Amsterdam Bars and restaurants

Some people who visit the capital of The Netherlands complain about a lack of good restaurants and bars, so as a native Dutchman, I will help you with some good recommendations. The city is diverse, but in the city centre it can feel like there are many tourist traps. I will help you pick good restaurants and bars in some neighborhoods in the city. Pay attention that even when the places are in the same area, they can be far from each other, so I will name some notable locations nearby, although Amsterdam in general is a very walkable city. There will be some hidden gems and some more famous places to go to.

City Centre

The city centre is where most people will spend the most time, as it includes beautiful canals, museums, and many other notable locations to visit. The restaurants and bars can be a bit focused on tourists instead of authentic vibes, but there are some great places to go. 

Van Dobben 

Van Dobben is one of the most authentic places you will find on this list. The service feels rude, but that is part of the experience. It is a place where you can find classic Dutch sandwiches (mostly including meat). They are famous for their croquettes, which are very tasty, but a lot of them are great. This can be a great short stop. Tourists will come here, but there are also a lot of locals. 

Reservation: No reservation needed or even possible

Busy: It can be crowded, but you will be helped fast, and you can also take something away, although the experience is better when staying inside (which is almost always possible).

Sights nearby: Flower Market, Rembrandtplein, Canals

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Tomo Sushi is very close, and Hoppe isn't too far.

Hoppe

Hoppe is a household name in Amsterdam. This bar is in the middle of the city and is great for having some great beers (or jenever). The staff is professional and friendly. The bar inside is great, with beautiful barrels and a great bar. Outside, there are some great places to stand and have a look over the Spui Square. You can have food here, but most people will come here for some nice drinks. People are young and old, tourists and locals, and that makes it great. There is a second part, but make sure to go to the right area when standing in front of the bar. This is one of my favorite places to have a beer.

Reservation: I never made a reservation here but there will always be a spot, even if you are standing.

Busy: It can be very crowded, especially during Fridays and Saturdays.

Sights nearby: Begijnhof, Canals, Canal cruises, Flower Market

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Although many places close by, none of my favorites are, although Van Dobben is not too far.

Genootschap der Geneugten

This bar is a hidden place; right is the city centre. You can easily walk by, but it is a great place to have a beer, as you will mostly sit with locals and some tourists. There is a huge bar and some great places to sit. The bar does not have some big dishes, but some snacks, so come here for some drinks. 

Reservation: No reservation needed.

Busy: I mostly saw it pretty quiet.

Sights nearby: Canals, Leidseplein

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Café Heuvel and Wetering are not too far.

Wetering 

This is a very cute place in Amsterdam. This is a small bar, and there are some levels: one at the bar, one with a fireplace, and one above the bar, but it is all in a small space. You won't find many other tourists in this place, as it is hidden in some small alleys. Many locals don't know about this small bar, which makes it even more special. The bar mostly hosts people in their thirties and forties. 

Reservation: No reservation possible (I think).

Busy: It can be very crowded as it is a small bar, so try to be here before 5 to get a spot, especially on Friday and Saturday.

Sights nearby: Canals, Rijksmuseum, Paradiso, Leidseplein, Heineken Experience

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Café Heuvel is close and Genootschap der Geneugten is not too far.

Waterkant

Located underneath a parking lot, Waterkant is a very nice bar. The bar is next to the water, and in summer you are sitting in the middle of the sun, which makes sure that it can be very crowded. In the winter, I do not really recommend visiting here. The people are mostly young, trendy people. In the summer, this place is a real treasure. You have to get your drinks and snacks at the bar.

Reservation: No reservation possible (I think).

Busy: In Summer with good weather it can be extremely crowded, so come early and enjoy a beer.

Sights nearby: Leidseplein, Canals

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are very close.

Trees

Trees is a magnificent restaurant in the oldest part of the city. It is brand new, and you can get very tasteful menus of several dishes here. You can sit next to canals or next to the kitchen, which makes it a great experience. The place is luxurious, so the prices are a bit higher, but it is absolutely worth it. After your dinner, you can get a cocktail in the bar underneath the restaurant. 

Reservation: Making a reservation is recommended and mostly needed.

Busy: It is busy, but not disturbing. 

Sights nearby: Canals, Central Station, Red light District, Nieuwmarkt, Oude Kerk.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are very close.

Heuvel

This is a nice bar to have a lovely drink. The bar is authentic, and you can have drinks outside and inside. Stop for some drinks and enjoy the view of canals and people walking around. On busy days, there are very limited spots to sit inside, but that makes it a nice experience.

Reservation: No reservations possible

Busy: It can be busy, but mostly there are spots left. 

Sights nearby: Canals, Rijksmuseum, Paradiso

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Wetering and Genootschap der Geneugten

Koosje

Café Koosje is a nice bar, where you can have a seat outside or inside. I prefer insight as it is a nice brown café. There are some good beers and other drinks possible. Outside gives a view of a lively street, which makes it a nice place for observing people. People who come here are mostly in their forties and up. 

Reservation: Reservations for bigger groups.

Busy: It can be full, so make sure to be on time.

Sights nearby: Artis zoo, Hortus Botanicus

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are close, although Eik en Linden on the other side of the street is a nice bar as well.

Tomo sushi

Tomo Sushi is a very small restaurant in the middle of the city centre. Their sushi is very fresh, as you can even see them making it when you sit at the bar. The staff is very friendly, and the sushi is amazing! This is my favorite (pretty) affordable sushi place in Amsterdam, and if you like sushi, this should be the place. 

Reservation: Reservation is recommended.

Busy: It can get full

Sights nearby: Rembrandtplein, Canals, Flower market

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Van Dobben is very close and Hoppe is not too far.

Hannekes Boom

This place may be a bit difficult to find as it is close to the railway, but when you arrive here, it will be a great experience. There is a very big terrace in the summer, which makes it a fantastic place to have a seat. Hannekes Boom is just next to the water, which offers a great view over the city. You have to get your drinks and snacks by using the internet. The people coming here are trendy and young, and it gives off a vibrant vibe.

Reservation: Reservations are not possible

Busy: It can get full in summer, especially in weekends.

Sights nearby: NEMO

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are. 

Fonteyn

This bar has great spots to sit inside and outside, depending on the weather. The bar is mostly visited by younger people as the beer prices are relatively cheap (still pricy as it is in Amsterdam). This is one of the most popular spots for locals in their twenties and a perfect place to have a lovely drink. It is located at the famous Nieuwmarkt.

Reservation: I am not sure...

Busy: It can get full as it is possible, but there are often spots pretty quick as the place is pretty big.

Sights nearby: Nieuwmarkt, Red Light District, Oude Kerk

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are. 

De Magere Brug

This is a lovely bar next to the majestic river Amstel and next to the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). There are a couple of small elevation levels, and the bar is often used after a theater show as it is very close to the biggest theatre in Amsterdam. There are also options to see football.

Reservation: I am not sure, but there is often a place.

Busy: It can get crowded, especially after theatre shows are finished.

Sights nearby: Magere Brug, Amstel River, Canals, Rembrandt Square

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are really close, but there are some good options.

De Pijp

De Pijp is one of the most popular and vibrant areas of Amsterdam because many students live there, and there is the most famous market in the city, Albert Cuyp. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from, but I will show you some less famous places to visit here. De Pijp is close to the city centre, so you can combine those areas easily.

Dopey's Elixer

Dopey's Elixer is a cozy bar on a small street in De Pijp. It is a brown bar with many craft beers in a quiet area of the city. The guests coming here are very varied, with old and new people. They change their beers pretty often, and that makes it a good place to taste a couple. Go here for a nice drink among the locals.

Reservation: Not necessary.

Busy: I have never seen it full and you will have options to have a seat

Sights nearby: De Pijp, Sarphatipark

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are. 

Tjin's

I have to admit that I only visited this place once, but it was recently. Tjin's is a small place to get some very tasty food. You can take a seat, but it is normal to take it out. You can get delicious sandwiches, but I would absolutely recommend taking a bara, which is a Surinam bagel with ingredients you prefer. This is extremely delicious, and you should stop here when at the Albert Cuyp.

Reservation: Not necessary.

Busy: We were helped straight away.

Sights nearby: Albert Cuyp market, De Pijp, Sarphatipark

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are. 

Tolbar

This may be a bit difficult to find, but it is worth it. If you want to have a vegan or vegetarian lunch or dinner, this is a great place for you in Amsterdam. There is also a cinema and a place for events as well. The atmosphere is very cute, and the food is a treat, so head here for nice vegan food.

Reservation: Not necessary.

Busy: I have never seen it full and you will have options to have a seat

Sights nearby: De Pijp

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are. 

Amstel Boathouse

To get to the Amstel Boathouse, you have to take a walk next to the Amstel River, which is a nice stroll. I would only recommend going here when you are in the neighborhood. The restaurant is cute as you sit close to the river. The staff is very friendly, and you can also go here for a cup of coffee when strolling next to the Amstel.

Reservation: Not necessary.

Busy: I have never seen it full and you will have options to have a seat

Sights nearby: Martin Luther Kingpark

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are. 

Il Cavalino

Il Cavalino is a very good Italian restaurant in the nice Maasstraat. The restaurant has some pastas and classic Italian dishes like Vitello Tonnato and Osabucco, accompanied by dishes of the week, which makes it a nice restaurant to visit. The dishes are all very tasty, and the staff is very nice. 

Reservation: Reservation is recommended.

Busy: It can get full throughout the week. 

Sights nearby: -

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorite places are.

De Jordaan

De Jordaan is one of the nicest parts of Amsterdam, and walking around shows that there are many bars and restaurants to go to. The area can get crowded, but it also has a great, vibrant vibe, which makes this a neighborhood you cannot miss when you are visiting the Dutch capital. I will give you some of my favorite spots, which can be hidden gems or not but are all worth visiting.

Duende Dos

If you want to feel like you are in Spain while actually being in Amsterdam, Duende Dos is the place for you. This is my favorite restaurant in the whole city of Amsterdam. Spanish dishes like Jamon Iberico, patatas bravas, and many other classics are present and served perfectly. The staff, with manager Rafael, is very fast, friendly, and funny. This is a restaurant I will always recommend. There is a restaurant called "Duende" close, which is also nice, but Duende Dos is absolutely my favorite. 

Reservation: Reservation is recommended and on weekend days necessary to get a spot.

Busy: It can get full throughout the week, but in the weekends it is totally full for sure. 

Sights nearby: Jordaan

Restaurants/Bars nearby: 'T Monumentje, Nol, De Blaffende vis and Lowietje are very close.

Nol

Nol is very famous among locals, and you hate it or you love it. The pink atmosphere of this bar/club is fun and a bit trashy. It smells bad, but it is very funny. They play Amsterdam and Dutch classics, so as a tourist, you mostly won't know the songs, but you may enjoy the vibe here. Don't get here without some drinks in, because it is pretty needed to have fun here. Go first for some drinks to 'T Monumentje or De Blaffende Vis, which are just across the street. Entrance is free. 

Reservation: Reservation is impossible.

Busy: If you get late here on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, expect rows to get in.  

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: 'T Monumentje and De Blaffende vis are across the street and Lowietje, De Nieuwe Lelie, Cafe Chris and Duende Dos are close.

Blaffende vis

This is a nice, popular bar in the centre of the Jordaan, where especially young people are visiting, giving a very vibrant atmosphere. You can sit at the bar, stand, sit on a table, or sit outside. Take a nice drink and interact with the locals. After a while here, take a dance on the other side of the road in Café Nol.

Reservation: Not necessary.

Busy: If you get here on, Friday or Saturday, expect to be crowded, and on every day there will be people. 

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: 'T Monumentje and Nol are across the street and Lowietje, De Nieuwe Lelie, Cafe Chris and Duende Dos are close.

'T Monumentje 

The last of the three places on the same crossroad is 't Monumentje. This is the most authentic bar of the three, and you will have a real Amsterdam vibe with its brown atmosphere. There will be more "thinkers and writers" here. There are many different beers to choose from, and a classic "ossenworst" (a raw Amsterdam sausage) will make this an amazing bar to visit. 

Reservation: Reservation is not necessary.

Busy: You will probably get in, but a seat in not always guaranteed. 

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Nol and De Blaffende vis are across the street and Lowietje, De Nieuwe Lelie, Cafe Chris and Duende Dos are close.

Café Chris

Another great authentic bar in a cool part of the Jordaan. You will find a lot of stained glass, brown tables, and some cool candles, making it the special bar it is today. The staff is very friendly and relaxed. It is an atmosphere that is hard to describe, but you have to experience it.

Reservation: Reservation is not necessary.

Busy: I have never seen it very crowded.  

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: 'T Monumentje, Nol, De Nieuwe Lelie (1 minute walk) and De Blaffende vis are close.

Cafe De Nieuwe Lelie

I only visited this bar once, but I had a great time. It is small, but it has a great atmosphere with very nice staff. Take notice that, because it is such an old building, parts of the bar are a bit diagonal. It is great to have a seat at the bar, which gives you an overview of the place.

Reservation: Reservation is not necessary.

Busy: It can get crowded, but I always could find a seat.  

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: 'T Monumentje, Nol, Café Chris (1 minute walk) and De Blaffende vis are close.

Lowietje

In The Netherlands, this bar became famous because of the Amsterdam detective show 'Baantjer". During the day, this is a relaxed brown bar, which looks very nice, but during the late hours, it is more of a bar to have a dance. I like it both during the day and night, and it may be fun to get here both. 

Reservation: Reservations are not possible.

Busy: It can get crowded, but I always could find a seat or get in in the evening.  

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Duende Dos, 'T Monumentje, Nol, and De Blaffende vis are close.

Oranjerie

Oranjerie is one of my favourite places to go in the evening. It is a bar that is often crowded but not overcrowded. The crowd is diverse but very vibrant. This is a perfect bar to have a last drink of the evening, but it can also be a bar that is the start of your evening. They have several craft beers on tap, and the staff is very friendly. This is a great place for everyone. 

Reservation: Reservations are maybe not possible or needed

Busy: Jordaan, grachten, Westerpark

Sights nearby: Jordaan, Westerkerk, Anne Frankhuis

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Duende Dos, Lowietje, 'T Monumentje, Nol, and De Blaffende vis are close.

Oost (East)

Oost is up and coming with its Dapperbuurt, Tropenmuseum, Oosterpark, and many bars and restaurants, making it an interesting area to visit. The part is a mix of cultures, although there are more and more young people going to live in the area. It is a bit further out of the city centre, but it makes it a bit more quiet. 

Elsa's 

Elsa's is a great bar for many people. You can have a seat inside and outside, but I prefer inside. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is great, and they have nice beers and good to very good bar food. Elsa's is also a great bar to watch the local football team, Ajax, where many people will check the games.

Reservation: Reservations are not necessary.

Busy: It can get crowded, but I always could find a seat, except with extremely important matches of Ajax.  

Sights nearby: Dapperbuurt with its sights is close.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Kuijper, De Kas, Ruk & Pluk and The Cottage are close.

Kuijper

Another classic bar with some cool craft beers and a vibrant atmosphere. The guests are pretty young, as is the staff. The outside is very cozy, as it is a lovely terrace. Inside is also very interesting, with a map of Amsterdam. Kuijper has some good food options as well. When Ajax plays a game, the chances are big that it is full here. 

Reservation: Reservations are not necessary.

Busy: It can get crowded, but I always could find a seat, except with matches of Ajax.  

Sights nearby: Dapperbuurt with its sights is close.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Elsa's, De Kas, Ruk & Pluk and The Cottage are close.

The Cottage

The Cottage seems like an oasis of silence in the busy streets of this area. The restaurant is focused on British dishes and drinks, as they have pork belly, scones, craft beers from the area, and way more. Both outside and inside are nice places to have a seat and have their pros and cons. In general, this is a very good place to visit for food, a cool atmosphere, and great staff. 

Reservation: Reservations are often necessary as it fills up. 

Busy: It can get crowded, but not annoying.  

Sights nearby: Dapperbuurt with its sights is close.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Kuijper, De Kas, Ruk & Pluk and Elsa's are close.

Bar Joost

Joost is a great bar if you want to sit in a small bar with a lot of craft beers to try. The staff is friendly and helpful in picking out a lovely beer. The vibe is very interesting and a bit alternative, and the bar is filled with people in their twenties and thirties. There are not too many things in the area, but a visit here is recommended.

Reservation: No reservations possible.

Busy: It can get crowded, and even full on weekends.  

Sights nearby: No famous sights, but the area is nice. The lovely Flevopark is not too far.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Not really close, at least 10 minutes walk.

De Kas

De Kas is a very fancy restaurant, which also makes it pricier. They grow their ingredients themselves and get some animal products from farms very close by. The restaurant is in Franckendael Park, which gives them space to grow their vegetables. The food is absolutely fantastic and worth the money. Last year (2023), they got a Michelin star. 

Reservation: Yes, that is needed!

Busy: Yes, but with a reservation it is perfect.  

Sights nearby: Dapperbuurt is not too far.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Kuijper, The Cottage, Ruk & Pluk and Elsa's are close.

Ruk & Pluk 

Ruk & Pluk is a very authentic bar with carpets on the tables, no options to pay by card (so only cash), an older, typical Amsterdam lady behind the bar, and a brown atmosphere. Go here for some nice regular beers, but don't expect anything fancy at all. It is fun to be here, but maybe a couple of drinks in before you go is a good option. 

Reservation: Not possible.

Busy: Sometimes, but there is always room to stand or sit. 

Sights nearby: Dapperbuurt is close.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Kuijper, The Cottage, De Kas and Elsa's are close.

Brouwerij 't IJ

Brouwerij 't IJ is probably the most famous craft beer brewery in Amsterdam, with their famous beers being "IJwit,"  "Zatte," and "Natte." They have several different beers to get, and you can get some good snacks as well. Both inside and outside are worth sitting on, but I prefer outside as you are under a windmill. You have to get the beers and snacks at two different bars. There is also another branch in Vondelpark, which is also very cool, but I prefer to sit under the windmill. 

Reservation: I don't think it is possible.

Busy: Sometimes, but you can mostly find a spot. 

Sights nearby: Dapperbuurt and Artis zoo (although the entrance is on the other side).

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are close. 

Zuid (South)

The south of the city is the most posh area of Amsterdam. It is more quiet than the city centre, but sometimes it is still very close to some great museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum. The Vondelpark is also next to the area. A bit further south, you will find the Olympic Stadium and the Amsterdamse bos (forest). The area may have fewer bars and restaurants than other areas in town, but it is still good to visit.

Gruter

Gruter is my favorite bar in this area of town. It is a brown bar with a great atmosphere in the winter, but when the sun is out, the terrace is fantastic for visitors, which gives the bar a transformation. There are 12 beers on tap, and they have classic bar food. The people are young and older, and that makes it a fun mix. There is a bar up a few stairs, which gives it more levels and makes it more interesting. You can reserve a private room in this bar for around 40 people. 

Reservation: That is not possible, except for big groups.

Busy: Especially on Fridays, but overall you can find a spot. 

Sights nearby: Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, Concertgebouw.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: De Joffers, Openluchttheater, Welling. 

De Joffers

De Joffers is a pretty fancy place to have a tasty breakfast and lunch. They have great coffee, big breakfasts, and a fantastic breakfast atmosphere with newspapers ready. Both in- and oustide is worth having a seat, so it can be very pleasant in both winter and summer. 

Reservation: I don't think that is needed or possible.

Busy: It can be busy, but mostly you can find a table

Sights nearby: Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Museumplein, Concertgebouw.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Gruter, Openluchttheater, Welling, Frizzanteria. 

Pisa

This is a slightly different spot, as it is the best ice cream in Amsterdam, if you ask me. They are open during the summer days, and they have real Italian people working here. The flavors are mostly classics, but made with real thought. If you need ice cream, go here, although it might be a bit far. It is close to the RAI event centre.

Reservation: Impossible.

Busy: There can be queues, especially on warm sunny days.

Sights nearby: -

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Orbit.

Openluchttheater

As Pisa, this is another weird thing, as it is a theater in Vondelpark. There are concerts, comedy, and more to see, but keep in mind that the program can be in Dutch, so check it out beforehand. Often, the events are free and sometimes cost a bit of money, and there are options to get drinks and snacks. The events are on the weekends in the summer.

Reservation: Maybe a ticket is required, but mostly you can go there. 

Busy: It can get busy, which makes it more of a party. 

Sights nearby: Vondelpark (it is in it), Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, Concertgebouw.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Gruter, De Joffers, Welling. 

Welling

Welling is a bar, which is perfect to combine with a concert in the Concertgebouw. Many artists and visitors to the concerts will come here afterwards to have a drink. The bar is authentic, with carpets on the tables and boiled eggs on the tables. There are some great beers to order.

Reservation: Not possible

Busy: I have never seen it really crowded.

Sights nearby: Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Museumplein, Concertgebouw.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: De Joffers, Openluchttheater, Gruter. 

Orbit

Orbit is a tasty restaurant close to the RAI event centre. They serve great Asian food, such as dumplings, dim sum, Peking duck, and many more. The restaurant is a bit dark, which gives it an interesting atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and will help you as much as possible. The outside is less interesting than the inside. Take some ice cream at Pisa afterwards.

Reservation: Maybe not needed, but recommended.

Busy: It can be very busy, especially when there is a congres in the RAI.

Sights nearby: -

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Pisa.

Frizzanteria

This restaurant may be a bit difficult to find, but this classy Italian restaurant is fantastic. They are mostly famous for their bubbling wines (frizantes) and their food as well. The salumi is so good! The other dishes are all fantastically tasteful. Besides Paola, the staff will host you in the best way possible. 

Reservation: Not necessary at all times, but recommended. 

Busy: It can be nicely busy. 

Sights nearby: Vondelpark.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: De Joffers.

Wils Bakery

Although they have very tasty bread, it is more of a fancy restaurant than a bakery. Especially for lunch, this is a popular spot. Above the place is the sister restaurant with a Michelin star, but I prefer this one. The place has great food with (although still pricy) better prices. Their pig, ceviche, duck, ravioli, and many more dishes taste extremely good. The place is next to the Olympic Stadium (visible in the picture). 

Reservation: More convenient to book in advance.

Busy: It can definitely get full.

Sights nearby: Olympic Stadium, Amsterdamse bos (forest) is still pretty far, but relatively close. 

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are.

West (West)

The West of Amsterdam may not be the area most interested for tourists, but you can see perfectly how locals live in Amsterdam. The area is a nice mix of cultures, and as it is pretty close to Jordaan, you can walk here for a bit and find one of the nice bars or restaurants here. It also has some great parks, such as the Foodhallen & Ten Katemarkt, and Sloterplas (although this one is far).

Café Restaurant Amsterdam (Cradam)

Amsterdam is one of my favorite places to eat in Amsterdam (I understand this sentence is weird, haha). The restaurant is huge, but different from other large restaurants, as it is very scenic as it is in an old engine room. Although you can sit outside, I prefer to sit inside. The food is a bit basic, but it all tastes very good. They have a lot of good options. Amsterdam is a fantastic place, where many locals of the city have been at least once. 

Reservation: Especially in weekends I recommend to make a reservation.

Busy: It can definitely get full, but that is the charm.

Sights nearby: Westerpark.

Restaurants/Bars nearby: TonTon Club Westergas.

Thuys

This is one of the bars I frequent the most, as it is close to my place. The bar is good in winter as well as in summer, as inside it is a nice brown bar and outside there is a great terrace. During late hours on weekends, the tables will be removed, and it will turn more into a dancing bar. The people coming here are mostly in their twenties and thirties. The staff is friendly, fun, quick, and will help you as well as possible. This is a great place to get to, and it is not too far into the west to skip it. You can have some tasty snacks and dinner as well.

Reservation: No reservation needed

Busy: It can definitely get full, but you will have a spot, but maybe standing. 

Sights nearby: FoodHallen and Ten Katemarkt. 

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are.

No man's art

If you want a cool lunch or dinner with a cool twist, head to No Man's Art. This is a place that serves very tasteful dishes with a lot of vegan and vegetarian options, which makes it a fantastic place. You can go for the 2-hour-long Mimosa Unlimited option. The place is even more interesting, as there is a gallery for you to check out for free!

Reservation: I never needed it, but may be needed.

Busy: It never feels crowded, which makes it a great place for a more quiet experience. 

Sights nearby: Westerpark

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are.

TonTon Club Westergas

There are more TonTon Clubs in Amsterdam, but this is my favorite. You can have good food and nice drinks in a lovely atmosphere with a vibrant crowd. What makes this place special is that there are many games to play. It can be air hockey, racing cars on a machine, and many more. If you want to do some games with a drink, this will be the place! 

Reservation: A reservation may be necessary if you want to have some food, but for games it is not possible. 

Busy: It can definitely get crowded, but there are many things to do.

Sights nearby: It is located in the Westerpark

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Café Restaurant Amsterdam

PONG

If you want to have an even more active place, head to PONG. You have a bar here, which is pretty nice, but it is mostly the best place in Amsterdam to play table tennis! There are around 8 tables to play. Afterwards, you can have a seat and enjoy the people playing. You can have food as well, but table tennis is the most important thing to do here. This is a perfect evening activity.

Reservation: A reservation for a table is necessary, not for a drink. 

Busy: The place gets more popular, so it gets crowded, but that is great here. 

Sights nearby: Erasmuspark, Rembrandtpark

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are.

Noord (North)

The north of the city is mostly visited by free ferry, which is very advisable as you get great views of the city, especially the station. The area is calmer than on the other side of the river IJ, but it has some very good places to go. To be honest, in between the spots, this is not my favorite area, although the alternative parts are very interesting. There are a lot of creative and different kinds of places to go to, and I may not have all the best places, but here are a few.

Lowlander

Before, it was a fish restaurant called Stork, but now this place is a restaurant focused on the beer from its own brewery (Lowlander). The food is very tasty, and the fact that you can match it up with a local beer makes this a great place. There are some fun activities every now and then, such as curling or a world record drinking and having snacks with it. You sit in a big place where you are also close to the water. 

Reservation: A reservation for a table is advisable, but not always necessary. 

Busy: The place gets more popular, so it gets more crowded. 

Sights nearby: -

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Hangar and Goudfazant aren't too far.

Hotel de Goudfazant

This huge restaurant (not a hotel, although the name sounds different) may be a bit of an of an alternative in combination with a fancier place. There are several very cool dishes, like snow crab and veal cheek. The atmosphere is great with its spacious areas. I would mostly recommend going here in combination with Hangar, which is right next door.

Reservation: A reservation for a table may be necessary.

Busy: The place gets more popular, so it gets crowded.

Sights nearby: -

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Hangar is 20 metres away and 't Geveltje is also close too. 

Hangar

Hangar is one of the best options, especially in summer! It is located next to the river IJ, and you can even take a swim while here. The sandy floor gives you a beach vibe, and with a nice beer or rose, this is one of the best places in Amsterdam to have some drinks and get your skin tanned. There is also a big hangar on the inside of the place.

Reservation: I am not sure if it is possible, but if it is I would recommend it on summer days.

Busy: It can get very crowded, so be early or make a reservation if possible. 

Sights nearby: -

Restaurants/Bars nearby: Goudfazant is 20 metres away and 't Geveltje is close as well.

Pllek

On the other side of Noord, there is a place a bit similar to Hangar, as Pllek is a nice place next to the river IJ. The sand floor is very cool and gives a very relaxed vibe to the location. Also inside is a cool interior with very high ceilings. The food is often shared dining and snacks, which is a fun way to taste. You can also only go for a drink, of course. 

Reservation: I am not sure if it is possible for small groups. For bigger groups it is possible and for both it would be recommended,

Busy: It can get very crowded, so be early or make a reservation if possible. 

Sights nearby: NDSM

Restaurants/Bars nearby: None of my favorites are, although the area is very fun to check out. 

't Geveltje (or an other fish stall in Amsterdam)