Amsterdam’s Coolest Cafés

Serving up health-conscious fare and top-notch coffee, these are the six cafés we’re heading to when in Amsterdam

Amsterdam might once have been known for its insalubrious offering of coffee shops, but in recent years, resident caffeine lovers have migrated their loyalties from hash brownies and smoke-filled interiors to a handful of new culinary outposts that call themselves cafés - except these ones offer charming interiors and boast-worthy brunches.

Here are six noteworthy cafés we're heading to when in the Venice of the North.

Café culture: six Amsterdam cafés we love

Bar Botanique

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tucked on the corner of Eerste Van Swindenstraat, this beguiling neighbourhood spot offers an unbeatable breakfast. Order flaky croissants and eggs any style, or, if you're in need of proper fuel, the full continental. In between bites, take stock of your pistachio- and emerald-hued surrounds, noting the taxidermy stork guarding the bar's top-shelf stock (and making a mental note to return later in the day for a tipple or two).

Address

Eerste Van Swindenstraat 581, 1093 LC


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Little Collins

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Aussie-Dutch owners whip up classic and inspired brunches at this no-frills, indoor-outdoor spot. For brunch, tuck into crispy fritters or baked sweet potato waffles, washed down with a sriracha-spiked bloody mary. If you're favouring something sweeter, the desserts here are dangerously good - choose from meringue, baklava, cherry pie and cheesecake. Note that the café is closed on Tuesdays.

Address

Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19F, 1073 CL

Bakkerij Wolf

A good grab-and-go option (though seating is available), Bakkerij Wolf is open Wednesday to Sunday. Stop by the bakery from 8am (it's open until 4pm) for a flaky almond croissant or pay a visit to the café (which shutters at 10pm) later in the day. Its Wolvenstraat address (in the Negen Straatjes neighbourhood) means a shopping trip is likely to precede or follow any visit here.

Address

Wolvenstraat 22, 1016 EP

Café George

This lively spot on the Leidsegracht has a bit of a NYC sensibility. With a great atmosphere and timeless interiors - think butcher-tile walls and classic Thonet chairs - the easygoing all-day brasserie is popular with the Insta set. Feast on moules frites or a reuben sandwich; the vongole is good, too. On sunny days, grab a seat outside; come nightfall, we'll be perched at the swish long marble bar.

Address

Leidsegracht 84, 1016 CR

Pluk

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located on one of the prettiest side streets in Amsterdam, Pluk is one-part café, one-part home accessories store. Overflowing barrels of fruit welcome you as you enter - a nod to the store's health-focused fare. If dining in, nab a seat on the second floor and watch the world pass you by through the two-storey shop front window.

Address

Berenstraat 19, 1016 GG

Benji's

Amsterdam, Netherlands

With three Benji's venues located in Amsterdam - Benji's East, Benji's West and Benji's New-West - a pit stop here over the course of your trip is pretty likely. Stopping for breakfast? We'd make the Oost location your go-to. The most important meal is served all day, with popular dishes like smashed avocado toast and an unbeatable homemade granola revamped for a discerning crowd. "A peaceful green oasis with an industrial feel" sees interiors dotted with hanging baskets and hotchpotch lighting, while an outdoor terrace covered in lilac wisteria is the optimum spot for basking. In bad weather, keep cosy bar-side.

Address

Wibautstraat 196, 1091 GS

This article was updated 31 October 2022


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