Rainarai central market hall amsterdam
© Rainarai, @rainarairestaurant

Raïnaraï Central Market Hall Amsterdam: the place in West to visit quickly

Emma

 

March 18 2025

At the beginning of this century, Laurent Med Khellout Rainaraï in Amsterdam. His goal? To introduce people to Algerian-nomadic cuisine. That was 24 years ago, and his concept has become a favorite with young and old in Amsterdam. In addition to the three existing locations, Raïnaraï Centrale Markthal Amsterdam is bigger than ever, with room for almost 1000 (!) guests.

Atmosphere and interior at Raïnaraï Central Market Hall Amsterdam

In addition to the locations in Westerpark, on Prinsengracht, and on Westerstraat, it's time for an expansion that extends even further into Amsterdam West. To the Central Market Hall, to be precise. A place you knew until a few years ago as the location of the nightclub De Marktkantine, now one of Amsterdam's most unique dining destinations under the name Food Center Amsterdam. The Market Hall has existed since 1934 and owes its name to its function at the time: a fruit and vegetable market, built to replace the market on Marnixstraat. At this impressive location, you can now dine in an Eastern-themed atmosphere.

Visiting Raïnaraï's delicatessen on Westerstraat feels like stepping into a souk. The Market Hall is no different, except that the scale is significantly larger: here, there's room for around a thousand guests, without sacrificing hospitality.

Menu and dishes at Raïnaraï Central Market Hall

The menu includes the well-known classics that Rainaraï have made it so popular over the years. Think of an extensive mezze dinner, just like at the Westerpark location, or the delicious pastries and typical Algerian dishes you can pick up at the catering locations.

The fennel salad with figs and garlic yogurt, for example, is a big favorite, as are the merguez with chickpeas and the deedee (sashimi tuna with bell peppers and green beans). For dessert, you simply can't miss the baklava. Whether the famous apple pie will also be available at the Central Market Hall is still uncertain.

Rainarai central market hall amsterdam

© Rainarai, @rainarairestaurant

Rainarai central market hall amsterdam

© Rainarai, @rainarairestaurant

Raïnaraï is perfect for a big tasting with friends

Food Center Amsterdam is a fantastic place to visit on a Friday evening with a group of friends or colleagues. Hop from stall to stall for the most delicious dishes from all over the world, or linger all evening at Raïnaraï for a lavish mezze dinner.

Tip: you can also find these (new) restaurants in West

more Amsterdam tips

Things to do in Amsterdam

view all 24 tips here

Best Hotels in Amsterdam

view all 16 tips here

LET'S GET SOCIAL

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

Fancy a break from the city? 🍂 These are my favourite walking & drinks spots in the Netherlands. To be honest... I don't see myself living outside the city anytime soon, but on weekends I love getting out into nature. That's why I've created a YLBB shortlist of the most beautiful walking areas, complete with a great drinks spot nearby. My perfect Sunday? First a walk, then relaxing somewhere with a treat or a hot chocolate (or, of course, a glass of wine and bitterballen!). 📍From Lage Vuursche to the Waterleidingduinen and the Amsterdamse Bos, I share my favourites in this video. But... there are of course many more lovely places in the Netherlands where you can enjoy a drink after a walk. Which tip do you think is a must-see? 👇 Save this post to get out into nature this season or forward it to your walking date. 🍁 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #hikinginthenetherlands #drinksspot #discoveringthenetherlands #natureinthenetherlands #autumnroutes #hikingtips #dutchautumn #walks #naturewalk #weekendtips #netherlandsholiday #drinks #outdoorlife #amsterdamweekend #thingstodonetherlands #yourlbb
Forget the classic omakase experience in Amsterdam, this is something else. Hidden inside burger spot @paindemie_amsterdam and inspired by the Tokyo subway, you'll find @moyo_amsterdam. A new hotspot redefining the omakase concept. Chef @guillaumedebeer is behind this next-level concept, and it shows in every creative detail. But here O-toro and Wagyu take the stage 🥩. It's intimate, creative, and seriously one of the most exciting new openings in Amsterdam right now. Save this for your next special dinner night 🔥 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdam #amsterdamcity #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdamtravel
The most beautiful l𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘁𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀 for your 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 this season The days are getting shorter, the evenings longer… And honestly? I secretly think that’s one of the nicest things about this season. Because the transition from autumn to winter means: light festivals! ✨ All over the Netherlands, cities, parks and castles light up with light art, projections and installations that you’ll love to see them all. What once started with the Amsterdam Light Festival has grown into one of the most beautiful winter traditions in the country, if you ask me! Most light festivals also offer cozy hot chocolate and food stalls for something tasty to go. Perfect for a winter evening with your loved one, family, or friends. Can you picture yourself strolling past artworks that transform streets, parks, and canals into a fairytale, with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand? 📍From North Holland to Gelderland, I'm sharing all the tips in a comprehensive article on Your Little Black Book, featuring the best light festivals in almost every province in the Netherlands. Trust me: this is such a special outing to brighten up the dark days. P.S. I'll also have exciting news about the @lefoodwalk at the @amsterdamlightfestival on Your Little Black Book soon! Have fun planning! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #lightfestival #netherlandstips #winterouting #yourlittleblackbook #thingstodo #lightart #amsterdamlightfestival #wintervibes #dayout #romanticouting #autumndinings #gluhweinmoment #fallinthenetherlands
Looking for the hottest new spot for a date night in Amsterdam City Center? Meet @littlebonfire.ams 🔥 With its cozy vibe it's the kind of place that feels like an extension of your living room: but with much better food and wine. On the ever changing menu you'll find classics to share: from pan con tomate with anchovies, stracciatella with zucchini and peas, to crispy eggplant, vitello and sea bass with clams. Don't skip dessert: the Basque cheesecake is already my favorite. This spot is perfect for a date night at the bar or dinner with the girls. I think Little Bonfire Amsterdam is a keeper in the city center! 📍Little Bonfire Amsterdam City Center Who are you taking here first? 🖤 ​​✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #LittleBonfireAmsterdam #AmsterdamRestaurants #DateNightAmsterdam #AmsterdamCityCentre #AmsterdamHotspots #Amsterdamfoodie #Amsterdamtravel #YourLittleBlackBook
@yourlbb_amsterdam

Travel Essentials

view all 36 tips here