Seek and find
Last updated: February 24, 2025
One of the restaurants in East that I frequent? On the bustling Javastraat Where I often do my grocery shopping, Le French Café is a regular stop for lunch, drinks, or a bite to eat with friends. Here, the dynamism of Amsterdam meets the atmosphere of Paris. This bistro is a must-visit for anyone who loves French food, presented in an accessible style that perfectly suits Amsterdam East. No-nonsense, yet genuinely cozy, and the kind of place you'll keep coming back to.
Whether you fancy a classic croque monsieur for lunch, want to enjoy a delicious French snack platter or fancy a glass of wine... Le French Café You've come to the right place. In this article, I'll tell you why this hotspot shouldn't be missing from your list!
© Your Little Black Book
The atmosphere: a touch of Paris in Amsterdam
Let me start with the lovely terrace. You can enjoy a drink here year-round. But especially in the summer, with its bistro chairs and tables, you'll feel like you're at a hotspot in Le Marais.
And the moment you step inside Le French Café? You'll truly feel like you've stepped into a Parisian bistro. A warm interior, as if this place has always been like this. Wooden tables, various nooks, leather bistro benches, smoked glass mirrors, curtains, and French posters on the walls.
There's even a Chef's Bar with a view of the station where the seafood is prepared. Going on a date? Then this is a great place to make a reservation! You're truly transported to another world here, right in the heart of East Amsterdam.
© Your Little Black Book
French classics on the menu
At Le French Café, everything revolves around French cuisine. They open just before lunch, and you can settle in for coffee and a Madeleine. The lunch menu features classics with a French twist, from steak tartare to brunch dishes like eggs Benedict. This is the kind of place you go for lunch and then linger over drinks.
The drinks menu is a definite YLBB approval, by the way. Le French Café is perfect for drinks with friends, as they have both a cozy restaurant area and high tables overlooking the bar. The menu features a wide selection of French wines and delicious snacks, such as charcuterie, available all day long.
In the evening, you can easily make an early reservation here to grab a bite to eat with the kids. Afterward, the lights dim a bit and it fills up with groups of friends, date-night tables, or parents enjoying a bite to eat with their adult children. Such a great mix of tables, making you feel truly welcome here with any group.
© Your Little Black Book
What are the current recommendations on the menu? I've listed them below. And yes, we tried them all!
These are the favorites you'll definitely want to try:
- Shrimp – shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon.
- Rillettes de Canard – duck rillettes with cornichons and toast.
- Escargots Gratinés – 6 snails gratinated with herb butter.
- Coquillages Sauté – stewed scallops with lemon and butter.
- Steak Tartare – perfectly seasoned tartare served with crusty bread.
- Poussin – baby chicken with chicken gravy and French fries.
- Rib-eye – to share with the whole table.
- Crème Brûlée – with a perfectly crispy caramelized sugar layer.
| TIP: The dishes are perfect for sharing, so go for a table full so you can try everything.
© Your Little Black Book
Great all-day spot on Javastraat
Whether you want a relaxed lunch with friends or fancy a drink after work or on the weekend, Le French Café is a place you'll want to remember. spacious terrace On Javastraat you can also sit outside when the weather is nice. Enjoy people watching while you enjoy a good glass of French wine and a tasty egg mayo ;-)!
And did you know that Le French Café also has a branch in Amsterdam west in Utrecht?
Have fun!
© Your Little Black Book
PS: Curious what the cozy terrace of Le French Café in Oost looks like in the warmer months? I'll share it below!
© Your Little Black Book
Amsterdam Tips
To do
Accommodation
Deals
Read more?
