Amsterdam is filled with places to eat and drink. From a thriving coffee culture to bars and pubs that line the canals, you won’t be short of choice in the food and drink department when visiting Amsterdam. Below are a few suggestions if you need a helping hand on what to choose!
Food Markets
While I mentioned this one in my previous post, it is definitely worth noting Foodhallen again. A bustling food market, this food hall has everything and anything you could want to eat. From oysters to Mexican to American bbq, it’s a food lovers paradise. They also have a few stalls selling beer and drinks so you don’t have to worry about getting thirsty while you explore the food on offer!
If you’re a bit overwhelmed on what to choose, I would highly recommend the Bitterballen at Deballen Bar. A traditional Dutch snack, the best way I can describe a Bitterballen is a deep-fried ball of meat and gravy (think similar to a croquette). These bad boys were packed full with flavour and were seriously moorish, so much so we went back for seconds on day 3!
I would actually classify this as more of a clothing and knick-knack market, but it does have quite a few food stalls dotted throughout. Similar to Foodhallen, the food stalls here offer all kinds of different cuisines so you will definitely be spoilt for choice. However, if you’re looking for something more traditional, you cannot go past Rudi’s Original Stroopwafel. A family owned affair, this Danish treat is made right in front of you and served to you warm. While I’m usually someone who much prefers savoury to sweet, these treats are like a warm, comforting hug filled with gooey cinnamon filling.
Coffee Shops
Amsterdam is filled with coffee shops, each vying to cure your caffeine addiction. Back to Black was, by far, my favourite café. Nestled on a corner, the café sits right on the edge of the canal and provides a relaxing view over the Amsterdam streets. Try to plonk yourself by the window and you’ll find it incredibly hard to leave! The coffee was delicious, exactly as a Melbournian coffee snob likes it. They don’t do a heap in the way of food, offering more sweet treats, but I did have a goats cheese tart which was a delicious light lunch option.
This is a great choice if you want the full brunch experience. Pop past this café during the weekend, and you’ll find it extremely hard to get a table it’s that popular. With both outdoor and indoor seating, the menu ranges from Acai bowls to open sandwiches and salads. We tried the Chicken Avocado and Burrata sandwich and both were filled with delicious ingredients and packed with flavour.
While a chain with different venues dotted throughout Amsterdam, this is a great choice if you need a coffee on the run. The coffee was solid and they even serve juices if you’re feeling like something lighter.
Restaurants and Wine Bars
This delightful wine bar is the perfect way to enjoy a dinner in Amsterdam. Tucked in the back streets of the Jordaan, the décor is relaxed but modern with a delightful menu to go with it. We had some burrata, croquettes and cauliflower to name a few of the dishes we enjoyed and it was all lovely, packed with flavour and perfectly matched to the wine list. All wines on offer are natural wines so you may find some funky flavours, but the staff are super helpful so make sure you ask for their advice.
This is an absolute must visit in Amsterdam. A little hole in the wall shop, although they do have a few upstairs seats if you’d prefer to eat in rather than take away, the Sajeria made here were to die for. Similar to a falafel wrap or kebab, there are a whole mix of vegetarian, vegan or meat options to choose from. These yummy wraps of goodness are made in front of you and are packed to the brim which delicious ingredients. Great as an on the go lunch, I would highly highly recommend you check this place out!
Bars
As far as bars go, this was probably my equal favourite, tied with Pulitzer’s bar. The interior is filled with neon lights and modern décor, providing this bar with a really unique atmosphere. As for the cocktails, they are something special. The menu is innovative, matching the vibe of the bar, experimenting with flavours and textures. The staff are also super knowledgable and are more than happy to help guide you through the cocktail menu. Whether you’re here for a pre-dinner drink or stay for a few hours, I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Pulitzer’s bar was my other stand-out bar but with a very different vibe to Super Lyan. The bar is part of the Pulitzer hotel and has created a speakeasy, 1920s-esque bar in the heart of Amsterdam. The venue looks out onto the canal so it’s worth trying to grab a seat by the windows to watch the world go by as you sip away. This bar is all about the classics and they do them very well. It’s also a very popular spot so would recommend either booking or going early so you aren’t disappointed.
This bar was hidden on the second floor of an old canal house, with only space for a very small amount of people. While not a standout bar for me, the cocktails were still nice and the vibe was lively which is exactly what you want of a weekend. Unfortunately, the full cocktail list wasn’t available while we were there so would definitely be one to try again if the full menu makes a return.
This one is more of a wine bar rather than a cocktail bar. In true Amsterdam style, Kikkie offers both seating inside and outside but it’s the outside seating that takes the cake. Sit yourself right on the canal’s edge and enjoy people watching while sipping away at a wine. I would recommend Kikkie’s when you’re in the mood for something more slow paced and relaxed. We were, unfortunately, too early for the kitchen to be open but the menu sounded delicious as well so definitely one to keep on the list for a more relaxed dinner.
And, there you have it! A list of places to try while you’re exploring Amsterdam. The above barely scratches the surface of the food, wine and coffee culture that provides this city with such liveliness, but it’s a great start if you’re looking for places to go!
Roaming with Red 
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