Where My Friends Actually Eat in Amsterdam (Not Tourist Traps)

Okay, so you found a restaurant with a picture menu on the street corner. My coworker laughed and walked to a place her neighbor recommended instead. Make better choices.

The Rules

1. If it's on a major street corner, locals probably don't go there
2. Reservation = good. Walk-in only = sometimes crowded
3. Chef's intuition > your Googling. Ask locals what's good
4. Price ≠ quality, but CHEAP + GOOD is real
5. Dinner 6 PM = tourist time. Dinner 8 PM = local time

Where My Friends Actually Book

Balthazar's Keuken (French-Dutch, tiny, incredible) My neighbor lives 2 blocks away and STILL reserves like 2 weeks ahead. €35-45 per person. The beef stew is why you came to Amsterdam.

Pizzeria Mozza (Neapolitan, wood-fired, real) My Italian friend said this was good. That's the review.

Brouwerij Troost (Brewery with food) Smoked fish, burgers that don't taste like tourist food. Go Thursday-Saturday for live music.

The Market Strategy

Albert Cuyp Markt (Street food, stroopwafels, croquettes) Wednesday or Thursday morning. Not Saturday. The stroopwafel stall on the left side is the real one.

Bloemenmarkt (Flower + cheese stall) More touristy but the cheese is legit. Sample first, buy what you like.

The Brunch Dilemma

Brunch culture is HUGE here but also CROWDED. My rule:

• Tuesday-Thursday 10-11 AM: Go for it
• Friday-Sunday 10 AM: 45-minute wait minimum

Café de Jaren is famous for a reason. The pancakes are genuinely good. Arrive early.

Budget Breakdown

Street food: €2-5 per item Casual lunch: €8-15 per person Nice dinner: €25-45 per person Fancy dinner: €50-100+ per person

The Amsterdam Eating Philosophy

You came to Amsterdam to eat what Amsterdam eats. Ask a local. Call ahead. Show up early. That's the move.

Places mentioned in this guide

Every spot here is personally vetted — no sponsored placements.

€€€

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The Hoxton Amsterdam

Local Favorite

jordaan·boutique hotel

If you want a hotel that feels like a stylish apartment with a great lobby bar, The Hoxton is it. Book early—especially in summer.

€€

O'Donnell's Irish Pub

Local Favorite

de pijp

My buddy watches every Premier League game here with a Guinness in hand. Proper Irish pub, proper pints, and the pub grub hits different when you are homesick for comfort food.

€€

Gollem's Proeflokaal

Local Favorite

oud west

My neighbor calls this beer heaven and he is not exaggerating. Over 200 beers, staff who actually know what they are talking about, and the coziest little bar you will find.