Amsterdam
in North Holland

It’s about damn time that Amsterdam got another spot to have top-notch Mexican food. We think it is more than worth the trek across the IJ to indulge in some killer tacos in a stunning converted industrial garage, so long as we get an ice-cold drink as soon as we step inside. Don’t expect Tex-Mex standbys because Bacalar is the real deal.

BADHUS have a few locations dotted about the shores of Amsterdam Noord. Though it's the hot-box behind Café Soleil that draws us in. Sauna and cold plunge your way through the seasons. 

Hidden inside the industrial NDSM Loods, Bakkerij Sollinger serves some of Amsterdam's most beloved organic sourdough, making the trip across the IJ entirely worthwhile. Using local and organic ingredients – the flour is sourced from Zandhaas and vegetables are harvested from the Beemster – the daily bakes range from marmelade-flavoured brioche to crusty rye boules. 

Benelux Bar, like many of its Noord compatriots, is chill, charming & cool. Come here for craft beer, tasty bites and great vibes.

For those of us that aren’t living or staying in Noord, Broodbakkerij Ex is a bit of a trek, but so long as it’s not bucketing down, we relish the journey. Make the most of your jaunt across the IJ (even better if you’re nearby) and spend an hour or two with a newspaper, a couple pastries and a coffee or two. They’ve got one of the only sourdough croissants in town, and boy, is it good!

With the laidback, extra gezellig vibe that characterises Noord, it should come as no surprise that one of the best, most chilled brown cafés is smack dab in the middle. Café t’ Sluisje is an old school pub where Noord locals have gone for over 100 years to fill up on bitterballen & a biertje or twee. It’s the perfect pit stop when exploring Noord by bike.

De Ceuvel is a biological and ecological heaven built in an old shipyard that is currently home to a completely circular office park - think a hippie, sustainable version of Silicon Valley on a bunch of Dutch houseboats! 

Meander across the wobbly scaffolding past the ‘office boats’ to get the full scope of the project and end your evening at Cafe De Ceuvel for a completely sustainable meal. 

This corner-side bolthole is a favourite spot to settle down with the paper and sip on a creamy oat flat white. Their lunches are also superb: home cooked, delicious and full of goodness. Though if you happen to be dashing for the ferry, get a coffee and a croissant to go. 

This innovative restaurant in Amsterdam Noord is absolutely worth crossing the IJ for. If you’re wary of cycling all the way back to the city after a few glasses of excellent natural wine, treat yourself to a room at their hotel just upstairs. Not up for a full meal? Grab a delicious treat from the bakery & take it with you as you explore the area.

This former spice market turned cafe is a lovely brunch spot for those who want more than eggs and toast. Cafe Simon de Wit has a global menu that is available for brunch and dinner. We love sitting on their terrace and nibbling away at their loaded Rendang fries.

Another of Noord's café-restaurant to add to the ever-expanding list. Café Soleil is a bright, beacon of light, due to its playful yellow branding and for its exceptional, laid-back cooking. Funky interiors, shimmering candlelights and Sunday jazz evenings are just some of the highlights. 

What began as chef Petra Moerbeek’s pandemic side project has grown into one of Amsterdam Noord’s most soulful food spots. Born in Java and driven by a desire to do Indonesian cuisine justice, she turned home-style comfort food into a carefully executed offering. Expect slow-cooked rendang (a coconut-milk-based beef stew) and a perfectly spiced ayam geprek (crispy Indo-style fried chicken), with vegetarian options and a rotating monthly special. Decorated to look like a traditional warung, it’s the perfect easy-going hangout for a relaxed dinner. 

Found in the very hip neighbourhood of Amsterdam-Noord, this popular pop-up wine bar is the perfect place for a great glass of local wine accompanied by hand-picked delicious food. It only runs for a period of eight weeks a year, and usually wraps up towards the beginning of October. Don’t miss this gem during the warm summer days, as its terrace has a stunning view of the city that shouldn’t be missed!

Just like Noord itself, Chateau Karlito is a wonderful whirling dervish, managing to pack a lot of things–wines, ceramics, rugs, jazz, sake, sausages, cider–into one cute, inviting shop. Sure, it may sound chaotic, but that’s what we love about it. As Chateau Karlito’s eponymous owner hails from Brabant (home of woorstenbroodjes), you know their sausage rolls just have to be good.

Amsterdam is many wonderful things, but a hotspot for top-notch Mexican food it is not. Until now, that is. Coba Taqueria is an achingly cool restaurant serving a short & sweet menu of tacos, quesadillas & tostadas. If your thirst is as strong as your hunger, indulge in any of the great tequila-based cocktails, natural wines or bright, fresh juices.

A moveable deep-red stainless steel bar, huge glass-panelled windows and mahogany tables topped with mimosa flowers, flickering candles and metal cutlery, Copain Amsterdam is amongst Noord's hottest openings. On the menu is delectable dishes of seasonal veg, meats and fish rustled up by the wonderful chef that is Jesse Cameron. 

Set among the creative studios  and converted industrial spaces that define the neighbourhood, this light-filled outpost of CORE40 brings rows of Megaformers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and 40 minutes of controlled movements to the neighbourhood. Fortunately, Noord's excellent coffee scene is never far away for a well-deserved recovery afterwards.

Amsterdam Noord is the place to be for all things hip & happening. This formerly overlooked corner of the city has had a serious renaissance in the last few years, and it's only getting better. A favourite of ours in the 'hood is cornerstore. This charming restaurant has a menu heaving with fantastic natural wines & eastern Asian-inspired bites. 

If we're waiting in line to nab a spot at Kometen, the good news is that Crew de la Cream has just slung open its shutters. Is it the best new coffee spot in town? Potentially. There's speciality blends and plenty of matcha on offer, plus some gourmet lunch toasties.

Killer croquettes? No problem! Top notch coffee? Easy! But pizza? Well, that’s a different story here in Amsterdam. Or at least it used to be until Euro Pizza burst onto the scene in the midst of the city's restaurant boom of 2020. This laidback restaurant is good for more than just excellent pizza, however. Head here for delicious natural wines and thoughtful small plates. Or, for a more fine-dining experience snag a table at their sister spot, Restaurant Europa, next door.

Whether you’re heading to the EYE Filmmuseum to catch a killer exhibition, a screening of an unusual movie or simply to snap a photo of its beautiful design, you will not be disappointed. We like to settle into their café with a coffee (or a drink!) to enjoy the sweeping views of the IJ. If you have a Cineville card or Museumkaart, you’ll get a little discount on your tickets.