Restaurants and bars in Oud-Zuid

Bennies

Undoubtedly one of the hippest additions to the southern hemisphere of Amsterdam, walking into Bennies feels like entering a retro Scandi-chic design showroom. The luminous space is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh casual lunch, choosing from their selection of brioche sandwiches or a sumptuous a la carte selection. The evenings are buzzier, with live DJs, an expertly curated wine list and global influences peppering the Franco-Italo-Dutch-inspired menu. With Bar Dancing Multipla right down the street, this corner of Zuid is fast becoming a go-to hotspot. 

Pipes + Beans

This cosy speciality coffee spot and living room hangout brings Colombian-roasted goodness to the leafy streets of the Hoofdorplein neighbourhood. Pipes + Beans is a relaxed and comfy space to prop up with a good book or get a few hours of work done (half of the tables are designated as laptop-friendly). Grab a kimchi tosti or a pastry to pair with an expertly-frothed cappuccino, and you'll be set up to explore the vintage boutiques, tree-lined canals and picturesque parks nearby.

TOZI

Venetians and Amsterdammers share quite a few things in common, such as the canals and intrinsic love of fried snacks. The Italian head chef at TOZI jumped on this connection, designing an exceptional menu of cicchetti (small plates), pasta and seafood dishes perfect for sharing between friends. Start with the fried zucchini and squid, burrata, mini pizzas and a selection of cured meats, moving on to the baked octopus, lamb chops or a whole grilled seabass to share. Gather a group of diners big enough, and you can try it all!

Hilton Amsterdam

At Hilton Hotel Amsterdam, a landmark in the historic Oud-Zuid neighbourhood, you can wine and dine all day. The hotel is home to Roberto's Restaurant, where you can savour traditional Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, including classic Roman dishes and a standout pasta vongole. In the summer, the hotel's spacious Garden Terrace comes alive, hosting various high-end events against the canal backdrop, such as the famous herring party where top chefs prepare the freshest Hollandse Nieuwe herring from Jan van As.

Bolenius

While Dutch fast food like bitterballen and patat has merits, foodies looking for a fine-dining experience will love the farm-to-table concept at Bolenius, which serves Michelin-starred local cuisine. Expect fresh fare that’s a colourful feast for the eyes and palate. If you have the time and deep pockets to indulge, enjoy a wine arrangement to complement your five- to seven-course menu.

Vondelpark

There's no better spot to soak up the summer rays and people watch than Amsterdam's iconic green space: Vondelpark. Parked slap bang in the middle, 't Blauwe Theehuis is a striking modernist pavilion that resembles something like a giant teacup crossed with a spaceship. Surrounded by a large terrace, the café is popular with locals keen to catch the sun as they sip on a latte. Outdoor heaters make it a great spot in winter and the perfect place to watch the passing crowd in the summer. Theehuis is run by Brouwerij ’t IJ, so there’s a fantastic selection of local beers to sample. At the southernmost tip of the park, you’ll find the idyllic Vondeltuin - a beautifully renovated beer garden that provides an ideal spot for lounging in comfy chairs while enjoying coffee or a cold one. The lunch and dinner menu includes various sandwiches, pasta, tapas and burgers and there’s a great park for the kids to play in whilst parents natter away on the terrace.

Mondi

Take a culinary journey to Curaçao at Mondi, set in a restored 19th-century school, The College Hotel. With comfortable chairs, warmly hued décor, Caribbean art and a roaring fireplace, this is no ordinary day in class. The Caribbean roots of chef Justin Niessen sing through in dishes such as the jerk chicken, funchi (similar to polenta), and indulgent sweet potato rolls. Pro tip: don’t miss the hamachi tiradito with sweet ‘n’ sour radish, herring caviar, huancaina (spicy cheese sauce) and a coral-like beet crisp.

NENI

NENI has been successfully serving Eastern Mediterranean favourites in a monumental former garage, Zuid-side, since 2019. Tuck into a delicious mezze feast with dishes like king mushroom shawarma, shrimp brick cigar, or fresh fava bean salad. No trip to NENI is complete without sampling the signature popcorn falafel, flatbread, and creamy hummus (some of the city’s best).

Tip: To wash it all down, order the Rhubarb & Custard, a refreshing gin and tonic with tangy rhubarb and spiced cardamom notes.

Conservatorium Brasserie

Located in an internal courtyard of the Conservatorium Hotel with spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, Conservatorium Brasserie is an inspirational setting for brunch and dinner. The exquisite a la carte menu encompasses everything from club sandwiches and Caesar salads to refined sushi with delicately balanced flavours courtesy of Taiko Bar & Restaurant (one of the city’s best cocktail hotspots). And if you want to treat someone special, the breakfast menu includes champagne by the glass.

Wils Bakery Café

What started as a crafty experiment to sell bread from the Michelin-starred Restaurant Wils during lockdown has now become the city's most beloved artisanal bakery café: “Wils Bakery is place where the baking craft and the conviviality of a French bistro could come together,” explains chef-owner Joris Bijdendijk. On the a la carte menu, you’ll find the traditional Dutch workman’s lunch known as a 12-uurtje (soup, salad and a sandwich) and bistro classics such as oysters, garlicky escargot and oeufs mayonnaise. A 3- or 4-course chef’s menu also features more elevated dishes like slavink (a bacon-wrapped rabbit roll) or the creamy dreamy burnt Basque cheesecake. Be sure you don’t leave without an armful of bread.

Around Zuidas

Business in Zuidas or perhaps visiting the RAI Convention Centre? You'll find a range of great restaurants, sky lounges and down-to-earth bars in this part of town.

• Get your weekend started at one of the local watering holes such as Limon where power suits and ties are not required. The restaurant's modern and cosy interior offers a more relaxed vibe away from the corporate crowds. Here you'll find expats, students and corporates in the mix, all indulging in delectable dishes and creative cocktails.
• Enjoy sky-high views, exceptional Spanish-inspired cuisine and a unique blend of 1990s Hollywood elegance in the eye-popping interiors of Hasta La Vista, Baby.

Read this guide to the best restaurants and bars in Zuidas for more.