21 X BOB food & drinks spots in Amsterdam that everyone should know about

A list of Black-owned restaurants in Amsterdam. It's actually strange that when you search for them, you can't really find them. As a mixed couple who travels the world for food, it's practically a given that we visit a wide variety of restaurants and Asian restaurants. Sometimes because we're craving a specific dish, sometimes because we're looking for that one ingredient. I briefly hesitated about whether I should even make a list like this. I always share my personal favorites on Your Little Black Book, but I can't be 100% comprehensive. And with a list of Black-owned restaurants in Amsterdam, you want to be as comprehensive as possible so as not to leave anyone out. If you know of a great restaurant that isn't on this list yet, please let us know via the Tip the Editors button!

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Diversity: from fusion to authentic food

This wonderful BOB list is far from complete. I really had to think about how to structure this list without offending followers and readers. For instance, I have never received so many reactions after creating a much-requested list like the shortlist (which isn't so short) of Surinamese restaurants in Amsterdam . Aside from the fact that it wasn't complete (which is hardly possible with so much on offer in the city), I also received comments along the lines that it must have been made by a white person because it included establishments that aren't authentic. That hurts. After all, is a Suriname-inspired hotspot with fusion food worth less than a takeout spot selling authentic roti? In my opinion, it is precisely that diversity that matters, allowing you to show a large audience that there is more to the world than a plate of oysters and a glass of white wine (however tasty) that we write about often enough here.

For all the lists that add color to Your Little Black Book, I ask followers for input so I can also research and feature those gems in neighborhoods I don't visit weekly. That's how the idea for this list of black-owned restaurants in Amsterdam came about a few weeks ago. Or the designated driver list for Amsterdam's hospitality businesses, whatever you want to call it. With the help of many acquaintances and hospitality industry friends, you can read the tips here. Each one features businesses where one of the owners has roots in places like Suriname, the Caribbean, or Africa. Use it to your advantage, because if you're going out to eat this weekend, choose a place you might not know yet to support your fellow Amsterdammers!

22 Tips for Black-Owned Restaurants in Amsterdam

Spang Makandra: Do you regularly get takeout? Although you can also eat in, according to one of my dear friends, this is the best place for Surinamese food in Amsterdam. One of the first warungs to open in Amsterdam, it has three locations: in East, New West, and South.
Multiple locations, Amsterdam – spangmakandra.nl

Seasalt & Chocolate: I really liked this tip that came in. First, eat at Mooshka and then go to Seasalt & Chocolate for dessert. Definitely worth remembering! I'll be back soon to try the carrot cake.
Sint Willibrordusstraat 58H, Amsterdam – seasaltandchocolate.nl

Mr. Blou I love You: This kiosk is located on the Elandsgracht canal and is a must-visit for anyone who loves falafel. A nice detail: the owner, Mr. Blou, previously worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants.
Elandsgracht 150, Amsterdam – Facebook 

Bar Pamela: Bar Pamala is anything but boring. The interior is colorful, the cocktails and shots flow freely, they have surprising bites and snacks, and a lovely terrace.
Jacob van Lennepstraat 86H, Amsterdam – pamela.amsterdam

Locals Coffee: How could I have forgotten this one in the first draft of this BOB list? I'm a regular here myself and hadn't even thought of it. In case you haven't heard of Locals Coffee yet… it's one of the best coffee shops in De Pijp. It's truly meant for catching up with friends and having lunch, not a place to plop down with your laptop. Offline coffee lovers, it is. They also have a lovely terrace.
First Jacob van Campenstraat 27-H, Amsterdam – localscoffee.nl

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Ricardo's Eatery: A classic on Javastraat that many of you probably know. For takeaway, delivery, or to eat in. For all your sweet drink cravings you can't find everywhere and the most delicious nasi with chicken. While there are many other delicious options on the menu, like moksi alesi and roti, I rarely browse them because I already know what I want.
Javastraat 47, Amsterdam – eetricardos.nl

Canary Club & The FoodhallenIt's so impressive what the guys from these now-important Amsterdam establishments have accomplished. The Kanarieclub is an all-day hotspot where you can relax with your laptop in the morning and dine and win in the evening. And the Foodhallen, perfect for a bite to eat before a movie.
Bellamyplein 51, Amsterdam – kanarieclub.nl

Maze: This is the place to be in Amsterdam for cocktail, soul food, and poetry evenings. It guarantees a special night out in Oud Zuid, near Vondelpark. Enjoy African-Caribbean food, linger for a cocktail, and keep an eye out for special performances at their events.
Amstelveenseweg 53 Amsterdam – labyrinthamsterdam.nl

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Reggae Rita's: The go-to place for Jamaican food in Amsterdam West. If you're looking for something different than sandwiches and cheese for a business lunch, you've come to the right place. You can eat in or have Rita's food delivered to your door during a night in with Netflix. Whatever you're in the mood for!
Frederik Hendrikstraat 22, Amsterdam – reggaerita.com

Fresh Leaves: If you're in the mood for BBQ chicken, I've been told this is one of the places to go. They're in World of Food, definitely a food court worth exploring for its variety of delicious food from all over the world. Handy: they also deliver!
Develstein 100C, Amsterdam

Majesty Cake: They're works of art. Majesteit Taart's cakes. Almost too beautiful to eat, though I highly recommend you do. The cakes and pastries are just as delicious as they look, I can tell you from personal experience. We also offer custom cakes!
Javastraat 5, Amsterdam – majestycake.nl

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African Kitchen: I haven't been there myself yet, but I'm intrigued. African Kitchen in Southeast is the place to be for West African food, specifically Nigerian specialties.
Wisseloord 85, Amsterdam – Africankitchen.nl

Nono Cakes: Are you vegan or have a cow's milk allergy? Then you'll want to keep Nono Cakes in mind. This pastry shop in Southeast Amsterdam makes the most delicious vegan, and therefore cruelty-free, pastries, cakes, and tarts every day.
Veldhuizenstraat 5, Amsterdam – nonocakes.com

Yemaya: A vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Southeast with a beautiful story and a strong focus on the community. Healthy, delicious, and fresh daily. The menu is diverse, from pitas to soup and vegan burgers and pizza. I've been told the peanut soup is a must-try!
Reigersbos 3A, Amsterdam – yemaya.estate

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⋙ Are you following me on Instagram yet? On @YOULRBB, I share personal tips about delicious food and new spots (almost) every day, and give a personal glimpse into my life as an entrepreneur and mom to a two-year-old. Do you like kids' tips? Then also follow my dedicated @TRAVELKIDS.CO account about family travel and fun things to do with kids.

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