19 of the best bistros in Amsterdam for that French feeling

The best bistros of Amsterdam – that's a good question! Compiling a complete list is no small feat, as the selection is enormous. Nevertheless, our capital city offers a lot of good things, and we dare say with certainty that the selection below will never disappoint. Bon appétit!

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You'll want to dine at these 19 bistros in Amsterdam soon

Bistro, bistrot, tomato, tomatooo. Whichever way you look at it, bistros are back in style. These cozy cafes with French allure are popping up everywhere in Amsterdam. And we understand why: bistros aren't stuffy restaurants or noisy pubs. They're right in the middle, a small restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. It's high time for a list of the 19 best bistros in Amsterdam!

Dinette

Dinette is the newest bistro from the team behind Verlan en Slope7 – and what a great place this has become. Remember this place for your next fun date ;-). Thank me later!
Situated on one of the Jordaan's most charming streets, overlooking the iconic Westertoren tower, this is the kind of bistro where you'll spontaneously linger. Whether you're in the mood for a good glass of wine and some snacks at the bar or a leisurely weekend lunch, you'll find what you're looking for. The menu is packed with classics that should never be forgotten (the shrimp cocktail is sacred), and host and owner Tijn ensures it's always lively and welcoming.
Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 10A, Amsterdam – cafedinette.nl

Dinette © Your Little Black Book

Roux 

Roux Amsterdam is such a familiar bistro that you get the feeling it's been around for years. The interior is warm, and at this relatively new bistro in the Jordan You can enjoy fantastic food. Roux's menu is packed with classics with a modern twist. If you're on a date, I think the drinks at the bar are the best. You can watch the chef and team busy in the kitchen and see exactly what you want to order!
Westerstraat 132, Amsterdam, restaurantroux.nl

Roux © Your Little Black Book

Café Garçon

"Enjoy French food in Oud-Zuid" is Café Garçon's motto, and we couldn't have put it more aptly. For years, this place has been known as one of Amsterdam's most charming French restaurants. The extensive menu features typical French classics. How about bouillabaisse, steak tartare, brioche with foie gras, and steak au poivre? We've said it before: it doesn't get more French than this.
Johannes Verhulststraat 105, Amsterdam, cafegarcon.nl

© Café Garçon

Brasserie Margaux

At Brasserie Margaux (Café Garçon's younger sister), you'll feel like you're in a French bistro. Think dark red leather bar stools, playful wall lamps, marble tables and flooring (fun fact: it's hand-laid and made of over 22.000 tiles), dark wood, and curtains that cover half the window, and food served on French porcelain.
Beethovenstraat 27A, Amsterdam, brasseriemargaux.nl

© Brasserie Margaux

Le French Café

Last year, Le French Café opened in the Bar Spek location. The venue has a cozy atmosphere, complete with typically French white tiles on the walls. For those in the know: the first location still exists and still draws crowds on Javastraat. Both establishments are packed with French classics and have a relaxed atmosphere. They're the perfect place for an evening filled with French wine, champagne, and oysters, but also great for a hearty lunch, dinner, or aperitif.
Javastraat 42 and Admiral de Ruijterweg 1, Amsterdam, lefrenchcafe.nl

© Le French Café, @le.french.cafe

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Bistro de la Mer

Fancy dining? That's also possible at a bistro. A top-notch one, that is. Meet Bistro de la Mer, which received a Michelin star in 2023 for its outstanding cuisine. The dishes are based on the philosophy behind typical French classics, but with a modern twist – with a focus on fish. Tuna 'O-toro', candied langoustine, skate wing, and turbot are just a few of the selection. If Bistro de la Mer is full, Utrechtsestraat is teeming with other excellent restaurants. Consider visiting De Juwelier* (owned by the same owners) or Klein Breda, just down the street.
Utrechtsestraat 57, Amsterdam, bistrodelamer.com

© Bistro de la Mer

Café Parlotte

Oh, Café Parlotte, a personal favorite! On a spontaneous evening, you can often find a spot at the bar at Parlotte. And there you're right up against the action: it's easy to be seduced by the staff's extensive wine knowledge. Besides a chef's menu, Parlotte also offers a concise à la carte menu, with the scallops in red sauce being the real crowd-pleaser.
Westerstraat 182, Amsterdam, parlotte.nl

© Parlotte, @cafe_parlotte

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Libertine Petit Café

Every Monday morning, Libertine's regulars sip their cappuccino before strolling around the Noordermarkt. Libertine has become a true institution in the Jordaan and surrounding area, attracting people from all over the city. From early morning until late at night, you can visit Libertine for French classics, fine wines, and of course, a cup of coffee. And all with a view of the magnificent Noorderkerk church.
Noordermarkt 4, Amsterdam, libertine.amsterdam

© Libertine, @libertine.amsterdam

Restaurant Arles

Not a classic bistro, but a neo-bistro: at Arles, they do things a little differently. Every month, chef Numa Muller develops a new three-, four-, and five-course menu that surprises with its flavor combinations and simplicity. And then there's the pairing wines: at Arles, they're top-notch. And as is the custom with a neo-bistro, they experiment freely with established wineries and innovative natural wines.
Govert Flinckstraat 251, Amsterdam, arles-amsterdam.nl

© Restaurant Arles, @restaurantarles

Bistrot Les Zazous

The best France has to offer, with a Dutch twist and a starring role for high-quality wines. At Bistrot Les Zazous Amsterdam, they do things a little differently. French classics in a living room setting – we simply can't say no to that. And you don't have to at Les Zazous either. Amsterdam East, because they serve them there all day long (at least: Wednesday through Friday from 12.00 noon).
Piraeusplein 59, Amsterdam, leszazous.nl

© Bistrot Les Zazous Amsterdam, @bistro_les_lazous

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The speech

At La Parole in Amsterdam-West (a stone's throw from the Foodhallen, to be precise), you're likely to be served by owner Manuel Broekman. With the utmost expertise, the staff serves French classics (with a modern twist here and there). The wines are also exclusively French, as is the decor and the extensive menu. Create your own menu or be surprised by the chef's selection.
Kwakersstraat 24, Amsterdam, laparole.nl

© La Parole, @laparoleamsterdam

Libertine Cafés des Prés

Following the resounding success of Libertine Petit Café on the Noordermarkt (see above), Libertine Cafés des Prés in De Pijp opened in 2023. From Wednesday to Sunday, you can enjoy French-inspired dishes from lunch until midnight, just like you've come to expect from Libertine. The decor and ambiance 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

Gertrude

Not far from Le Forel, you'll find the cozy Gertrude. A dark restaurant with vintage tableware you'll only find in France. Chef Amadou Dia cooks with ingredients that change with the seasons, creating surprising flavors time and time again. Don't expect anything complicated – his dishes excel in their simplicity.
Bosboom Toussaintstraat 28H, Amsterdam, gertrudeamsterdam.nl

Gertrude, Amsterdam ©Facebook

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Gitane

Officially, Gitane doesn't just have French influences, but also Greek and other Southern European influences. Regardless, this is still the place to be for both small and large appetites, natural wine, or your much-needed caffeine fix. In our opinion, it's the new hotspot in Amsterdam-West where you'll want to snag a reservation ASAP.
Jan Pieter Heijestraat 146, Amsterdam, restaurantgitane.nl

© Café Restaurant Gitane Amsterdam

Trump

Troef opened its doors in Amsterdam-Oost in September 2023. One of Amsterdam's most unique bistros, helmed by chef Raymond Plat, previously known for his Michelin-star restaurant 212, is Troef. Since its opening, bistro Troef has been incredibly busy. This isn't just because of the cozy interior and atmosphere. No, the dishes they serve are truly exceptional, even if you're a seasoned bistro-goer. So, give it a try.
Schollenbrugstraat 8, Amsterdam, troefamsterdam.nl

© Troef, @troef.amsterdam

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bistro beret

Tucked away in a small street around the corner from Carré, you'll find the cozy Bistro Baret. It's been completely transformed into a true French bistro. The menu isn't overly extensive and features only French classics. This makes it the perfect spot for a dinner before your theater night.
Korte Amstelstraat 18, Amsterdam, bistrobaret.nl

© Bistro Baret, @bistrobaret

Ô Bistro

Ô Bistro has been located on the Lindengracht since 2020 – an affordable bistro where quality is paramount. The chefs met at Restaurant Arles (see below) and decided to take matters into their own hands, resulting in their bistro on the Lindengracht. If you dine there, be sure to save room for dessert. Their "mousse ô chocolat" is divine. Reservations are essential – they're typically fully booked about three weeks in advance.
Lindengracht 248, Amsterdam, obistro.nl

© Ô Bistro, @obistro_amsterdam

Odette's buffet

Of course Odette's Buffet (Amsterdam-Centrum) shouldn't be missing from this bistro list. This cozy bistro is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And all of this in a welcoming, warm interior. And if you have something to celebrate, inquire about their private dining options.
Prinsengracht 598, Amsterdam, buffet-amsterdam.nl

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