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Image from Marvin Duiker

Restaurants and bars in Castles & Gardens

Looking for a spot to have something to eat? Or do you just want to sit back and relax during your day in the Castles & Gardens region? There’s plenty to choose from, from romantic tea gardens and riverside pavilions to luxury restaurants with amazing views.

Fort Pampus

Visitors to Pampus Island can enjoy coffee, lunch, cake and a range of refreshing drinks at Pampus Paviljoen. The terrace offers a beautiful view of the IJmeer and the passing parade of boats. In the summer, enjoy food festivals such as Proef Pampus and the Summer Lights picnics. And during the cooler months, check out the impressive Winter Lights dining experience in the surroundings of the historic fort, for an atmospheric way to roll in the festive season.

Pampus Island | Muiden

Theetuin Noot

Tucked away on an island and nestled behind Weesp’s historical fort at Ossenmarkt, you’ll find the idyllic Theetuin Noot. A former ammunition shed turned tea garden, the menu here is farm-to-table, meaning most of the produce is grown in the surrounding fields. Studded with gravel paths, leaf-covered archways, rounded bushes and pistachio cabins, this is the spot for dreamy afternoon teas.

Tip: Read our complete neighbourhood guide for more restaurants and bars in Weesp.

Loetje aan de Amstel

Loetje restaurant signature dishes
Image from Loetje

In the 17th century, the Amstelzijde, on the outskirts of Amstelveen and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel was a vital stopover point for travellers along the Amstel. Nowadays, this area is a lovely neighbourhood with plenty of cafes and restaurants that boast exquisite riverside views. Loetje aan de Amstel has been a landmark for over 30 years. Regulars and out-of-towners flock here for its homemade fries and juicy steaks, which many have proclaimed the best in the Netherlands.

Loetje aan de Amstel | Amstelveen / Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

SAAM

Nestled between Amstelveen and the charming village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, SAAM combines the best of South African and Dutch gastronomy together. The restaurant offers a 5-course menu that can be enjoyed with views overlooking the Amstel River. A special SAAM Roast is available on Sundays.

SAAM | Ouderkerk aan de Amstel

De Kruidfabriek

Inspired by the building’s former purpose as a gunpowder factory, celebrity Chef Peter Lute opened a restaurant specialising in spices. De Kruidfabriek (the spice factory) is stylishly furnished with sofa-style seating, industrial lighting and photographs that pay tribute to its former life as a factory. The predominantly vegetable-based menu is made even more special by creative combinations of herbs, spices and seasonings.

De Kruidfabriek by Lute | Amstelveen 

Brasserie Bel Ami

Taking the best of classical French brasseries and combining it with modern trends, Bel Ami offers delicious food in a grand café setting. The venue is also available for fully-catered private dining functions, congresses, training sessions and even weddings (complete with chauffeur-driven classic Bentley!).

Bel Ami | Bussum

Café Ome Ko

The fortified town of Muiden offers a cosy harbour with historical flatboats and lovely terraces. Time seems to pass more slowly on the banks near the lock. For some of the best views, head over to Café Ome Ko. A former hangout for skippers and sailors, it's the oldest pub in the city and has been pouring beer since 1810. It is said that even Napoleon Bonaparte once visited on horseback.

Café Ome Ko | Muiden

Restaurant Docks

Beautifully situated on the water by the Kortenhoef marina, this attractively nautical restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch or a tasty dinner. You'll find a beautiful selection of meat and fish dishes on the menu, but being so close to the water, it's truly the perfect setting to tuck into some top-notch seafood.

Restaurant Docks | Kortenhoef

PorterHouse

Although Fort Uitermeer is not accessible to the public, you can take it in from a distance by admiring the great view from Restaurant Porterhouse. With lunch and dinner classics like burgers, salads and pasta, it’s a great place to stop for a break during a cycling tour or boat trip. 

PorterHouse | Weesp

Aan de Poel

Aan de Poel restaurant interior
Image from Aan de Poel

With captivating views over the De Poel Lake at sunset, the ambience of two Michelin-star restaurant Aan de Poel perfectly complements the food. Guests can enjoy personalized attention from chef Stefan van Sprang, immaculate presentation and a selection of over 600 wines on the menu.

Tip: Read our complete neighbourhood guide for more restaurants and bars in Amstelveen.

Aan de Poel | Amstelveen