Cosy spots for comfort food in Amsterdam

Brio

This low-lit, snug eatery is home to heaping plates of fresh pasta. There's something innately retro and comforting about BRIO, decked out in teak, lacquered tables, orb lighting, and a curvy wooden bar. The best spot is arguably the communal table at the back, complete with a skylight and plenty of ambience that makes it great for groups. Don't miss the luxurious and boozy tiramisu for a soul-warming after.

Brio | Eerste Sweelinckstraat 23, De Pijp

Edita

This Bos en Lommer-based restaurant takes its name from and pays homage the owner's grandmother, who was a neighbourhood local. Here, the food takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavours: think breadcrumbed aubergine, poulet noir with tarragon and beurre blanc (a favourite dish among guests) and kingfish with smoked ponzu. And it wouldn’t be truly Mediterranean without wine, and there’s plenty of it here.

Edita | Jan van Galenstraat 92, Bos en Lommer

De Vergulden Eenhoorn

Enjoy Burgundian hospitality at De Vergulden Eenhoorn, a historic city farmhouse complete with a roaring fireplace. Take a wintry bike ride east and settle down by the fire for a delicious croque madame with gruyère or a portion of polenta fries with aioli.

De Vergulden Eenhoorn | Ringdijk 58, Oost

Café Jaap

Ice skating is a favourite winter pastime in Amsterdam, so when in the Netherlands do as the Dutch do and make a trip to Jaap Edenbaan, an ice rink in Watergraafsmeer. Once you’re done zipping around, head to the on-site café for a delicious warm Chocomel and a rookworst (a tasty smoked sausage) while warming your tootsies at the open fire.

Café Jaap | Radioweg 64, Oost

The Cottage

British cuisine gets a bad rep sometimes, but on a chilly day, some classic pub grub might just be exactly what you need. The Cottage in Oost dedicates a whole section of its menu to comfort food, featuring several of the finest exports from across the channel. Tuck into the meat and vegetarian pies, full English breakfasts, Welsh rarebit (that’s cheese on toast made with ale) and of course, a roast dinner on Sundays with all the trimmings.

The Cottage | Linnaeusstraat 88, Oost

The Lobby

Sip on a dark and stormy, or your winter warmer of choice, next to the fireplace at The Lobby. The chefs are experts in indulgent winter dining, and the menu is loaded with slow-cooked classics and delicious desserts. It’s the perfect ending to a day in the city and a great spot to escape the cold.

The Lobby | Nes 49, City Centre / Fizeaustraat 2, Oost

De Italiaan

The brick oven inside this cosy neighbourhood restaurant and pizzeria will warm you right up in the cooler months. Alongside the delicious pasta, meat and fish courses, we’d recommend the Il Tartufo pizza with truffle, buffalo mozzarella and lardo - some seriously decadent Italian bacon. Check out our run-down of the best pizza in Amsterdam for more. 

De Italiaan | Bosboom Toussaintstraat 29, Oud-West

Moeders

As long as it's cold and bleak outside, and the weather report gives you the shivers, there’s nothing better than a good heart plate of home cooking. At Restaurant Moeders, they cook just like your mum used to, offering classic Dutch dishes like stews and snert (split pea soup with sausage) as staple winter warmers. Here are a few more fantastic Dutch food restaurants to try for some more home-grown cooking.

Moeders | Rozengracht 251, Oud-West

SORA Sapporo Ramen

Nothing says comfort food quite like a big, warm bowl of ramen. SORA Sapporo Ramen, with a location on the lively Ceintuurbaan in De Pijp and one on the border of De Baarsjes in West, offers some of the city's best ramen. The cosy, tightly packed restaurant in De Pijp is always buzzing with customers, often with a line out the door—and for good reason. Don't miss our round-up of the most slurp-worthy ramen in Amsterdam for more umami noodle-y goodness.

SORA Sapporo Ramen | Ceintuurbaan 49, De Pijp, Marcopolostraat 223H, De Baarsjes

Trattoria Graziella

Chef Luigi di Benedetto and his kitchen team bring you the tastes of an authentic Italian kitchen at this charming trattoria. From the homemade cavatelli pasta with oxtail ragout and Pecorino cheese fondue to the feather-light babà al rum with strawberries and Chantilly cream, this friendly joint is comfort food heaven. Pasta fanatic? We've picked some of the best spots for pasta in the city. 

Trattoria Graziella | Niewe Doelenstraat 12-14, Centrum

Smelt

Take a little trip to Switzerland without leaving Amsterdam by visiting Smelt. Nothing says comfort food like dipping bits of bread, meat and potato into a pot of gooey melted cheese. The folks behind this Negen Straatjes staple use fondue cheese from De Kaaskamer, served with sourdough bread from Fort Negen and blanched seasonal vegetables. Smelt also has fondues for vegan and gluten-free guests. Check out our round-up for the best cheese fondue in the city for more.

Smelt | Runstraat 12, Centrum