Best shared dining restaurants in Amsterdam
NENI
If you’re after an informal atmosphere filled with laid-back vibes from Tel Aviv, look no further than NENI. The sharing menu is filled with plant-based options, and the chef’s exceptional Balagan menu experience–which stands for playful chaos–is full of mezze-style dishes perfect for a dinner or brunch.
NENI Amsterdam | Stadionplein 8, Zuid
Mitts
A mezze-tasting menu is waiting for you at Mitts. Delicious veggie options include roasted beets with feta cream and barbequed mini broccoli with tahini. Don’t forget the drinks: there’s a great selection of G&Ts and several rum-based cocktails that you’ll be unwilling to part with.
Mitts | Javastraat 49A, East
Bar Pif
This cosy French-style wine bar has the shared dining theme on lock with dishes like octopus terrine and their delicious buttermilk fried chicken. If you’re after classics, order a platter of oysters and sit back as the staff advises you on the extensive wine list.
Bar Pif | Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 10A, Jordaan
Gertrude
Gertrude celebrates seasonal food with an ever-changing menu highlighting fish and meat. The bistro ambience is cosy and familiar, and the presentation is on the finer side, with delicate portions of artichokes, seabass and oysters.
Gertrude | Bosboom Toussaintstraat 28-H, Oud West
TOZI Amsterdam
Whether it’s pizza or appetisers, fish or pasta, it is meant to be shared at TOZI. The Venetian concept of ‘cicchetti’ is all about those side dishes that everyone can enjoy. Step under TOZI’s neon sign into a sleek and modern space. The food is all about the classics: Burrata, tartar, carpaccio and a host of pizzettas bring out the Italian mood. Lovers of fish will enjoy the grilled octopus and seabass. Don’t forget to quench your thirst with an Amalfi mule!
TOZI Amsterdam | Koninginneweg 34, Oud Zuid
Five Brothers Fat
If words like serrano, padrón peppers, manchego, patatas bravas and calamari are music to your ears, then get yourself down to Five Brothers Fat, a bustling tapas joint with citywide locations. The idea behind the restaurant was to bring the festivities and flavours of Barcelona’s Champañarias (cava bars) to Amsterdam, with a modern small-plate menu that absorbs influences from Asia and Latin America. Prop up at the marble bar for cocktails, wine and dinner as you ogle the sizzling dishes tearing out of the beautiful open-plan kitchen.
Five Brothers Fat | various locations
Pata Negra
Pata Negra is a bastion of authentic tapas and one of the veterans of Amsterdam’s culinary scene. The atmosphere will transport you to Spain, where music is king and life doesn’t stop till the late hours of the night. The kitchen is open till 23:00, so there’s plenty of time to pop in with your friends and share the feast brought to your table.
Pata Negra | Utrechtsestraat 124, Centrum
Hakata Senpachi
If you’re craving Japanese that goes beyond sushi, Hakata is ready for you with easy-to-share appetisers. There’s spicy cod row, skewers with eel, shiitake mushrooms and meat, and beloved classics like takoyaki (deep-fried squid balls), sashimi and onigiri. Are you looking for something more substantial? Go for one of the four ramens or try the delicious udon noodles.
Hakata Senpachi | Wielingenstraat 16, Zuid
Mayur
Look no further than Mayur if you’re up for a fancier Indian food experience. North Indian cuisine is served in chic dimness: dishes straight out of the Tandoori oven, curries, Saag paneer and more. If you’re with four people or more, take advantage of the special shared dining menu that offers a taste of everything.
Mayur | Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 203, Centrum
Bam Boa
Bam Boa is the go-to spot for a casual hangout filled with boho beach vibes. The sharing menu is filled with people-pleasers such as fish tacos, Korean chicken thigh bites and homemade truffle fries. The drinks menu won’t leave you wanting either: between a great wine selection and their Bloody Marys and Moscow Mules, there’s something for everyone.
Bam Boa | Weesperzijde 135, Oost