Eat & Drink
The Best French Restaurants in Amsterdam
French cooking has a long, comfortable home in Amsterdam, from cosy neighbourhood bistros serving steak-frites and good wine to refined fine-dining rooms. It's the city's go-to for a classic, romantic dinner.
These are the best French restaurants in Amsterdam, spanning relaxed brasseries and special-occasion tables.
17 restaurants
Oud-Zuid
Brasserie Margaux
Chic French brasserie on the Beethovenstraat — foie gras, duck and a crème brûlée with a reputation, plus a chef's table up close.
Jordaan
Café de Klepel
A tiny French bistro on Prinsenstraat with a daily-changing prix-fixe menu, deep wine list, and a yellow-striped awning — book three weeks ahead.
Haarlemmerbuurt
Café Nieuw Amsterdam
Confident bistro classics on the Haarlemmerstraat — steak frites, famous toasted sandwiches and a Sunday roast that rivals the UK.
Westerpark
Café-Restaurant Amsterdam
Grand brasserie inside a monumental pumping station — floodlit hall, seafood platters and a menu with something for every table.
Centrum
Choux
A boundary-pushing, vegetable-led fine-dining spot near Centraal.
Rivierenbuurt
Ciel Bleu
A two-Michelin-star restaurant high in the Hotel Okura, with sweeping city views.
Grachtengordel
De Juwelier
The neighbourhood bistro that won a star — à la carte French classics, chefs plating at the bar and doors open seven days.
Museumkwartier
Franzen
Buzzing wine-restaurant in the Verhulststraat — meat-sharing platters, an exceptional list by the glass and Oud-Zuid at its liveliest.
Amsterdam-Noord
Hotel de Goudfazant
A French-inspired restaurant in a cavernous IJ-side warehouse in Noord — vintage cars, a bottle chandelier, and a keenly priced three-course menu.
De Baarsjes
In 't Vierde Baarsje
Chef-owned hidden gem near the Surinameplein — chateaubriand, spontaneous extra courses and old-school personal hospitality.
Oud-Zuid
Jondani
White-tablecloth French glamour at the top of the Beethovenstraat — caviar service, exquisite desserts and the occasional celebrity.
Westelijke Eilanden
MOS
A star with an IJ view — refined French plates, strong vegetarian options and window tables worth requesting.
Grachtengordel
Restaurant 212
Two-star counter dining on the Amstel — every seat faces the open kitchen, every course arrives from the chef's hands.
Centrum
Van Speyk
An Amsterdam brasserie blending classic French and traditional Dutch flavours.
Grachtengordel
Vinkeles
Two Michelin stars inside an 18th-century bakery at The Dylan — French refinement, legendary pigeon and service that guests rank with Europe's best.
Westelijke Eilanden
Wolf Atelier
Tasting menus in a glass box on a 1920s railway swing bridge — 360° water views and five-hour dinners that fly by.
Grachtengordel
Zoldering
Wine-first Michelin dining under old beams — a list that runs for pages, food built to meet it, and a bar for just a glass and snacks.
Frequently asked
- What kind of French food will I find?
- Everything from casual bistro classics — steak-frites, confit, good wine — to refined, multi-course fine dining.
- Do I need to book?
- For the better restaurants and fine dining, yes — reserve ahead, especially at weekends.
- Are they good for a special occasion?
- Yes — French dining in Amsterdam is a popular choice for romantic and celebratory dinners.