New in Town (April 2025)

Editor's Pick: Monty’s

Best for: Toastie lovers

Monty’s was never meant to happen. At least not like this. But for those craving a gourmet toastie in Amsterdam, they’ll be glad it did. This tiny, forest green-coloured gem in the Jordaan has become the spot for sourdough toasties, filled with melty Montgomery cheese (from Somerset) and a few select but luxurious extras. Run by one-time festival food trucker owner George and his partner Cress, Monty’s luxe toasted sandwiches have gone from festival favourites back in the UK to neighbourhood ones in Amsterdam. The transition’s been pretty smooth, says George, though not without a cultural hiccup or two. “We’ve got the three toastie options –  kimchi, chutney and marmite – to go with the Montgomery. But we didn’t anticipate we’d have to explain what marmite is!” Luckily, it’s a very solid option (€9.50) – the tart, umami of marmite pairing well with the creamy cheddar. The menu is small but mighty, and the range of light sparkling waters, plus an array of delicatessen goods make this an easy and excellent lunchtime option. Plus you’ll be hard-pushed to find a nicer and more amenable welcome than the one George gives to anyone who wanders in looking for a toastie. Part of that he says is because this project is, above all, rooted in joy. “It’s not about being the next coolest thing,” he says. “It’s just about doing something nice that we enjoy.”  

Monty’s | open Thurs-Mon, 10:00-16:00 | price range €-€€ |  Eerste Anjeliersdwarsstraat 16, City-Centre

Bodega by Sebonsa

Best for: Some of the city’s best wine

Beloved local wine label Sebonsa has been organising events and pop-ups for sometime now - curating the wine list at de zomer bar in Noord and setting up a month-long eatery in De Pijp earlier this year. Now they’ve got a longer pop-up planned – BODEGA in the buzzy and endlessly changing De Baarsjes neighbourhood. Run by the Sebonsa team and chef Ciaran Patrick – who’s had stays at places like turbo – the focus is on excellent wines, predominantly European, handpicked by the team and a changing menu that includes dishes like grilled, pickled, and raw mushrooms served with brown butter sauce and egg yolk purée, or grilled sea bream with caramelised apple and hollandaise. Or even experimental takes like the chicken foot schnitzel – a special that’s as enticing as it is eyebrow-raising. Sit at the bar or grab a table – but whenever you go and whatever you order, expect the lighting to be good and the food (and wine) even better. 

Bodega | open Thurs-Sun, times vary | price range €€-€€€ | Hoofdweg 141, De Baarsjes

Roest

Best for: Chic nights out

Once the home of a bunker-style cafe and industrial beach, the building of Roest closed after a long and popular life. But now it returns in a newer, more refined form as a restaurant that’s as changed as the Ostenburg neighbourhood it calls home. Tun by the team behind De Willem in Westerpark, gone are the indie feels of old and in is the contemporary cool of now – where leather and dark wood furniture plays off against industrial beams and distressed walls for a bunker-esque space that just so happens to plate up great food too. Here you’ll find modern bistro fare like grilled ribeye with pepper sauce, peppered creme brulee, smoked eel and barbecued shrimp with chilli butter, as well as a chic crowd and even chic-er interior.

Roest | open Wednesday from 16:00, Thurs-Sun from 12:00 till late | price range €€-€€€ | Jacob Bontiusplaats 1, Oost

Contra

Best for: Dinner and live music

Once just the name for Vampire Weekend’s second album, Contra is making a comeback – this time in the form of a restaurant and listening bar that keeps music at the heart of things. Located right in the heart of Amsterdam, in the building of the Amsterdam Academic Club, this music bar and restaurant hones in on creating atmosphere while serving up multi-course meals that look to local ingredients for inspiration. Split across two floors and soaked in sensual, late-night red lighting, complete with a mini stage, the trick here is to start with a set menu (three or four courses) – that includes specials like eggplant katsu and a very luxe chicken (poussin) and chips – and eat into the night as performers gradually take to the stage and lull you into the night with seductive jazz tracks. It’s intimate, different and most of all an experience – what else do you want from a meal out? 

Contra | open Thursday to Saturday, 17:30PM – 2:00AM | price range €€-€€€ | Oudezijds Achterburgwal 235, City Centre

In case you missed it…

Sanaa’s Kitchen at Pamela

Best for: Sunshine eats

Queer favourite and Oud-West Hangout Pamela has recently taken its menu down to Egypt, courtesy of Sanaa’s Kitchen. With a changing menu and rotating favourites, everything from Egyptian stuffed veggies (mahashi) to okra stew, falafel and mallow stew (molokhia), this is a great chance to indulge in gorgeous North African cuisine in an even more gorgeous environment. Perfect for those kinds of nights that start off with a few bites and end with long, luxurious late-night drinks. 

Sanaa’s Kitchen at Pamela | open all week bar Monday, times vary | price range €-€€ | Jacob van Lennepstraat 86H, Oud-West

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