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Image from Winnie Verswijvel

Pre-theatre dining in Amsterdam

Luckily for theatre-goers, Amsterdam’s food scene is as expansive and diverse as its cultural offering. When you’re en route to a ballet, concert, spoken word performance, or whatever the night holds, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a restaurant. These eateries specialise in the pre-theatre experience and offer menus designed to have you well fed and on your way before the curtain rises.

Dining near Royal Theatre Carré

Koninklijk Theater Carré outside of theatre at night
Image from Jan de Ridder

The Living Kitchen - Zoku Amsterdam

Mediterranean flavours and breathtaking views are blended at The Living Kitchen - a secret rooftop bar and restaurant at the top of Zoku Amsterdam. Watch the chefs prepare seasonal, fresh dishes from the open kitchen using ingredients sourced from their very own garden. Conveniently located close to Carré and the National Opera & Ballet, it’s also an ideal spot for a pre-theatre meal.

The Living Kitchen | Weesperstraat 105

Bistrot des Alpes

Did you know that the Alps are just five minutes away from the Carré? Journey to the mountains for a pre-dinner experience in this chalet-feel restaurant with authentic chequered tablecloth interiors. On the menu: charcuterie, raclette and fondue but, perhaps, most fitting is the seasonal three-course menu.

Bistrot des Alpes | Utrechtsedwarsstraat 141

Graham's Kitchen

Descend further down the Amstel for a spot of fine dining at Graham’s Kitchen. The atmosphere is laid back, and the food is the star of the show: head chef Graham Mee brings his Michelin-restaurant work experience to his own restaurant. The three-course menu celebrates the finest local produce.

Graham's Kitchen | Hemonystraat 38

Mama Makan

Situated in the Plantage neighbourhood but still only a 10-minute walk from the theatre, Mama Makan brings the exceptional flavours of Southeast Asia and the Indonesian kitchen to Amsterdam. Tuck into their pre-theatre menu every evening from 5:30 PM onwards giving you ample time to tuck into a selection dishes before heading to your performance.

Mama Makan | Spinozastraat 61

Bistro Baret

Don’t miss this upmarket bistro on the corner of the River Amstel. The pre-theatre menu is updated weekly, with three courses and a choice of two main dishes for a very reasonable price.

Bistro Baret | Korte Amstelstraat 18

Dik & Cunningham

Chef Johan Dik is a master of culinary classics and can prepare a three-course ‘surprise’ menu for theatre-goers. Dik & Cunningham is a hidden gem located on Utrechtstraat, just one block away from the Royal Theatre Carré.

Dik & Cunningham |  Kerkstraat 377

Dining near Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, Theater Bellevue, DeLaMar Theater, De Balie

Image from Martin Kuijper

Ron Gastrobar Oriental Downtown

If you love Asian Fusion, step into this sister gastro bar from the Michelin-acclaimed chef. Try a steaming basket of dim-sum, or take your pick from one of the Indonesian seafood options and don’t forget to grab an aperitif at the cocktail bar before heading to the theatre.

Ron Gastrobar | Kerkstraat 23

Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA)

ITA showcases a varied programme of theatre performances with English subtitles. Set the tone for the evening at the theatre’s Café Brasserie Internationaal Theater Amsterdam with a speciality menu and optional wine pairings.

De Smoeshaan

The Theater Bellevue cafe-restaurant on Leidseplein is open for business with a three-course Theater menu. There’s a terrace on the water and a cosy top-floor restaurant, making De Smoeshaan the perfect spot to hang out among the locals before the performance.

De Smoeshaan | Leidsekade 90

Dining near Dutch National Opera and Ballet, de Kleine Komedie, Pathé Tuschinski

The National Opera & Ballet at nightfall, seen from a distance. This cultural institution is located at the Amstel river, close to Waterlooplein in the city centre.
Image from Jan de Ridder

Lion Noir

Lion Noir offers an intriguing setting for your pre-theatre dinner with a private courtyard terrace, a stylish brass cocktail bar, and a fabulous French menu. The chefs work to highlight local and seasonal ingredients in their ever-changing menu, guaranteeing a memorable evening.

Lion Noir | Reguliersdwarsstraat 28

A-Fusion

Despite being located in the heart of historic Amsterdam, A-Fusion couldn’t be further from a tourist trap. If you are with two people, share a tasting menu at one of the best Asian restaurants in Amsterdam. Rembrandtplein is only a 15-minute walk away.

A-Fusion | Zeedijk 130

Frenzi

Pop into Frenzi for a spot of Italian cuisine. With many vegetarian options and a three-course menu, this corner restaurant on the Amstel is casual and welcoming and just a stone’s throw away from De Kleine Komedie and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet.

Frenzi Restaurant Amsterdam | Zwanenburgwal 232

Amstel1

You'll find Amstel1 just a step away from the Dutch National Opera & Ballet: the perfect spot for a 3-course pre-theatre menu. Settle in for a delicious steak and a hot beverage and a Holtkamp cheesecake before enjoying your show. Remember that you'll need to book it at least by 18:00 to take advantage of the deal.

Amstel1 | Amstel 1