If you’re a fan of spontaneity, dining out in Amsterdam might seem like an impossible option. One restaurant has an even longer waiting list than the other, and with some, it seems like you always miss the boat. But don’t despair because there are plenty of restaurants where you can dine without a reservation. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of all the restaurants for a spontaneous evening in Amsterdam.
Dining in Amsterdam without reservation
Spontaneously dining out in Amsterdam is often a rarity, but not when it comes to the establishments listed below. Joining in without reservation is still the most natural thing in the world there, and to our delight, they have no intention of changing that. Discover the restaurants in Amsterdam where you can dine without a reservation.
Cafรฉ Binnenvisser – Amsterdam West
Cafรฉ Binnenvisser is a well-known establishment in Amsterdam and its surroundings, and one of the finest places to drop by spontaneously. The wine is always ready, and even if a table isn’t immediately available, waiting with a drink in hand is far from unpleasant. Spontaneous dining in Amsterdam at its best, indeed.
Cafรฉ Binnenvisser, Bilderdijkstraat 36
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Calisto Amsterdam – Amsterdam Center
At the brand-new hotel and restaurant Calisto in the Haarlemmerbuurt, you can only dine without a reservation, just like its sibling Cafรฉ Binnenvisser. The menu ranges from pasta to small dishes of fish, meat, and vegetables to share with the table.
Restaurant Calisto, Haarlemmerdijk 61
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Spaghetteria – Amsterdam
Since the opening of its first establishment, Spaghetteria has proven to be a resounding success. The owners now possess eight locations in Amsterdam and six outside the capital city. The concept is simple yet effective: fresh kinds of pasta, homemade sauces, a concise wine list, renowned velvety scroppinos, and a selection of classics that never grow old.
Find Spaghetteria Amsterdam at the following addresses:
- Kuipersstraat 60
- Jan Pieter Heijestraat 131
- Javaplein 7a
- Daniรซl Stalpertstraat 93
- Jan Hanzenstraat 32
- Olympiaplein 176
- Gerard Callenburgstraat 1
- Van Woustraat 123
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Cafรฉ Beurre – Amsterdam West
Not far from Chez Nina – a favorite! – is Cafรฉ Beurre, which has been around for a while. At this restaurant, you’ll taste rich flavors, butter is not shied away from – living up to its name – and the wine flows generously. In our opinion, it’s a perfect spot for a spontaneous evening in Amsterdam.
Cafรฉ Beurre, Van Limburg Stirumstraat 115
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Wijmpje Beukers – Amsterdam Pijp
Eetcafรฉ Wijmpje Beukers is a classic in the De Pijp neighborhood. There are several standout dishes on the menu that you must try at least once. The bread with miso butter and ginger aioli is one of them, along with BBQ roasted cabbage and the cornish hen (if you consume meat). The atmosphere is casual, and thanks to the friendly staff, you’ll immediately feel at ease.
Wijmpje Beukers, Karel du Jardinstraat 47
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Eetcafeฬ Schotsheuvel – Amsterdam South
From the same creators as Wijmpje Beukers comes Eetcafรฉ Schotsheuvel in South. You can dine there for lunch and dinner without reservation. If you do, try the sea bream tartare or the goat cheese flan – and don’t forget to leave room for the cherry cheesecake, especially.
Eetcafรฉ Schotsheuvel, Banstraat 14
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Bar du Champagne – Amsterdam Center
The trendy Bar du Champagne operates exclusively on walk-ins and is in a cozy basement on Rokin, right in the heart of the city center. The small dishes are sublime, and the down-to-earth attitude of the staff – no endless stories about champagne in this place – is refreshing. At Bar du Champagne, you’ll also learn the joy of champagne tasting and how much one champagne can differ from another. In short: whether you’re spontaneous or not, you’ll want to visit this place.
Bar du Champagne, Rokin 91a
May it be clear: dining out spontaneously in Amsterdam, without a reservation, is possible – you need to know where you can go.
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Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Fabrique des Lumiรจres
โ NXT Museum
โ STRAAT street art museum
โ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
โ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
โ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
โ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
โ Pancake Cruise
โ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
โ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
โ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
โ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
โ Private Canal Boat Tour
โ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
โ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
โ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
โ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
โ Youseum
โ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
โ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
โ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
โ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at โฌ 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
โ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
โ Go an a bike tour with the kids
โ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Paddle board tour on the canals
โ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
โ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
โ 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 // โฌโฌโฌ
โพ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
โพ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
โพ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
โพ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
โพ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
โพ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // โฌโฌ
โพ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
โพ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel รกnd great value for money with a spa.
โพ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
โพ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
โพ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
โพ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
โพ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
โพ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
โพ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
โพ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
โพ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // โฌ
โพ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
โพ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
โพ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
โพ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
โพ 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.