Dinner Spots in Amsterdam
Between city biking and canal wandering, you are going to need a few dinner recommendations for Amsterdam. With no constraint of food options, Amsterdam has plentyyy of choice for “Dam” good dinners. Here are a few of our top picks for dining in Amsterdam!
📍Pasta Pasta, De Pijp
Mmmm this is definitely a spot I would go back to. Freshly prepared pasta, made to your request - choose the pasta type, sauce and any toppings in this chic Italian. The rustic spot is in the heart of De Pijp and only offers walk in, perfect for when you suddenly fancy pasta in Amsterdam.
Thoughts:
We found it well priced for the portions size - you really can’t go wrong with a hearty pasta bowl with a side of bread! It is a small gem, with only a handful of tables and charming open kitchen, making the cosy atmosphere perfect for winter nights.
Whilst their menu supports choosing your own pasta dish with house made pasta and fresh sauces (making it a win-win for the fussiest of eaters), the recommendations are always there to help the indecisive ones of the group!
We went for a make your own - chicken, broccoli in a creamy sauce with spinach pasta and Penne alla vodka, creamy tomato sauce with chilli and vodka - no complaints here!
Pasta Pasta review:
Price: $$$
Location: Located on the Main Street in De Pijp, perfect for winter strolls through Amsterdam.
Food: ★★★★☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♡♡
Photo: Make your own - chicken, broccoli in a creamy sauce with spinach pasta and Penne alla vodka, creamy tomato sauce with chilli and vodka.
📍Barça, De Pijp
Looking for some tapas in Amsterdam? You may be in the wrong country but you have still come to the right city.
Barça was born to mirror the ambience, cuisine and Mediterranean atmosphere of Barcelona, a feeling that couldn’t be found in the slightly rainy Amsterdam city. Featuring veggie, seafood and meat tapas, the Catalan kitchen has an unofficial slogan of “from the seas and mountains”. Barça is located just in the area of De Pijp, just 2 minutes away from the Heineken experience, but as you venture in to De Pijp you loose the tourists and gain the locals!
Thoughts:
This lovely bar and restaurant offers a a range of tapas dishes. Burrata, calamari, meatballs and crispy patatas bravas - what more could you want!
Overall we found Barça offered beautifully presented Spanish tapas dishes in a prime location. The Burrata is the star of the show with edible flowers, fresh tomatoes and basil foam and the outside terrace is the perfect place to enjoy it with a sangria, of course. Booking in advance is advised, especially over the weekend.
Although, we did return for a second try, sadly the patatas bravas were lacking the same crunch, however we still enjoyed great service and a bustling atmosphere.
Barça review:
Price: $$$ (dish prices range from €5 to $19.50 so you can make it as cheap as you want to )
Location: Located on the outskirts of De Pijp makes Barca the prime location for locals and tourists. Situated off Marie Heinekenplein square, the large terrace means you can sit outside on warm evenings.
Food: ★★★★☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♥♥
Photo: Burrata, deep fried calamari, meatballs in a tomato sauce, deep fried chicken thigh and crispy patatas bravas.
📍Tonton Club, Westerpark
Tacos, dumplings, ramen, burgers, bitterballen - TonTon Club is the fusion of Japanese, American and Dutch cuisine with the added bonus of Arcade games; a combination you never knew you needed. Find games such as Pac-man, air hockey, pinball and a range of boardgames. TonTon now boasts two locations, central Amsterdam just across from the red light district and a second of Westerpark .
Thoughts:
We have visited the Westerpark venue a number of times, drawn in by the attraction of games, food and booze. It is a little confusing regarding the token system, but head to the bar to pick some up. The food is tasty, however the unique selling point is the offer of games.
We recommend this for date night or catching up with friends. Although it does get noisy so avoid if you are looking for peaceful dining.
Ton Ton Club Westerpark review:
Price: $$$ (evening mains are around €17)
Location: Located in Westerpark, it is a prime location for a stroll/cycle around the park followed by dinner and games. Head to the red light district to find the original TonTon Club Centre.
Food: ★★★☆☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♡♡♡ (not the easiest food to photo with dark lighting, however the game area offers plenty of neon lights perfect for the gram.)
Photo: Mini Bao Burgers - sadly this is off the menu now.
📍Dope Pizza, De Pijp
Craving a real Italian pizza? This pizzeria is one of the top restaurants in Amsterdam on Tripadvisor with reviewers claiming it is the best pizza they have ever had. The classic Napolitan style pizzas give the cosy restaurant an aroma of freshly baked bread whilst the crowded tables illustrates the popularity.
Thoughts:
Greeted by friendly and attentive staff we knew we were in for a treat. Authentic pizza with no compromise on quality. This is a cosy restaurant to say they least, which gives it even more of an authentic feel, however, this does mean you are likely to have to wait for a table - make sure to book if you can! Although we didn’t go for them, they also offer an extensive range of vegan pizzas. Pictured are the Vegetariana and the N’duja. Overall, the staff worked hard to keep the small restaurant in full swing and the pizza did not dissapoint.
Dope Pizza review:
Price: $$$
Location: Another in the centre of De Pijp.
Food: ★★★★☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♥♡
Photo: The Vegetariana and the N’duja pizza.
📍Vegan Junk Food Bar, Central
Just as the name suggests, everything is truly vegan and the diverse menu offers all the junk food dishes that you could possibly crave. Described as futuristic, Vegan Junk Food Bar aims to lead and innovate with sustainable dishes. With four locations across Amsterdam this has become one of the most well-know stops for vegans and non-vegans across the city.
Thoughts:
Even if you aren’t vegan then vegan junk food bar will impress you with their tasty and colourful menu. Each dish is created with style and fits with the fun vibe, though it is a tad pricey. This is the Daddy Mc Chik’n, a pink and blue burger bun with “chicken”, “bacon” and cheese which is priced at €12.95.
Overall, there was quite a wait for a table and the food, but its a great option if you are looking to skip the animal produce and indulge in their unique laid back vibe.
Vegan Junk Food Bar review:
Price: $$$
Location: Offered around Amsterdam there are four locations: De Pijp, Westside, Eastside & Downtown.
Food: ★★★☆☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♥♡
Photo: Daddy Mc Chik’n.