Restaurants and bars in Zuidoost

Oma Ietje

Oma Ietje is more or less the living room of Zuidoost. It’s a place where everyone feels at home, and there is always something delicious to eat and drink. Between tasty toasties and chunky sandwiches, artisanal coffee, the special beer of the month, and wickedly delicious homemade cakes, you’ll find lots to choose from on the menu. The vibrant terrace, surrounded by exceptional street art, is one of the liveliest hangouts in this part of town.

Hemelsbreed Cafe

Situated in Kraaiennest, this neighbourhood coffeehouse is a pillar of the local Christian community. With the aim of making a social impact, Hemelsbreed Cafe aims to connect people and promote an inclusive and uplifting mindset. The coffee served here has been roasted in prison, and the cafe has a special table where visitors can mingle and eat together. Head here for a nice and filling lunch with plenty of sandwiches, salads, and drinks.

The Traveller

Set off on a culinary gap year whilst keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground at The Traveller. What started as a pop-up restaurant now has two locations in Amsterdam, both at the RAI in Zuid and in Zuidoost. The concept highlights the most delicious dishes from a range of international cuisines: crispy duck gyoza and tempura chicken sit next to pani puri (wafer-thin crispy balls filled with chickpeas and mint), beef chimichurri, tuna tacos or burrata. Because the extensive menu is mildly overwhelming, there’s also a 4-course shared dining menu to help indecisive eaters out.

Margherita Tutta la Vita

Margherita Tutta la Vita has become something of a household name in Diemen-Zuid. Much frequented by students and residents, the restaurant is known for its authentic and affordable pizzas - some of the best in the city, we’ll have you know. On top of mouth-watering pizzas baked with passion by the Italian-born Chef, Stefano, you can also order homemade lasagnas, calzones, paninis and desserts. That means a mega helping of tiramisu, please.

Lebkov & Sons

You can’t go wrong with lunch from Lebkov & Sons and their delicious range of sandwiches, cakes, soups and salads from across Europe and the Mediterranean. They’re incredibly proud of their coffee, sourced from a Guatemalan plantation and roasted fresh every week, and some fans even boldly claim that it’s the best in the city. Head over to their bright and airy location, kitted out with nice modern touches such as the giant industrial pendant lamps.

30ML Coffee Roasters

30ML Coffee Roasters' Arena location is one of the newer additions to their ever-growing cafe empire across Amsterdam, Leiden and Utrecht. In terms of coffee, 30ml is the measure of a shot of espresso, the very basis of your latte, flat white or cappuccino. Alongside delicious coffees made from their own roasted beans, the cafe serves breakfast dishes, homemade sweets and fresh juices throughout the day.

Brouwerij Kleiburg

Brouwerij Kleiburg, based on the site of a former abbey, makes beers according to age-old monastic traditions. It’s also a social enterprise in which a portion of profits goes directly back into the monastery’s activities for the good of the people. Enjoy a brew on the terrace, with a view of the kettles, or head into De Proefzaak, the tasting room in a spacious green hanger. Understandably beer is central on the menu here, but you can accompany your drink with dishes like fish and chips, a Moroccan tagine or tasty veggie burgers.

Yemaya's Vegan Corner

This local spot is well-beloved thanks to its warm atmosphere and a tasty yet affordable vegan menu. With changing weekly veggie specials, Yemaya's is pursuing sustainability through collaborations with local gardeners and the community.

Tree of Dates

While the name might suggest something alluding to romance, the only love found here is the kind for the sticky, toffee-like date fruit. A veritable paradise for those with a sweet tooth, this artisanal cafe and store focuses on all manner of foods made with dates; from brittle chocolate chunks and chocolate-covered dates to date-filled cheesecake. The coffee, made with a date-infused house brew is good too – best enjoyed with a stroopwafel filled with date syrup.

Kon Esi Baka

Just opposite the Reigersbos Shopping Center, you’ll find Kon Esi Baka. This cosy restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside, you can tuck into an array of delicious and affordable dishes from authentic Surinamese-Creole cuisine. The most popular dish is the roti kip (a flatbread stuffed with egg, curried potatoes, spicy vegetables and chicken). Kon Esi Baka means 'come back soon' in Surinamese and trust us; you’ll undoubtedly want to! Can’t get enough sambal? Read this guide to the best roti shops and Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam.

Esjes Cakes

Step into this Caribbean cake shop in the bijlmer, offering traditional cakes, high tea experiences and new inventions. Try one of their many signature cake bowls: coming in red velvet, ponche crema and even Hennessy themes. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12:00-18:00.

Esjes Cakes| Grubbehoeve 48 

Gold Coast

Open since 2006, and just a short walk away from AFAS and Ziggo Dome, here Ghanaian specialities mingle with Western classics. Load up on jollof rice, spare ribs andwaakye(a Ghanaian dish made up of rice and beans); before heading out and exerting all that energy in one of Zuidoost's many attractions. They open until 3:00 on friday and saturday, so be warned of the temptation to come back for seconds later on! 

Lemoene

This middle-eastern eatery offers a friendly atmosphere, a garden terrace and a range of Lebanese and Syrian dishes like shawarma and falafel platters that make it a great option for hungry concert-going groups. 

Gansi

You’ll find this Surinamese speciality pancake place in a small wooden building in the Gliphoeve petting zoo. Relax with sweet treats in hand on the terrace in the summer, or in the winter, huddle inside, sip mint tea and eat the vegetarian telo– fried cassava – with mushrooms and onion rings instead of the traditional cod. Pannenkoekerij Gansi's opening hours change every week, so check their instagram to avoid disappointment.

Within the Shopper Hall in the Amsterdamse Poort you’ll find large crowds, portions and appetites. Favoured by locals and tourists alike, this Asian fantasy is very much real; serving both Surinamese and Chinese dishes, such as dumplings, Peking duck and Suranimese fried rice.