Restaurants and bars in Amsterdam City Centre

Jansz

Named for a 17th-century copper craftsman, who once owned the building, there’s artisanal attention to detail in the décor of 9 streets-based eatery, Jansz, with its moss green banquettes, marble tables and coppery accents. The new menu has been described as an 'ode to Amsterdam' - think delicate North Sea crab toast, zesty seabass crudo with fennel and orange or a bok choi salad with buttermilk, oyster leaf and cucumber- with beautiful dishes that complement the restaurant's chic surroundings.

Alpha

The lack of good Greek food in Amsterdam has long been a gripe for many Greeks and Hellenists in the capital. But a surge in restaurants – many along the Amstel – like Alpha, serving up sun-kissed Greek fare has meant that there’s reason to believe things are changing. Wedged in between H’ART and the National Opera & Ballet, Alpha's sunbaked interior and menu is a welcome dose of vitamin D. A coffee house and all-day deli, crispy spinakopita (spinach pastry pie) is sliced up and served alongside delectable speciality coffee, all with a view of a (hopefully) river shimmering in the sun. It’s compact but cosy, and arguably the spot for a lunchtime sandwich and admiring one of the city's most gorgeous views. 

Monty's

Those craving a gourmet toastie in Amsterdam should head to Monty’s. This tiny, forest green-coloured gem in the Jordaan has become the spot for sourdough toasties, filled with melty Montgomery cheese (from Somerset) and a few luxurious extras. Run by one-time festival food trucker owner George and his partner Cress, Monty’s luxe toasted sandwiches have gone from festival favourites back in the UK to neighbourhood ones in Amsterdam. You’ll find three options here –  kimchi, chutney and marmite – but each one is spectacular.

Contra

Located right in the heart of Amsterdam in the building of the Amsterdam Academic Club, music bar and restaurant Contra hones in on creating atmosphere while serving up multi-course meals that look to local ingredients for inspiration. Split across two floors and soaked in sensual, late-night red lighting, complete with a mini stage, the trick here is to start with a set menu (three or four courses) – that includes specials like eggplant katsu and a very luxe chicken (poussin) and chips – and eat into the night as performers gradually take to the stage and lull you into the night with seductive jazz tracks.

De Drie Fleschjes

Anyone with a strictly anthropological interest in Dutch drinking culture must head down to De Drie Fleschjes, the oldest tasting room in the city. Located at the base of the Nieuwe Kerk, this well-worn proeflokaal (tasting room) was established in 1650, serving up jenever (a clear spirit flavoured with juniper), liqueurs and local beers to generations of patrons. The bartenders will gladly advise you on what to sample from the authentic casks displayed behind the old-timey bar. In-house bar snacks are as traditional as the tipples, including ossenworst (ox-sausage), meatballs in gravy and Beemster cheese with mustard.

Tip: with the I amsterdam City Card, you’ll get a free shot of jenever to wet your whistle after a day of exploring.

Super Lyan

This oppressively stylish drinking joint feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than a 17th-century house in historic central Amsterdam. Kick-ass cocktails, beer, wine and bites that will make your tongue dance are served until late. The chefs and bartenders regularly team up to create food and drink pairing evenings that always relish the playful and unexpected.

Tip: Read our guide to the city's best cocktail bars for more stylish spots in the city centre.

Restaurant Vermeer

Restaurant Vermeer’s kitchens are the laboratory of British-born chef, Christopher Naylor, whose boundary-pushing dishes and robust flavours have earned him consecutive Michelin stars since 2011. Indulge in fascinating flavour combinations as humble vegetables and locally sourced produce - artichokes, langoustine, gooseberries, monkfish, venison and kohlrabi - are transformed into unpretentious and delicious works of culinary art.

Zoldering

Looking for high-quality food and a gigantic wine list that will make any grape-lover go crazy? Zoldering is the place for you. Their no-nonsense menu is divided into snacks, smaller cold dishes, more substantial warm plates and mouthwatering desserts. Inside, the low-ceilinged dining room will satisfy your nostalgia for an old-school Amsterdam cafe.

ARCA

Henrique Sa Pessoa, an award-winning two-Michelin-starred Portuguese chef, recently named the 38th best chef in the world, opened his first restaurant outside of Lisbon, Arca, here in Amsterdam. Opening its doors at art'otel, Sa Pessoa cooks up authentic Portuguese cuisine—think fresh fish and delicious cuts of meat—with an Asian influence. There’s La Bomba de Lisboa, fresh octopus salad, suckling pork sliders, and generous Arroz de Marisco piled with succulent seafood.

Salmuera

For small plates like ceviches, empanadas, exquisite steaks doused in chimichurri and bite-sized cubanitos, look no further than the tantalising Latin-American-inspired menu of Salmuera. Pair these with one of their signature cocktails, Mexican beers, or a flight of smoky mezcals, complete with a full introduction by their in-house Mezcalero (somebody who distils mezcal).