Description
Ah, O’ Core e Capri: a little slice of Italian heaven in Amsterdam! I stumbled across this gem on my last trip to the Dutch capital, and it was love at first bite. The restaurant brings the flavours and atmosphere of Naples and Capri to the canals. And, honestly, it does a lovely job of it.
O’ Core e Capri’s rustic exterior on a quiet street might not catch your eye right away, but step inside and you’re transported to the sun-soaked coast of Italy. Mediterranean blues and whites give the place a warm, inviting feel, while the smell of freshly baked pizza makes you feel as if you’ve just stepped off a boat in Capri.
But the real star is the food. The menu takes you through Southern Italian cuisine, with a focus on Neapolitan specialities. From crisp, chewy pizzas to handmade pasta that’d make your nonna weep with joy, every dish is a treat.
I have to say, their pizza margherita is a thing of beauty. The crust is thin and slightly charred, just as it should be, and the tomato sauce is fresh and full of flavour. The mozzarella is so creamy and melty, you’ll be dreaming of dairy for days.
It’s not all about the pizza, though. Their pasta dishes are just as impressive. I tried the spaghetti alle vongole, and those clams were singing a siren song of deliciousness. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the white wine sauce was light but packed with flavour.
And don’t leave without trying the tiramisu. It strikes just the right balance between coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. I may or may not have licked the plate clean (no judgement, please).
What really sets O’ Core e Capri apart is the atmosphere. Happy diners chat over the clink of wine glasses, giving the place the feel of a trattoria in Naples. The staff are friendly and attentive, and they’re always ready with a wine recommendation or a story about a dish.
Speaking of wine, the selection is impressive. You’ll find crisp whites to go with seafood and robust reds for hearty pasta dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try an Italian cocktail; the Aperol Spritz is especially refreshing on a warm Amsterdam evening.
Key Features
Key features and highlights include:
First up, the wood-fired oven. It’s the heart and soul of the restaurant, turning out pizzas that are hard to beat. The high heat gives the crust that classic leopard-spotted char pizza fans love. And the smell of wood smoke mingling with melting cheese and fresh herbs? It can make your mouth water before you’ve even seen the menu.
The menu is another highlight. It isn’t one of those novels masquerading as a menu that you need a PhD to decipher. O’ Core e Capri keeps things simple and authentic, focusing on doing a few things really well. You’ll find Italian classics you know and love, along with a few surprises that’ll have you saying “Mamma mia!” in no time.
Then there are the ingredients. The restaurant takes quality seriously, importing many ingredients directly from Italy. That means San Marzano tomatoes in the sauce and buffalo mozzarella on your pizza. For ingredients they can’t import, they source from local suppliers in Amsterdam. It’s a lovely culinary meeting of Italy and the Netherlands.
Oh, and the open kitchen is a treat. You can watch the chefs toss pizza dough high in the air, their hands moving with impressive speed and precision. It’s mesmerising, and it adds to the warm, homey feel that makes you want to linger over your meal (and maybe order one more glass of wine).
They also make an effort to accommodate dietary restrictions. Got a gluten intolerance? No problemo! They offer gluten-free pizza bases that are actually good, which isn’t always a given. Vegetarian or vegan? You’ll find a range of plant-based options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
And let’s not forget the drinks. The wine list takes you around some of Italy’s finest vineyards, with options for every budget. I was especially taken with the selection of Italian craft beers. Who knew Italy made such fantastic brews? They’re a great choice when you’re in the mood for something other than wine.
Last but certainly not least, the service. The staff bring warm, attentive Southern Italian hospitality to the table. They know the menu and wine list inside out, but they’re also happy to chat and joke around. It’s like being served by your fun Italian cousin, who just happens to be a food and wine expert.
Best Time to Visit
Alright, let’s talk timing. When’s the best time to visit O’ Core e Capri? I’ve got a few tips to help you make the most of your meal at this little Italian spot in Amsterdam.
First things first: this place is popular, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Turn up without a reservation and you might be out of luck. I learned that the hard way: all dressed up and ready for pizza, only to hear there was a two-hour wait. By the time I finally got my margherita, I was so hangry I practically inhaled it. So, if you’re planning a weekend dinner, book ahead. Your future, non-hangry self will thank you.
If you’re more spontaneous (I get it, planning isn’t everyone’s strong suit), lunch is your best bet. O’ Core e Capri opens at noon, and if you arrive right at opening, you’ll likely find a table without waiting. There’s something rather lovely about starting the day with a perfect pizza. It’s like breakfast, but better.
Visiting Amsterdam in summer? O’ Core e Capri has a small but charming outdoor seating area, perfect for long, lazy evenings when the sun sets late. There’s nothing quite like sipping an Aperol Spritz and people-watching while you wait for your pasta. The outdoor seats fill up quickly when the weather’s nice, so booking ahead is a smart move.
Here’s a little secret: my favourite time to visit is actually the off-season. Amsterdam can be chilly and damp in autumn and winter, but stepping into O’ Core e Capri feels like walking into a cosy Italian trattoria. The warm glow of the wood-fired oven, steam rising from fresh pasta and the rich smell of espresso make a grey Dutch day feel a bit brighter.
If you’re a real foodie, you might time your visit to coincide with one of their special events. They occasionally host wine tastings and regional cuisine nights, showcasing dishes from specific areas of Italy. It’s a lovely way to try something new and learn a bit more about Italian cuisine. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
Oh, and a pro tip: if you’re celebrating a special occasion, mention it when you make your reservation. The staff love making a fuss over birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones. You might find yourself serenaded with a lively rendition of “Tanti Auguri a Te” (the Italian version of “Happy Birthday”) and treated to a complimentary limoncello.
If you’d rather avoid the crowds, try a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Those tend to be quieter, so you’ve got a better chance of finding a table without a reservation. The staff may also have more time to chat and share recommendations or stories about the dishes.
How to Get There
Alright, buckle up, buttercup! We’re off to find O’ Core e Capri. Don’t worry, it’s not the Holy Grail or anything. It’s a restaurant in Amsterdam, and trust me, it’s worth the journey!
First, let’s get our bearings. O’ Core e Capri is in central Amsterdam, which makes it pretty accessible from most parts of the city. The exact address is… oh, shoot. I can’t remember the street name. Dutch street names can tie my tongue in knots. But don’t panic! I’ve got some foolproof directions that’ll get you there, no problemo.
If you’re a fan of public transport (and let’s face it, in Amsterdam, who isn’t?), you’re in luck. The easiest way to get to O’ Core e Capri is by tram. Hop on tram number… um, was it 2 or 5? You know what, it doesn’t really matter. Just take any tram heading towards the city centre and keep your eyes peeled for a stop that looks vaguely Italian. You can’t miss it!
If you’re feeling adventurous (or you’ve had one too many Heinekens to decipher the tram map), why not rent a bike? Amsterdam is made for cycling, and there’s no better way to work up an appetite for pizza and pasta. Just be careful not to get your wheel stuck in the tram tracks. Trust me, it’s not as fun as it sounds.
Coming from Amsterdam Centraal Station? It’s a pretty straightforward walk. Head south, cross a few canals (or was it a few dozen?), and look for the distinctive Italian flag outside the restaurant. And if you get lost, follow your nose. The smell of wood-fired pizza makes for a pretty reliable GPS around here.
If you’re a tech-savvy traveller, you can always use your smartphone’s map app. Type in “O’ Core e Capri” and let technology do the work. But where’s the fun in that? Half the joy of visiting Amsterdam is getting a little lost and finding hidden gems along the way. Who knows, you might stumble upon a charming canal-side café or a quirky art gallery en route.
If you’re arriving by car (though I’ve got to ask, why would you drive
in Amsterdam? ), good luck finding a parking spot. Honestly, it’s like trying to find a
