The 10 Best Restaurants In Jordaan, Amsterdam

Situated in the heart of Jordaan, the elegant La Olivia specialises in traditional Iberian cuisine, in particular that of northern Spain’s Cantabrian and Basque regions. Considered to serve the best pinxtos – a small tapas-like snack similar to a tartlet, in Amsterdam, the restaurant offers a variety of homemade tortillas and mouth-watering appetizers. From quick bites of Iberian pork loin with basil and pancetta, the skewer of fresh tuna and duck liver to heartier main dishes such as the fillet of veal with a caper sauce, anchovies and pata negra ham, accompanied by a range of Spanish wines from some of the country’s top wine-producing regions, the restaurant offers a truly splendid culinary experience.

A well-known staple of Jordaan’s restaurant scene since 1990, laid-back and cosy restaurant Moeders, literally meaning ‘mothers’, features traditional and authentic Dutch cuisine. The highlights of the menu include such hearty comfort dishes as stamppot – a robust stew-like dish of potatoes, sausage, meatballs, bacon and vegetables – and the fancy fillet of pheasant with a pheasant leg confit, turnip root and celery mash with poultry sauce. The interior design of the restaurant, with walls decorated with vintage family photos and antique plates and cookware, creates a homey, informal and inviting ambience, ensuring the restaurant’s long-lasting popularity among tourists and locals alike.

Situated on a vibrant and bustling Westerstraat in Jordaan’s centre, the minimalist and airy SLA is not only a lively restaurant, but also a healthy salad bar and a cosy café. A recent newcomer to the Jordaan’s restaurant scene, this eatery prides itself on providing discerning diners with flavoursome food built around organic, sustainable and seasonal produce. Working closely with local suppliers and creating an innovative menu around available seasonal produce, the restaurant offers a wide range of healthy menu itesms, such as spicy falafel salad with spinach, kohlrabi, carrot, cauliflower and coriander, or the Egyptian red lentil soup made with leek and courgette. Locally brewed beers from the Amsterdam brewery Brouwerij’t IJ are also available.

Previously a blacksmith’s forge, cosy and chic Balthazar’s Keuken restaurant was founded in 1995 by chefs Karin Gaasterland and Alain Parry. With an open kitchen and a pavement patio dining area during the summer months ensuring a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant features contemporary European cuisine, with occasional international twist. As the restaurant changes its fixed-price, three-course menu every week, each dining experience is different. Yet the offer usually includes a small selection of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a fish or meat-based main course and ending with dessert. In order to have a quick sneak peek of the menu beforehand, visit the restaurant’s website.

Established in 1985, the charming and lovely restaurant Toscanini serves traditional Italian cuisine. Situated in a typical Jordaan street of Goudsbloemstraat, the restaurant has become well-known for its authentic Italian dishes, a large selection of Italy’s best wines and homely and relaxed atmosphere. From sheep’s cheese served with truffle honey to homemade Italian breads for starters, from creamy ravioli filled with ricotta and lemon zest to to juicy lamb ribs with lamb sausage and spicy roasted pepper-tomato sauce for the main course, followed by three chocolate parfait to rhubarb served with ginger ice cream as a dessert, the restaurant is no-holds barred decadence.

One of the oldest restaurants in Jordaan De Reiger is a charming cafe-restaurant, known for its intriguing interior design and honest yet mouth-watering Burgundian cuisine, accompanied by ice-cold Belgian beer or delicious house wine. Situated in the building, dating back to 1896, the restaurant’s interior is a curious mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco decor. Filled with old artifacts and paintings, with original lamps hanging from high beamed ceiling, the restaurant caters both for vegetarians and meat-lovers, using only organic ingredients and regional products. Loved by the local crowd of students, artists and intellectuals, the restaurant does not allow reservations in advance.

In order to fully appreciate and enjoy the laid-back and vibrant Jordaan district, spend some time doing some shameless people-watching accompanied by a strong coffee and delicious little nibbles, whilst seated on the waterside terrace of the lovely Cafe de Prins. With a spectacular view over the canals, Westerkerk and Anne Frank’s House, the restaurant serves delicious coffee and tea, as well as quick Dutch snacks and light breakfasts and lunches, ranging from traditional Dutch apple pie and bitterballen, an authentic savory Dutch snack, made with minced beef broth, butter, flour and parsley to more international dishes such as spring rolls or vegetarian wrap with spicy Bombay potatoes.

For more exotic and international flavours, the Jordaan’s guests can visit the modern Thai restaurant Kinnaree Thai Cuisine, specialising in traditional and authentic Thai dishes. From the tasty tom khai kai, a spicy and sour Thai soup with coconut milk, straw mushrooms and lemongrass, to red curry with roast duck, rambutan and pineapple, the restaurant covers all the main staples of Thai cuisine. The restaurant also offers a small selection of international desserts such as New York cheesecake and fried banana served with vanilla ice-cream.