Pre-theatre dining in Amsterdam

12 September 2022 at 07:10Updated 24 January 2023 at 15:05

Luckily for theatre-goers, Amsterdam’s food scene is as expansive and diverse as its cultural offering. When you’re en route to a ballet, concert, spoken word performance, or whatever the night holds, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant. These eateries specialise in the pre-theatre experience and offer menus designed to have you well fed and on your way before the curtain rises.

Dining near Royal Theatre Carré

Koninklijk Theater Carré outside of theatre at night

Image from Jan de Ridder

Le Bistrot des Alpes

Did you know that the Alps are just five minutes away from the Carré? Journey to the mountains for a pre-dinner experience in this chalet-feel restaurant with authentic chequered tablecloth interiors. On the menu: charcuterie, raclette and fondue but, perhaps, most fitting is the seasonal three-course menu for €39.

Le Bistrot des Alpes | Utrechtsedwarsstraat 141

Graham's Kitchen

Descend further down the Amstel for a spot of fine dining at Graham’s Kitchen. The atmosphere is laid back, and the food is the star of the show: head chef Graham Mee brings his Michelin-restaurant work experience to his own restaurant. The three-course menu is celebrating the finest local produce and costs €41.

Graham's Kitchen | Hemonystraat 38

Carré Terras op de Amstel

There’s no need to go far, thanks to Carré theatre’s waterfront terrace. With part of the terrace used to give other restaurants a much-needed boost, a weekly three-course menu is available for €32.5. Best of all, you can specify the show you’re attending during the booking to ensure that your service will be as speedy as possible.

Carré Terras op de Amstel | Amstel 115 /125

Bistro Baret

Don’t miss this upmarket bistro on the corner of the Amstel River. The pre-theatre menu is updated weekly, with three courses and a choice of two main dishes for a very reasonable price.

Bistro Baret | Korte Amstelstraat 18

Dik & Cunningham

Chef Johan Dik is a master of culinary classics and can prepare a three-course ‘surprise’ menu for theatre-goers. Dik & Cunningham is a hidden gem located on Utrechtstraat, just one block away from the Royal Theatre Carré.

Dik & Cunningham | Kerkstraat 377

Dining near Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Theater Bellevue, DeLaMar Theater, De Balie

Image from Martin Kuijper

Thijs

Thijs is a local institution, renowned for classic French cuisine without the pretence. The beautiful restaurant is within walking or cycling distance from DeLaMar Theater, de Kleine Komedie, Pathé Tuschinski and De Balie. Choose from two or three indulgent courses to get your evening off to a great start.

Thijs | Prinsengracht 438

DeLaMar Grand Café

The theatre’s own Grand Café is an opulent choice for pre-theatre dining at DeLaMar Theater in Leidseplein. Each course is swiftly delivered to the table, although the rich ambience makes you want to linger a little longer.

DeLaMar Grand Café | Marnixstraat 402

Ron Gastrobar Oriental Downtown

If you love Asian Fusion, step into this sister gastro bar from the Michelin-acclaimed chef. Try a steaming basket of dim-sum, or take your pick from one of the Indonesian seafood options and don’t forget to grab an aperitif at the cocktail bar before heading to the theatre.

RON GASTROBAR ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN | Kerkstraat 23

Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam

Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam showcases a varied programme of theatre performances with English subtitles. Set the tone for the evening at the theatre’s Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam with a speciality menu and optional wine pairings.

Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam | Leidseplein 26

De Smoeshaan

The Theater Bellevue cafe-restaurant on the Leidseplein is open for business with a three-course Theater menu for €36. There’s a terrace on the water and a cosy top floor restaurant making De Smoeshaan the perfect spot to hang out among the locals before the performance.

De Smoeshaan | Leidsekade 90

Dining near Dutch National Opera and Ballet, de Kleine Komedie, Pathé Tuschinski

The National Opera & Ballet at nightfall, seen from a distance. This cultural institution is located at the Amstel river, close to Waterlooplein in the city centre.

Image from Jan de Ridder

Lion Noir

Lion Noir offers an intriguing setting for your pre-theatre dinner with a private courtyard terrace, a stylish brass cocktail bar, and a fabulous French menu. The chefs work to highlight local and seasonal ingredients in their ever-changing menu, guaranteeing a memorable evening.

Lion Noir | Reguliersdwarsstraat 28

A-Fusion

Despite being located in the heart of historic Amsterdam, A-Fusion couldn’t be further from a tourist trap. If you are with two people, share a tasting menu of €34 per person at one of the best Asian restaurants in Amsterdam. The Rembrandtplein is only a 15-minute walk away.

A-Fusion | Zeedijk 130

Frenzi

Pop into Frenzi for a spot of Italian cuisine. With many vegetarian options and a three-course menu for €25, this corner restaurant on the Amstel is casual and welcoming and just a stone’s throw away from De Kleine Komedie and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet.

Frenzi Restaurant Amsterdam | Zwanenburgwal 232