Where to Eat and Drink in Amsterdam

Even though a long time had passed since my last visit to Amsterdam, there were a few places I couldn’t forget, secretly pulling me to visit Amsterdam again. One of them was De Koffieschenkerij, which I also included in my other article, and the other was Dignita Hoftuin, which almost caused me to go later than usual for the airport. Of course, the fact that Amsterdam is a city of canals and bridges is also an important factor. Another reason that comes to some of my readers’ minds must be the handsome Dutch guys 🙂

Since it is my second visit, I must say from the beginning that this article is more like a food and drink guide as this time I did not write notes about places to see before my visit, but notes such as where to drink my coffee and where to eat. 🙂

When I arrive in Amsterdam, rainy weather greets me. While I am going to take the bus from the airport and get off very close to my hotel, I get off one stop before and walk more than I supposed, I hope it will be the first and last misfortune of the day. Just a quick note about the buses: You can pay with contactless credit card on the buses, you have to swipe it both when getting on and when getting off at the stop.

Owl Hotel is very close to Vondelpark due to its location. I liked its location the most, but I can’t say that I was very pleased with the room. Still, staying for 2 days did not cause much trouble.

The Most Famous Waffle Shop in Amsterdam

Before leaving the room with the idea of going to De Koffieschenkerij, I ask a friend of mine, who frequently visits his sister who lives in the Netherlands, for her suggestions. Among her recommendations, van Wonderen Stroopwafels are on my way, and it wouldn’t be bad if I snacked on a waffle before coffee. It’s quite crowded as it is weekend and there is this Amsterdam Dance Event, which I learned much later. (I’ve already told you; I have just searched for the food and drinks which I regret a bit after learning about the dance festival). Anyway, I’m not complaining, after all, I missed this city.

There is a queue in front of van Wonderen Stroopwafels, but it is not unexpectedly long, which may be due to the rain that stopped when I left the hotel and suddenly started again. Even though it looks too touristy, the design of the interior and the smells attract me. Don’t worry because it’s small inside, the line moves quickly. Here they make them the waffles fresh and they top them with different types of chocolate, hazelnuts, etc. You can choose whichever you fancy. I ask the girl at the counter what her choice is, after thinking about it for a while, she says, “I think it’s lotus.” I buy the one with lotus cookies upon her suggestion. It is a bit difficult to eat as the cookies tend to leave the waffle and chocolate is all over my mouth, but somehow, I manage to finish it with a minimum amount of chocolate on my face and hands.

The Most Beautiful Cafe in Amsterdam

The next stop was De Koffieschenkerij. At the counter they tell me to check out if there is any available tables before ordering, it doesn’t seem that there is one. On my first visit, I had a table on the upper floor which I liked very much but this time it is full. I hopelessly go down and take a look at the entrance hall; at that moment someone leaves and a table is available now. I guess I’m making up for my misfortune at this morning’s stop here. I tell the service staff that I can share the table since it is for 4 normally. Why should other people be deprived of this beautiful place?

They have made a nice menu app at De Koffieschenkerij, you can easily order from the QR coded menu and pay from your phone. As soon as I place my order, a table for two becomes available and I switch. Even though I can’t get the feeling of peace here when the weather is nice, I still enjoy my apple pie and oat milk cappuccino.

Amsterdam prices feel very expensive after my last trip to Spain. Coffees start from 3 Euros, meals are 10-15; I’m glad my stay here wasn’t too long. Just 2 nights to be exact.

Best Cocktail in Amsterdam

When the rain subsides a bit, I go to Ter Marsch&Co again for dinner, as recommended by my friend. Since I’m not too hungry after eating waffles and apple pie, I just prefer sweet potatoes and a cocktail. Although sweet potatoes go well with sauces at first, they become stale over time after so many desserts. But I can’t explain how delicious my cocktail, Pornstar Martini, is. Why have I never tried this flavor before? When one of the staff members asked me if I am satisfied with everything, I admit that I loved the cocktail the most and she says it is her favorite too. Yay, I made the right choice. When I leave the place, feeling cold due to the wind added to the rain, I return to my room and do my research for the remaining days.

Breakfast and Coffee Stops in Amsterdam

I start my morning at Uncommon with a local recommendation from the Spottedbylocals application, of which I am one of the authors. Uncommon is heartwarming with its simple and white-ish design. The croissant is delicious and the coffee is not bad at all. Locals also come here just to buy snacks for their Sunday morning breakfast to take home.

After my breakfast, I start wandering from one street to another around the bridges and canals. This is exactly the Amsterdam visit I wanted. The colors of the sky are very beautiful in the early morning hours, almost purple. If this is the after- rain effect, I am thankful that it is raining.

I pass by the Anne Frank House, which I had entered before and liked. While I was thinking about whether to take a canal tour, I decide to leave this activity for a sunny Amsterdam day in later visits I hope.

Meanwhile, I realize that I am near Cafe’t Smalle, which is a local recommendation for its view, and I change my route to this cafe. Luckily, one of the tables by the canal is empty. I order my coffee and watch the swan on the canal and the old lady who gets on her little boat in the morning. From time to time, my eyes wander to the sweet couple at the next table, having their breakfast and enjoying the sun. I envy a bit.

On such a perfect Amsterdam morning, the sun suddenly hides behind the clouds and it starts to rain lightly. It’s a pleasant city even in the rain, but only when it’s not raining too much and there’s no wind. I set out again to enjoy the views of the city and people and see if I can recapture the peace I once found at Dignita Hoftuin. On the way, I pass by Dam Square, but it feels quite lifeless compared to before, maybe it’s still too early.

Since it is Sunday, everyone is here in Dignita for brunch, and there is a queue at the door. I no longer hesitate to tell people that I am all by myself waiting for a table for only 1. While I intend to only drink coffee, I also order a huge pancake that looks very nice on the next table. The pancake is quite delicious, but when almost half of it remains on the plate, I wish I wasn’t alone.

On the way back from Dignita Hoftuin, I come across a park, it gives a very beautiful view with autumn colors and rays of light from the sun. Stadsherstel, the church where concerts are held, is also located here.

In the afternoon, I will meet my friend Who is living in Netherlands for years now. On my way back to the hotel, I pass through Max Euweplein, the Rembrandts Experience Center located here, again one of the places preferred by tourists, looks crowded. Hard Rock Cafe is also located on Max Euweplein for the fans.

I stop by the hotel and then take a long and pleasant walk in Vondelpark. On Sunday, people come for a walk or run with their dogs and children, and everyone seems to be in a good mood. One of the things I envy in Europe is happy people.

If the weather is nice, the cafes in Vondelpark where you can sit at picnic tables would also be quite nice option. Well, right now, while looking at the cafes in Vondelpark on the map, I see that a branch of Dignita is behind Vondelpark. Of course, it is a minus that it does not have a garden like the other branch, but it would definitely be a good option for brunch in this area.

On my way from Vondelpark to the Museum District, I browse the windows of luxury brands in the side streets. The Museum District is quite crowded, I take a tour around. If you are going to visit the museums, I recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially for the popular ones like Van Gogh. When my friend’s husband and children wanted to buy tickets at that time, unfortunately they could not find a seat. The open market next to the Van Gogh Museum has beautiful handcrafted souvenirs and inviting smell of food even though I’m full. Fortunately, I leave zthere without buying or eating anything.

My friend and I are going to Blushing Cafe opposite the Van Gogh Museum, it seems to be the closest cafe with the highest score in the area. Even though their desserts are beautifully displayed, I hold back here and just drink tea.

Food Market in Amsterdam

For dinner, I go to Foodhallen. On my way to Foodhallen, Dapper, one of the picnic table themed bars by the canal, attracts my attention, but this weather is not suitable for me to sit outside. There are also different stylish restaurants on Jacob Van Lennepkade Street.

When I enter Foodhallen, I realize that this is a place dedicated not only to food but also to culture. For example, there is a movie theater in the FilmHallen section before Food Hallen. Foodhallen is one of the closed markets with food stalls that we are used to in Europe. There are all kinds of cuisines here, first I take a tour and try to understand the most preferred ones. No matter where you buy food from, you can sit wherever you want, but somehow every seat seems full.

I order a burger from The Butcher, the waiting time is a bit long, 10-15 minutes. Fortunately, waiting in line with the handsome Dutch people makes the situation a little easier 🙂 The burger is not bad, but it didn’t seem worth the wait. There are available seats at the bar, if you come alone like me, you can sit by ordering alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. What I’ ve enjoyed most here was observing people around me.

Best Bagel in Amsterdam

When I go out for breakfast the next day, it is quiet. The air is misty and light. This place, brimming with weekend energy, has turned into a horror movie scene. Today, my route is Bagels & Beans, which I decided entirely based on its score and opening time. I recommend a vegetarian bagel, it is both filling and delicious; I can even exaggerate and say that it is even tastier than what I ate in America.

Best Cappuccino in Amsterdam

My last stop before leaving Amsterdam is Screaming Beans, which is another local recommendation, a sweet and small cafe. It’s ideal for sitting on a stool in front of the window and watching everyone passing by, and it’s the best cappuccino I drank during my trip to Amsterdam. A happy farewell 🙂