The best bistros in Amsterdam – not an easy list to make! It is difficult to make a complete list for this, because the options are endless it seems. Nevertheless, our capital offers a group of top of the bill hotspots that we would call our favorite bistros, so we are certain the list below will not disappoint. Bon appétit!
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You’ll want to have a quick meal at these 19 bistros in Amsterdam
Bistro, bistrot, tomato, tomatooo. Whichever way you look at it, bistros are making a comeback. These cosy cafes of French allure are opening their doors all over the place in Amsterdam. And we understand why: bistros are not stiff restaurants or noisy bars. But right in between, so a petit restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. It’s time to list 19 of the most excellent French bistros in Amsterdam!
Café Garçon
‘Enjoy French in Amsterdam Old South’ is the motto of Café Garçon, and we couldn’t have put it more catchily. This place has been known for years as one of Amsterdam’s most excellent French restaurants. The menu is extensive and consists of typical French classics. Wait, how about bouillabaisse, steak tartare, brioche with foie gras and steak au poivre? We already said it: it doesn’t get more French than this.
Johannes Verhulststraat 105, Amsterdam, cafegarcon.nl
© Café Garçon
Brasserie Margaux
At Brasserie Margaux (the younger sister of Café Garçon) you will feel like you are in a French restaurant. Think of bar stools made of dark red leather, frivolous lamps on the wall, marble tables and floor (fun fact: this is laid by hand and consists of more than 22,000 tiles), dark wood and curtains that cover half of the floor. covering the window and serving food on French porcelain.
Beethovenstraat 27A, Amsterdam, brasseriemargaux.nl
© Brasserie Margaux
Libertine Petit Café
Every Monday morning, Libertines regulars sip their cappuccino before taking a tour of the Noordermarkt. Libertine grew into a real household name in the Jordaan and surrounding areas, attracting people from all over the city. At Libertine, you can enjoy French classics, good wines and a cup of coffee from early morning until late evening. And all this with a view of the beautiful Noorderkerk.
Noordermarkt 4, Amsterdam, libertine.amsterdam
© Libertine, @libertine.amsterdam
More best bistros in Amsterdam
Bistro de la Mer
Fancy dining? That is also possible at a bistro. One at a high level, that is. Meet Bistro de la Mer, which received a Michelin star in 2023 for its excellent cooking. The dishes are based on the ideas behind typical French classics, but in a modern way – focusing on fish. Tuna ‘O-toro‘, candied langoustine, ray wing and turbot are just a small selection from the selection. When Bistro de la Mer is full, Utrechtsestraat is still packed with other good restaurants. Visit De Juwelier* (from the same owners) or Klein Breda, further down the street.
Utrechtsestraat 57, Amsterdam, bistrodelamer.com
© Bistro de la Mer
Café Parlotte
Oh, Café Parlotte is a personal favourite! On a spontaneous evening, you can often find a seat at the bar at Parlotte. And there you are, close to the fire: it is easy to be seduced by the enormous wine knowledge of the staff. In addition to a chef’s menu, Parlotte also offers a concise à la carte menu, of which the shells in red sauce are the big crowd-puller.
Westerstraat 182, Amsterdam, parlotte.nl
© Parlotte, @cafe_parlotte
Ô Bistro
Ô Bistro has been located on the Lindengracht since 2020 – an affordable bistro where quality is of paramount importance. The chefs met at Restaurant Arles (see below) and decided to take matters into their own hands, resulting in their restaurant on the Lindengracht. If you dine there, save room for dessert. Their ‘mousse ô chocolat’ is heavenly. Reservations are a must – they are fully booked on average about three weeks in advance.
Lindengracht 248, Amsterdam, obistro.nl
© Ô Bistro, @obistro_amsterdam
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Le French Café
Last year, Le French Café opened at the Bar Spek location. The store has a cosy appearance, including typical French white tiles on the walls. For those in the know, the first store still exists and attracts full houses on Javastraat. Both establishments are packed with French classics and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ve come to the right place for an evening filled with French wine, champagne and oysters but also for a hearty lunch, dinner or apéro.
Javastraat 42 and Admiraal de Ruijterweg 1, Amsterdam, lefrenchcafe.nl
© Le French Café, @le.french.cafe
Restaurant Arles
It’s not a classic, but a neo-bistro: they do things differently at Arles. Every month, chef Numa Muller develops a new three-, four-, and five-course menu that surprises with its flavour combinations and simplicity. Then there are the matching wines: they are of the best quality at Arles. Like neo-bistros, they experiment with established wineries and innovative natural wines.
Govert Flinckstraat 251, Amsterdam, arles-amsterdam.nl
© Restaurant Arles, @restaurantarles
Bistrot Les Zazous
France offers the best, with a Dutch touch and a leading role in high-quality wines. At Bistrot Les Zazous Amsterdam, they do things just a little differently. We won’t say no to French classics in a living room setting. That’s unnecessary at Les Zazous in Amsterdam East because they serve it there. all day (at least on Wednesday to Friday from 12:00 noon).
Piraeusplein 59, Amsterdam, leszazous.nl
© Bistrot Les Zazous Amsterdam, @bistro_les_lazous
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La Parole
At La Parole in Amsterdam-West (a stone’s throw from the Foodhallen, to be precise), you have a good chance of being served by owner Manuel Broekman. The staff serves French classics (with a modern twist here and there) with extraordinary expertise. The wines are also exclusively French, just like the decor and the wide range of dishes on the menu. Create your menu or be surprised by the chef’s selection.
Kwakersstraat 24, Amsterdam, laparole.nl
© La Parole, @laparole
Libertine Cafés des Prés
After the resounding success of Libertine Petit Café on the Noordermarkt (see above), Libertine Cafés des Prés in De Pijp became a reality in 2023. From Wednesday to Sunday, from lunch until midnight, you can enjoy dishes inspired by French cuisine, as you are used to from Libertine. The decor and ambience are also similar. The small tables, French influences and an interior in white, red and earth tones feel familiar.
Gerard Douplein 10H, Amsterdam, libertine.amsterdam
© Libertine Café Des Prés
Le Forel
In the beautiful Bosboom Toussaintstraat, you will find Le Forel – a French restaurant in Amsterdam with fresh fish daily and a menu that adapts to the supply. Consider specialities like lobster mac & cheese, sole à la meunière, and classic bisque.
Bosboom Toussaintstraat 70, Amsterdam, leforel.nl
© le forel
Gertrude
Not far from Le Forel, you will find the cosy Gertrude. It is a relatively dark place with vintage tableware you only find in France. Chef Amadou Dia cooks with ingredients that vary with the season and can repeatedly create surprising flavours. Don’t expect anything complicated – his dishes excel in their simplicity.
Bosboom Toussaintstraat 28H, Amsterdam, gertrudeamsterdam.nl
Gertrude, Amsterdam ©Facebook
More best bistros in Amsterdam
Gitane
Officially speaking, Gitane has French, Greek, and other southern European influences. Either way, this is still where you want to be for small and large appetites, natural wine, or much-needed caffeine shots. As far as we are concerned, it is the new hotspot in Amsterdam West where you want to get a reservation as quickly as possible.
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 146, Amsterdam, restaurantgitane.nl
© Café Restaurant Gitane Amsterdam
Gossler & Florin
A modern brasserie with international allure, in the style of the Atelier Daalder that was previously housed in the building on the Lindengracht. Gossler & Florin has been a real hit since Daalder’s departure. Whatever you want, with their classic dishes with a modern twist. At Gossler and Florin, you will discover flavours you didn’t know you were missing.
Lindengracht 90, Amsterdam, brasseriegf.com
© Goffler & Florentin, @brasseriegf
Troef
In September 2023, Troef opened its doors in Amsterdam East. It is one of the most special bistros in Amsterdam, where chef Raymond Plat is at the helm – previously known for working at Restaurant 212. Bistro Troef has been very full since its opening. This is not only due to the cosy interior and ditto atmosphere. Their dishes are unique, even if you are a seasoned bistro goer. So give it a try.
Schollenbrugstraat 8, Amsterdam, troefamsterdam.nl
© Troef, @troef.amsterdam
More best bistros in Amsterdam
bistro baret
Hidden in a small street around the corner from Carré, you will find the cosy Bistro Baret. Completely transformed into an authentic French-style bistro. The menu is not too extensive and is filled with solely French classics. This makes it the perfect place for dinner at the start of your theatre evening.
Korte Amstelstraat 18, Amsterdam, bistrobaret.nl
©
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bistrot neuf
Bistrot Neuf is located at the very beginning of Haarlemmerstraat. A not too large place to enjoy lunch, dinner and delicious wines. The menu includes French classics such as fish soup from Marseille, escargots and brioches.
Haarlemmerstraat 9, Amsterdam, bistrotneuf.nl
© Bistrot Neuf, @bistrot_neuf
Buffet van Odette
Of course, Buffet van Odette (Amsterdam city centre) should not be missed in this bistro list. This cosy bistro is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And all this here in a comfortable, warm interior. And do you have something to celebrate? Then, inquire about their private dining options.
Prinsengracht 598, Amsterdam, buffet-amsterdam.nl
© Buffet van Odette, @buffetvanodette
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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