Food and Drink

Food and drink is what Amsterdam does best in casual mode — the city has more cafés per capita than most European capitals and a restaurant scene that runs from 17th-century Dutch institutions to modern Peruvian-Nikkei tasting menus. This curated list collects the Amsterdam Local Gems venues across both worlds: bakeries, brown cafés, brunch spots, brasseries, cocktail bars, specialty roasters, breweries, distilleries, and full-on fine dining. Highlights include d’Vijff Vlieghen across five linked canal houses on Spuistraat, NAZKA’s Peruvian-Nikkei kitchen in De Pijp, Café ‘t Smalle on Egelantiersgracht (in operation since 1780), Café Brecht for genever, and the modern roasters like Lot Sixty One on Kinkerstraat. Every venue page below has hours, address, and our notes on what to order.