Best spots to guzzle oysters and bubbles in Amsterdam

Sins of Sal

Sins of Sal in the Jordaan is a candle-lit cave of decadence and debauchery with a concept that falls somewhere between Latin America and the occult. The oysters here come topped with tiradito (a floral salsa made with ají amarillo peppers and leche de tigre (a spicy citrus marinade). For extra gluttony, you can take them with a pisco or smokey mezcal rinse. To wash this all down, you'll find some stunning natural wines on the menu whilst moreish cocktails like the house Paloma or Margarita are available on tap. 

Compartir

Fancy a few more snacks with your oysters? Compartir is all about delightfully fresh Franco-inspired small plates and nibbles, including charcuterie, cheese boards and oysters topped with a fragrant blood orange foam. The wine list is equally dynamic, with a stunning selection of frizzantés, sparkling rosés and newly discovered European gems to complement each bite.

Frank's Smokehouse

Originally started as a backyard hobby smokehouse, Frank’s has been producing culinary delicacies for over 20 years. In the deli-style shop, you’ll find everything from smoked halibut to smoked goose breast, pastrami and even smoked burrata. The Fine de Claire oysters are delivered fresh daily for the perfect addition to a picnic of kings.

Bistro de la Mer

For the chicest oyster platters in town, prop up at the bar of this retro-classic à la carte bistro, which was recently awarded its very first Michelin star. Bistro de la Mer’s Irish mór oysters are elevated with a Franco-Japanese twist, doused in a shallot beurre blanc, Tobiko (Japanese caviar made from flying fish roe) and chive tapioca.

NEXT

For astonishing views of the harbour, make the perfect bougie pitstop as you wait for the ferry in the airy industrial interiors of NEXT. The Irish Mór oysters come with vinaigrette, green apple and wasabi, whilst the wine list highlights some of the best sparkling bottles on the continent. These include delicious cremants, proseccos, Champagne Bruts and even an English sparkling wine from one of the South Coast’s most respected wineries.

Vessel

Boat & Co is a waterfront apartment hotel with a vibrant on-site restaurant and riverside bar, Vessel. This lively hotspot boasts the most extensive IJ-facing terrace in town, kitted out with sun loungers, a swimming jetty and table-side fire pits for the cooler months. Soak up the magnificent views of Amsterdam Noord with a delicately curry-spiced oyster and a cold glass of bubbles in hand.

Noordermarkt

The Noordermarkt Saturday farmer’s market is a haven for gourmands. Grab yourself a couple of freshly chucked Zeeland oysters to slurp for an afternoon snack as you browse the colourful stalls loaded with fresh produce from local suppliers and artisans. Or why not craft your own perfect borrelplank with fresh olive focaccia, cured meats and Dutch cheeses?

Café Parlotte

This casual hangout in the Jordaan has its very own aperitif hour, specifically to quaff wine and oysters. Between 16:00 and 17:00, pull up a chair on the streetside terrace to tuck into bubbles, oysters, charcuterie, cheese and plenty of other tasty morsels. From then onwards, the restaurant is given over to excellent three or four-course menus. It's good to note that Parlotte boasts one of the most extensive champagne and sparkling wine lists in the city, starting from €40 a bottle.

Rayleigh & Ramsey

The ever-popular wine bar Rayleigh & Ramsey now boasts three locations citywide, thanks to its unique concept where you purchase credit and pour your own glass from a colossal selection of wine dispensers. Every Saturday is ‘Oyster Day’, meaning you’ll start with half a dozen Fine de Claire oysters and drink two delicious glasses of Picpoul de Pinet or a top glass of Chablis Premier Cru - for under €20.

Recurring oyster deals

• Salty ‘Zilte’ Sundays at Two Chefs Food Bar - slurp oysters every first Sunday of the month in combination with ultra-fresh craft beer, natural wine and cocktails
• Oyster Tasting at Brut de Mer - sample six different oysters under the expert guidance of the ‘Oyster Man’ during a tasting at this dynamic seafood bar
• Oesterfest at Bar BAUT - keep an eye on socials for BAUT’s seasonal pop-up parties, where you can slurp unlimited oysters for €27.50 per person
• Oyster platters at The Seafood Bar and Zum Barbarossa - nothing will rock your world more than a platter of oysters supplied by some of the region's finest fishmongers in the atmospheric speakeasy Zum Barbarossa or at The Seafood Bar - the upstairs sister restaurant