This little coffee shop is known for their filter and specialty coffees made with beans from Rum Baba coffee roasters. The delicious buttery scones are our fave treats at Coffee Bru.

The Dutch are known for their love of the ‘borrel’, a sort of happy hour with good drinks, light bites ad long chats with friends. Erik’s Delicatessen is every borrel enthusiasts dream, as he has the most delicious assortment of cheeses, meats, tapenades, nuts and, of course, wines for the perfect charcuterie ensemble. 

There’s something incredibly appealing about a true local haunt, a place where the familiar faces hang on weekday evenings or weekend afternoons. Buurtcafé de Tros is a particularly charming iteration of “the local”. Come by if you’re in the mood for fresh, interesting natural wines, creative small plates and, our go-to order, a very good smash burger. As expected, the tables get filled fast, so make sure to reserve a table in advance although the terrace remains walk-in only. 

Over the last few years, we’ve spent more and more time in Oost thanks to stellar restaurants, charming bars, and some of our favourite museums in the city. Pillows Maurits At the Park is at the centre, butting the leafy, vibrant Oosterpark. The 1908-built former university laboratory has been revamped by the Amsterdam-based architects, Office Winhov and interior designers, Studio Linse (also behind the Rijksmuseum Atrium Café and De Plantage); the stained glass stretches from floor-to-ceiling in the corridors punctuated by the terracotta-glossed tiles and the rooms are painted in neutral, clean tones. With its sweeping roofs and thoughtful, artful details, the atmosphere remains intimate and relaxed.