A special occasion calls for a special place. So, finding a location can be tricky if you want to go all out and celebrate your birthday with a (intimate) dinner and your best friends. We’re happy to help: these are Amsterdam’s best restaurants for a birthday dinner.
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10 X Best restaurants for a birthday dinner in Amsterdam
There are few occasions as enjoyable and cosy as celebrating your birthday. Organising a dinner out is a good idea to avoid pre-birthday stress and hand off all the work (highly recommended!). But where should you go? In other words, what are the best restaurants for a birthday in Amsterdam with friends? The following overview will help you out.
Zum Barbarossa
Nestled beneath the Seafood Bar at Spui, you’ll find Zum Barbarossa, a tiny spot in the basement of the building, where you’ll feel transported to 1930s Paris for a moment. The space can be rented out entirely (after dining, you can also dance there) or per table. You’ll find the always-reliable classics you’re accustomed to from the Seafood Bar on the menu.
Voetboogstraat 1, Amsterdam, zumbarbarossa.com
© Zum Barbarossa, @zumbarbarossa
Parlotte
At Parlotte, you dine in an intimate setting. The space starts with a long bar where couples enjoy cosy drinks and dinners, followed by a wider area – perfect for a birthday dinner. If you’re with a group, they serve a fixed three- or four-course meal – always inspired by French cuisine and accompanied by matching wines.
Westerstraat 182, Amsterdam, parlotte.nl
© Parlotte, @cafe_parlotte
Helling7
Helling7 in Amsterdam North excels on various fronts; this place always offers an equally remarkable menu and one of the most beautiful views of Amsterdam. Located on the old NDSM Wharf, you dine in a cosy setting because Helling7 is for “everyone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously” but appreciates good food and a laid-back atmosphere. High-end cuisine in a relaxed style, indeed.
tt. Melissaweg 57, Amsterdam, helling7.nl
© Helling7, @Helling_7
Café Restaurant Amsterdam
Few restaurants are as iconic as Café Restaurant Amsterdam, also known as ‘Cradam’ in colloquial terms. The vast building is located just a stone’s throw away from Westerpark and is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, and car. You can dine there with Dutch classics and dishes without too much fuss, which does not compromise quality.
Watertorenplein 6, Amsterdam, cradam.nl
© Café Restaurant Amsterdam, @caferestaurantamsterdam
More of the best restaurants for a birthday dinner in Amsterdam
Cantine de Caron
Like Cradam, Cantine de Caron has a big space with plenty of tables to accommodate large groups. The menu features French influences and changes based on availability. Additionally, its location is ideal: near Westerpark with ample parking available, and those feeling youthful after dinner can easily stroll over to Club Radio Radio.
Pazzanistraat 8, Amsterdam, cantinedecaron.nl
© Cantine de Caron, @cantine_de_caron
De Willem
Since last year, De Willem has become the newest hotspot at Haarlemmerplein, and this establishment has become an integral part of Amsterdam’s hospitality scene. It’s consistently lively, the dishes are excellent, and the staff are enthusiastic every evening. There’s a café and a restaurant area – both offering dining options. In the café section, a private dining area in the basement can be fully booked for exclusive dining experiences in an ancient Amsterdam setting.
Haarlemmerplein 66, Amsterdam, de-willem.nl
© De Willem, @dewillem.amsterdam
Café Restaurant Metro
In Amsterdam-Noord, Café Restaurant Metro is a regular haunt for many Amsterdammers. Despite its spacious layout, Metro has a cosy atmosphere. They are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, so you can choose when to celebrate your birthday. The menu offers a concise selection of dinners, and a three-course menu is served for groups.
Asterweg 22, Amsterdam, caferestaurantmetro.nl
© Metro, @caferestaurantmetro
More of the best restaurants for a birthday dinner in Amsterdam
Vooges aan ‘t IJ
You’re in the right place at Vooges aan ‘t IJ for lunch, drinks, and dinner. Located where Meneer Nieges used to be, you can enjoy unique dishes with a view of the Amsterdam IJ river. The dinner menu is diverse: from oysters to bisque and tuna tataki to roasted beetroot and pumpkin ravioli – at Vooges aan ‘t IJ, vegetarians, seafood lovers, and carnivores are catered for. It is ideal for a birthday celebration with friends, indeed.
Westerdok 40H, Amsterdam, vooges.nl
© Vooges aan ‘t IJ, @vooges.aantij
Hotel De Goudfazant
De Goudfazant is a classic in Amsterdam North, beloved by Amsterdam’s citizens from all parts of the city for years. Hotel de Goudfazant serves high-quality wines and matching dishes. Despite the big space, the serving staff provide you with the most personal attention.
Aambeeldstraat 30, Amsterdam, hoteldegoudfazant.nl
© Hotel de Goudfazant, @hotel_de_goudfazant
Bar Bellini
In the heart of De Pijp, you’ll find Bar Bellini – a favourite within this district. That’s no surprise with an Italian kitchen and an eye for everything of high quality. But did you know that Bar Bellini has a separate space for private dining? In this section, they can accommodate 24 guests and serve a pre-set menu for drinks and food.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 17-19, Amsterdam, barbellini.nl
© Bar Bellini, @barbellini.ams
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.
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
