My Weekend in Amsterdam – Part 2 – Places to eat & drink…🇳🇱🍽☕️

Visiting a new city is so much fun, and one of my favourite things to do is try out the local specialities, dine in the trendy restaurants and drink in a favourite bar or coffee shop. 

We were in Amsterdam for two nights but we chose to eat breakfast on both mornings in the same place. Dinner again was in the same chain of restaurants because we enjoyed the experience so very much.

Breakfast – 

De Bakkerswinkle – Warmoesstraat 69

De Bakkerswinkle is a group of restaurants dotted around the Netherlands. The Bakkerswinkle we chose to visit was a stones throw from our hotel and was the cosiest little restaurant anyone could ask for.

Located in Warmoesstraat 69, one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, it serves breakfast, lunch and coffee & cake. Do not be put off by the fact that the area is now a little part of the ‘red light district,’ as once inside this lovely little haven you don’t see all that.

The seating and service is rustic, with beautiful porcelain of different colours and sizes, the most delicious homemade jams and fresh pastries and breads.

The jams available were just amazing – pineapple & basil, mango and the tangiest lemon curd.

I had the very generously portioned healthy ‘Yogurt Breakfast’ – bowls of creamy yogurt topped with homemade cinnamon granola filled with oats, wheat, goji berries and nuts.

My husband enjoyed fried eggs and a beautiful basket of fresh pastries and bread, jams and butter.

Extremely affordable and the best cappuccino I’ve had for a while. This is definitely a great place to visit for breakfast!

Lunch – 

Soup en Zo – Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 54

After a big breakfast we decided to have soup on the go in a very popular soup shop right by the Rijks Museum. The line outside was long but the soup was worth the wait.

A little overpriced for what you get, but it was very filling and on a cold windy day it hit the spot. We had a bowl of the chilli which was filled with red kidney beans, minced beef and spices, you get a chunk of fresh bread with your choice and eat it from a paper bowl, but it’s a good quick lunch when you are on the go.

There were a lot of locals there, and I always think thats a great sign when you visit a new city. I prefer to stay away from the touristic places and chose the local hot spots instead.

Afternoon Tea & Cake –

Amstel Lounge at The Intercontinental Amstel Hotel – Professor Tulpplein 1

Sightseeing is a tiring business espeacially in a city like Amsterdam where there is so much to see and you walk everywhere.

Another thing I love to do in a new city is visit the famous hotels there. The Amstel is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Amsterdam, 150years of luxury under one roof.

The Amstel Lounge is the most beautiful relaxing place to enjoy views of The Amstel river and dine in opulent luxury. 

Set in a high ceilinged winter garden conservatory we enjoyed a delicious pot of tea, homemade cakes and a huge slice of a Dutch speciality – apple cinnamon cake piled high with apple slices and cinnamon.

Dinner –

Restaurant Black and Blue – Leliegracht 46

As we were without kids, we wanted to go and have a romantic meal for two in a nice restaurant in Amsterdam. Reading reviews and asking around we found this beautiful place just around the corner from our hotel and very near the Anne Frank House.

Known for serving the best steaks and the most delicious salads in Amsterdam, we knew it would suit us perfectly.

The restaurant itself is small and cosy, comfy banquets and a warm romantic atmosphere. Definitely book a table as it was absolutely packed by 8pm on Saturday night. Again a great sign of a good restaurant is if it is filled with locals, and this restaurant was just that. Dutch families, business people and couples enjoying a night out in their beautiful city.

We started the night with some  cocktails. The starters were yummy, I had scallops served on a bed of basmati rice, followed by a perfectly cooked piece of fillet steak. My husband had marinated Norweigian salmon which was so delicate and flavoursome. He followed with a big juicy Black Angus Burger. Not a cheap restaurant but totally worth it for a special night out. We ended the meal with a lovely cheese plate.

After dinner drinks –

Pulitzer’s Bar – Keizersgracht 234 –

This bar is just perfection. Small cosy with the most spectacular view of the canals. Dark leather seating and a glamourous feel of old time luxury, it is just ideal to end a wonderful night in Amsterdam in.

Coffee shops & other restaurants to dine in –

Amsterdam is filled with some great places to just sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world, bikes and boats go by.

The coffee shop which I enjoyed the most on this trip was the one inside the Anne Frank House. Overlooking the beautiful canal it has great coffee, snacks and a nice place to sit and contemplate.

Another lovely little place to dine was Humphreys in Nieuwezijds Kolk 23, friendly staff and nice food.

Top tip – Definitely try the Fresh mint tea! It is served pretty much everywhere. Fresh mint, hot water and honey to taste.

 Enjoy xxx