Restaurants and bars in the Oostelijke Eilanden
With its unique maritime history, it's no surprise that you’ll find no shortage of fresh seafood and breweries in the Oostelijke Eilanden. Many of the former shipyard buildings and warehouse spaces have been transformed into some of Amsterdam's most innovative restaurants. Elswehere in the neighbourhood, you'll find beer gardens overlooking the water, cocktail bars, delis, coffee hotspots and even the opportunity to dine in a greenhouse.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
Brouwerij ’t IJ was an independent local microbrewery long before anyone dreamed up the modern terminology. Housed in a former bathhouse next to a proper Dutch windmill, the brewery bar boasts a large enclosed terrace that stays busy in all weathers. On the taps, you’ll find all their organic house beers with the iconic ostrich logo along with various seasonal brews and more experimental varieties. The brewery also offers guided tours and tastings.
Thull’s
This food store and deli is all about pickling, canning and fermentation. Alongside an incredible range of sandwiches, fresh bread, pastries and delicious meals made with fermented veggies, Thull’s stocks artisanal chocolate, European wine, oils, vinegars, cheese, charcuterie and much more. They also make their own sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and kombucha. A delicious lunch is guaranteed.
Entrepot
The attentive service and surprising flavours at Entrepot make it one of the most delightful casual fine-dining experiences in the city. Inside, the atmosphere is comfortable and breezy with decor that’s reminiscent of a converted loft space. The chefs adjust the menu daily with a focus on fish, vegetables and game dishes sourced according to seasonal availability. Each plate has a deceptive simplicity where humble ingredients like fennel or beetroot are lovingly-prepared and given space to shine.
Around the Marineterrein
The Marineterrein is teeming with food and drink hotspots that offer fantastic views over the water. Part of Pension Homeland (a hotel and restaurant), Brewery Homeland has become a hub of additive-free, honest beer whilst Scheepskameel offers quality fine dining. The large waterfront decks enjoy a lovely perspective over the National Maritime Museum and its docked VOC ship replica. Blissfully off the beaten track on the opposite bank, Hannekes Boom exudes a quirky vibe and simultaneously boasts one of Amsterdam’s best sun-drenched beer gardens, whilst Mediamatic ETEN dishes up vegan fare grown in their own greenhouses.
Kanteen25
With terrific Amsterdam views of the NEMO Science Museum and the Maritime Museum, Kanteen25 offers the taste of Paris in Amsterdam with local & sustainable ingredients. The restaurant has a zero-waste mentality and makes every effort to get as much out of its products as possible. This makes an outdoor brunch, lunch or dinner great fun and responsible! Kanteen25 also organizes events, such as food and drink markets, open discussion nights and various children's activities.
Frank’s Smoke House
Originally started as a backyard hobby smokehouse, Frank’s has been producing culinary delicacies for over 20 years. The restaurant (which opened more recently) showcases the surprising versatility of the traditional smoking process. Of course on the menu you’ll find high-quality fish and charcuterie dishes but have you ever tried the subtle flavours of lightly smoked tofu, burrata, crab or tomatoes? In the deli-style shop, you can pick up delicious sandwiches, fresh bread, soups and salads all prepared with top quality ingredients straight from the smokehouse.
Bakers & Roasters
Owned by one part Kiwi and one part Brazilian, this marvellous brunch spot has become synonymous with its queues around the block, particularly on a weekend. And offering goods such as dreamy banana nut bread, french toast and game-changing navajo eggs, it’s for a bloody good reason. With a spot secured on this list, Bakers & Roasters’ extensive cocktail list is a given. But when a New Zealand style cafe describes itself as ‘served with a heavy dose of Brazil’, we recommend you don’t overlook the coffee menu!
Gollem aan het Water
Located right behind Artis Zoo, Gollem aan het Water is a fantastic little neighbourhood bar with a colossal beer selection. Unlike your typical brown cafe, the space inside is bright and airy with large French doors that open out onto a sunny stretch of Entrepotdok. From the terrace, you have views across to Artis so you can glimpse the bobbing heads of elephants and hear the sea lions for free. The bar stocks over 130 beers, the most local of which are brewed right here in Amsterdam along with Dutch and Belgian classics. If the selection is a little overwhelming you can go for a tasting flight ft. optional cheese board to ease you in.
Coulisse
Laid-back fine dining at its best, Coulisse serves a varied menu guided by the seasons. It opened mid-pandemic, so owners Simon and Tim know how best to whip up a culinary knockout in a crisis. With collective experience gained at Oud Sluis, The Jane and Noma, the young foodie entrepreneurs have put together a thoughtful menu bursting with impressive veg, seafood, and game-led dishes. Wine is an essential component of each meal, and you'll see a good balance of organic and traditionally-produced wines on the list.
KRUX Brouwwerf
Brewed in the smallest vats in Amsterdam, Krux Brouwwerf’s beer goes straight to tap and into your glass. This allows Krux to experiment with tastes: you will find fourteen beers on tap that change regularly. Relax in the beer garden and quench your thirst with a fresh pint of IPA or settle into Remy’s corner with a platter of bitterballen to share.
