Most stylish restaurants and cafes in Amsterdam
Bello Gio’s by the River
This new Italian restaurant near the NDSM ferry serves Italian dishes in a homely atmosphere (think: busy prints on the walls, chairs and floors, and even a Fiat 500 attached to the wall). The feeling of home is further enhanced by dishes such as bone marrow with breadcrumbs, creamy salted cod with capers and fried mini octopus with preserved lemon and basil mayonnaise. Don't miss the classics such as risotto, melanzane and pizzas which are also on the menu.
Bello Gio's By The River | NDSM-kade 14
LOLO AMSTERDAM
Lolo is decadent and expressive, a sort of Moulin Rouge infused into an Italian restaurant, resulting in a vibrant and cabaret-style decor down to the fringe on lampshades, carpeted floors, contrasting wall colours, and red backlights on the bottle display. Named after French dancer and actor Lolo Ferrari, it is a fitting setting for a Casanova cocktail off the extensive list and a slice of pizza. As you venture deeper, you’ll find the indoor garden area with lush greenery plunging from the ceiling. It just shows that you’ll never know what to expect here.
Lolo Amsterdam | Oudekerksplein 48
The Living Room, by Bodon
The Living Room is all about bold statements with graphic prints sprawling across the ceiling, golden palm trees resting next to grey shell-shaped velvet chairs, and down to the statement chandeliers and orb lanterns reminiscent of planets hanging over the marble bar. Even the floor zigzags in black and white, geometrical, with a touch of vintage soul. The food is resoundingly French, after all, The Living Room calls itself ‘La Grande Brasserie’, with seafood and classic dishes such as the Vichyssoise ready to blow you away.
The Living Room, by Bodon | Apollolaan 2
Bar Botanique
Bar Botanique is an oasis of green with a stunning black marble top bar and sectioned space where a lush jungle is filled with palms stretching above the french bistro chairs. There are comfortable nooks with soft dusty pink walls and green velvet couches made for comfort. The dinner menu is geared towards sharing with a wide range of appetizers, pizza as well as burger options.
Bar Botanique, Eerste Van Swindenstraat 581
The Harbour Club Amsterdam Oost
The Harbour Club Amsterdam Oost resides in the quarters of an old wine storage facility: it is a giant industrial hangar with metal beams, sliding barn doors, adorned with lightbulbs and flowers dropping from the ceiling. The seating is welcoming to all, with velvet chairs and tablecloths mixed with casual seating. Don’t forget the enormous terrace on the Entrepot dock, where you can enjoy the Club’s Asian fusion menu.
The Harbour Club Amsterdam Oost | Cruquiusweg 67
Bam Boa
For a touch of summer, there's no need to look further than Bam Boa. This beachy restaurant is the epitome of boho vibes with bamboo-wrought tables and pampas grass. It’s a great place for hanging out with friends because of its sharing concept, as well.
Bam Boa | Weesperzijde 135
Secret Garden
No, it's not subtle, but that's not what brothers Mike and Roy Poppes do it for either. Much more than just another restaurant, Secret Garden is a luxurious escape - an oasis of peace, a garden of pleasure - located right in the heart of Amsterdam on the Reguliersdwarsstraat. The menu is Japanese-Peruvian, the wine list is endless, and the interior is styled to perfection. Chances are the secret will soon be gone, so be quick.
Secret Garden | Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40
Cantine de Caron
Cantine de Caron is located in a huge industrial hangar, the kind that you’ll see a lot in the Westergas. Despite its vastness and minimalistic decor, it doesn’t feel empty but bright and chock full of character enhanced by the exposed brick walls, red draperies and Scandinavian chairs alongside starched tablecloths. Cantine’s menu combines French and Dutch cuisine made of local produce.
Cantine de Caron | Pazzanistraat 8
Lion Noir
Lion Noir looks like one part gentlemen’s club, the other - modern, industrial and sleek. Relax among the low leather couches and take in the tapestries on the walls, the mounted peacock, a cuckoo clock and the bar. Stacked full with every bottle imaginable and armed with a brass Elektra coffee maker, it’s the perfect place for a drink or two. As you proceed to the back, Lion Noir has another surprise in store with their spacious hidden courtyard terrace perfect for Amsterdam's summer days.
Lion Noir, Reguliersdwarsstraat 28
Grand Café Restaurant 1e klas
Centraal Station’s old 1881 waiting room now houses a Brasserie surrounded by beautiful art nouveau decor. From the wood panelling to the painted crossbeams of the ceiling, the ambience evokes a spirit of a bygone time, one you can catch a glimpse of before catching your train ride. As a bonus, the Grand Cafe grants a discount to all City Card users.
Grand Café Restaurant 1e klas, Stationsplein 15
The Duchess
If you are after a luxurious setting to a fantastic meal, look no further. The marbled hall’s ambience is a part of the experience: it used to house a bank hall. Round lights hang over the beautiful grandfather clock. The menu has a mix of Italian, Southern French, and Mediterranean influences. The cocktail menu is delightfully modern with a gorgeous Blush Collins made with Yka-infused Bombay Sapphire and refreshing takes on Moscow Mules, Old Fashioned and Amaretto Sour.
The Duchess | Spuistraat 172