What is Loetje known for?

Its 'biefstuk à la Loetje' — pan-fried tenderloin steak in a rich, buttery jus, widely called one of the best steaks in Amsterdam.

How long has it been open?

Since 1977; it began as a neighbourhood billiards café and grew into a Dutch institution.

It gets busy at peak times and on the terrace, so booking ahead is wise.

Steak is the star, but the menu also has satay, shrimp croquettes, fish and other comfort classics.

It's a genuine local eetcafé — most tables are filled by Amsterdammers.

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Café Loetje

A beloved Amsterdam eetcafé since 1977, famous for its 'biefstuk à la Loetje' — tenderloin steak in a signature jus with bread, fries and salad.

Photo: Loetje Amsterdam Café / Google

Café Loetje is one of Amsterdam's best-loved eetcafés, an institution since 1977 that has become almost synonymous with steak. What began as a neighbourhood billiards café grew into the city's go-to for 'biefstuk à la Loetje' — and Amsterdammers have been arguing it's the best steak in town ever since.

The vibe is homey and pub-like, busy and informal, with most tables filled by locals rather than tourists. There are several Loetje locations around the city now, but the formula is the same everywhere: no fuss, generous portions, good steak.

The food

The signature is the pan-fried tenderloin served in Loetje's rich, buttery jus, with soft white bread to mop it up, plus fries and a crisp salad. It's not a fancy steakhouse — it's a classic Dutch eetcafé doing one thing exceptionally well, though the menu also runs to satay, shrimp croquettes, fish and other comfort classics.

Good to know

It gets busy, especially at peak dinner times and on the terrace in good weather, so booking ahead is wise. Come hungry, order the steak medium-rare in the jus, and don't skip the bread for dipping.

Signature dishes

Biefstuk à la Loetje — tenderloin in the signature jus
Soft white bread for the gravy
Generous fries with house mayonnaise
Chicken satay with rich peanut sauce
Shrimp croquettes to start

Where to find it

Johannes Vermeerstraat 52, 1071 DT, Amsterdam

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FAQ

What is Loetje known for?: Its 'biefstuk à la Loetje' — pan-fried tenderloin steak in a rich, buttery jus, widely called one of the best steaks in Amsterdam.
How long has it been open?: Since 1977; it began as a neighbourhood billiards café and grew into a Dutch institution.
Do I need to book?: It gets busy at peak times and on the terrace, so booking ahead is wise.
Is it just steak?: Steak is the star, but the menu also has satay, shrimp croquettes, fish and other comfort classics.
Is it touristy?: It's a genuine local eetcafé — most tables are filled by Amsterdammers.