Best places to eat near Amsterdam

De Mark, Durgerdam

In the picturesque village of Durgerdam, you'll find De Mark, the restaurant of boutique Hotel De Durgerdam. The menu has been designed by star chefs with a focus on homegrown ingredients, such as a rather whimsical salad of shallots with ice cream made from Zaanse mustard, sole with white asparagus, or rhubarb with a sabayon of salted lemon. Eat at the long bar next to a crackling fire, in the wine cellar or, if the sun is out, on the waterfront overlooking the IJmeer.

Brasserie Fort 5, Vijfhuizen

Situated in the old Fort at Vijfhuizen, this brasserie and event space is part of The Defence Line of Amsterdam, a line of fortifications which once protected the city. Surrounded by history and exceptional natural views, Fort 5 is an excellent lunch spot (open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00), all within the thick walls of a military monument. Choose from a delicious range of sandwiches, fresh salads or hot dishes with terrace views that look out over the fort moat on one side.

Fort H, Muiden

Built in a former fort of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie – a series of forts and locks built in 1815 that used existing bodies of water to flood surrounding areas as a defence mechanism – this restaurant opts for wine and dine rather than flood and fight. With a menu that spans whole red lobster to sashimi and blinis with smoked salmon, there’s a good chance you’ll leave here feeling full and king of the castle.

Restaurant De Zeeuw, Haarlem

You’ll find Restaurant De Zeeuw close to Haarlem’s bustling shopping district. As atmospheric as any Saint-Germain or Le Marais establishment in Paris, it's a meeting place for gourmands who have a penchant for great food at affordable prices. Enjoy a set menu with four to seven courses featuring fresh, seasonal produce. For those intrigued by how the kitchen works, a table for three that overlooks the kitchen is available to book.

Step out of Haarlem and travel to a French bistro in New York at Café Colette. Here, you can indulge in all the delectable classics of a Parisian bistro, including bouillabaisse, escargots and crème brûlée. The interior is an elegant mix of fresh white, ambient lighting and row upon row of rotisserie chickens turning a golden brown before your eyes.

SAAM, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

Nestled between Amstelveen and the charming village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, SAAM combines the best of South African and Dutch gastronomy. The restaurant offers a 5-course menu with views of the Amstel River. A special SAAM Roast is available on Sundays.

Hokkai Kitchen, IJmuiden

For more adventurous foodies, Hokkai Kitchen serves delicious Japanese grilled fish and sushi. You’ll find it among the warehouses at IJmuiden harbour, with fresh fish and carefully selected rice, nori and shoyu coming together at the chef’s table. The setting is informal with all the energy of the restaurant devoted to showcasing the wonderful flavours, fresh products and traditional recipes.

Restaurant Bakboord, Almere

Let the exquisite sea views and landscapes of Almere guide you to a dining experience inspired by nature. Restaurant Bakboord prides itself on freshly caught seafood and greens from its organic vegetable garden. The harbourside restaurant has long been considered one of the best in Flevoland, and in 2015 received the Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award for exceptional food at moderate prices.

Located between Zeewolde and Almere, Zuiderzoet is an experiential dining destination offering culinary excellence coupled with breathtaking views of the Marina De Eemhof and the Eemmeer Lake. The kitchen knocks up a delicious spread of mouthwatering seafood dishes, refined salads and juicy steaks - meaning that there is something for everyone. For St Tropez vibes, take a perch on the sprawling terrace overlooking the boats with a freshly tapped wheat beer, a good glass of rosé or a refreshing summer cocktail.

For a simple but hearty lunch or dinner, go to Brasserij De Bergerrie, a cosy eatery with all the classics on the menu. Lunch here is a real treat, with eggs in every style and an array of sandwiches and gourmet burgers to choose from. The evening selection showcases a range of crowd-pleasing and hearty dishes, including steaks, stews and salmon.

Gasterij Kruisberg, Heemskerk

Witness the beautiful, rugged landscape of the Dutch forest and dunes at Gasterij Kruisberg. Nestled in the rolling dunes of Heemskerk, Gasterij Kruisberg is an ethical farmstead featuring a farm-to-table restaurant with beef from Highlander cows reared on the farm. The estate is home to over 450 sheep, 70 highland cattle, 80 goats, and 20 Exmore ponies that wander the expansive grounds. Enjoy a sunny day exploring the natural landscape, and finish with a delicious lunch made with quality local ingredients.

Duin & Kruidberg, Santpoort-Noord

The beautifully historic Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate, located in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, houses a beautiful restaurant. Treat yourself to an extensive lunch, a culinary dinner or a high tea, or simply relax over drinks. When the weather is fine, diners can move out onto the terrace for stunning views over the English landscape-style garden.

The fortified town of Muiden offers a cosy harbour with historical flatboats and lovely terraces. Time seems to pass more slowly on the banks near the lock. For some of the best views, head over to Café Ome Ko. A former hangout for skippers and sailors, it's the city's oldest pub and has been pouring beer since 1810. It is said that even Napoleon Bonaparte once visited on horseback.

Aan de Poel, Amstelveen

With captivating views over De Poel Lake at sunset, the ambience of two-Michelin-star restaurant Aan de Poel perfectly complements the food. Guests can enjoy personalised attention from Chef Stefan van Sprang, immaculate presentation and a selection of over 600 wines on the menu. Read our complete neighbourhood guide for more restaurants and bars in Amstelveen.

Jongwijs, Westzaan

For artisanal bread, hearty multi-course dinners, creative vegan lunches and warm hospitality, look no further than Jongwijs, a family-run restaurant and boutique hotel in the stunning Westzaan region. Here, the menu is inspired by two concepts: Jong (Young) - for an ever-changing selection of innovative plant-based dishes - and Wijs (Wise) - which breathes new life into age-old recipes and regional ingredients. Find a spot in their lovingly restored farmhouse building or take a seat in the idyllic picnic garden.

Taverne De Visscher, Marken

Located in the picturesque harbour on the former island of Marken, Taverne De Visscher (the fisherman’s tavern) is a traditional restaurant-café famous for its cakes and coffee. Enjoy the beautiful view on the Markermeer from the (heated) terrace. For something more substantial, there’s also a delicious range of soups, salads, fish and meat dishes on offer.

On The Rock, Westeinderplassen

This restaurant, business venue and wedding location is on the rocky banks of the Westeinderplassen in Aalsmeer—a beautiful location to which the restaurant owes its name. On The Rock's views and sunsets are spectacular year-round, especially from the large waterfront terrace.

Kraantje Lek, Overveen

The nostalgic cafe Kraantje Lek buried in the dunes is a special place that's bursting with charm. Originally built as an inn in 1542, people would come from all over the world to visit the area, enjoy the countryside and paint the landscape – Frans Hals was among them. Feel the sense of history in the wooden interiors as you tuck into Dutch classics like appeltaart and kroketten, alongside a range of warming stews, snacks and sandwiches.