Let’s dive into this Amsterdam West Guide full with some of the top restaurants, activities, bakeries, coffee spots, bars and cafes that you absolutely must explore in Amsterdam West. Created by locals for you!
Favorite restaurants
Le Forel: Known for its fresh seafood and elegant vibes, Le Forel is a must-visit for seafood lovers!
Binnenvisser: This restaurant is so cozy, offers a modern take on Dutch cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. “Be aware that you can’t make a booking, they only offer walk-ins.
Pastis: Step into the charm of France with a visit to Pastis, where you can enjoy classic French dishes in a charming setting. When the weather is good you can also sit outside their terrace on the square.
Gent aan de Schinkel: This is actually a local hotspot. Many people from the neighborhood come here regularly because of its great Dutch vibes. The menu offers European cuisine. When it’s sunny you can take a seat outside right next to the canal.
Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam: Housed in a former water pumping station, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a diverse menu with a French touch.
Activities & places
Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s largest city park, and it’s truly our favorite! You can take beautiful walks here, ride a bike, go for a run and it’s perfect for a picnic. It’s always full of people and has great vibes.
Ten Katemarkt: You can find this market every day of the week except for Sundays. Get your fresh products, street food and flowers at this local market.
TIP >> At the Ten Katemarkt, you’ll find ‘Boer Geert,’ where you can get the best takeaway sandwich in Amsterdam
De Hallen: Actually perfect for a rainy day! Here you’ll find the most popular food hallen of Amsterdam and many nice concept stores, a cinema and exhibitions, all indoors. The food market represents so many countries. You can try out Dutch food like bitterballen, but they also have delicious sushi and so much more!
Helmersbuurt: This neighborhood is so charming and lovely to simply wander around. Discover little boutique shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture as you stroll through the streets.
Westerpark & Westergasterrein: Actually, you can spend a whole day here if you want! You can stroll through Westerpark, and in summer, it’s allowed here to barbecue. We love to come together at the park with friends. Westergasterrein itself is an amazing cultural place with cool exhibitions like Fabrique des Lumières, cool cafes and many little art galleries. You find many food spots here, you can go clubbing at the Westergasfabriek or go to the cinema.
TIP >> We’ve written a complete guide to all the things you can do at the Westergasterrein & Westerpark, which you can find here!
Bakeries & Coffeespots
Levain et Le Vin: At this sourdough bakery, you can get delicious freshly baked bread and pastries paired with a selection of fine wines.
Selma’s: Savor homemade cakes, cookies and sandwiches at Selma’s, a charming spot perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
Fort Negen: This is a really popular bakery among locals and that’s not without reason. You can treat yourself to amazing artisanal pastries, bread and specialty coffee at Fort Negen. It’s a place where you find true craftsmanship.
De Koffiesalon: Stained glass windows, newspapers on the table, delicious coffee and neighbors gathering at the coffeebar. What more could you want?
Lot61: This cafe is not only known for its range of specialty coffees and cozy ambiance but also for its commitment to sustainability. They’re on a mission to become a circular coffee brand in every aspect of their field. Which we think is great!
Loof: Amazing bakery, and it’s very nice to sit down as they have a really big bookshelf to enjoy!
Uncommon: The interior of this coffee spot is so aesthetic; we love it! Their coffee and how they produce it changes with the seasons. It’s really good :).
Bars & Cafes
Barrica Food & Wine Bar: Tapas and wine, great combo right? It’s an intimate bar; we go regularly and always enjoy it. The owner has a lot of knowledge about wines.
Bar Kosta: Embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Bar Kosta, where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails and good company.
Brewery Troost Westergas: If you love beer, you’ll want to go here! Surrounded by large tanks filled with brewed beer like Pilsner, Extra Wit, IPA, and Honingblond. They produce 70,000 liters here yearly! A great place to have drinks and some food.
Hendrix: Living room hang out vibes. Great for drinks & some live music!
Karavaan: Super big terrace surrounded by great neighborhood vibes. The interior and the food are amazing. It’s an all-day hotspot from breakfast until late. It’s always crowded, especially on Friday nights.
Brunch Spots
Gertrude: Where to begin? The interior is absolutely amazing, they use seasonal ingredients, have an extensive wine menu and serve delicious French-style food!
Moos: Great little bistro in the Pijp area. All-day hotspot from breakfast to dinner!
Morgan & Mees: Just a short walk from the Jordaan Neighborhood, you’ll find our favorite brunch spot. Housed in a beautiful monumental building dating back to 1880. It seamlessly blends modern interiors with abstract art while maintaining all the original details of the building. Perfect spot for a brunch!
Collins: A hidden treasure! A cozy neighborhood café, it indulges in the delights of Melbourne’s kitchen. It has become our go-to spot for leisurely long weekend brunches and let me tell you, the kimchi Farinata is an absolute game-changer.
Mana Mana: A middle eastern culinary experience, it’s a vega(n) gem. You have to try the smoked aubergine.
Hannah’s: La dolce vita is highly valued at Hannah’s! There’s a very cozy atmosphere, and the staff mainly consists of people with intellectual disabilities. How amazing!
Benji’s: Food with an Indonesian touch, and that’s also reflected in the interior. Beautiful tropical plants adorn every corner. Be on time because especially on weekends, it gets very busy. But definitely with the wait!
You may also like ‘The Best Streets in Amsterdam You Need to Visit‘ and ‘Places to Escape the Crowds‘.
Of course, we know many more amazing spots in Amsterdam West. Want to discover them all? Get our Google Hotspot Map, featuring over 400 places across the entire city. With our map, you’ll always know where to go. Get it here now!
