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Image from Maarten van der Wal

Most romantic restaurants in Amsterdam

Discover the perfect setting for an unforgettable date night in Amsterdam. From candlelit canalside bistros to chic rooftop terraces with stunning city views, Amsterdam is brimming with romantic dining spots. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply savouring time together, these restaurants combine exquisite cuisine, cosy candlelit atmospheres, and heaps of Amsterdam charm to create the ideal ambience for romance to flourish.

For intimate conversations: De Belhamel

The dining room of De Belhamel restaurant in the Jordaan
Image from De Belhamel

Settle onto the terrace and savour a menu inspired by French and Italian flavours at this charming restaurant on the edge of the Jordaan district. With its dim lighting, cosy seating, and elegant art nouveau décor, De Belhamel offers a uniquely intimate dining experience—a rare gem in the heart of Amsterdam's vibrant cityscape. The restaurant is known for its quiet ambience, perfect for intimate conversations and a tête-à-tête with your loved one.

For stargazing: De Kas

Glass house
Image from Ronald Hoeben

Enter an oasis in Oost at Restaurant De Kas, a restaurant that creates its daily-changing menu from fresh produce grown in its own greenhouse and garden. Dine beneath the stunning glass ceiling of the light-filled conservatory or on the sun-dappled patio surrounded by fragrant herbs. This culinary institution has been on the Michelin list for years and has its own Green Star. Read our complete guide to Michelin restaurants in Amsterdam for more.

For flamingo watching: Café Restaurant De Plantage

Café-Restaurant de Plantage in the evening with sparkly lights.
Image from Maarten van der Wal

Dine beneath twinkling sycamore trees at this conservatory-turned-restaurant next to the Artis Royal Zoo. Café Restaurant De Plantage's breathtaking atmosphere isn’t the only thing it offers: its winning feature is a celebrated menu of fanciful dishes such as wild boar ravioli or a roasted leg of lamb—shared between two guests.

For sharing dishes: La Oliva

La Olive restaurant in the Jordaan
Image from La Olive

Indulge in Spanish romance at La Oliva, a restaurant on Egelantiersstraat specialising in the taste of Spain. Though there are plenty of main courses such as fish stew and venison, if you're with your loved ones, it's worth opting for pintxos, small toasts served with delicious toppings from the Basque region — perfect for sharing.

For dazzling views: Helling7

Perched on an old shipyard slipway at the NDSM wharf and constructed entirely of scrap metal and glass, Helling7 is an evening restaurant where dishes are cooked over coals in the open kitchen. You'll find exceptional seafood dishes and a changing seasonal menu. Twinkling lights from the surrounding dockyard and slowly flickering candles illuminate the restaurant, transforming it into a magical and enticing space overlooking the river at sundown. Hands down, it has some of the best views in town.

For candle-lit encounters: Sins of Sal

Sins of Sal interior
Image from Silja Summanen

Sins of Sal in the Jordaan is a candle-lit cave of decadence and debauchery with a concept that falls somewhere between Latin America and the occult. If your relationship could use an aphrodisiac injection, try the oysters (we've got a complete list of the best oyster spots in case), which come topped with tiradito (a floral salsa made with ají amarillo peppers and leche de tigre (a spicy citrus marinade), knocked back with a smokey mezcal rinse. To wash this all down, you'll find some stunning natural wines on the menu while some of Amsterdam's best cocktails, like the house Paloma or Margarita, are available on tap. 

For neighbourhood buzz: Compartir

People sitting at the bar at Compartir wine bar and restaurant on Spaarndammerstraat
Image from Manouk Quint

Compartir is a friendly wine bar set across two levels in Westerpark's leafy Spaarndammerbuurt district. It is perfect for those cosy evening nights when you only want to grab a bottle of wine and retreat from the world (and still go out to eat). It's all about fresh Franco-inspired small plates and nibbles, including charcuterie and cheese boards. The wine list is equally dynamic, with an extensive selection of frizzantés, sparkling rosés and emerging European gems to complement every dish. 

For low-key chic: La Vallade

Nestled along a scenic canal in Oost, La Vallade is a cosy, candlelit gem perfect for an intimate evening. Inspired by French countryside dining, the restaurant offers a daily-changing, five-course set menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Its warm ambience, rustic charm, and excellent wine selection create the perfect backdrop for couples seeking a romantic meal that's low-key, effortlessly elegant and powered by a fabulous bottle of Bordeaux.