It’s well documented amongst my friends and family that what I most look forward to about a trip is the food. I love to go to a new restaurant and waddle away satisfied and full to my eyeballs. With that in mind, when I saw this list of “must eats” in Amsterdam, I had to share with my fellow food lovers.

What to Eat

Beginning with the “what” to eat, make sure you try some traditional Dutch food including the following:

Kroket: a breaded and deep fried meat ragout. I’ve never met a fried food that I didn’t like, and a kroket is no exception. It is topped with spicy mustard to get the full experience.

Fresh herring: a Dutch “sushi” that is usually topped with onions and gherkins.

Pannekoek or Poffertjes (Dutch pancakes): Pannekoek are larger and available with salty or sweet toppings including apples, bacon, and raisins. Poffertjes are a bite size pancake usually topped with powdered sugar. Your kids are guaranteed to love the Poffertjes.

Where to Eat

Now to the crucial “where” to eat. Keep in mind that in finer quality restaurants, a reservation is recommended, especially in the busy evening hours.

Bussia: Modern Italian cuisine in a quiet setting and a 4-5 course tasting menu. Closed Mondays.
Location: Reestraat 28 – 32
Telephone: +31-20 627-8794

De Proevery: This restaurant, whose name translates to “The Tasting” offers modern Dutch cuisine. The website is currently under construction.
Location: Prinsengracht 274
Telephone: +31-20 421 1848

De Winkel: This café, famous for their apple cake, is at the corner of the Noordermarkt (Northern Market) and offers a great view from the market square. The Noordermarket hosts a market each Saturday and Monday morning so time your trip for those days for the best people watching.
Location: Noordermarkt 43
Telephone: +31 20 623 0223

Envy: A trendy tapas style restaurant in the “9 streets” shopping area. This is a great place for a light meal, but be sure to make a reservation.
Location: Prinsengracht 381
Telephone: +31-20 344-6407

Morlang: An easy going restaurant with good food and a warm atmosphere perfect for lunch, dinner, or just drinks. Be advised, basement seating isn’t recommended here, stick with the seating upstairs.
Location: Keizersgracht 451
Telephone: +31 20 625 2681

6. George: The place to see and be seen. Trendy crowds flock here for the French brasserie. Reservations mandatory for dinner.
Location: Leidsegracht 84
Telephone: +31020 626 08 02

Red: Simplify life by going to this restaurant where your options are narrowed to lobster, steak, or a mix of both. They only do 2 things, so you know they must do it well! I’m not a great decision maker, so this restaurant sounds perfect for me.
Location: Keizersgracht 594
Telephone: +31-20-3201824

Ganesha Indian Restaurant: My husband’s favorite dining spot in the city. Unpretentious and authentic Indian food and friendly staff are the highlights of this restaurant located near the train station.
Location: 1011 EH Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 20 320 7302

Werck: Located next to the famous Wester-church tower, the best part of the café/lounge is the roof terrace and garden.
Location: Prinsengracht 277
Telephone: +31 20 627 4079

Café ‘T Smalle: A charming and authentic café, this is a great place to snack inside or out. Order a “bitter garnituur” a traditional Dutch snack with fried cheese and sausages.
Location: Egelantiersgracht 12
Telephone: +31 20 623 9617

Beer Café ‘T Arendsnest: Settle into this cozy café to try some of the 160 varieties of beer.
Location: Herengracht 90 A
Telephone: +31 20 421 2057

How to Get There

Amsterdam is known for its canals, museums and historic sights. What may not be as known is this city’s delectable food.

How to Get There

A drive to Amsterdam is approximately five hours northwest of Kaiserslautern, 4 hours and 20 minutes northwest of Wiesbaden and 6 hours and 20 minutes northwest of Stuttgart. Click on DB Bahn for train information.

Author’s Profile: Kelly is a DOD wife, devoted dog-mom, a mediocre cook, a whiskey aficionado and an avid traveler who’s exploring the Kaiserslautern area with dog and husband in tow.

Featured Image Photo Credit:  © Shutterstock- Rob Bouwman