Best budget restaurants in Amsterdam
You’re looking for somewhere to eat out in Amsterdam, but you’re strapped for cash; we’ve all been there. Luckily, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make the most of Amsterdam’s thriving restaurant scene. The city has a variety of eateries in which to enjoy a quality meal that is reasonably priced. Read on for our pick of the best budget restaurants in Amsterdam.
The BAB
The BAB (meaning rice or meal in Korean) serves simple, authentic and fresh Korean food as you would find it in Korea. Now, at one of their three locations across the city, get your fill of Korean classics such as bibimbap and classic fried chicken - all for an even more delectable price with filling mains for between €12-16.
Burgermeester
Burgermeester is perfect for anyone hunting for a reasonably-priced gourmet burger. Starting from €13, you'll find 12 delicious options on the menu, including beef, lamb, chicken, lentil, salmon or goat’s cheese. Or if you're entirely indecisive, opt for a variety plate of three mini sliders.
A juicy burger is always a deliciously wallet-friendly option; here’s our round-up of the best burger joints in town.
Burgermeester | Albert Cuypstraat 48 / Elandsgracht 130 / Plantage Kerklaan 37
Café Lennep
At Café Lennep in Amsterdam West, enjoy premium grilled and spit-roasted food for a fraction of the usual cost. From the waterfront or courtyard terraces, tuck into main courses costing between €15-19, including steak, lamb, burgers, mussels, ravioli, fish and more. The friendly staff, casual atmosphere and reasonably-priced food mean you can’t go far wrong.
Café Lennep | Jacob van Lennepkade 334, Oud-West
Fou Fow Ramen
Nothing warms the soul and fills the belly on a budget than a giant bowl of noodle soup packed full of goodies. The clue’s in the name at Fou Fow Ramen, with three locations in central Amsterdam. Order a generous bowl of fresh Japanese noodles, sliced meat, soft-set boiled egg, crunchy seaweed and greens in a fragrant house-made chicken, pork or vegetable broth for anywhere between €12.50-16.
Can’t get enough umami? Here’s our roundup of the most slurp-worthy ramen bowls in Amsterdam.
Fou Fow Ramen | Elandsgracht 2 & Prinsengracht 411, Centrum / Van Woustraat 3, De Pijp
Spaghetteria
Spaghetteria prides itself on its homemade, traditional and fresh approach to pasta – basing its culinary techniques on the cooking practices of ancient Italy. They serve six different kinds of pasta daily, all prepared in-house and overseen by an experienced chef. There are several locations, and each dish ranges from approximately €10-16 - perfect if you’re craving an affordable Italian meal out.
Have a read of our pasta guide for more Italian deliciousness.
Spaghetteria Amsterdam | citywide locations
La Perla
La Perla is an authentic Italian restaurant in the famous Jordaan neighbourhood of Amsterdam. The restaurant imports ingredients from Italy every week, including the southern Italian favourite, genuine buffalo mozzarella. La Perla’s pizzas are cooked in their colossal, wood-filled brick oven, and prices start at €12.50. Mamma mia! There is a bargain to be had on some of the finest pizzas in Amsterdam.
Dough aficionado? Here’s our round-up of the hottest new pizza joints in the city.
Kauffmann Falafel
It’s falafel pitas all the way at this happening foodie hangout in De Baarsjes. Kauffmann churns out delicious and reasonably priced Levantine-inspired fast food topped with combinations of grilled halloumi, mango, pineapple, spicy sausages and green chilli tapenade. When the sun’s shining, the high doors open onto a fantastic terrace, making it the ideal spot to sip on the great selection of Dutch craft beers on offer.
Kauffman Falafel | Reinier Claeszenstraat 4, De Baarsjes
Pho 91
Though pho was not invented until the early 1900s, this rice noodle and beef soup quickly became Vietnam's most famous street food dish worldwide. There are 40 types of pho in Vietnam, and you can find a selection of these at Pho 91. This De Pijp-based eatery is the perfect cosy spot to slurp a steaming bowl of noodle soup that won’t break the bank. There are also vegan, gluten, dairy and egg-free options.
Sir Hummus
Sir Hummus is the go-to spot for Tel Aviv street food, which borrows its components from the Jewish-Iraqi kitchen. We can’t get enough of the sabich roll, which is drippy, messy, crunchy, hearty and fresh all at once. Fried aubergine, hummus, salad, pickles, onion-sumac, herbs and a tangy pickled mango sauce are lovingly stuffed into a delicious soft pita for your munching pleasure.
Sir Hummus | Ruysdaelkade 181, De Pijp
Dumplings
This epic food stall on the corner of Westerpark dishes out traditional wallet-friendly snacks eaten on Beijing's streets for centuries. The menu encompasses Chinese crepes made with mung beans, noodles, egg and spring onions, doused in soy sauce with optional roasted pork or duck. On top of that, they serve a great variety of dumplings, baos, spring rolls and noodle plates that will fill your tum for as little as €6.50.
Can't get enough? Here's our round-up of the best street-food stands in town.
Dumplings | Nassauplein 60, Westerpark
Skek
Skek is a student-run restaurant and bar that fuses traditional Dutch food with all the newest eating trends – it’s perfect for Amsterdam locals and visitors alike. They also host live music nights, adding to the stellar atmosphere. If one group appreciates a good bargain, it’s students, and Skek doesn’t disappoint, with dishes costing around €13 on average. The bar is fitted with various unique beers – completing that classic Dutch café vibe look and feel.
