Pre-theatre dining in Amsterdam
Luckily for theatre-goers, Amsterdam’s food scene is as expansive and diverse as its cultural offering. When you’re en route to a ballet, concert, spoken word performance, or whatever the night holds, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant. These eateries specialise in the pre-theatre experience and offer menus designed to have you well fed and on your way before the curtain rises.
Dining near Royal Theatre Carré
Le Bistrot des Alpes
Did you know that the Alps are just five minutes away from the Carré? Journey to the mountains for a pre-dinner experience in this chalet-feel restaurant with authentic chequered tablecloth interiors. On the menu: charcuterie, raclette and fondue but, perhaps, most fitting is the seasonal three-course menu for €39.
Le Bistrot des Alpes | Utrechtsedwarsstraat 141
Graham's Kitchen
Descend further down the Amstel for a spot of fine dining at Graham’s Kitchen. The atmosphere is laid back, and the food is the star of the show: head chef Graham Mee brings his Michelin-restaurant work experience to his own restaurant. The three-course menu is celebrating the finest local produce and costs €41.
Graham's Kitchen | Hemonystraat 38
Carré Terras op de Amstel
There’s no need to go far, thanks to Carré theatre’s waterfront terrace. With part of the terrace used to give other restaurants a much-needed boost, a weekly three-course menu is available for €32.5. Best of all, you can specify the show you’re attending during the booking to ensure that your service will be as speedy as possible.
Carré Terras op de Amstel | Amstel 115 /125
Bistro Baret
Don’t miss this upmarket bistro on the corner of the Amstel River. The pre-theatre menu is updated weekly, with three courses and a choice of two main dishes for a very reasonable price.
Bistro Baret | Korte Amstelstraat 18
Dik & Cunningham
Chef Johan Dik is a master of culinary classics and can prepare a three-course ‘surprise’ menu for theatre-goers. Dik & Cunningham is a hidden gem located on Utrechtstraat, just one block away from the Royal Theatre Carré.
Dik & Cunningham | Kerkstraat 377
Dining near Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Theater Bellevue, DeLaMar Theater, De Balie
Ron Gastrobar Oriental Downtown
If you love Asian Fusion, step into this sister gastro bar from the Michelin-acclaimed chef. Try a steaming basket of dim-sum, or take your pick from one of the Indonesian seafood options and don’t forget to grab an aperitif at the cocktail bar before heading to the theatre.
RON GASTROBAR ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN | Kerkstraat 23
Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam
Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam showcases a varied programme of theatre performances with English subtitles. Set the tone for the evening at the theatre’s Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam with a speciality menu and optional wine pairings.
Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam | Leidseplein 26
De Smoeshaan
The Theater Bellevue cafe-restaurant on the Leidseplein is open for business with a three-course Theater menu for €36. There’s a terrace on the water and a cosy top floor restaurant making De Smoeshaan the perfect spot to hang out among the locals before the performance.
De Smoeshaan | Leidsekade 90
Dining near Dutch National Opera and Ballet, de Kleine Komedie, Pathé Tuschinski
Lion Noir
Lion Noir offers an intriguing setting for your pre-theatre dinner with a private courtyard terrace, a stylish brass cocktail bar, and a fabulous French menu. The chefs work to highlight local and seasonal ingredients in their ever-changing menu, guaranteeing a memorable evening.
Lion Noir | Reguliersdwarsstraat 28
A-Fusion
Despite being located in the heart of historic Amsterdam, A-Fusion couldn’t be further from a tourist trap. If you are with two people, share a tasting menu of €34 per person at one of the best Asian restaurants in Amsterdam. The Rembrandtplein is only a 15-minute walk away.
A-Fusion | Zeedijk 130
Frenzi
Pop into Frenzi for a spot of Italian cuisine. With many vegetarian options and a three-course menu for €25, this corner restaurant on the Amstel is casual and welcoming and just a stone’s throw away from De Kleine Komedie and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet.
Frenzi Restaurant Amsterdam | Zwanenburgwal 232
Amstel1
You'll find Amstel1 just a step away from the Dutch National Opera & Ballet: the perfect spot for a 3-course pre-theatre menu for €39.50. Settle in for a delicious steak and a hot beverage coupled with a Holtkamp cheesecake before enjoying your show. Keep in mind that you'll need to book it at least by 18:00 to take advantage of the deal.
Amstel1 | Amstel 1
