New in Town (April 2026)
NOORD
Editor’s Pick: Cafe Voorwarts
Best for: sports and groups
A low-key entry that knows what it’s doing, this pub is for people from the neighbourhood and beyond. You’ll find Cafe Voorwarts in the buzzy and industrial Hamerkwartier, run by the team behind Skatecafe. Here, it’s all the classics; football on the big screen, darts as well as art, and pub staples on the menu, from prawn croquettes to English scotch eggs. The space is huge too, at 600m2, meaning it’s a great shout for a post-work drink and bite or just a place to catch Ajax when they’re playing. The only downside is that it’s open on Fridays only – so make it a priority come the weekend.
Cafe Voorwarts | open Fridays | price range €-€€ | Schaafstraat 12
OOST
Local Pick: Bean There Co
Best for: Communal atmosphere
We love to show a little love to the smaller places, which is why Bean There Co is our pick of the month. Tucked away on Roteirseiland, this little coffee shop is worth seeking out not just for its (very) good coffee but also for its lovely people. Run by Sarit Eskinazi, Bean There Co is small but mighty, working with local roasters and focusing on keeping things local and low-key. And while it might seem far out unless you’re based in IJburg or Zeeburg, this coffee shop might be the first wave of spots that begin to make this corner of Oost a destination in its own right.
Bean There Co | Tue-Sun, 07:30–17:00 | price range €-€€ | Roepie Kruizestraat 2
Écluse
Best for: Sunlit bites
Ijburg’s growing residential community means they need to eat too and Écluse looks to feed them well. Speciality coffee in the day courtesy of Amsterdam favourite Uncommon, and a lunch menu that spans BLTs, smashburgers and spicy chicken focaccia means all the modern classics are covered. A spot to catch the morning and afternoon sun.
Écluse | Tues-Sun, times vary | price range €-€€ | Haringbuisdijk 1A
CENTRUM
Budget Pick: Bouillon
Best for: Bistro fare on a budget
Much has been made of Paris’ legendary bouillon concept coming to Amsterdam; essentially good, hearty bistro fare at heartier prices. The question was – can Amsterdam match that and produce something that’s true to the Bouillon spirit, and avoid the pitfalls of a lukewarm copy? So far, the reviews seem to think it can. Amsterdammers have been arriving in their droves, so much so that the restaurant is fully booked days ahead, though walk-in tables remain. The menu is classic French with prices you’ll be hard pushed to find anywhere else, think confit canard (€14), ratatouille provencale (€12) and steak frites (€17). Located just off the Dam, Bouillon is a sign that perhaps times are changing – an Amsterdam where the city centre is one for residents again, a price tag that won’t keep them away and maybe even the end of small plates. Only time will tell.
Bouillon | open 12:00-23:00 | price range €€-€€€ | Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 178
Shakerato
Best for: world-class cocktails
Cocktail connoisseurs will already be well versed with Shakerato, but for the everyman and woman, now’s the time to indulge. Created by the team behind the number one bar in the world – Handshake in Mexico City – this is a spot that comes with plenty of expectation. Luckily, the reviews are pouring in – and they’re all good. The menu here features both classics and signatures, from martinis and negronis to cocktails that draw on Mexican produce and beyond, including habanero-infused long drinks and olive oil gimlets. Expect every drink to be delivered with panache and pack a punch; there’s almost no bad order in these parts.
Shakerato | open Wed-Mon, 18:00-01:00 | price range €€-€€€ | Stadhouderskade 7
WEST
Bo’s
Best for: bagels and coffee
We will never not be happy about another place that serves great – and we do mean great – coffee. Bo’s is the spot for a dreamy flat white and a bagel loaded with salmon and cream cheese. When you do the classics right, why would you do anything else?
Bo's | open all week, 07:30-17:00 | price range €-€€ | Baarsjesweg 211
ZUID
Ottolenghi
Best for: Levantine luxury
What to say that hasn’t already been said about (Yotam) Ottolenghi? Everybody in Amsterdam likely owns at least one of his cookbooks and he’s partly credited with inspiring a food craze for za’tar and sumac, spices you’re as likely to find in the south-west Asian kitchen as you are the modern Amsterdam one. He’s set up shop in the Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Hotel, where you’ll find all his classics and novel twists plated up.
Ottolenghi | open all week, hours vary | price range €€-€€€ | Paulus Potterstraat 50
In case you missed it...
ZUIDOOST
World of Flavours
Best for: global cuisine
The long-awaited opening of World of Flavours is finally upon us and for the residents of Zuidoost and Amsterdam more widely, that can only be a good thing. You’ll be taken on a global culinary tour, from the johnnycakes of the Caribbean at Yvette’s Kitchen to the hearty, spicy birria at Mexican spot Carnales. If you’re at an Ajax game or a concert at Ziggo or AFAS Live, make this your go-to spot for food.
World of Flavours | Hours vary | price range €-€€ | Johan Cruijff Boulevard 300
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