Best Greek restaurants in Amsterdam
Greece has long drawn sun-seeking travellers to its shores and part of that is down to its equally sunny cuisine. So when a flight over to the Greek archipelagos is a little beyond your reach, there are plenty of tavernas in Amsterdam serving up a roster of Hellenic delights – and we've picked out some of the best.
Ikaria Park
Right in the middle of Bilderpark, you'll find Ikaria Food, a little slice of Greece in Oud-West. The restaurant takes its name from the Cycladic island famed for its residents' long lives. Bountiful salads, grilled skewered meats, smoked aubergine, and pistachio hummus are all on the menu, an excellent choice when the sun finally hits Amsterdam. And if you're after a typical Greek breakfast - a freddo cappuccino with spanakopita (savoury spinach pie) - visit the restaurant's little brother Ikaria Food on Bilderdijkstraat.
Ikaria Park | Bilderdijkpark 1A , De Pijp
Ikaria Food | Bilderdijkstraat 108K, De Pijp
Kafenion
A kafenion is a Greek café where people typically drink coffee all day, chat and play games, and if you're in Greece, you'll see these types of cafés in every city. Luckily Amsterdam has its own version, dubbed perhaps a little obviously as Kafenion. There's plenty of coffee here but it's the atmosphere that keeps people coming back – and maybe the live bouzouki (a Greek guitar-type instrument) shows as well.
Kafenion | Bloemgracht 49, City Centre
Kaia
While Greek food's appeal is in its simplicity, what makes Kaia great (and different) is the elevated twist it gives to the familiar Mediterranean cuisine. Classic grilled fish dishes of sea bream transform into tartare topped with lime basil for starters, and simple chicken and salad takes on refined proportions in a slow-roasted chicken dish with cherry glaze and carrot-olive puree. It's perhaps not for the traditionalists but one for the adventurous and those looking for finer dining options in, where else, but Zuid.
The Greek Embassy
Newly opened on the idyllic Weesperzijde, The Greek Embassy is a coffee bar and restaurant that's an all-day affair. Head here around lunchtime for a Pita Club Sandwich with marinated chicken, avocado and fries, or for classic Greek breakfast, a spetsofia pie – filled with beef, peppers, onions and feta – or a feta and honey piece sprinkled with sesame seeds. Dinner is a grander but no less delectable meal, with flame-grilled octopus, marinated anchovies and grilled lamb chops the highlights.
The Greek Embassy | Weesperzijde 85HS, Oost
Romios Taverna
In the heart of De Pijp, you'll find Romios Taverna, arguably the place for traditional Greek dishes. The owners prefer to buy their products from locals (the produce is sourced just around the corner, on the Albert Cuyp) and you'll taste their love for Greece in their cooking (they're always up for a chat and are happy to recommend dishes). In the taverna, there is also a small assortment of local Greek products for sale, such as olive oil and ouzo, for when you want to take a little bit of the Aegean home for dinner.
Romios Taverna | Ceintuurbaan 350 | De Pijp
Oresti's Taverna
The best tapas from various cuisines around the Mediterranean come together at Oresti's Taverna. Spanish tapas, Italian antipasti, but especially Greek mezedes (small plates) can be found on the menu here. Complement this with handpicked wines in a relaxed and suitably Mediterranean atmosphere.
Oresti's Taverna | Overtoom 5H, Oud-West
Ela!
You'll find one of the city's most beloved Greek delicatessen on Jan van Galenstraat in Bos en Lommer where they offer traditional Greek specialities, such as moussaka, pita gyros, retsina and olives from places like Kalamata and Chalkidiki. Ela! - which means 'welcome' in Greek – mainly uses organic products, such as organic olive oil, feta, herbs and vinegar in all their dishes.
Ela! Traiterie | Jan van Galenstraat 68H, Bos en Lommer
Dionysos Taverna
The friendly staff, the Greek delicacies and the cosy atmosphere make for a summer holiday feeling, with the convenience of the Overtoom. It helps that the taverna also has an excellent and extensive menu with some of the city's best souvlaki and dolmadakias (rice and minced meat wrapped in vine leaves).
Dionysos Taverna | Overtoom 176, Oud-West
Mitsos Traitere
Mitsos is known for its homemade daily fresh dishes and is one place to get acquainted with classic Greek cuisine in a low-key atmosphere. With only a few blue and white chequered tables both indoors and outdoors, it's a coveted spot on the fringes of Oud-West and Bos en Lommer, but it's worth nabbing a spot for the packed gyros on offer.
Olivity
At Olivity – a hidden gem on the Overtoom – you can drop in for classic Greek dishes, or just for a frappé and a chat with owner Caterina. She runs the shop all by herself and also offers workshops, catering and delivery services. Best for groups looking to learn how to make Greek food or for those days when you want the feeling of a home-cooked meal when you're out and about.
Meat&Greek
Amsterdammers will argue these guys make the best pita gyros, right on the thronging Utrechtsestraat. Well-priced and portioned, you can choose between red meat or chicken, as well as vegetarian options, with toppings that include Feta (spicy is optional, tzatziki, fig jam and even Greek yoghurt. Grab one to go with a large feta salad.
Meat&Greek | Utrechtsestraat 113, City Centre
Barbounia
Taste the hybrid influences of Italy and Greece at Barbounia in the Conservatorium hotel. Here, the mezze in particular are typically Greek, such as taramasalata or tzatiki. The main courses are often Italian, from linguine with lobster to ricotta ravioli. Chef Schilo van Coevorden's signature dish is the Barbounia, a fried red mullet that immediately transports you straight to an island in the Aegean when you close your eyes.
