Herring at Volendammer, stroopwafels at Rudi's, vegetable tasting at greenhouse-set De Kas, pancakes up 500-year-old stairs at Upstairs. Amsterdam is small; eat slowly.
11 places Phil ate at in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Each spot below has its address, dishes Phil ate, and (where I could verify) booking + hours.
Open the Amsterdam map →Lunch
Spang Makandra
€Warm Surinamese spot in De Pijp since 1978.
Phil ate: Surinamese roti, Madame Jeanette chili sauce
Booking: Walk-in counter and small dining area.
When: Mon–Sat 11:00–22:00. Sun 13:00–22:00.
De Kas
€€€€Greenhouse fine dining — Michelin 1-star — views of the chef's garden farm.
Phil ate: Garden tasting menu, Greenhouse vegetables
Booking: Phone reservations essential.
When: Mon–Fri 12:00–14:00 and 18:30–22:00. Sat 18:30–22:00. Closed Sundays.
Upstairs Pannenkoeken
€€Tiny family-run pancake house since 1961.
Phil ate: Bacon, brie + honey pancake, Strawberries + cream pancake
Booking: Phone reservations only, ≥1 week ahead. Four tables, 500-year-old stairs.
When: Mon–Sat 12:00–18:00. Sun 12:00–17:00.
Dinner & after
Also worth your time
Albert Cuyp Market
€Bustling De Pijp street market — stroopwafels, cheese, herring, fresh produce.
Phil ate: Stroopwafels, Cheese, Herring
Booking: Open-air market — walk-in only.
When: Mon–Sat 09:30–17:00. Closed Sundays.
Rudi's Original Stroopwafels
€Fresh stroopwafels made hot to order.
Phil ate: Fresh stroopwafels
Booking: Takeaway counter on Albert Cuypstraat.
When: Mon/Tue/Fri 11:00–17:00. Sat 10:30–17:30. Closed Sun/Wed/Thu.
Pulitzer's Bar
€€€Elegant canal-house martini bar — classic cocktails.
Phil ate: Martini, Bitterballen
Booking: Reservations recommended.
When: Mon–Thu 15:00–01:00. Fri–Sat 15:00–02:00. Sun 15:00–01:00.
De Hapjeshoek
€Casual Surinamese counter at Waterlooplein metro — family-run since 1995.
Phil ate: Pom sandwich, Chicken
Booking: Counter service only.
When: Mon–Fri 09:30–21:00. Sat–Sun 11:00–21:00.
Nolet Distillery
€€€Family distillery in Schiedam — 11 generations since 1691.
Phil ate: Ketel One vodka tasting
Booking: Tours and tastings by appointment via website.
Gouda Cheese Market
€€Traditional Gouda cheese market with horse-drawn carts.
Phil ate: Gouda cheese
Booking: Seasonal — Apr–Aug Thursdays only.
When: Apr–Aug Thu 10:00–12:30.
Wils
€€€Open-fire dining by chef Joris Bijdendijk.
Phil ate: Escargots, Ham, Open-fire steak
Booking: Reservations recommended.