20 Best Cafes In Amsterdam

One of the most commonly used words in the Dutch language is ‘gezellig’, which generally means ‘cosy’ and is often used to describe the feeling of enjoying an experience and the company you are with. Dutch culture greatly values slowing life down a bit and enjoying these cosy (gezellig) parts of life to the fullest. For this reason, you’ll also find countless inviting coffee bars and cafes in Amsterdam, which often feel like a community living room and give you a warm, welcoming feeling the moment you enter.

Many are outfitted with comfy seating areas, fireplaces burning in the winter and almost every café in Amsterdam has some sort of outdoor terrace (or maybe even just a few chairs alongside the sidewalk) which are always packed any time the sun is shining. While you’re in Amsterdam, make sure to take a cue from the Dutch and slow down a bit to enjoy the delicious, often locally roasted specialty coffee, sample the tasty local pastries, and take your time to relish the international choice of breakfast, brunch or lunch menus at the best cafes in Amsterdam.

20 Of The Best Cafes In Amsterdam

Cafes In Amsterdam – Center/De Pijp

1- Coffee and Coconuts (The Pijp)

Located in a stunning venue in the central De Pijp neighbourhood, this bright and airy café was formally a cinema in the 1920’s features towering high ceilings and lovely stained-glass windows.

Now it’s a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike with three floors of cosy seating (think big comfy sofas) and a beachy island vibe that leaves you wondering if you are in Amsterdam or Bali.

Coffee and Coconuts serves delicious coffee roasted right in Amsterdam, which is fully traceable and responsibly produced.

You can also enjoy fresh juices and a tasty breakfast or lunch here.

Note: Laptops are only allowed on the main floor at the bar and there is often a line of people waiting to get seated at this popular hangout.

Coffee and Coconuts is at Ceintuurbaan 282, 1072 GK Amsterdam

2- Back to Black

This tiny café is just a short walk from the famous Rijksmuseum on a quiet side street around the corner from the bustling Spiegelgracht.

Founded by two Dutch women who place a strong focus on sustainability, Back to Black now also has its own coffee roastery and bakery, complete with tasty homemade treats (including plenty of vegan options).

It’s well known for its delicious locally roasted coffee, adorable venue and friendly service.

It can get busy in this relatively tiny café so if you can’t find a seat, consider grabbing your coffee to-go and find a place to sit along one of the pretty canals in this area.

You’ll see lots of locals doing this on nice days.

Back to Black is at Weteringstraat 48, 1017 SP Amsterdam.

3- Coffee District

Coffee District is a hidden gem in the middle of the bustling (otherwise fairly touristy) Museum Quarter (you’ll find it just behind the Van Gogh Museum).

It’s a perfect spot to stop for a break to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and tasty pastry after marvelling over the many masterpieces in the famous museums located in this area.

Coffee District is at Willemsparkweg 8, 1071HD Amsterdam. They also have a second location at the south end of the Vondelpark: Hendrik Jacobszstraat 18, 1075 PD Amsterdam.

4- Bakkerswinkel

Located in the same building as the historic Enkhuizer Bakery, which dates back to the 17th century, Bakkerswinkel is well-known in Amsterdam as a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with a scrumptious pastry or sit down and enjoy a relaxed lunch or a special high-tea menu as part of a celebration.

The bakery offers freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes, as well as homemade jam in the cosy historical café right in the city centre.

The Bakkerswinkel is at Warmoesstraat 69, 1012 HX Amsterdam. There are also two other locations in Amsterdam in the Oud-Zuid neighbourhood at Roelof Hartstraat 68, 1071 VM Amsterdam and near Westerpark at Polonceaukade 1&2, 1014 DA Amsterdam.

5- The Lobby at Hotel V (Nesplein)

Wander through the alleyway off the busy Oudezijds Voorburgwal and stumble upon the quaint ‘Nesplein’ where The Lobby at Hotel V is located.

This quiet plaza is perfect for stopping and relaxing at the lovely outdoor terrace or grabbing a table in this stylish homelike ‘lobby’.

Complete with low lighting, candles on the tables and a wood-burning fireplace, this hotspot is a popular favourite among locals because of the ultra-cosy atmosphere and great menu.

It gets busy here at peak teams, so if you want to eat a meal and stay awhile, you may need to wait for a table or reserve in advance on their website.

The Lobby is in Hotel V at Nes 49, 1012 KD Amsterdam

6- Lavinia Good Food

Lavinia Good Food is another hidden gem in the busy city centre of Amsterdam that is definitely worth visiting.

This quaint café has a beautiful interior with rustic wood floors and exposed brick, a welcoming atmosphere and a tasty and healthy list of items on the menu (also with plenty of vegetarian/ vegan options).

It’s a perfect spot to pop in for a hot beverage or to enjoy a relaxing brunch or lunch before continuing sightseeing.

Lavinia Good Food is at Kerkstraat 176, 1017 GT Amsterdam.

7- Little Collins

This cosy café is just around the corner from the famous Albert Cuyp market in the De Pijp neighbourhood and brings a bit of Australia to Amsterdam.

Little Collins is famous for their all-day brunch menu, which features an eclectic food selection that will leave your mouth watering.

It’s a great place to pop in and relax after browsing the bustling street market.

Make sure to wander the surrounding streets, where you will find many unique local shops.

Little Collins is at Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19F, 1073 CL Amsterdam.

8- Zero Zero

Zero Zero serves ‘a simple selection of high-quality goods from Italy’, but what their website really should say is ‘the most delicious Italian sandwiches in Amsterdam’.

This popular newcomer in the city centre offers a stunning selection of meats, cheeses and the most amazing freshly baked schiacciata daily (starting at 10 am and selling out quickly!).

Grab a seat inside the cosy café or enjoy your coffee or sandwich at one of the tables outside to enjoy watching the local bikers pass by with a lovely canal view in the background.

Zero Zero is located at Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 3A, 1017 DB Amsterdam.

9- Bijenkorf Café & Rooftop Terrace

Located across from the Royal Palace at the Dam Square, the Bijenkorf Shopping Centre is a popular destination when visiting Amsterdam – and also is home to a food court, café and patisserie located on the top floor, complete with a roof terrace and wonderful views of the city.

This is a great central place to take a break from a busy day seeing the city, no reservation is needed.

The café offers plenty of space to sit down and other very convenient features when you are on the go, like plenty of outlets to charge electronics and clean bathrooms.

The café has a wide selection of food and snacks, good coffee and amazing shopping for men, women and children on the other floors.

If you are travelling with a group, you can’t go wrong with a pit stop here.

The Bijenkorf is located at: Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam.

10- Dignita Hoftuin

This lovely café is located in a peaceful garden hidden among the busy city streets right behind the Hermitage Museum in the city centre.

You’ll think that you have left the city altogether when you step into the green, flowery space, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

It is also a great place to eat with children as they can play freely in the garden or enjoy colouring in the children’s play corner.

Dignita’s slogan is ‘Eat Well, Do Good’, and their menu offers plenty of healthy (including vegan) food options and works with non-profit organizations to support vulnerable populations.

The glass café is a cosy winter stop but extra special with nicer weather when you can sit outside and fully enjoy the beautiful garden.

Note: It is possible – and recommended to make a reservation in advance on their website, especially if you are a larger group.

Dignita Hoftuin is at Nieuwe Herengracht 18a, 1018 DP Amsterdam. They also have two other locations near the Vondelpark at Koninginneweg 218h, 1075 EL Amsterdam and near the Westerpark at Spaarndammerstraat 55, 1013 TA Amsterdam.

Cafes In Amsterdam – West

11- Espresso Fabriek

This hip coffee bar was one of the first speciality coffee spots in The Netherlands.

It was opened in 2005 with the goal of introducing customers to higher-quality coffee from smaller roasters.

The Espresso Fabriek is still known for its high-quality coffee, great service and laid bike vibe in the industrial ‘living room’ style café.

It’s located in the lovely Westerpark, a beautiful place to walk around or pop onto the grass and enjoy coffee and some people-watching.

The Espresso Fabriek is at Pazzanistraat 39, 1014 DB Amsterdam.

12- Five Ways Coffee Roasters

Many residents say that Amsterdam West has the best coffee in town – it’s also an up-and-coming, more eclectic area of Amsterdam which is definitely worth a visit.

Five Ways is one of the latest speciality coffee spots to open in the neighbourhood, and it lives up to the hype.

This trendy café is located right at the start of the bustling Ten Kate Market, which is also worth exploring while you are in this area and focuses on serving delicious specialty coffee blends accompanied by friendly baristas and a relaxed atmosphere.

Five Ways is at Kinkerstraat 186, 1053 EM Amsterdam. A second location on the east side also serves amazing brunch at Boerhaaveplein 3, 1091 DH Amsterdam.

13- Bar Kantoor at the Conscious Hotel Westerpark

Suitably named the ‘Bar / Office’, this trendy hotspot is located in the hip Conscious Hotel at the edge of Amsterdam’s lovely public park on the west side of the city centre, the Westerpark.

It is popular with locals who need a laptop-friendly spot to work during the day and also want to enjoy a social drink with friends after working hours.

Bar Kantoor has a great menu featuring tasty breakfast, sandwiches, ‘mezze’ bites to share and fun cocktails.

The large outdoor terrace is also a popular spot to hang out and enjoy the sunshine on warm days and the location within the park also makes it very child-friendly too.

Bar Kantoor is at Haarlemmerweg 8, 1014BE Amsterdam.

Cafes In Amsterdam – Jordaan

14- Winkel 43

Winkel 43 is widely known as the home of the best Apple Pie in Amsterdam and is a ‘must-try’ local speciality when visiting the city.

Located in the picturesque Jordaan neighbourhood, near the bustling Noordermarkt, it offers both cosy indoor seating and an outdoor terrace overlooking the typical Amsterdam canals.

Because of its stellar reputation, it can get busy here but does not take reservations, so just head over and prepare for a bit of a wait during peak times.

Winkel 43 is at Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam. Jordaan is the perfect neighbourhood to go on a food tour. Check this one out.

15- Chun Café

If you’re searching for bubble tea in Amsterdam, look no further than Chun Café.

Located in the particularly charming ‘9 streets’ area of the Jordaan neighbourhood, this trendy hotspot offers a chance to experience a slow, Asian-influenced lifestyle.

The unique menu includes matcha, boba, coffee and specialty toasted sandwiches.

It’s quite popular, so be prepared to wait in line outside to enjoy one of their specialties.

Chun Café is at Berenstraat 8, 1016 GH Amsterdam.

16- Pluk Amsterdam

Also located in the ‘9 Streets’ area of the Jordaan, Pluk Amsterdam is a local favourite and overall a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee, healthy juices, a delicious breakfast, salad, sandwich or one of their famous acai bowls.

The Unicorn bowl is especially popular)or order something to-go while you browse the adorable selection of shops in this postcard-like neighbourhood.

The front of the café has a shop with unique products for your home and where you can buy unusual souvenirs or gifts.

Pluk Amsterdam has two locations very near each other at Berenstraat 19, 1016 GG Amsterdam and Reestraat 19, 1016 GG Amsterdam.

17- Lottis at The Hoxton Hotel

This especially cosy cafe is located in the trendy Hoxton Hotel in the Jordaan.

Complete with comfy sofas and armchairs, it offers the ultimate living room type of feel and is a perfect place to hang out and enjoy a warm coffee or tea.

Lotti’s also serves tasty brasserie-style bites, including breakfast, brunch, dinner and unique cocktails, making it a great place to stop and relax at any time of the day.

Lotti’s is in The Hoxton Hotel at Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Cafes In Amsterdam – East

18- Box Sociaal

Located on the east side of Amsterdam across from the Artis Zoo, this Australian-style café is well known for its delicious all-day breakfast, brunch and burgers.

Hang out with the Amsterdam locals in this cosy lunchroom-style spot and enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee or stay a while to enjoy one of their mouth-watering dishes like shakshuka and kimchi tacos and buttermilk cinnamon pancakes.

Box Sociaal also offers limited tables in the evening for an intimate dinner experience with a unique menu and top-notch hospitality.

Box Sociaal is at Plantage Middenlaan 30A, 1018 DG Amsterdam.

19- Café-Restaurant Plantage

Visiting the Artis Zoo while in Amsterdam? Combine your day out with the animals with a visit to this very lovely café and restaurant located on the property of the Amsterdam Artis Zoo.

The Café Plantage is located inside a stunning 19th-century wooden conservatory with high ceilings and large glass windows – eating here is truly a treat.

The spacious outdoor terrace is a beautiful spot to hang out in the sun or under the shade of the trees on a nice day and is perfect for families visiting with children.

The café is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but is also a perfect place for a coffee break or happy hour in the afternoon.

The Plantage is at Plantage Kerklaan 36, 1018 CZ Amsterdam.

Cafe In Amsterdam – Noord 

20- Tolhuistuin

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a trip on the public ferry to the up-and-coming area of Amsterdam Noord.

The Tolhuistuin Café is a fun lunch and dinner spot located just across the water from the city centre on the northern side of the IJ.

You can catch the free public ferry at Central Station (either by foot or by bike) and grab a table at this laid-back café with a fantastic view of Amsterdam.

The Tolhuistuin is a popular place for a drink and a bite and offers a unique entertainment agenda, including a wide variety of musical performances and other community events.

Tolhuistuin is at IJpromenade 2, 1031 KT Amsterdam.