Brunch in Amsterdam... The Sequel
You can never have enough brunch spots, so after our first Amsterdam brunch blog we have found a few more locations to love across the city! All of these Amsterdam brunch hits have multiple locations, so whatever your plans are, we are sure you can squeeze them in.
Dignita (Vondelpark)
Launched in 2015, Dignita is part of the not for sale social enterprise model as their profits work to provide certified training programs for vulnerable individuals, such as victims of human trafficking - following their slogan “eat well, do good”. Made in house with fresh local ingredients, their menus follow the season and serve a range of innovative dutch breakfasts - a range of sweet and savoury delights offered all day.
The spacious and light restaurants have three different locations across the city, all ideal for tourists and locals, whilst reservations are possible making it an easy option even during the weekend rush. They even offer “Picnic in the Park” boxes if sitting in isn’t your thing!
Our Dignita brunch spread.
My thoughts:
After arriving on a busy Saturday morning we were surprised to grab a quick walk in spot. With super friendly staff, clean decor and a bustling ambiance, Dignita was already living up to the hype.
We went split on sweet and savoury options. The eggs royale are not your average hollandaise eggs - apple cider hollandaise, Gravlax salmon cured in gin, brandy, toasted fennel seed & fresh dill, all placed on their signature triple cooked potato hash. We also added a side of smashed avo. April fools didn’t go down too well last year, when they announced this favourite was being pulled from the menu - luckily this has not been one to change!
The sweet option didn’t disappoint either - american style pancakes topped with almonds, decadent date salted caramel mascarpone, brûléed banana, crumbled hokey pokey (honeycomb to you and I), truly iconic! The fluffy stack is ever-changing with the period - they are giving us a reason to go back, which I am not complaining about!
This Amsterdam brunch spot really did have me at pancakes ! If you can’t wait for the weekend this is definitely a must go during the week (no promises that it will be quieter though). They are also bringing brunch to Den Haag this Autumn.
Ultimately, Dignita seem to be following their motto, it isn’t just there for platitude - you are eating well and doing good in one sitting. There is no wonder they have been named as must visit breakfast spots by @symmetrybreakfast on insta, as we might have to name this as one of the best Amsterdam brunch spots!
Dignita brunch reflection:
Price: $$$ (fairly priced in our opinion)
Location: We visited the the Vondelpark branch, perfect for a stroll in the park after. Likewise, their newest location in Westerpark is great for visitors ticking off parks and brunch. Their third location is Hoftuin is described as a glass box with terrace - this one does sound idyllic!
Food: ★★★★★
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♥♥
Photo: Benny Boy Salmon, American pancake stack (brûléed banana and crumbled honeycomb), Orange Juice & Pink Pop - truly enough to make you pop!
Corner Bakery (Nieuw West)
With 3 locations across the Netherlands, Corner Bakery is an established brunch spot. The extended brunch menu covers pancakes, filled rolls, eggs and milkshakes - gluten free and halal options are also available. If you are looking for a lighter option then they also pride themselves on having salad options.
They pride themselves on creating an experience and leaving guests with a smile.
Brunch for two at Corner Bakery (Nieuw West).
My thoughts:
After visiting the Nieuwe West location, it is clear Corner Bakery have fit their aim of being insta worthy. The pastel theme is definitely one for Instagram with their photogenic freak shakes. Although, I did find the interior (of Corner Bakery Nieuw West), did have a concrete and neutral tone - almost lacking, although this does make the food stand out.
Although the Nieuw West location is out of the hustle of the City, it was still almost full when we arrived at midday on the weekend.
Their food is tasty as I opted for my first ever Açaí Bowl and I was not disappointed with plenty of fresh fruit topped with granola. The B.L.T.A., bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and fried egg roll, was also filled to the brim, at €13.95 you could justify the price.
Corner Bakery also has a known reputation for over the top freak shakes with a donut ‘on top’, meaning we had to try one. After opting for 1 between 2 that was enough for us to have a sugar rush (€13.95 makes it a bit pricey, but when you see the size you understand why).
Remember, calories don’t exist at the Corner Bakery.
Corner Bakery brunch reflection:
Price: $$$
Location: Located in Nieuwe West this Corner Bakery is a little bit of a trek from the normal tourist spots of Amsterdam and is better suited for locals. However, Corner Bakery Oud-Zuid is far closer to the city centre. Corner Bakery is also located in Maastricht.
Food: ★★★☆☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♥♥ - I would say this is the reason to go if you are looking for that Insta pic!
Photo: Açaí Bowl, B.L.T.A. roll and Strawberry Milkshake
Benji’s (Nieuwe West)
Benji’s is the closest you will feel to being in Bali when in Amsterdam. The chill, hipster and calm vibe make any of the 3 locations stand out as a great brunch spot as you are transported to a green oasis. The three locations have opening times of 9-4:30 (the kitchen is open till 4) offering brunch and small plates.
Tropical vibes only at Benji’s Bro.
My thoughts:
After visiting Benji’s Bro (Nieuwe West) twice now, I have to say I love the vibe. The jungle theme makes the atmosphere a happy space to be. The food is also presented in style, whilst their aim to be eco-friendly is noticed with bamboo straws and fresh local food.
Their menu has a large range of dishes, offering vegetarian and vegan options. The fresh Açaí Bowl and Morning Bae, with a pink brioche bun, bacon, avocado and fried egg are definitely my standout dishes.
As Benji’s Bro is a little out of the way, this reduces the general footfall making it an easy location to get a table, and if you need to take a laptop then you are more than welcome. My friends and I spent just over 3 hours powering through uni work there with no issue. Although, we did find that we were forgotten about after we had our food served.
I can imagine that the locations nearer the city are far busier, especially over the weekend. Note, they only take reservations for groups over 7 people so walk in is the way to go.
Benji’s brunch reflection:
Price: $$$
Location: Like the Corner Bakery (Nieuwe West), Benji’s Bro has an out-of-the-way location in Nieuwe West, situated in a residential area making it ideal for local residents. However, the other 2 locations are better suited for those visiting Amsterdam - West & East.
Food: ★★★★☆
Insta Worthy: ♥♥♥♥♥ - if you are a sucker for plants, then this is the dream setting for you.
Photo: Açaí Bowl, Morning Bae, Orange Juice and Iced Late.
All in all, these are definitely some of our fave brunch locations in Amsterdam so make sure to let us know what you think!