Amsterdam weekend tips: new restaurants and classics
Due to some beautiful trips abroad the past few months, I have not been posting a lot of Amsterdam weekend tips! I only make them when I’ve discovered some delicious new spots that MUST be shared and yessss, I’ve discovered some new gems… So close that laptop and start your weekend with these fresh Amsterdam weekend tips!
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Gio’s by the river | Amsterdam Weekend Tips | photo: Today’s Brew
1. Gossler en Florin
Those who have been following me for a while know that I am in love with restaurant Daalder. Years ago, shortly after opening, I sat down at the bar of the then-unknown restaurant. The restaurant on the Lindengracht had the charm of a typical Amsterdam café, mixed with the flair of a “trés charmante” Parisian restaurant. Daalder has a Michelin star now and moved to the Postjesweg. At its old location, the Lindengracht, Gossler & Florin recently opened. This neo bistro pays homage to Daalder and serves, in the same “Amsterdam meets Paris” setting, classics of international cuisine with a modern twist.
The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is warm and the service is excellent. It is so great that this beautiful place has become a new restaurant with creativity and inspiration. Accessible and high end at the same time. In fact, you can order a main course here for 18 euros. Try the delicious cockles, the very photogenic North Sea crab cocktail and the divine lobster au gratin…. Also highly recommended for a sumptuous lunch! Daalder has found a worthy successor.
Gossler en Florin | Amsterdam Weekend Tips | new restaurants and classics
2. Moche – Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar
Peruvian cuisine is perhaps the most surprising there is, with spices and dishes you can barely pronounce. Christian Motte, ex-chef of Restaurant Nazka on the van Woustraat, is co-owner and was leading the kitchen at the opening. Besides dangerously good Pisco Sours, you’ll enjoy flavorful ceviches and high-level Peruvian comfort food here. We fell in love with the Aji de Gallina Croquettes with black olive. I would like to introduce the term “must order” for this! Wow!
The Boneless Chicken with ricoto marinade and cilantro yogurt (“must order” No. 2) is also a hit, because of the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, crispy and soft. Milensa serves us one surprising wine after another with flair. The Passion Fruit Suspiro with meringue is heaven for your taste buds: sweet, spicy and fresh. So much texture. Do yourself a favor; reserve a table and experience it for yourself. Go, go go!
Restaurant Moche | Amsterdam Weekend Tips | new restaurants and classics
3. Mister Nata
Every year I try to go to Portugal for a few weeks. Lisbon is one of my favorite cities in Europe. As soon as I drive into the city, it feels a bit like coming home. Within and few hours of arriving, I always pick up a warm, welcoming custard pastry at Manteigaria (the best Pastel de Nata!). The Portugal feeling is hard to recall in the Netherlands, during autumn monsoons, but when I warm up at Mister Nata with a delicious cup of coffee and a freshly baked Pastel de Nata, I am back for a moment. They have multiple flavors here! I always go for the the “good old original.” Delicioso!
Mister Nata | Amsterdam Weekend Tips | new restaurants and classics
BOOZY BRUNCH SPOTS IN AMSTERDAM
4. Vessel
At this top spot in the Houthavens you are in for a treat in both summer and winter. On sunny, warm days you can plunge straight into the water from the quay and in the colder months this homely restaurant of hotel Boat&Co is a great hangout for a boozy brunch or sumptuous dinner. Korean fried chicken, creamy burrata and dangerously delicious cocktails. The interior is very Instagrammable. Vessel is also a great spot for a latte & laptop session!
Boat&Co and restaurant Vessel | restaurants Amsterdam
5. Gio’s by the river
Amsterdam Noord has gained another colorful hotspot! From the NDSM ferry you can hop right into this cozy Italian restaurant. The interior i stunning! There’s even a small Fiat hanging on the wall…. No surprise, because the design is by Too Many Agencies, who are also responsible for restaurants Lolo and Secret Garden. Highlights on the extensive menu are the vongole and the pasta with chanterelles, duck and fresh truffle! Yummm! The cocktail menu is excellent. The perfect way to end to your evening is to order the Scroppino, which is made at the table and accompanied by an Italian serenade…..
Gio’s by the river | Amsterdam Weekend Tips | photos: Today’s Brew
7. D&A Hummus
When I dip a crispy, freshly baked pita with za’atar into the creamy hummus at D&A hummus bistro, the world fades away. This is a regular spot for me when having a little hangover and when I go out for an extended lunch with friends. You can “decorate” your hummus with all sorts of little extras, like pickled onions, spicy sauce and carrot. I usually order a kombucha with it. Besides the divinely delicious hummus, there are other delicacies on the menu, such as shakshuka, falafel and roasted eggplant. You can find D&A hummus bistro on the Westerstraat, Oostenburgergracht and the Maasstraat!
A BOAT TRIP WITH WINE & CHEESE
8. Secret Garden
I am so in love with the interior and food at this hotspot, I decided to celebrate my birthday here. Secret Garden is an oasis in the heart of Amsterdam. Slightly over the top, but with so much atmosphere! You just don’t know where to look. In the front is the bar area, where you will usually find a DJ. In the back, you’ll find the restaurant area that feels like a tropical garden. The menu features Nikkei dishes; a mix between Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Feast! The ideal place for a girls night out.
