Description
Café De Prins is a classic Amsterdam eetcafé on the Prinsengracht in the Jordaan—right by Westermarkt, within a few minutes on foot of Westerkerk and the Anne Frank House. It’s an easy place to love because it works for almost any plan: a quick coffee, a proper lunch, a low-key dinner, or a late-night drink that doesn’t feel like a production.
The vibe is unmistakably “brown café”: warm wood, lived-in details, and big windows that make the canal feel like part of the room. On a good-weather day, the canal-side terrace turns into one of those Amsterdam scenes you’ll want to pause for—boats gliding past, bikes rolling by, and a steady hum without the chaos.
Official website (menu + contact)
- Address: Prinsengracht 124, 1015 EA Amsterdam
- Hours: Sun–Thu 10:00–01:00 • Fri–Sat 10:00–02:00
- Kitchen: daily 10:00–22:00 (arrive earlier for a relaxed dinner)
- Reservations: recommended for groups (call/email ahead for 6+)
Key Features
- Canal-side terrace on Prinsengracht for peak people-watching without feeling stuck in a tourist funnel.
- All-day food: breakfast and brunch options, lunch staples, and a solid dinner lineup.
- Dutch classics done right (think croquettes, bitterballen, apple pie) plus vegetarian and vegan choices.
- Central meeting point near Westermarkt—ideal if your day includes the Jordaan, Anne Frank House, or the Nine Streets.
- Late hours on weekends, so you’re not racing the clock after dinner.
What to Order
If you only order one thing, make it something that fits the moment. Café De Prins is strong at the “simple Amsterdam comfort” end of the spectrum—food that shows up fast, hits the spot, and pairs well with a drink.
For a classic borrel
- Bitterballen (or vegan bitterballen)
- Bittergarnituur if you’re sharing
- Nacho’s if you want something bigger than snacks
For lunch that feels Amsterdam
- Kroketten op brood (also available in a vegan version)
- Garnalenkroketjes with toast + lemon mayo
- Amsterdamse gehaktbal with gravy and pickles
- Prinsburger (there’s a veggie version too)
For a proper dinner
- Kaasfondue (De Prins or d’Auvergne) if you want a long, social meal
- Steak frites when you want something straightforward
- Kipsaté for the classic Dutch-Indo comfort hit
- Groentecurry if you’re leaning plant-forward
For something sweet
- Appeltaart met slagroom (apple pie + whipped cream)
- Poffertjes with butter and powdered sugar
- Chocoladetaart if you’re a chocolate person
Best Time to Visit
This place stays busy for a reason, but timing changes the experience.
- 10:00–12:00: the calm window—great for coffee, breakfast, or a quiet start.
- Sunny afternoons: terrace prime-time. Show up a little earlier if you want a canal-side seat.
- 18:00–20:00: best for dinner without the late-night crush (kitchen runs until 22:00).
- Fri/Sat late: the energy shifts—more drinks, more noise, still very Amsterdam.
- King’s Day (27 April): expect maximum crowds in the area. Fun if you want it; avoid if you don’t.
How to Get There
Café De Prins sits right by Westermarkt, which makes it one of the easiest Jordaan meet-up points.
- From Amsterdam Centraal: walk (roughly 20–25 minutes) or take a short tram ride toward Westermarkt.
- Closest stop: Westermarkt (a couple of minutes on foot).
- From Anne Frank House: you’re basically there—walk over and you’ll spot it fast.
- By bike: easy, but lock up properly—this area is busy and bikes move fast.
Tips for Visiting
- Going with a group? Call or email ahead—especially for 6+—so you’re not splitting up.
- Fondue night plan: arrive hungry and don’t rush it. It’s best as a “settle in” dinner, not a quick bite.
- Terrace strategy: if the sun’s out, assume it’ll fill up. Earlier is easier.
- Kitchen timing: if you want full dinner choice without stress, aim to order before ~21:00.
- Mobility needs: older canal-side venues can be tight on space—if you need step-free access or specific seating, call ahead.
Nearby (Easy Add-Ons)
- Anne Frank House + Westerkerk (obvious, but worth pairing)
- Jordaan side streets for small shops and galleries
- De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) for browsing and coffee-hopping
- Canal walk along Prinsengracht at golden hour
