New in Town (May 2026)

WEST

Editor’s Pick: De Pimpelmees

The newest and buzziest entry to the Staatsliedenbuurt, De Pimpelmees, is a cosy wine bar that adds to the area’s mix of new spots. Home to classic European wines, a convivial atmosphere and some excellent Italian snacks (Calabrian sausage is a winner), De Pimplemees puts more stock in home comforts than funky flair. And in a city filled with places reinventing the wheel, sometimes going back to basics is the way to go. At De Pimpelmees, so far, that’s a winning formula.

De Pimpelmees | open Mon-Thurs 16:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 13:00-01:00, Sun 13:00-00:00 | price range €-€€ | Fannius Scholtenstraat 54H

NOORD

Sassy’s Diner

The long-awaited opening of Sassy’s Diner begins on 8th May. Run by the team behind brunch spot Box Sociaal and a new part of Oedipus’s Craft Space, here you’ll find fried chicken, a sun-bleached terrace and plenty of the fruity beers the brewery has made a name for – a nearly perfect way to spend a Friday night in spring. 

Sassy's | open Wed-Sun, times vary | price range €-€€ | Schaafstraat 21

ZUIDOOST

Café Pigalle

Zuidoost’s newest bistro brings a little bit of Paris’ brasseries to this corner of Amsterdam. The little sister of Oma Letje, Pigalle is an all-day type of girl where you can begin with breakfast and end with a drink. The classics rule here – eggs Benedict, Caesar salad, bavette and BBQ Côte de boeuf – alongside coffee, bites and beers. With an airy interior and plenty of light, this is a great spot for groups heading out to a concert at one of the many nearby venues. 

Café Pigalle | open all week, 10:00-23:00 | price range €-€€ | Bullewijkpad 11-A

CITY-CENTRE

Felix Café

This cultural hub in the centre recently added a café to its grand setting. And the setting is what makes it special – Felix Meritis opened its doors in 1788 as the Temple of Enlightenment and remains a symbol of the intellectual freedom and tolerance that Amsterdam still exudes. The café is then the perfect detour to spar with a friend over coffee or food – Iberico with Romesco and cévennes onion, Berbere fries, or millefeuille with chocolate cream.

Felix Café | open Wed - Sat, 16:00-00:000 | price range €€-€€€ | Keizersgracht 324

Queer Market

A longtime market that centres queer entrepreneurs has finally set up shop, self-described as selling gay gifts for hot people. That could mean a lot of things, but you can expect anything from colourful homeware to knitted products. You’ll even find a community board with queer-related events, meaning you might make a friend along the way, too.

Queer Market | open Wed-Sun, 12:00-18:00 | price range €-€€ | Haarlemmerdijk 41

AMSTERDAM AREA

Paviljoen De Breek

One for the summertime, this waterside cabin is one for sunny days. While technically on the borders of Noord in Landsmeer, it’s worth the trip. Jutting out on a pier into the lake, it summons visions of Netflix’s Virgin River. Inside, it’s all wood beams, soft sofas and golden orb lighting, which make it feel more like a living room than a restaurant. The food is all comfort food, too – tuna melts, Philly cheesesteaks, Korean short ribs and pizza from the cavernous pizza oven.

Paviljoen De Breek | open Mon-Sun, 10:00-22:00 | price range €-€€ | Sportpark 1

In case you missed it...

Écluse

Best for: Coffee out east

Ijburg’s growing residential community means they need to eat too and Écluse looks to feed them well. Speciality coffee in the day courtesy of Amsterdam favourite Uncommon, and a lunch menu that spans BLTs, smashburgers and spicy chicken focaccia means all the modern classics are covered. A spot to catch the morning and afternoon sun. 

Écluse | Tues-Sun, times vary | price range €-€€ | Haringbuisdijk 1A

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