Restaurants and bars in Oud-West

Maracuyá

Amid the leafy junctures and canals of Oud-West, a brilliant gleam of yellow cuts through the neighbourhood. Maracuyá is an all-day coffee and lunch café that takes its name from the Spanish word for passion fruit and is inspired by its owners' travels in Central and South America. While the canary exterior might be the initial draw, the unconventional menu, atmosphere and wine list are set to make it one of the area’s go-to neighbourhood joints. You’ll find primarily vegetarian and seasonal food here, like a herby omelette, a pumpkin toast for the autumn, and a zippy pearl couscous salad, among others. On Friday nights, when they open in the evening, you'll find a fish dish on the menu.

Dorus

A new addition to Amsterdam's artisanal sandwich scene, Dorus stands out with its inventive combinations. Think focaccia with broccoli, gruyere and sauerkraut or chicken with guanciale, fresh pesto and curry sauce - all on fluffy bread provided by Amsterdam-based Bakkerij Loof. Owner Tijn van den Breule's vision was to offer an experimental changing menu in a restaurant with a laid-back, homey feel. Expect a relaxed atmosphere – and excellent sandwiches.

Kanarie Club

At the Foodhallen, finding a spot is a known struggle, but at the colourful neighbours of the Kanarie Club, there is no shortage of space and quiet. This all-day hotspot in a former tram depot has plenty of power outlets, so you can efficiently work and study here with a cup of coffee and a grilled cheese. On Fridays and weekends, this is an excellent place for the Dutch vrijmibo (Friday afternoon drinks), with a DJ, vegan bar snacks and speciality beers like their own Blond beer brewed together with Brouwerij Noordt.

Pastis

The Pastis terrace beckons on those leisurely summer evenings. Savour a plateau charcuterie paired with a glass of fine French wine while soaking up the last of the day’s rays. With ambient orb lighting and a brasserie-style interior, Pastis embodies Parisian chic, and Francophiles won’t be disappointed by the menu, which features sustainably sourced oysters, escargots (snails), and steak tartare.

Cafe L'Affiche

The timeless Café L’Affiche doesn’t buy into trends or social media hype. For that reason, it has stood the test of time and remained a local favourite over the years. Always crawling with Amsterdammers sitting canal-side with a koffie verkeerd (what the Dutch call a milky latte) or a beer from the tap, Café L’Affiche is as punky and unpretentious as it is in demand, a hotspot on any day of the week. 

Bar Bario

Bario, meaning neighbourhood in Papiamentu – the language spoken across the Dutch Antilles – is a queer and POC-centred bar and creative hub. It’s an inclusive environment for marginalised communities, with a packed agenda featuring visual artists, spoken word poets, and panel discussions. Not only a great spot to meet friends for a beer, Bar Bario is also an important part of the local LGBTQI+ scene, whether you’re dropping by for their life drawing sessions or checking out the queer art fair.

Tip: Nearby, step into Bar MiMi, a queer-owned local haunt offering unpretentious fare and a welcoming atmosphere. This bar and restaurant boasts quirky decor, such as bird cages, old dolls, and plenty more paraphernalia to entertain your eyes.

Le Forel

At Le Forel, the flicker of candles and white tiles set the scene for an evening of elegant French-inspired seafood. Dive into refined French dishes like mussels in beurre blanc and playful inventions like the lobster mac and cheese. Get a little taste of the North Sea and the Mediterranean in an intimate space.

Karavaan

Known for its sizeable outdoor space and lively atmosphere, Karavaan is a true hotspot in Amsterdam’s terrace scene. From all-day eggs to night-time snacks, its extensive menu caters to enjoyment at any hour. Tuck into sharing plates as the sun sets and stay for the free-flowing drinks that keep the fun going late into the night.

Mr Gyoza

Handmade dumplings and signature cocktails define this new spot on the Eerste Helmersstraat. Mr Gyoza puts a creative spin on the Japanese dumpling, including the beet juice-dyed pink gyoza filled with pulled chicken and homemade kimchi, and there are fish and vegan options, too. Expect cocktails with Asian twists, flames and smoke bubbles. All the action is at the bar, where chefs and bartenders interact with dumpling-loving guests.

Gertrude

At bar-restaurant Gertude, Chef Amadou Dia serves simple dishes with heart-warming seasonal flavours. The menu encompasses small bites like bread and olives with anchovies or charcuterie that pair perfectly with an aperitif, followed by small plates that are perfect for sharing - think miso-glazed aubergine, daily fish dishes, handmade ravioli or a rack of lamb. Follow this with a cheese plate courtesy of Fromagerie Kef, and you’ll be experiencing the best of Amsterdam’s culinary scene. The chintzy antique decor and laid-back vibe will make you feel right at home.

Paindemie

Paindemie is here to stay. The deli that started as a pop-up during the pandemic serves toasted sandwiches, sandwiches and burgers, all made with pain de mie – brioche-like casino bread. In addition to a regular sandwich with ham and/or cheese, they also offer exciting options, such as a hot dog sandwich, sandwiches with black pudding and caramelized onions, and Dutch goat burgers. On the top floor, records are played, and cocktails, sake and natural wine are served.