Wander Amsterdam, discover tucked-away cafés on each canal bend – each district boasting unique tastes. Craving a substantial Dutch bite, a colorful vegan dish, or something refined overlooking the water? You’ll find it here. Lost for a lunchtime destination in Amsterdam? Discover where residents eat – alongside visitor hotspots – with this curated list of outstanding eateries throughout town, featuring both well-known places also secret finds.
Which Restaurants Offer the Best Lunch in Amsterdam?
Stuck on lunch spots while touring Amsterdam? Perhaps you’re wandering alongside the canals, checking out museums, or simply hungry – here are five places to enjoy a memorable midday meal.
1. The Cottage
The Cottage in Linnaeusstraat Amsterdam East serves up British-style favorites alongside a relaxed vibe. It’s a hit – especially Sundays when their roast dinner draws crowds. Everyone – whether with family, buddies, or flying solo – finds a cozy spot here. Kids, alongside polite animal companions, get their own menus plus highchairs. Reservations are smart, especially weekends or for Sunday dinner. We welcome guests each day from 8:30 AM until 11:00 PM – though we finish up at 10:00 PM Sundays and remain closed every Tuesday).
The Cottage Menu and Contact Details
| Dish | Price |
| Roast meat with duck-fat potatoes, 3 seasonal vegetables, homemade gravy, sauce & Yorkshire pudding | € 24.50 |
| Vegetarian pasty (roseval potatoes, 3 seasonal vegetables, homemade veggie gravy, sauce & Yorkshire pudding) | € 23.50 |
Phone: +31 20 223 0835
Email: info@thecottage.amsterdam
2. Blue Amsterdam
High up the glass tower in Amsterdam’s Kalverpassage shopping mall, Blue Amsterdam is a cafe- restaurant. A transparent lift whisks visitors up to a spacious destination. From there, Amsterdam unfolds – the Rijksmuseum, Westerkerk, even the vibrant flower market come into view. It’s open weekdays from ten until half past six, also weekends eleven to six thirty.
What makes Blue Amsterdam’s architectural design and panoramic city views unique?
Blue Amsterdam mixes modern buildings with a cozy restaurant atmosphere – comfy chairs, big windows, a vibrant location that still feels peaceful. They serve coffee, meals from morning to evening, treats, drinks like beer, wine, alongside mixed beverages. Usually, popping in is fine without booking ahead.
Blue Amsterdam Menu and Contact Details
| Item | Approx. Price* |
| Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit & granola | €10.50 |
| Side salad with pomegranate, cherry tomatoes & pumpkin seeds | €6.50 |
| Classic burger (beef, brioche, bacon, cheese etc) served with fries | €21.50 |
| Vegan Sloppy Joe (vegan patty, BBQ sauce, coleslaw) | €20.50 |
| “Blue burger” (beetles with blue-berry chutney & blue cheese) | €22.50 |
| Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) | €3.80 |
Phone: +31 20 427 39 01
Email: welcome@blue-amsterdam.nl
3. Little Buddha Asian restaurant
Tucked away on Halvemaansteeg 18 in central Amsterdam, Little Buddha Asian Restaurant feels like discovering a hidden gem. It’s intimate – think bistro scale – with inviting lights alongside unpretentious decor. People appreciate the genuine vibe; it’s both comfortable but also buzzing with energy. You’ll find genuine Asian and Nepalese dishes here – think momos, noodle soup, also fried rice – with heat levels customized to your liking. They’re open seven days a week, generally from 1 PM until 3 AM.
Little Buddha Asian Restaurant Menu and Contact Details
| Dish | Price (EUR) |
| Coconut Soup with Chicken | €8.50 |
| Wagyu Beef Tataki | €10.50 |
| Coquille Saint-Jacques with Orange Sauce | €12.00 |
| Red Fire Dragon (8 pieces) – Fried shrimp, spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber | €12.00 |
| Temaki Assortment (4 hand-rolls) – California, prawns, tuna, daily special | €15.00 |
Phone: +31 6 843 27996
4. Restaurant Black
Nestled on Amsterdam’s charming Prinsengracht canal at number 703, Restaurant Black welcomes guests throughout the week – from 8:30 in the morning until eleven at night. Have coffee, a relaxed lunch or a fine dinner with steak, seafood, also crisp salads in its warm ambiance. It is in the very middle of the Jordaan district.
What makes Restaurant Black and Instagram-worthy dining spots?
It feels relaxed yet inviting, drawing in dates, friends, celebrations. Dishes look great, the menu offers something for everyone – even those eating plant-based or gluten-free – resulting in vibrant plates perfect for pictures. It captures a real Amsterdam spirit, though remains refreshingly unpretentious.
Restaurant Black Menu Pricing and Contact Details
| Dish | Price (EUR) |
| Bread with herb oil & herb butter | € 5.50 |
| Soup of the day (Starter) | € 9.95 |
| Beef carpaccio (Starter) | € 14.95 |
| 100% Black Angus burger | € 21.95 |
| Vegetarian burger (vegan option) | € 22.95 |
| Tenderloin of Black Angus 160 g | € 28.00 |
| Rib-eye Angus 600 g (for two) | € 69.95 |
| Banana cake (Dessert) | € 12.75 |
Phone: +31 20 787 03 98
Email: info@restaurantblack.nl
5. Grandcafé Hermes
Hermes Grandcafé Amsterdam Sloterdijk 150, 1043 DV, is just outside Amsterdam Sloterdijk station – Orlyplein 150. Easy to access when you are travelling or working in the area it is a comfortable modern bistro. Comfy seating and 2012 Updated decor. There is a nice garden terrace provided that the weather is good. On weekdays they are open between 10 AM and 10 PM, but on weekends they must make a reservation.
Why is Grandcafé Hermes ideal for meetings and gatherings?
They focus on excellent meat – sourced from nearby Dutch farms – as well as fresh seafood alongside plant-based dishes. Free WiFi makes this spot great for everything from quick lunches to larger events. We handle gatherings – whether it’s colleagues connecting, buddies sharing a meal, or bigger events. We accommodate everything from cozy groups of ten to parties with around two hundred people.
Grandcafé Hermes Menu Pricing and Contact Details
| Dish | Price (EUR) |
| Uitsmijter (fried eggs) | € 6.75 |
| Club Hermes (club sandwich with fries) | € 10.75 |
| Chicken saté (served with fries) | € 14.95 |
| Hamburger (homemade burger with fries) | € 9.00 |
| Caesar salad with chicken & bacon | € 11.75 |
Phone: +31 20 488 44 22
Email: peter@grandcafehermes.nl
Bottom Line
You’ll discover Amsterdam offers lunchtime spots mirroring its own vibrant character – chic rooftops, snug waterside bistros, secret neighborhood finds. From traditional Dutch fare to inventive Asian blends or purely vegan meals, something suits every preference and wallet. While exploring the city, pause at these remarkable restaurants; they showcase why Amsterdam is a haven for people who love good food.
FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation for lunch at popular restaurants?
When a place is busy – downtown, say, or when you are out on Saturday or Sunday, it is prudent to book a table. Famous restaurants do not remain deserted.
What should I consider when choosing a lunch spot in Amsterdam?
Consider who is there – friends, coworkers, relatives, what will be served, can everyone eat, how easy it will be to access, also whether the atmosphere suits the group.
Can I find affordable lunch options in Amsterdam outside of tourist areas?
Venture beyond the usual sights; you’ll likely discover better deals alongside genuinely local flavors
Does the menu typically change for lunch vs dinner?
Often, a lunch meal will be less expensive; at some restaurants, there are also simple, set-price lunches – or lunchtime specials – which are a good bargain compared to their standard prices.
Are there good lunch restaurants in Amsterdam with outdoor seating or a view?
Quite a few popular lunchtime spots offer lovely settings – think terraces, canalside tables, remarkable vistas. For example, Kop van Oost looks out over the Brouwerij ‘t IJ windmill, while Roest is right on the water.
