Amsterdam, eaten properly.

Amsterdam's food scene is more exciting than its reputation suggests — a compact, international city where centuries-old Dutch classics sit alongside Indonesian rijsttafel, Surinamese roti, natural-wine bars and a clutch of Michelin stars. Add canal-side terraces and a strong café culture, and there's something for every mood and budget.

What to eat

Start with the Dutch classics: bitterballen with a beer, raw herring from a street stall, thick pea soup in winter, and apple pie or fresh stroopwafels. Don't miss an Indonesian rijsttafel — a feast of small dishes that's a legacy of the country's colonial history — or Surinamese roti. The city also does brunch, specialty coffee and natural wine exceptionally well.

Where to eat

De Pijp is the city's most diverse eating quarter, anchored by the Albert Cuyp market; the Jordaan is full of cosy bistros and brown cafés; the centre covers everything from quick bites to fine dining; and Amsterdam Oost and Noord are where much of the new, creative cooking is happening. Use our cuisine pages to browse by kitchen — Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai and more.

Know before you go

Service is included by law, so tipping is modest — rounding up the bill or around five to ten percent for good service is plenty. Popular restaurants book up, so reserve ahead, especially at weekends. Lunch is typically served from around noon and dinner from six, with many kitchens closing by ten. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for across the city.

Below you'll find our restaurant guides and a directory of the city's best places to eat, filterable by cuisine and neighbourhood.