Leo Amsterdam // Your Little Black Book

10 March 2025

Photo credit: Leo © Your Little Black Book

Amsterdam East has just gained another gem! On the always vibrant Beukenplein, Leo has opened its doors: a café, bar, and bistro where you can enjoy a fun evening starting from your drink. On weekends, they open as early as 10:00 AM, making Leo a great spot for brunch or lunch in Amsterdam East. For me, Leo has the perfect bistro vibe: cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere, delicious dishes, and reasonable prices. Another plus: they have a lovely (heated) terrace open all year round!

Leo © Your Little Black Book

Leo is a cozy café, bistro, and bar all in one

What makes Leo one of those places you keep returning to is that you can visit it with any kind of company. Truly a neighborhood favorite. Whether you’re having some wine with a friend, grabbing a bite with your parents, or going out for a weekend lunch with the kids—Leo is always a fun spot, and everyone feels at home here.

What I love about the place is that the atmosphere shifts with the time of day. While you can sit down for coffee at 10:00 AM on weekends, on Fridays and Saturdays, you can stay until 03:00 AM, drinking and partying until the lights go out. So, it’s also a great spot to remember for that last drink on your way home! ;-)

Leo © Your Little Black Book

The Menu and Interior of Leo

At Leo, it’s all about the perfect balance between casual and classy, and they’ve nailed it. The interior is warm and I’d best describe it as a modern brown café with bistro vibes and beautiful details. The menu is a delightful collection of classic bistro dishes and Mediterranean favorites.

The melanzane is fantastic, and I’ve ordered the smashburgers many times. Also, the steak tartare, burrata, and—well, what isn’t good? During the day, there are also various tasty sandwiches on the menu. Heading to Leo for drinks? The snack menu offers both modern snacks and classic bites, which for me is the perfect mix that pairs wonderfully with their specially brewed beers.