Haesje Claes

My mom (a very picky eater with a sensitive gastrointestinal track) and I walked in here for a late…read morelunch on the day we arrived in Amsterdam. And despite ALL of our meals in Amsterdam being excellent, this one may have been the best. We wanted to try Dutch food, not totally knowing what to expect and were blown away by the combination of flavors and textures we consumed. We started with the pickled herring which was served with onions and pickles- fresh yet bold! I'm still thinking about those little fishies weeks later. Then we each had the sampler-ish plates (I forget what it was called). Hers was the vegetarian version and mine was with sausage. There were 3 kinds of essentially mashed potatoes with veggies mixed in: 1 with spinach I think, 1 with carrots, and 1 with sauerkraut. Mine came with a delightfully rich gravy and my moms came with some kind of lighter yellow sauce (I think mustard based). We tried these same dishes at other Dutch restaurants during our stay, but nothing beat The Pantry. The service in this quaint and cozy spot was also excellent!

Traditional Dutch foods, served in a charming/cozy dining room - what's not to love? We enjoyed…read moreevery dish that we ordered; even our pickiest (child) member of our party ate well (the meatball and hutspot disappeared from the plate :). Portions are substantial and a very good value in a neighborhood where tourist-markups are the norm. They have a/c, but in order to feel it you'll need to sit closer to the back of the restaurant/near the kitchen, as there is only one wall unit back there, and they leave the front of the restaurant open to the elements (even in 98+ degree heat).

0.3 km•De Wallen, Centrum

The Pantry restaurant

Dutch ham plate

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I hadn't had Dutch apple pie since my days waiting tables at Denny's, in the '80s & this was well worth the wait.

The Lobby Nesplein

4.5(138 reviews)

My family and I visited Amsterdam, and this restaurant did not disappoint. Very elegant fine dining…read moreexperience. It is in the lobby hotel, and when you walk into the hotel it's directly to your left. The service was amazing, everyone was very friendly. We had Rose as our server, she was very personable and gave great recommendations about the menu. My family and I got the fish special, the flat iron steak, the mussels, and the crème brûlée. Would highly recommend all of these dishes, they were delicious! Would recommend this place if you are visiting Amsterdam. Great restaurant for family dinners or a date night!

Came here just for breakfast. The interior is spacious and elegant. The breakfast menu is a bit…read morelimited in my opinion, but still good. I got the Croque Madame which was yummy. Service was fine. I have no complaints about this place, but it was nothing mind-blowing.

Croque madame

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Szmulewicz

4.5(19 reviews)

0.6 km•Centrum

A lovely little place in the heart of the city. Small staff and a very warm, "homey" feel with a…read morefriendly staff. Drinks seemed a bit watered down (but giant!) but the food was very well prepared and felt home cooked.

Our friends that live in the area, love this place and introduced us to it!…read more Adorable, small, friendly staff! Many different and distinct options on the menu! I went with the arabic lamb, hubby did the argentinain chicken, friends had the asian fish dish! Such delicious food! The lamb was deliciously tender, the couscous was a great match, the dates were roasted to perfection and the yogurt sauce brought the dish together! Definitely a small and cozy location, outdoor seating if the weather cooperates! Stop by, enjoy a decadent meal.

0.9 km•De Wallen, Centrum

Christmas time!

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Cannibale Royale

4.5(214 reviews)

I'm a committed carnivore, so a restaurant named Cannibale Royale had me before I even opened the…read moremenu. I found it browsing Yelp, and the name alone told me this was going to be a meat-forward kind of night. Fair warning if you're bringing anyone squeamish about restaurant names: The wife wasn't thrilled about it going in, though the food won her over fast. Getting there was its own small adventure. The place sits down a narrow alley, and our Uber couldn't get us all the way to it, which turned into a bit of a hike. That happened to us more than once in Amsterdam, using the exact address didn't always mean the driver could actually reach the door, so budget a few extra minutes if you're headed here. I normally default to steak, but the menu had a burger topped with pulled pork that promised more meat than a straight cut, and I couldn't pass it up. Delicious. Genuinely one of the best burgers I've had. But the wife's flat iron steak might have stolen the night. Flat iron is one of the most underrated cuts out there, and this kitchen proved it. She was still talking about that steak days after we got home, enough that I ended up buying flat irons from Costco just to chase it. The atmosphere is cool and a little edgy, dim lighting, a lot of character, and yes, some genuinely creepy decor scattered around, including an old doll that stares at you like it's judging your order. It ran loud, but not so loud we couldn't hold a conversation across the table. Service was good, just on European time rather than American time. Getting the check took a while, which threw us off at first, but that's the norm across the EU, not a knock on this place specifically. Pricey, but worth every bit of it. We'd go back without hesitation next time we're in Amsterdam.

Great spot for dinner!…read more This place is giving dive bar in so many ways, but the food quality is stepped up. It was very warm in the place, so keep that in mind if you're traveling in Amsterdam during a heat dome! We had a couple servers who worked with us nd both were kind and friendly. They didn't quite communicate with each other about our need to split the check a specific way, but it worked out in the end. We enjoyed some cocktails and beer (ranging from 9.50 Euro to 12 Euro), as well as the Pork Belly and Pickles to start off (21.50 Euro for 300 grams). Tasty way to start the meal. The three of us shared our mains and enjoyed what we had. The Favorite Ribs (24.50 Euro) were flavorful; the L'Incroyable 300gr (Ribeye; 34.50 Euro) was good, but our least favorite of what we ordered; the Le Cannibale Royale 170gr (burger) was super tasty. We also enjoyed some frites (4.90 Euro) and some delicious Mac n Cheese (6.50 Euros). Good time and good food!

Decor

A delicious tomahawk steak A delicious tomahawk steak

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Good selection of beers.

RED - Oysters served in plastic plates and salt

RED

4.2(72 reviews)

0.6 km•Centrum

Our servicer Jakob was amazing! He was very nice & attentive. Wine & food were excellent.read more

Good but was very bland, needs more spice, garlic, onions. Heard after my trip that we should have…read moreeaten Indonesian, Indian or Thai in Amsterdam. Less salt more herbs and spice! Service was great as was the Ambiance. I will have to say the desserts were top drawer! A chocolate one my hubby had was the best all trip / missed the pic, and their sorbet cocktail lovely!

1.0 km•Da Costabuurt, Jordaan, West, Centrum

Scallop appetizer

Cheese board, bread + olive small plates and Aperol Spritz

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So called "medium rare" rib eye

Moeders

4.4(352 reviews)

This was my husband's and my first dinner in Amsterdam! The Hacée and the stamppot are heaven! I…read morelove the plates are mismatched and have been for decades! Reading the menu was fun! We dropped off our little frame with our mothers in it. The server originally asked us to place it wherever we see fit, but the owner (she has the manager vibe) came over and helped us picked an even better spot! Service was what I thought was slow, but then we learned that Dutch people are very customer-focused, so we had to initiate an eye contact and signal to them that we are ready to close our check. I also found out that tipping is not required. Who would have thought? Oh, and also water is not free. Lastly, be sure to make a reservation because this place very packed for the duration of our meal and some people got turned away.

Popular joint serving up Dutch Comfort food. Make a reservation - it gets busy. We made it easy and…read moreopted for the sampler plate for 2. Comes with two kinds of beef stew, 2 two kinds of potatoes, apple sauce, cabbage, and sausages over mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. Everything was really good! No strong flavors, but all cooked well. Service was very good and the ambiance is funny! Place is covered with pictures of moms that the customers have brought in. We loved it! N*joy...

Bring a photo of your mother to post

The meal for 2

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Inside the restaurant filled with framed pictures of mothers throughout the walls

Grand Café 1884

4.8(12 reviews)

1.4 km•Centrum

While in Amsterdam, we couldn't figure out where to eat so we just googled the closest one to our…read morehotel. So we gave this place a try. Service was really good, specially for EU as the servers don't work on tips. I got the Chefs menu and partner got their Thin Sliced Smoke Ribeye and the soup of the day which was a Potato Leek soup. The Ribeye was good but definitely not smoked but that soup was really good and hit the spot in a very cold day. For my dishes, I got a salad with Salmon tartar, it was good not great. The quail was very nicely done and very good. The dessert was interesting my partner definitely liked it more than I did. Overall, I recommend this place as it's pretty solid place to try while in Amsterdam.

This is my first visit to Amsterdam and so far my meal at Grand Café has been a highlight of my…read morevisit. I was with a group of 6. It was early so only 4 ordered dinner but we were all very pleased with meals that ranged from pasta, to lamb and salmon.

Crisp fish in caper and asparagus.

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Teramisu

Van Speyk

4.5(148 reviews)

0.9 km•Centrum

The staff and food were amazing. Everything seamed to be seasonal and fresh. The atmosphere…read moreappeared to be rich and settled. The oak paneled walls and ornate chandeliers added sophistication. While I only had tea to drink the bar was well stocked. The restaurant spans the building so you can enter form with street. I suggest if you want to eat outside make reservations and ask for the quieter shady side of the building!

My son Brody and I were in Amsterdam on our way to Germany and we wanted some authentic Dutch food…read morewhile we were there. After reviewing best Dutch restaurant on Yelp, VS was #1. We sat on the patio. Our server brought us complementary bread with butter while we read through the menu. I'm told my meal was authentic Dutch food, but it just seemed like a strange combination. The name slipped my mind, but it was a pile of mashed potatoes with endive, with a meatball on top with brown gravy and then beside that with some type of smoked sausage with a pile of mustard. I've always felt that whatever food you put on a plate should taste good together sausage with the mustard with the meat and the gravy and the mashed potatoes just seem disjointed to me. With that sad, I ate every drop of it and enjoyed it so maybe I learned something from this meal. ‍ My son took the alternative approach and ordered a meal with Indonesian flavors; chicken with peanut sauce was the main entrée and it came with french fries. He definitely enjoyed his meal as well. I'm glad we gave VS a try. It turned out to be a good meal of Dutch food in a touristy area with food from all over the world. I guess I'm old-fashioned because I just wanted a taste of the local cuisine. Cheers!

A little bit of Beauty and the Beast theme going on here.

Hot pot

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Burlesque

4.8(4 reviews)

0.4 km•Centrum

The drag show was SOOOOO GOOD!!!!! I was honestly surprised by how much fun I had at BurlesQue. My…read morefriend and I stumbled across the drag show package and decided to go for it and it was an awesome experience. The queen, JJ, is basically my new best friend - the manager, Bert, is the cutest version of Stanley Tucci you could ever imagine - the dancers are gorgeous - the waiters, especially Martaggn #missedconnections, are adorable - and the food is actually really good. Not to mention, the wine list feature bottles of Miraval that are unavailable in the USA region. Overall, the drag show at BurlesQue was my best night in Amsterdam and I will absolutely return to see my new friends on my next visit.

BurlesQue has it all - a top class menu, great atmosphere, live entertainment and an outrageously…read morecharming owner. Make sure you fit this one into your travel plans, as leaving Amsterdam without stopping by would be a mistake.

Bar view

Outdoors seating

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Full menu

Frenzi

4.3(69 reviews)

0.7 km•Centrum

The food is tasty, services is friendly and ambiance romantic with a bit of laidback. For sure a…read moregood stop. Come early or you'll need reservations for the evening.

Such a good random find for us on our trip. It was very easy to get a table, and we were served…read moreright away. The inside is cozy and inviting. We ordered bruschetta to start. This was a disappointment and is the reason for not getting a full 5 star review from us. The bread seemed stale, and the tomatoes were not ripe. The pesto sauce on it was delicious though. We also got carbonara which was amazing! The pasta tasted homemade, and the sauce was perfect. Delicious and decadent but not overly heavy. We got this to share since we had a late lunch, and we wish we could've eaten more here! We'd definitely come again and would stick with ordering their pasta dishes.

Bruschetta

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The bar

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Joshua Y.

Elite 19

856

103

330

8 years ago

Rating: A smidge above 3.5 stars Arriving an hour before closing time, we found the place packed with people. Even outdoor seating was full on this windy, moderately cold night. We waited inside for about 5 minutes before someone acknowledged us but were seated quickly thereafter. Our timeshare recommended this place for truly authentic Dutch cuisine, and so we dutifully ordered what seemed to be authentic: Stamppots for all and a vegetable dish for our vegetarian group member. The bread and butter came out quickly and tasted as expected. The stamppots were a delight. The sauerkraut and mashed potatoes mixed together for a flavor combination I would not have imagined myself but I can see being a dish at my next Thanksgiving meal. The thick-cut bacon and meatballs were also tasty, going well with the pickles, gravy, and mustard. The vegetable dish was truly delightful, with tender yellow beets and a cheesy croquette rounding out more crisp vegetables. However, the dessert was truly a disappointment. The strawberry creme brulee tasted artificial, the coloring so homogenous it must have been dye-based. The layer of sugar on top remained granulated in many places, ruining the silky texture one would expect from a good creme brulee. It was a poor way to end an otherwise excellent dinner. The service was mixed. Our table was served well and treated respectfully. However someone we can only assume was the manager yelled at numerous patrons, even at one point yelling loudly something along the lines of "If you don't want to wait, go to McDonalds." We don't think this is how any patron should be treated, no matter how popular or good your food is. We hope this was an outlier and not representative of the overall service here. read more

Michael J.

8 years ago

It was nice to eat some Dutch food. People had warned us in advance that it wasn't all that fancy - but we quite liked it. Service was quick as well. read more

D Y.

10 years ago

The classic restaurant in Amsterdam. Always worth a visit.

Haesje Claes - salad - Updated July 2026

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We really enjoyed this place! The service was excellent. We ate outside and devoured the split pea…read moresoup, the cheese croquettes as starters. For dinner we had stamppot borenkool. Dessert was the delicious apple pie. Our family of 4 spent 110 Euros on our meal. I would recommend this place to anyone who hasn't eaten traditional Dutch cuisine and is visiting Amsterdam for the first time

For our last dinner in Amsterdam, we decided to try this place. It was crowded and we were lucky…read moreto get seated at all since we did not have a reservation. The staff were welcoming and kind. The decor of this traditional Dutch restaurant was the traditional blue and white ceramic plates and vases in shelves along the walls. Very pretty. It would have been wiser for us to order the traditional Dutch entrees such as stamppots. Because we had enjoyed them earlier this week, we ordered a pork fillet and chicken satay instead, which come with fries. Our food took 30 minutes to arrive, which made sense considering the packed restaurant, The sauerkraut and salads were delicious. My chicken on skewers was tender, and mildly flavored; the peanut sauce was too sweet. We received ketchup on request for the fries which were bland, and it also was too sweet. My husband's pork fillet was overcooked and very dry inside. It was difficult to slice with the butter knife he received. The gravy that accompanied the pork fillet was delicious, perhaps the best part of the meal. We drank tap water which tastes great here. Please read the 5-star reviews of others who did order traditional fare from the menu because I'm sure those were amazing.

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I made a reservation for 10 people on a Friday night for after our Anne Frank huis tour. They had…read moreus at 2 separate tables which was perfect for kids. The staff was so nice to us, food and drinks were great, fun atmosphere. Our family from US was so excited to try traditional Dutch food. We tried the stampots, Dutch farmer steak, chicken satay, soup, frites, Dutch apple pie. All delicious. Best bitterballen I've had so far. Thank you for a perfect evening!

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