Restaurants and bars in Castles & Gardens
Looking for a spot to have something to eat? Or do you just want to sit back and relax during your day in the Castles & Gardens region? There’s plenty to choose from, from romantic tea gardens and riverside pavilions to luxury restaurants with amazing views.
Jaimie van Heije
Jaimie van Heije entered the food scene as sous chef to the internationally acclaimed Ron Blaauw. The passionate young apprentice jumped at the opportunity to take over the restaurant at Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and has since infused it with his passion for food. Get ready to savour unexpected flavour combinations, Indonesian-influenced dishes, graffiti-scrawled walls and a fabulously unpretentious fine dining experience.
Chido Streetfood Bar
Excellent Latin American and Asian street food might be the last thing you'd expect to find in the historic centre of Weesp, but Chido Streetfoodbar has it all. Tuck into a vibrant range of small dishes and snacks such as a juicy bao bun packed with shrimp or cauliflower, loaded rendang fries with madame-jeanette-piccalilli and emping (a kind of prawn cracker), and chorizo tacos.
Chido Streetfood Bar | Weesp
Pampus Paviljoen
Visitors to Pampus Island can enjoy coffee, lunch, cake and a range of refreshing drinks at Pampus Paviljoen. The terrace offers a wonderful view out over the IJmeer and the passing parade of boats. During the winter months, don't miss the impressive Winter Lights dining experience in the surrounds of the historic fort, for an atmospheric way to roll in the festive season.
Pampus Island | Muiden
Loetje aan de Amstel
In the 17th century, the Amstelzijde, on the outskirts of Amstelveen and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel was an important stopover point for travellers along the Amstel. Nowadays this area is a lovely neighbourhood with plenty of cafes and restaurants boasting exquisite riverside views. Loetje aan de Amstel has been a landmark for over 30 years. Regulars and out-of-towners alike flock here for its homemade fries and juicy steaks, which many have proclaimed to be the best in the Netherlands.
De Kruidfabriek
Inspired by the building’s former purpose as a gunpowder factory, celebrity Chef Peter Lute opened a restaurant specialising in spices. De Kruidfabriek (the spice factory) is stylishly furnished with sofa-style seating, industrial lighting and photographs that pay tribute to its former life as a factory. The predominantly vegetable-based menu is made even more special by creative combinations of herbs, spices and seasonings.
Brasserie Bel Ami
Taking the best of classical French brasseries and combining it with modern trends, Bel Ami offers delicious food in a grand café setting. The venue is also available for fully-catered private dining functions, congresses, training sessions and even weddings (complete with chauffeur-driven classic Bentley!).
Bel Ami | Bussum
A-fusion
Located in the center of one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe, tasteful restaurant A-fusion is a mix between a tapas bar and a sushi joint. Expect mouthwatering small dishes like sticky Korean chicken, Japanese lamp chops and miso butter oysters.
De Eendracht
With its soft couches and wooden tables, the cosy De Eendracht oozes a living room atmosphere. The perfect place to take a break during a bike tour, it serves hearty lunches, big breakfasts and delicious dinners.
Café Ome Ko
Besides Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot, 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 oldest pub in the city and has been pouring beer since 1810. It is said that even Napoleon Bonaparte once visited on horseback.
Arsenaal Restaurants
Located in the monumental building of design hub Het Arsenaal (renowned interior architect Jan des Bouvrie owns a store and showroom here), Arsenaal Restaurants is a luxury yet cosy hotspot. The restaurant serves two or three course lunches and dinners but is also perfect for a coffee break. The brasserie focuses on its grill, from tuna steak and burgers to spare ribs.
Restaurant Docks
Beautifully situated on the water by the Kortenhoef marina at the moleneind, this attractively nautical restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch or tasteful dinner. You'll find a beautiful selection of both meat and fish dishes on the menu, but being so close to the water, its truly the perfect setting to tuck into some top knotch seafood.
Restaurant Docks | Kortenhoef
Paviljoen Uit & Meer
Although Fort Uitermeer is not accessible to the public, you can take it in from a distance by admiring the great view from restaurant Uit & Meer. With lunch and dinner classics like burgers, salads and pastas, it’s a great place to stop for a break during a cycling tour or boat trip.
Bistro Belle
This attractive à la carte restaurant is located in Oud-Zuilen, a stone’s throw from Slot Zuylen castle and the River Vecht. The menu is inspired by french cuisine and features seasonal produce. The restaurant also prides itself on its unique wine collection.
Bistro Belle | Oud Zuilen
Aan de Poel
With captivating views over the De Poel lake at sunset, the ambiance of two-Michelin-star restaurant Aan de Poel perfectly complements the food. Guests can enjoy personalized attention from chef Stefan van Sprang, immaculate presentation and a selection of over 600 wines on the menu.
