JAPAN
Where We Eat
Eating in Japan is less about spectacle and more about precision, seasonality, and respect for craft. This list favors places that do one thing exceptionally well — whether that’s a decades-old counter, a quietly ambitious kitchen, or a modern room reinterpreting tradition with discipline. Expect restraint, depth, and meals that feel intentional rather than performative.
Sweet Tooth
Night Out
Our Go To’s
Easy. Casual. Reliable. Delicious.
Tokyo & Central Honshu
Maisen Aoyama
Address: 4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Vibe: Classic, welcoming, quietly old-school
Price: $$
Must order: Hire (pork fillet) tonkatsu set; seasonal specials when available; house-made sauces
Maisen is a Tokyo institution for a reason. The tonkatsu is impeccably fried — crisp and light on the outside, improbably tender inside — and served in a setting that feels relaxed rather than reverential. It’s the kind of place you return to without overthinking: comforting, dependable, and deeply satisfying. When you want Japanese comfort food done exactly right, this is the move.
Image courtesy of Maisen Aoyama
Udon Shin
Udon Shin is the kind of place Tokyo locals line up for without complaint. The focus is narrow and uncompromising: freshly made udon with remarkable texture, served with clean, deeply considered broths. There’s no spectacle here, just craft and consistency. It’s ideal for a low-key lunch or early dinner when you want something comforting, precise, and genuinely excellent — the definition of a Tokyo go-to.
Address: 2-20-16 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Vibe: Casual, focused, quietly obsessive
Price: $
Must order: Cold udon with dipping sauce; seasonal tempura; any handmade udon served simply
Image courtesy of Udon Shin
Afuri
Address: 1-19-7 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo (Harajuku flagship; multiple locations citywide)
Vibe: Clean, modern, unfussy
Price: $
Must order: Yuzu Shio Ramen; light-bodied broth with extra yuzu; add-ons kept minimal
Afuri is the rare ramen chain that stays disciplined. The signature yuzu shio broth is clear, aromatic, and refreshing rather than heavy, making it an easy repeat — especially when you want something quick that still feels intentional. It’s reliable across locations, well-run, and consistently satisfying, which is exactly why it earns go-to status in a city full of options.
Image courtesy of Afuri
MoriMori Sushi
Address: Omicho Market, 50 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Vibe: Bustling, no-frills, market-driven
Price: $
Must order: Anything seasonal from the Sea of Japan; nodoguro (when available); daily specials off the board
MoriMori Sushi is proof that great sushi doesn’t need ceremony. Located inside Kanazawa’s Omicho Market, the fish is ultra-fresh, the turnover is fast, and the quality wildly exceeds expectations for a conveyor-belt setup. It’s casual, energetic, and deeply satisfying — the kind of place you pop into without planning and leave wondering why you ever overthought sushi in the first place.
Image courtesy of Forus
Gyukatsu Motomura
Address: Multiple locations; Shibuya and Shinjuku are the most convenient
Vibe: Casual, energetic, very Tokyo
Price: $$
Must order: Classic gyukatsu set; cook the beef lightly on the tabletop stone
Gyukatsu Motomura does one thing extremely well. The beef is tender, lightly breaded, and meant to be finished to your liking at the table, making the meal feel interactive without being gimmicky. It’s fast, satisfying, and ideal when you want something hearty that still feels distinctly Japanese.
Image courtesy of Gyukatsu Motomura
Ippudo
Address: Multiple locations across Tokyo and central Honshu
Vibe: Polished, reliable, modern classic
Price: $
Must order: Shiromaru Classic; gyoza on the side
Ippudo is a global name for a reason. The tonkotsu broth is rich but balanced, the noodles are consistently good, and the experience is smooth across locations. It’s a dependable fallback when you want ramen without a wait or guesswork — comforting, familiar, and well executed.
Image courtesy of Ippudo
Ginza Kagari
Address: 4-4-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo (main location; additional outposts exist)
Vibe: Compact, refined, quietly popular
Price: $
Must order: Chicken paitan ramen; seasonal toppings when available
Ginza Kagari takes ramen in a slightly more polished direction without losing its soul. The chicken-based broth is rich yet clean, the noodles are perfectly judged, and the overall experience feels calm and focused rather than chaotic. It’s an easy go-to in central Tokyo when you want something comforting that still feels considered.
Image courtesy of Ginza Kagari
Tonkatsu Narikura
Address: 1-36-3 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo
Vibe: Focused, understated, food-first
Price: $$
Must order: Hire tonkatsu; rotating pork cuts
Often cited among the best tonkatsu spots in Japan, Narikura lives up to the reputation without feeling precious. The pork is exceptionally tender, the frying precise, and the setting refreshingly simple. It’s a destination for tonkatsu fans, but still casual enough to feel like a real go-to rather than a production.
Image courtesy of Tonkatsu Narikura
Kyoto, Kansai & The Inland Sea
Omen
Address: 74 Okazakiminamigoshocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Vibe: Calm, traditional, quietly local
Price: $
Must order: Cold udon with seasonal vegetables; sesame dipping sauce
Omen is Kyoto casual done right. The udon is perfectly chewy, the vegetables are pristine, and everything feels thoughtful without tipping into formality. It’s restorative, light, and ideal after a day of temples — exactly the kind of place that becomes a reliable habit.
Image courtesy of Omen
Gion Uokeya U
Address: 570-122 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Vibe: Traditional, unfussy, neighborhood favorite
Price: $$
Must order: Seasonal set meals; grilled fish is a must
A low-key alternative to Kyoto’s more formal kaiseki rooms, Uokeya U offers seasonal cooking with warmth and ease. The food is precise but comforting, and the atmosphere feels genuinely local rather than staged.
Image courtesy of Gion Uokeya U
Honke Owariya
Address: 322 Kamiosaka-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Vibe: Historic, understated, old-school
Price: $
Must order: Tempura soba; herring soba
One of Kyoto’s oldest restaurants, Owariya remains quietly excellent. The soba is delicate, the broths are restrained, and the experience feels timeless rather than touristic. A dependable classic for lunch or an early dinner. They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait.
Image courtesy of Honke Owariya
Shinpuku Saikan
Address: 569 Higashidaimonjicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Vibe: No-frills, local, late-night friendly
Price: $
Must order: Classic soy-based ramen; fried rice on the side
A Kyoto institution that’s open when many others aren’t. The broth is dark, savory, and deeply comforting — especially good after a long day or late night. It prioritizes authenticity over complexity. It’s casual, fast, and completely unpretentious.
Image courtesy of Shinpuku Saikan
Mizuno
Address: 1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Vibe: Bustling, classic Osaka energy
Price: $
Must order: Yamaimo-heavy okonomiyaki; pork and seafood combos
Mizuno is Osaka comfort food at its most iconic. Fluffy, savory okonomiyaki cooked with confidence in a lively setting. It’s busy for a reason — casual, satisfying, cheap, and very Osaka.
Image courtesy of Mizuno
Kushikatsu Daruma
Address: Multiple locations; Shinsekai is the original
Vibe: Loud, fun, unapologetically local
Price: $
Must order: Mixed kushikatsu set; remember no double-dipping
This is Osaka street food culture distilled. Fried skewers, cold beer, and zero ceremony. It’s chaotic in the best way and exactly what you want when leaning into the city’s personality. This chain has locations all over the city - you can’t go wrong with this choice.
Image courtesy of Kushikatsu Daruma
Northern & Southern Islands
Soup Curry Garaku
Address: 2-6 Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Vibe: Casual, cozy, Hokkaido staple
Price: $
Must order: Chicken leg soup curry; spice level adjusted to taste
Soup curry is a Sapporo essential, and Garaku is one of the most reliable places to understand why. The broth is deeply spiced but never muddy, layered with vegetables that feel deliberately chosen rather than decorative. It’s warming, grounding, and endlessly customizable — the kind of meal locals actually crave when temperatures drop. Casual, comforting, and deeply tied to place, this is a true northern go-to.
Image courtesy of Soup Curry Garaku
Hanamaru
Address: Multiple locations; Stellar Place (JR Sapporo Station) is the easiest
Vibe: Bustling, efficient, quality-driven
Price: $
Must order: Seasonal Hokkaido fish; scallop; salmon roe when available
Nemuro Hanamaru consistently delivers some of the best casual sushi in Hokkaido. Sourced directly from eastern Hokkaido waters, the fish is fresh, generously cut, and priced far more reasonably than it would be in Tokyo. It’s fast-paced and unpretentious, but the quality speaks for itself — an easy, repeatable win whether you’re passing through or staying put.
Image courtesy of Hanamaru
Mikasa
Address: 1-3-6 Tsuboya, Naha, Okinawa
Vibe: Local, old-school, unapologetic
Price: $
Must order: Goya champuru; tofu dishes; anything pork-based
Mikasa is the kind of place you’d miss if you only followed guidebooks — simple tables, quick service, and deeply comforting Okinawan home cooking. Dishes are hearty, savory, and grounded in the island’s culinary identity, especially pork and tofu preparations. It’s casual to the point of bluntness, but incredibly satisfying, and a great reminder that Okinawan food plays by its own rules.
Image courtesy of Tripadvisor
Splurge
Special places for special occassions.
Tokyo & Central Honshu
Narisawa
Address: 2-6-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo
Vibe: Quiet, cerebral, deeply refined
Price: $$$$
Must order: The full tasting menu
Narisawa is one of the most intellectually serious restaurants in the world, and the experience reflects that gravity without feeling stiff. The cooking draws heavily on Japan’s natural landscapes and seasons, blending French technique with a distinctly Japanese sense of restraint. Every course is deliberate and quietly astonishing, making this a meal you remember not for drama, but for depth. It’s Tokyo fine dining at its most thoughtful.
Image courtesy of Narisawa
L’Effervescence
Address: 2-26-4 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo
Vibe: Warm, elegant, quietly confident
Price: $$$$
Must order: Seasonal tasting menu
L’Effervescence manages something rare at this level: true refinement paired with generosity and ease. The cooking is modern and precise, but the atmosphere remains human and welcoming, never intimidating. Dishes are subtle rather than showy, allowing ingredients and technique to speak for themselves. This is a splurge that feels genuinely pleasurable, not performative.
Image courtesy of L’Effervescence
Den
Address: 2-3-18 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Vibe: Playful, creative, intimate
Price: $$$$
Must order: Chef’s tasting menu
Den breaks nearly every unspoken rule of Japanese fine dining — and does so with total confidence. The food is imaginative and sometimes irreverent, but always technically rigorous and deeply seasonal. The atmosphere is relaxed, almost mischievous, yet the cooking never slips into gimmickry. It’s one of the most memorable splurge meals in Tokyo precisely because it refuses to be precious.
Image courtesy of Den
Sazenka
Address: 2-7-1 Minami Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo
Vibe: Formal, polished, serene
Price: $$$$
Must order: Multi-course Cantonese tasting menu
Sazenka offers a completely different expression of luxury dining in Tokyo. Rooted in Cantonese cuisine but filtered through Japanese precision, the food is delicate, restrained, and meticulously balanced. The experience feels ceremonial without being rigid, and the flavors linger quietly rather than announce themselves. A splurge for diners who appreciate subtlety and control over spectacle.
Image courtesy of Sazenka
Sukiyabashi Jiro
Address: Basement, Tsukamoto Sogyo Building, Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Vibe: Intense, disciplined, iconic
Price: $$$$
Must order: Omakase only
Dining at Sukiyabashi Jiro is less about comfort and more about witnessing mastery. The meal is short, focused, and uncompromising, with absolute attention paid to temperature, timing, and balance. There is no flexibility and no theatrics — just decades of refinement distilled into a sequence of perfect bites. It’s a splurge that feels almost ceremonial. It’s hard to get a reservation, but completely worth it.
Image courtesy of Sukiyabashi Jiro
Sushi Saito
Address: Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 1 Chome−4−5 1F
Vibe: Ultra-exclusive, precise, serious
Price: $$$$
Must order: Omakase only
Sushi Saito is often spoken about in near-mythical terms, and for good reason. The experience is stripped of distraction, focusing entirely on fish, rice, and the chef’s extraordinary control of both. Reservations are notoriously difficult, but for those who secure a seat, the reward is sushi at its most exacting and pure. This is splurge dining for true devotees.
Image courtesy of World’s 50 Best
Florilège
Address: 2-6-16 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Vibe: Modern, architectural, calm
Price: $$$$
Must order: Seasonal tasting menu
Florilège bridges French technique and Japanese sensibility with remarkable clarity. The open kitchen creates a sense of transparency, but the focus remains on balance and flavor rather than performance. Dishes are contemporary, elegant, and grounded, making this a splurge that feels modern without chasing trends. Thoughtful, precise, and deeply satisfying.
Image courtesy of Florilège
Hommage
Address: 2-17-13 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Vibe: Intimate, personal, quietly luxurious
Price: $$$$
Must order: Seasonal tasting menu
Tucked away in Asakusa, Hommage offers a more intimate interpretation of high-end dining. The cooking is rooted in French tradition but delivered with warmth and generosity, and the service feels genuinely personal. It’s refined without being formal, making it a wonderful choice for a splurge that still feels relaxed and human.
Image courtesy of Hommage
Kyoto, Kansai & The Inland Sea
Where We Wake Up
We take breakfast seriously.
Belly Pepper
Address: De Clercqstraat 128, Oud-West
Vibe: Flavorful, bold, vibrant. Turkish influences, strong flavors, and creative without pretension.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Borek with spinach & feta + poached egg; also the Turkish breakfast spread if you’re coming with friends.
Belly Pepper is the kind of place that wakes all your senses: the flavor, the spices, the vibe. It’s great for mornings when you want something lively, something with punch, something to start the day with both satisfaction and discovery. If you’re tired of smashed avocado or standard eggs, this gives a flavorful alternative. Portions are generous, and sharing works well.
Image courtesy of Belly Pepper
Florentin Brunch
Address: Albert Cuypstraat 31, De Pijp
Vibe: Bright, all-day brunch with a Mediterranean feel.
Price: €€
Must-order: The Mediterranean Breakfast Platter with hummus, pita, and grilled veg; also their pancakes are a local favourite.
Florentine Brunch feels like a warm embrace from the start of the day — generous, fresh, and full of flavour. It has that neighbourhood energy that makes it feel approachable, yet everything is prepared with clear care. Ideal for mornings when you want to sit back, share a few plates, and linger with coffee or tea. It’s both comforting and cosmopolitan at once.
Image courtesy of Florentin Brunch
Staring at Jacob
Address: Jacob van Lennepkade 215, 1053 NK Amsterdam (Oud-West)
Vibe: Soulful, hip, fun. Big portions, bright décor, music in the background that doesn’t overpower, good for groups or for lazy mornings when you stay longer.
Price: €€
Must-order: Chicken & waffles, the “Monkey Business” French toast (with mascarpone & fruit), or one of their big all-round breakfast combos.
Staring at Jacob is one of those spots that feels like weekend energy in food form. It’s lively but not chaotic; indulgent without being excessive. If you want brunch with character — substantial portions, creative twists, good coffee — this hits it. It also transitions nicely: a solid spot for breakfast, that later becomes something more evening-friendly.
Image courtesy of Staring at Jacob
Little Collins
Address: Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19F, De Pijp
Vibe: Trendy, international, casual but smart. Lots of flavor combinations, good coffee, relaxed tables, a place to linger.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Shakshuka or their legendary eggs Benedict.
Little Collins was one of the early adopters of the Antipodean brunch style in Amsterdam, meaning it blends influences from Australia/NZ with global twists. It’s great when you want something more interesting than just toast + eggs, something you’ll remember beyond the meal. The service tends to be good even when busy. If you want your brunch with a punch of flavor, this is a strong choice.
Image courtesy of Little Collins
Dignita
Address: Several locations: Vondelpark, Amstel, Spaarndammerbuurt etc.
Vibe: Bright, fresh, vibrant. Lots of vegetable/healthy options along with the brunch classics.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Their chickpea & courgette fritters, fried halloumi, avocado, poached egg combo; or whatever seasonal special they’re doing that day.
Dignita is great when you want something that feels nourishing and brunchy without over-indulging. The food is creative, with good consideration given to produce and presentation. Because of its popularity and location (especially the garden behind the Hermitage), it can be quite busy, so ideal for planning ahead or showing up early. It gives you brunch + atmosphere + style in one.
Image courtesy of Dignita
Bakers & Roasters
Address: De Pijp / Centrum (two locations)
Vibe: Laid-back, bright, casual with an international twist
Price: €€
Must order: The Kiwi Brekkie, pancakes, or chorizo breakfast burrito. Also their fresh juices and double espresso are solid.
Bakers & Roasters hits that sweet spot between hearty and healthy: great if you want a big breakfast to wake up to, or something lighter with flair. The food is vibrant without being over-styled, and there’s enough variety that even picky eaters or vegetarians will leave happy. It tends to fill up on weekend mornings, so either come early or be prepared to wait a little.
Image courtesy of Bakers & Roasters
Mortimer
Address: Nieuwezijds Kolk, 1012 Amsterdam Center
Vibe: Cozy brunch bar in the centre. Laid-back but stylish.
Price: €€
Must-order: Try their American-style pastries and one of their “brunch classics” like the smoked salmon dish, paired with specialty coffee from Friedhats.
Mortimer is perfect when you want that city-centre energy without sacrificing calm. It sits just between Central Station and Dam Square so it’s easy to slide in early before the tourist crowds swell. The combination of excellent beans, thoughtfully sourced ingredients, and pastries that feel elevated makes for a really satisfying morning. If you want great food and excellent coffee in one place, this delivers without fuss.
Image courtesy of Mortimer
Greenwoods
Address: Keizersgracht 465 (and also Singel & other locations)
Vibe: Classic with charm. Canal-side tea room/café aesthetic, old-school feel.
Price: €€
Must-order: Eggs Benedict (classic or with salmon), the “Emperor’s Eggs Royale”, or soda bread with butter and jam, plus a cappuccino or flat white.
Greenwoods is perfect if you want to start your morning with grace — sitting by a canal, watching the city wake up, savouring good food. It’s familiar, comforting, and reliably excellent without being flashy. Even when busy, the atmosphere holds up: leisurely, kind of genteel, with food that delivers. Great spot for tourists and locals alike who want breakfast to feel like more than just fuel.
Image courtesy of Greenwoods
Street Eats
Cheap and legendary.
Foodhallen
Address: Bellamyplein 51, Oud-West
Vibe: Indoor food hall in a converted tram depot. Lively, communal tables, an array of international street-food counters under one roof.
Price: €€
Must-order: Bitterballen at De Ballenbar or tacos at Taquería Lima.
Foodhallen brings global street food to a single space, making it perfect for when you want to sample multiple flavors in one night. The atmosphere is buzzing — locals and visitors side by side, sharing tables, drinks flowing. It’s Amsterdam’s polished take on street eats, combining variety with style.
Image courtesy of Foodhallen
De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam
Address: Runstraat 7, 1016 GJ Amsterdam (Nine Streets)
Vibe: Artisanal cheese shop with a street-side counter. Bustling during lunch hours, fragrant and packed with wheels of Dutch cheese.
Price: €–€€
Must-order: A broodje (sandwich) piled with aged Dutch cheese or truffle gouda.
De Kaaskamer is where cheese lovers go to indulge, and their street-style sandwiches are a cult favorite. It’s grab-and-go, but elevated — thick slices of rustic bread layered with sharp, creamy, or nutty Dutch cheeses. Perfect for a quick lunch while wandering the Nine Streets.
Image courtesy of Sjefietshe De Kaaskamer
Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels
Address: Albert Cuyp Market, De Pijp
Vibe: A humble cart with a cult following. Warm, thin waffle layers pressed with molten caramel.
Price: €
Must-order: The large fresh stroopwafel — skip the packaged ones and go straight for one hot off the iron.
Rudi’s stall has become legendary for serving the best stroopwafels in the city. The scent of caramel pulls you in before you even spot the line. Watching the process — batter pressed, caramel spread, then served steaming — is half the charm, and eating it while it drips is the other half.
Image courtesy of Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels
Haring & Zo
Address: Damrak 247, near Central Station
Vibe: Classic Dutch fish stall. Simple, efficient, all about the herring.
Price: €
Must-order: Hollandse Nieuwe (raw herring with onions and pickles), eaten the traditional way by holding the tail and taking a bite.
Herring stands are a quintessential Amsterdam experience, and Haring & Zo is one of the most convenient spots. The fish is fresh, mild, and sweeter than you’d expect, especially when paired with onions and pickles. For those less adventurous, they also serve broodjes haring (herring rolls) which are equally satisfying.
Image courtesy of Haring & Zo
Albert Cuyp Markt
Address: Albert Cuypstraat, De Pijp
Vibe: Amsterdam’s most famous street market, bustling with stalls, chatter, and the smell of food from all corners.
Price: €–€€
Must-order: Fresh stroopwafels made in front of you, or poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes with butter and powdered sugar).
Albert Cuyp Market is street food heaven: buzzing, lively, and full of classics. You can graze your way through Dutch staples and international flavors while browsing stalls. The stroopwafels here are the stuff of legends, hot off the press and dripping with caramel.
Image courtesy of Albert Cuyp Markt
Van Stepele Koekmakerij
Address: Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam
Vibe: Small, elegant bakery focused on one thing only. Always a line outside, rich chocolate scent filling the street.
Price: €
Must-order: The signature warm chocolate cookie with white chocolate filling.
Van Stapele is as simple as it is legendary. They only bake one cookie, but it’s perfect: gooey inside, crisp edges, rich flavor. Hot from the oven, it’s the ultimate Amsterdam sweet street snack, beloved by both locals and visitors.
Image courtesy of Van Stepele Koekmakerij
Febo
Address: Multiple locations across Amsterdam
Vibe: Retro, kitsch, grab-and-go automat. Wall of vending-machine windows offering hot Dutch snacks.
Price: €
Must-order: Kroket or frikandel straight from the wall, paired with fries if you want a full Dutch fast-food moment.
Febo is a quirky Amsterdam ritual: you drop a coin in, pull a door open, and a fresh kroket is yours. It’s cheap, cheerful, and very Dutch — the kind of thing you try at least once. There’s no glamour here, just comfort snacks and the novelty of an automat that’s never gone out of style.
Image courtesy of Febo
Vleminckx Sausmeesters
Address: Voetboogstraat 33, 1012 XK Amsterdam
Vibe: No-frills, walk-up counter with a perpetual line. Iconic Amsterdam street-food spot dedicated to fries and sauces.
Price: €
Must-order: Fries with classic Dutch mayo, or try their satay or oorlog (peanut satay + mayo + onions).
Vleminckx has been serving fries since 1957 and remains the benchmark for Amsterdam street food. The potatoes are fried to golden perfection, crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and served in paper cones with more sauce choices than you’d expect. It’s as much an experience as a snack, and worth the inevitable queue.
Image courtesy of Vleminckx Sausmeesters
Coffeeshops
We’re talking about weed.
Boerejongens
Address: Several locations (Utrechtsestraat, Baarsjesweg, Sloterdijk)
Vibe: Sleek, high-end, almost like a designer pharmacy. Staff in white coats, clear menus, polished interiors — cannabis with a luxury touch.
Price: €€€
Must-order: White Choco block hash or their premium kush strains.
Boerejongens has reinvented what a coffeeshop can feel like: professional, elevated, and stylish. It’s the opposite of the grungy stereotype, making it a favorite for those who want a premium, design-forward cannabis experience. Think of it as the haute couture version of Amsterdam weed culture.
Image courtesy of Boerejongens
Abraxas
Address: Jonge Roelensteeg 12-14, 1012 PL Amsterdam
Vibe: Mystical, artistic, and slightly otherworldly. Multi-level space with carved wood, stained glass, and ambient music.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Their Jack Herer strain or a hash joint.
Abraxas feels like stepping into a fantasy den — lots of carved detail, incense, and soft lighting. It’s one of the most atmospheric coffeeshops in town, known as much for its setting as its menu. A good choice if you want a memorable, immersive environment alongside quality cannabis.
Image courtesy of Abraxas
Dampkring
Address: Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam
Vibe: Famous, bohemian, slightly trippy. Known globally as the coffeeshop featured in Ocean’s Twelve.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Amnesia Haze or NY Diesel.
Dampkring has a playful, psychedelic interior with warm wood, swirling designs, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s large by Amsterdam standards and draws both locals and tourists who want a mix of quality cannabis and cinematic fame. A good mid-day stop with plenty of energy.
Image courtesy of Dampkring
Coffeeshop Amsterdam
Address: Haarlemmerstraat 44, 1013 ES Amsterdam
Vibe: Modern, bright, and spacious compared to most. More lounge than dive, with contemporary interiors and a younger crowd.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Their house strains like Amsterdam Genetics’ White Choco or Kosher Tangie Kush.
Coffeeshop Amsterdam strikes a nice balance between atmosphere and quality. It feels modern and comfortable — a good place to actually hang out and relax, not just buy and leave. Their menu, curated by Amsterdam Genetics, is consistently strong.
Image courtesy of Sjefietshe
Tweede Kamer
Address: Heisteeg 6, 1012 WC Amsterdam
Vibe: Cozy, old-school, intimate. Known for being one of the first true connoisseur shops, with a relaxed, authentic feel.
Price: €€
Must-order: Their Amnesia Haze or Nepalese hash.
Tweede Kamer has been part of the coffeeshop scene since the 1980s and retains a local, down-to-earth atmosphere. The staff are knowledgeable and genuinely helpful in guiding choices. It’s small, with only a few tables, but the focus here is on quality and authenticity.
Image courtesy of Tweede Kamer
The Bulldog
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GG Amsterdam
Vibe: Tourist-friendly, historic, lively. The city’s first coffeeshop, opened in 1975, with a bar-like energy.
Price: €€
Must-order: A classic pre-rolled joint, or try a Bulldog space cake for the experience.
The Bulldog is a rite of passage for first-timers. It’s not where locals go for the very best product, but it’s fun, central, and part of Amsterdam’s cannabis history. Expect energy, chatter, and lots of people ticking it off their list.
Image courtesy of Bulldog
Barney’s Coffeeshop
Address: Haarlemmerstraat 102, 1013 EW Amsterdam
Vibe: Award-winning, stylish, and a little more upscale than most. Housed in a 500-year-old building with polished wood interiors.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Their G13 Haze or Cookies Kush are staples.
Barney’s is one of the most professional and polished cannabis destinations in Amsterdam. The staff know their menu inside and out, and the strains regularly win international awards. It’s a great place for someone who wants quality with a touch of sophistication rather than a backpacker vibe.
Image courtesy of Barney’s Coffeeshop
Grey Area
Address: Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam
Vibe: Legendary, compact, and cult-classic. Small, no-frills interior but buzzing with locals and international cannabis aficionados.
Price: €€
Must-order: Famous for their strong sativa strains — try the Grey Haze or whatever the day’s top shelf is.
Grey Area is one of the city’s most iconic coffeeshops, frequented by connoisseurs and even musicians passing through on tour. It’s tiny, so don’t expect to sit forever, but the quality is exceptional and consistently praised. If you’re looking for potency and reputation, this is the spot.
The Night Starts Here
The best kind of pregame.
The Siren
Address: Rokin 83, 1012 LN Amsterdam
Vibe: Maximalist Mediterranean meets nightlife theatre. Warm materials, bold design, gold accents, statement pieces.
Price: €€€€
Must-order: Lobster Linguine
The Siren makes the opening act feel like a headline. You want somewhere where the décor, the presentation, the food, and the drinks all feel like part of an experience. For nights where “ordinary dinner” isn’t enough.
Image courtesy of The Siren
Secret Garden
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 38, 1017 BM Amsterdam
Vibe: Exotic, lush décor blending green elements, art, nightlife aesthetic. There’s a bar/lounge + fine dining + DJ components. Feels like stepping into something special.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Any ceviche and the esquites corn salad.
Secret Garden is perfect for the kind of night where you want dinner that feels elevated, but you also want anticipation: music, drinks, potential for after-hours. It balances refinement and revelry.
Image courtesy of Secret Garden
Canvas At Volkshotel
Address: Wibautstraat 150, 1091 GR Amsterdam (Amsterdam East)
Vibe: Multi-level creative hotel with bars, restaurants, rooftop views, and performance spaces. Starts more relaxed, dinner + drinks, then moves into late-night dancing.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Spring Salad and Burrata
Volkshotel is a scene. It allows you to start beautifully (food, view, drink) but with obvious outlets for people who want more energy later. It’s good for larger groups with mixed agendas (some want to dance, some want to talk), because you can ebb and flow.
Image courtesy of Volkshotel
W Lounge
Address: Spuistraat 175, 1012 VN Amsterdam
Vibe: Rooftop terrace vibes, luxurious design, good mix of locals and visitors, strong cocktails. Ambience that works before and after dinner: glamorous but not intimidating.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Jumbo shrimp salad.
W Lounge gives you the height, the view, the energy rising with the night. Excellent when you want atmosphere + style + a gradual crescendo. Solid choice if you’re starting with dinner, and don’t want to lose momentum.
Image courtesy of W Lounge
Super Lyan
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3, 1012 RC Amsterdam (Kimpton De Witt Hotel)
Vibe: Bold, colorful, playful cocktail bar with global acclaim (an outpost of London’s White Lyan). It’s experimental but still accessible — music, energy, and a crowd that’s already gearing up for a night out.
Price: €€€
Must-order: The Beeswax Old Fashioned and halloumi fries.
Super Lyan sets the mood instantly: it’s inventive, stylish, and already buzzing by early evening. Drinks here are crafted with precision but designed to be fun, not intimidating. Pair with snacks or head here post-dinner — either way, it’s the kind of cocktail bar that bridges the gap between dining and dancing.
Image courtesy of Sjefietshe
Ventuno
Address: Amstelvlietstraat 4, 1096 GG Amsterdam (21st floor of Ruby & Emma Hotel)
Vibe: Glamorous rooftop, dramatic skyline views, Italian-American inspired food with flair. Cocktails + live entertainment every evening.
Price: €€€
Must-order: The truffle steak tartar.
Ventuno feels like a statement. It’s not about underground: it’s high style, elevated energy. Perfect for arriving early, soaking in views, making cocktails feel cinematic, and then leaning into the night from there.
Image courtesy of Ventuno
Soulkitchen
Address: Amstelstraat 30, 1017 DA Amsterdam
Vibe: Nikkei fusion cuisine meets club energy. Starts as beautifully curated dinner + cocktail lounge, then gradually the lights dim, DJs spin, and it becomes a full party space.
Price: €€€
Must-order: Try their ceviche & tiradito dishes.
Soulkitchen works beautifully as a “dinner that turns up” spot. It’s polished yet warm, energetic without being exhausting too early. Great friends group energy, good food so you don’t need to eat elsewhere first, and a flow that carries you into the night.
Image courtesy of Soulkitchen
Supperclub
Address: Singel 460, 1017 AZ Amsterdam
Vibe: Lavish, theatrical, immersive. Supperclub is legendary for its white beds, shared tables, surprise acts and performances, all wrapped up in a sensory-rich environment that demands attention.
Price: €€€€
Must-order: A full surprise 5-course “dinnershow” menu
Supperclub is ideal when you want your pre-game to feel like an event. You start with dinner that already feels over the top — artistic, dramatic, special — and by the end the space has transformed. It’s one of the rare spots where you could stay from early evening well past midnight without feeling like you’ve peaked too early. Perfect for setting a high-energy tone.
Image courtesy of Supperclub