Restaurants and bars in Oost
From innovative plant-based food to fine-dining in a greenhouse, the food and drink scene in Amsterdam Oost screams innovation and creativity. In this culturally diverse district, you’ll find all manner of exciting restaurants offering modern takes on various cuisines. There's also a wealth of breweries, cocktail bars, a fantastic range of coffee and brunch hotspots and some of the best falafel and roti in town.
Feed
What better way to round off your weekend than with a belly full of roast dinner at our favourite DJ bar in Amsterdam Oost? Sunday Roast & Soul returns at Feed is the place to be as delicious pork, beef, veggie and vegan options tear out of the kitchen courtesy of chef Martyn. Expect warm hospitality, delicious drinks and, in true Feed style, even more delectable tunes curated by the in-house crew. It's surefire gezelligheid to fix all sins from the night before. Be sure to reserve.
The BAB
Craving some gochujang spice? BAB serves simple, authentic and fresh Korean food as you would find it in Korea - exactly what the owners had in mind when they opened BAB in 2019. Check out their three locations in Amsterdam (including on Caperstraat in Oost) where you have Korean classics such as bibimbap and classic fried chicken.
Fuku Ramen
After many pop-up locations, such as in De Kas, 4850 and Borisov, Fuku Ramen now finally has a permanent place on Ingogstraat in Oost. During the pandemic, sous-chef Jakub and his wife Aleksandra sold DIY ramen kits that won the hearts of ramen lovers citywide. So be sure to stop by for a soul-warming bowl of homemade ramen and noodles, by this power-couple chef duo who are not afraid to experiment.
Restaurant De Kas
Park Frankendael is Amsterdam’s only remaining 17th-century country estate, home to historic landscaped gardens and the imposing Huize Frankendael, where cultural events are regularly organised. You’ll also find De Kas, one of Amsterdam’s finest restaurants located in what is essentially a giant 1920s greenhouse that grows its own produce. Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience based on fresh, seasonal produce with menus that are created daily depending on what’s been picked from the garden that same day.
Bar Bouche
Not only does Bar Bouche boast a fantastic terrace for summer afternoons, but during those drizzling autumn days it also comes covered and heated. The changing menu puts a novel twist on lunchtime classics, whilst the small plates and evening snack selection (the salmon tartare is heavenly) will elevate any evening drinks session.
Coffee and lunch hotspots
Amsterdam Oost is coffee-lovers paradise with what seems like a new espresso bar or cafe to try every day. At Rum Baba the beans are roasted on site, and you can really taste the difference. Whilst 4850 is a fine dining restaurant by night, during the day, the baristas dish out buns and Scandinavian-roasted coffee to take-away or sip on the terrace. Elsewhere in the hood, Coffee Bru is the spot to grab a tasty filter coffee (roasted by Rum Baba), buttery scones or a slice of toasted banana bread. And you can also check out, The Cottage, tHUIS aan de AMSTEL, Bakhuys or BAZOOKA (who also sell fresh bagels) to get your caffeine fix.
Bar-Bistro Bravour
About halfway down the eclectic Dappermarkt, you’ll find the recently transformed Bar-Bistro Bravour. It's no surprise that it’s the seafood dishes that shine at this former fish bar; tuck into drunken oysters doused in Pornstar Martini and the scallops in tom kha kai sauce. But you’ll also find more meaty dishes on the menu, such as steak with port jus and vegetarian options like deep-fried cauliflower with truffle and garlic beurre noisette.
Tip: Dappermarkt was once listed in National Geographic’s top 10 best shopping streets in the world and this lively outdoor market is a great place to get a taste of the real Amsterdam.
The Harbour Club
Miami, Amalfi Coast, Côte d’Azur… Amsterdam? Absolutely, if you and your crew sail to The Harbour Club and chill out on the gorgeous terrace while scoffing Zeeland oysters and tuna sashimi. This unique restaurant concept boasts a luxurious patio where you can sit and dine on the water's edge. It's perfect for every occasion, from a business dinner on a Tuesday evening, drinks with friends on a Thursday night or a lazy Sunday lunch.
Wilde Zwijnen
The chefs at Wilde Zwijnen have been giving authentic Dutch dishes a contemporary facelift for over a decade now. As much as possible, the kitchen sources high-quality seasonal products from small-scale farmers in the surrounding region. Delve into a 3 or 4-course menu which encompasses a range of creative dishes - herring caviar, tomato granita, duck stew, razor shell clams and asparagus ice cream - which showcase the very best of modern Dutch cuisine.
Bar Bachrach
Lovers of modern Middle-Eastern food, look no further! Bar Bachrach located on Javaplein is heavily inspired by the cuisines of Lebanon, Tel Aviv and Barcelona. Expect an elevated presentation and a well-varied menu filled with inventive takes such as the liver pate challah toast with pear chutney, shish boreks with pine nuts and yoghurt and much more.
Le French Cafe
France meets Amsterdam in this new brasserie, Le French Cafe, on the bustling Javastraat. You won't see complicated dishes on the menu, but simply good French classics, such as steak tartare, mussels, esgargot and bouillabaisse. In the morning, sit down for a croissant and an espresso on the terrace, and in the afternoon, tuck into a très chic lunch with wine and a croque monsieur. They also serve île flottante here: 'islands' of eggwhite foam floating on a sauce of caramel and vanilla sauce - one of our favourite desserts.
Bam Boa
An ideal spot for brunch, dinner, summery cocktails and sangria, Bam Boa brings scandi-chic-tiki-beach-hut vibes to the banks of the Amstel all year round. We’d recommend going all in with their selection of sharing plates, whether that’s some Korean chicken bites, confit duck spring rolls, truffle fries or teriyaki roasted cauliflower. Grab a spot on the heated riverside terrace or drop by the to-go bar before finding an ideal boozy picnic location along the water.
Bar Bukowski
This lively hotspot on the corner of Oosterpark channels the notorious author’s love of alcohol, literature and living life to the fullest with a 1960s energy. Enjoy a great selection of cocktails and mixed drinks at Bar Bukowski, as well as an all-day food menu that has got you covered from breakfast to late-night sustenance. Nods to the bar's literary namesake are scattered here and there; from the typewriter-inspired light installation above the bar to Bukowski's quotes (mainly about booze and women) weaved throughout the menu.
Brouwerij ‘t IJ
This brewery-bar under a windmill is a beer-drinking institution in Amsterdam. Brouwerij ‘t IJ was one of the city’s first independent microbreweries, and you’ll see locals proudly sporting t-shirts with their iconic ostrich logo all over town. The large enclosed terrace will be packed year round with punters sampling classic brews like the IJwit, Flink Pale Ale and Natte Dubbel along with new experimental creations freshly poured from the taps. You’ll also find a great menu of Dutch and Belgian snacks such as ox-sausage, pickles and cheese boards to keep your stomach lined during a merry afternoon of beer tasting.
Tigris & Eufraat
Joining the short line out the door is a small price to pay for the best falafel sandwich in town. Tigris & Eufraat is a Syrian fast-food lunchroom and deli on Javastraat that has been keeping the people of Oost satisfied with fresh wraps, home-made mezze platters and herby salads for several years now. Get yours loaded up with chicken shawarma, grilled vegetables, falafel, halloumi or döner meat tightly hugged by an excellent toasted flatbread and mega helpings of cucumber, mint, tomato and pickles for just under €6.
Krux Brouwwerf
Brewed in the smallest vats in Amsterdam, Krux Brouwwerf’s beer goes straight to tap and into your glass. This small-scale set-up allows Krux to experiment with tastes: you will find fourteen beers on tap that change regularly. Relax in the spacious beer garden as you quench your thirst with a fresh pint of IPA or settle into Remy’s Corner inside with a platter of bitterballen to share.
Local Dealer
One of Amsterdam's best hotspots for authentic Mexican street food, Local Dealer is a colourful diner on the Dappermarkt with a straight-to-the-point concept. Choose from a selection of ceviches, antojitos (little snacks) or tacos loaded up with everything from carne asada (grilled steak) to barbacoa lamb or Holy Pastor (their delicious vegan option with grilled pineapple). Or drop by on a Sunday for their brunch event to munch on huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos and chilaquiles with a bloody mary in hand as DJs spin funky tunes. On warm evenings, mezcals, margaritas, micheladas and bottles of Modelo beer fly off the bar towards the lively outdoor terrace - we'd recommend reserving a spot if the sun is out.
Ode aan de Amstel
Perched on the Amstel with a waterside patio and unparalleled river views, Ode aan de Amstel is a new all-day dining spot for unusual but delightful dishes with an Asian twist. Dive into scallops with passionfruit foam with a wakame and pak choi salad or hand-cut steak tartare with green curry cream and matchstick fries. The tandoori-rubbed chicken and prawn skewers served with sticky lemongrass rice cubes, garlicky yoghurt and ponzu dip are also not to be missed.
Tip: pick a fair-weather day to visit, as the terrace here really is terrific!
