Amsterdam's food scene in 2026 is a mix of Dutch classics, global influences, and modern dining. You'll find everything from €4 herring sandwiches at market stalls to €50 three-course dinners in trendy canal houses. Prices have risen this year due to the VAT increase on hotels and dining, but smart choices still exist.
This guide uses real data from TripAdvisor, local markets, and city records. No invented experiences here. Just honest comparisons to help you decide where to eat.
Top Food Experiences in Amsterdam
Albert Cuyp Market: Street Food Heaven
The Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp is Amsterdam's largest outdoor market. It runs Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Here, you can sample the city's most iconic street foods at market prices.
What to try:
- Stroopwafels: Freshly made, warm, and gooey. €2.50-€5.50
- Raw herring sandwich (broodje haring): €4-€5. Eat it like locals do: hold by the tail, tip your head back, and bite upward.
- Fries with mayonnaise: €3-€5. The Dutch love their mayo, and it's nothing like the American version.
- Indonesian snacks: Amsterdam's colonial history means excellent satay, lumpia, and bami goreng.
Pro tip: Go early (before 11 AM) to avoid crowds and get the freshest herring. The market gets packed by noon.
Street Food Tour of De Pijp & Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam
Head "off the eaten track" to discover Amsterdam's local street food and stories from your host's favorite tucked-away p
Book on ViatorFoodhallen: Indoor Dining Variety
Foodhallen in Oud-West is a covered food market inside a former tram depot. It opened in 2014 and remains one of Amsterdam's best casual dining spots. You'll find 20+ vendors serving everything from Dutch bitterballen to Vietnamese pho.
Price range: €10-€25 per person for a full meal with drinks.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM-11:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM-1:00 AM.
Standout vendors:
- De Ballenbar: Deep-fried Dutch meatballs (bitterballen) with mustard. €6 for 6 pieces.
- Le Big Fish: Fresh oysters and ceviche.
- The Butcher: Burgers and fries.
Amsterdam Private Food Tour with Local Including 6 or 10 Tastings
Eat your way through Amsterdam 's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the
Book on ViatorIndonesian Rijsttafel: A Dutch-Indonesian Tradition
The rijsttafel (rice table) is a colonial-era feast featuring 15-30 small dishes. It's one of Amsterdam's defining culinary experiences. The best places are concentrated around the city center and De Pijp.
Where to go:
- Blauw Amsterdam: €38.50 per person for the classic rijsttafel. Open daily 5:00 PM-10:30 PM.
- Sampurna: €35 per person. Known for authentic Javanese flavors.
- Tempo Doeloe: €42 per person. More upscale, with excellent satay and rendang.
Budget tip: Many Indonesian restaurants offer lunch rijsttafels for €20-€25. Check before booking.
Amsterdam Traditional Dutch Syrup Waffle Making Workshop
This workshop promises not only a taste of traditional Dutch culture but also a unique, hands-on activity that will leav
Book on ViatorDutch Cheese Tasting
Amsterdam is cheese country. You'll find specialty shops, tasting rooms, and market stalls everywhere. The best part? Most tastings are free or very cheap.
Top cheese shops:
- De Kaaskamer on Runstraat: Free samples of 50+ Dutch cheeses. Open Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.
- Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room near Spui: €17.50 for a guided tasting of five aged cheeses with wine pairing. Open Thursday-Sunday 12:00 PM-7:00 PM.
What to buy: Old Amsterdam (aged Gouda), Leyden (with cumin), and Beemster (mild and creamy).
Zaanse Schans Windmills, Clogs and Dutch Cheese Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam
Take a 3,5-hour half-day tour to the countryside and explore Zaanse Schans in a small group. See how a clog maker is mak
Book on ViatorMichelin-Starred Dining
Amsterdam has 20+ Michelin-starred restaurants in
- Prices start around €100 per person for tasting menus. Reserve weeks in advance.
Top picks:
- De Kas: €48 for a 4-course lunch, €68 for dinner. Set inside a greenhouse in Frankendael Park. Ingredients come from their own garden. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
- RIJKS®: Located inside the Rijksmuseum. €55 for lunch, €85 for dinner. Modern Dutch cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
- Bordewijk: €45 for a 3-course dinner. Classic French-Dutch in a cozy setting. Easier to book than the others.
Amsterdam Traditional Dutch Blue Tile Painting Workshop
Learn about the centuries-old tradition of Delft Blue ceramics Paint your own decorative tile to keep as a unique Dutch
Book on ViatorBest Neighborhoods for Food
De Pijp
This is Amsterdam's most diverse food neighborhood. The Albert Cuyp Market anchors the area, but you'll also find excellent Surinamese, Moroccan, and Indonesian restaurants.
Must-try:
- Warung Spang Makandra: Surinamese takeout. €8-€12 for a full plate. Try the roti with chicken curry.
- Bazar Amsterdam: Middle Eastern breakfast and lunch. €10-€15 per person. The shakshuka is legendary.
- Café Thijssen: Dutch classic for poffertjes (mini pancakes) and apple pie. €5-€8.
Budget eating: Grab a €4 kapsalon (fries topped with döner, cheese, and salad) at any Turkish spot.
Amsterdam's Market Street Food Tour with Streat Bites
If food is the center of your trips abroad, you can kick back, put your feet up, and smile. You’re in for an adventure.
Book on ViatorJordaan
The Jordaan is trendier and pricier than De Pijp. You'll find boutique restaurants, wine bars, and specialty food shops.
Highlights:
- Winkel 43: Famous for apple pie. €5.50 per slice. Expect queues on weekends.
- Balthazar's Keuken: Intimate, 20-seat restaurant with a €35 4-course menu. Changes daily. Reserve a week ahead.
- De FoodHall: Smaller version of Foodhallen. Good for quick, quality bites.
Pro tip: Skip the main streets. Wander into side alleys for cheaper, quieter options.
10 Tastes of Amsterdam: Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan
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Book on ViatorCentrum (City Center)
Tourist central, but with hidden gems. Avoid the overpriced "Dutch pancake" houses on Damrak. Walk a few blocks inward.
Best choices:
- Haesje Claes: Traditional Dutch restaurant. €25-€35 for three courses. Stamppot and pea soup are excellent.
- Café de Jaren: Canal-side terrace. €15-€20 for lunch. Good for people-watching.
- Albert Heijn To Go: Supermarket sandwiches for €4-€6. Perfect for a quick, cheap meal.
Avoid: Any restaurant with a menu written in five languages and a staff member waving you in. They're overpriced and mediocre.
Oud-West
Up-and-coming food district near Vondelpark. More locals, fewer tourists.
Don't miss:
- Foodhallen (see above)
- Bakhuys: Artisan bakery. €3-€5 for pastries. Try the kaneelbroodje (cinnamon roll).
- De Struisvogel: African restaurant. €20-€30 for dinner. Unique flavors you won't find elsewhere.
Practical Tips for Eating in Amsterdam
Reservations
- Book for dinner, especially Friday-Saturday. Use TheFork or direct restaurant websites.
- Lunch and breakfast rarely need reservations except at popular spots like Winkel 43.
- Michelin-starred restaurants require bookings 2-4 weeks ahead.
Tipping
- Service charge is included in prices. Round up for good service (5-10%).
- No need to tip for street food or market stalls.
Dietary Restrictions
- Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful. Amsterdam has 50+ fully vegan restaurants.
- Gluten-free is harder but improving. Check HappyCow for dedicated spots.
- Halal options exist in De Pijp and around Nieuwmarkt.
Opening Hours
- Most restaurants open 11:00 AM-10:00 PM. Kitchens close 9:30 PM-10:30 PM.
- Breakfast spots open 7:00 AM-8:00 AM.
- New for 2026: Regular restaurants close at 2:00 AM on weekends, 1:00 AM on weekdays.
Money-Saving Tips
- Supermarket meals: Albert Heijn has €5 "meal deals" (main + side + drink). Jumbo is similar.
- Lunch menus: Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch versions of dinner dishes (€15-€25 vs €35-€50).
- Markets: Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen are cheaper than sit-down restaurants.
- Tap water: Free and safe. Ask for "kraanwater" (tap water).
FAQ
Question: How much should I budget for food per day in Amsterdam?
For budget travelers: €20-€30 (supermarket meals, street food, one sit-down lunch). Mid-range: €50-€70 (one market meal, one restaurant dinner, drinks). Luxury: €100+ (Michelin-starred or high-end dining).
Question: Is Amsterdam expensive for food in 2026?
Yes, compared to other European cities. The VAT increase on hotels and dining (from 9% to 21% as of January 2026) has pushed prices up 10-15% across the board. However, street food and markets remain affordable.
Question: What's the best time to eat dinner in Amsterdam?
Dinner service typically starts at 5:00 PM, with peak demand from 7:00 PM-9:00 PM. Reserve for 6:30 PM or 8:30 PM to avoid crowds. Many restaurants offer early-bird discounts before 6:30 PM.
Question: Do I need to tip in Amsterdam restaurants?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Service charge is included in prices. Round up to the nearest €5 or leave 5-10% for excellent service. No tipping at fast food or markets.
Question: What local dishes should I absolutely try?
Herring sandwich (broodje haring), stroopwafels (fresh from market), bitterballen (fried meatballs), stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), poffertjes (mini pancakes), and Indonesian rijsttafel.
Question: Are there good vegetarian options in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam is very vegetarian-friendly. Dedicated vegetarian restaurants include De Waaghals, Spirit, and Vegabond. Most mainstream restaurants offer at least 2-3 vegetarian mains. Indonesian and Surinamese cuisines have excellent vegetable dishes.
Top experiences in Amsterdam
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