Restaurants and bars in NDSM
Contrast
Perched on at boat on the westerly edge of NDSM, you'll find the neighbourhood's newest eatery addition. A meeting point between architecture and food, the menu at Contrast is an eight-course romp through Chef Iñaki Bolumburu's culinary home – the Basque Country – and features everything from seaweed butter and squid tartare to red pepper-laced cod and an adventurous yolk, miso, pil pil and dill dish. Savour it all among the minimal Scandinavian midcentury decor and take in the views of the IJ through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or steer your gaze to one of the artists' showcases on rotation on the ground floor.
Lagerwal & Helling7
Discover Noord's most stunning wharfside terrace at Lagerwal, where scenic cityscapes of the passing boats are paired with local beers on tap, pitcher cocktails, great food and music. In collaboration with the neighbouring restaurant, Helling7, most dishes are prepared on an open fire. Perched on an old shipyard slipway at the NDSM-wharf and constructed entirely of scrap metal and glass, both locations offer one of the most romantic perspectives over the river, complete with industrial vibes typical of Amsterdam Noord.
Noorderlicht Café
Noorderlicht is certainly a jewel to be discovered at NDSM Wharf. Don’t worry about ripening on the vine like a cherry tomato in this greenhouse, just find your place on the grassy terrace outside and you won’t sweat a thing. The colourful, mismatched furniture creates a bohemian vibe and the beautiful beer garden ambles down to the sparkling waters for a delightful view that's made even better with a frozen margarita in hand. On weekends, join in with free cultural events which also make good use of the outdoor space.
Klaproos
Like Ceuvel, Klaproos isn’t technically in NDSM. But they're both just a short walk from the wharf and so good we don’t need to get all pedantic about it. Drop by for excellent pizzas, antipasti and unusual wines all weekend or get some slices to go and find a spot to eat by the water. The vibe is typical for Amsterdam-Noord and why we love this part of town: a hip converted space decked out in industrial lighting, trendy people of all ages and a gorgeous riverside terrace for sundown.
Pllek
Undoubtedly one of the most famous riverside hangouts in Amsterdam, Pllek is a large hangar-style restaurant and bar which boasts its own urban beach and a covetable view of the IJ. On sultry summer evenings, relax here, sheltered from the wind, with your feet in the sand and a chilled drink in hand. When it's less warm, grab a spot next to the big campfire that regularly burns into the night - and if the flames get too much, why not be brazen and take a dip in the river?
IJver
Housed in a former shipbuilding hangar at a gorgeous wharfside location, IJver combines industrial heritage (think eight-metre-high ceilings and burnt steel walls) with warm interiors and a living room vibe. The 18-metre-long bar has no fewer than 34 copper beer taps, and when the weather is warm, the large indoor/outdoor terrace buzzes with life. Open for lunch, drinks and dinner, the Franco-Dutch menu features locally grown ingredients cooked on a charcoal grill with their own ales and beers, sometimes even woven into the dishes.
Fred’s Kitchen & Bar
If you are looking for light bites and drinks in chic industrial surroundings by the water, Fred’s has got you covered. The kitchen takes the most addictive Asian dishes - think dim sum, yakitori skewers, Peking duck rolls, steamed buns and salmon sashimi - and throws them together into an elegant menu that always wakes your tastebuds up. Wash all this down with cava by the glass, a great selection of beers on tap and refreshing classic cocktails, and you’ve got yourself the perfect start to an evening.
Next
From the genius minds behind Pllek, comes Next, a relatively new restaurant to grace the industrial shipyard buildings of the NDSM Wharf. The restaurant is open daily from 09.30 till late, so you can reserve a spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply cocktails from their stand-out bar team. Indulge in creative dishes such as cauliflower with maple syrup and pico de gallo, artichoke with romesco sauce and halibut with sage and a beurre blanc. The restaurant also boasts astonishing views of the harbour and ferries sailing to and from Central Station.
Kometen Brood & Café
Having recently upgraded its space and moved to a bigger location in NDSM, Kometen takes its bread-making to the public with its open bakery. Watch the bakers knead dough, roll croissants, and bake fresh loaves while you sip on a coffee. Their spacious café offers fresh pastries and sandwiches, as well as an extensive lunch menu – and they even host workshops to share their passion for bread.
Brunchdale
Brunchdale is perhaps unsurprisingly all about brunch – all day long. Whether you’re catching up with a friend or want to bring your laptop to get some work done, there’s space for everyone. But the primary draw is the menu, featuring all-day brunch classics such as eggs benedict and innovative creations like vegan kimchi grilled cheese. From sweet to savoury, there's something for everyone, with vegan and halal options available. Open daily from the morning until 17:00; this is your new NDSM brunch haven.
