant Wilde Zwijnen Facebook Page
Amsterdam may not be a 'food capital,' but as the capital city of The Netherlands, you can bet that the Dutch cuisine here is second to none! Some of the best places to eat in the city take pride in their Dutch food and serve the best of the best!
Wouldn't it be great if your
luxury home here is only a hop and a skip away from these delicious Dutch restaurants in Amsterdam?
