Where To Eat Dinner In Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s food scene is as vibrant and dynamic as the city itself: colorful, lively, and full of surprises. Whether you’re grabbing a warm stroopwafel from a street stand or settling in for a multi-course feast, there’s always something delicious waiting around every corner. The city’s mix of classic Dutch flavors and global culinary influences means you can eat your way through Amsterdam without ever getting bored. Dining here is more than just a meal; it’s both a culinary and cultural adventure.
During my recent visit, two restaurants stood out so vividly that they even eclipsed my experience at a two-Michelin-starred establishment (but more on that later). These particular spots offered something extra, an unexpected blend of atmosphere, authenticity, and culinary brilliance that lingered long after the plates were cleared.
Gustatio
Let me introduce you to Gustatio, a hidden gem in the Oud-West neighborhood near Vondelpark. If you’re craving fresh, authentic Italian cuisine in Amsterdam, this is the place. Gustatio strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined. Here, you won’t find any over-the-top gimmicks or crowds of Instagram influencers staging the perfect shot, just incredible food served with warmth and simplicity.
Gustatio’s menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients with a focus on simple yet thoughtful preparations. This is a place where every dish feels intentional, highlighting the natural flavors of each component. The menu changes regularly to reflect the best produce and ingredients available, so my advice is to trust the kitchen and dive right in! Expect vibrant vegetable creations, warm homemade breads, and some of the most decadent, authentic pasta I’ve tasted since my travels in Italy.
Gustatio | Bruschetta | Altamura Bread + Tomato + Basil + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
After scanning the menu filled with pages of pasta and pillowy gnocchi, I naturally zeroed in on the Tagliatelle con Crema di Tartufo e Funghi, because when truffles are involved, the decision is already made. Luckily, my friends share my “try everything” philosophy, so we each ordered our pasta of choice plus one for the table. It’s a strategy I can’t recommend enough. You’ll want to taste as much as possible here.
Gustatio | Tagliatelle Con Crema Di Tartufo E Funghi | Tagliatelle + Truffle Cream + Mushrooms
Before you start stalking the Gustatio website for a reservation, here are a few things to know before you go:
Reservations are a must. While this applies to many places in Amsterdam, Gustatio is especially beloved by both locals and in-the-know visitors. With its intimate dining room, tables fill up fast, so plan to book well in advance, especially on weekends.
Bring your A-game appetite. This isn’t the kind of place where you’re in and out in 30 minutes. The pacing is intentional, the service is unhurried, and the experience is meant to be savored.
Elevated but not formal vibes. No need for black-tie attire, but maybe leave your “I ♥ Amsterdam” shirt at the hotel. Think that effortlessly polished, smart casual works perfectly here.
Gustatio | Tagliatelle Con Crema Di Tartufo E Funghi (Bottom Left) + Bigoli Alla Carbonara (Top) + Pappardelle Friarielli e Salsiccia (Middle)
Bennies
Bennies is a one-of-a-kind experience in Amsterdam’s Schinkel District. This former pop-up is now a permanent favorite. In a beautifully restored warehouse, the industrial chic interior, complete with a vinyl bar, a DeSede sofa, and a Jan des Bouvrie dining set, was crafted by Studio Elèn Letort to feel both stylish and welcoming.
Bennies
What truly sets Bennies apart is its balance of simplicity and surprise: no fuss, just carefully crafted flavors, friendly service, and impeccable vibes that welcome walk-ins and long evenings alike. Equipped with a thoughtfully curated wine list and a pretty fantastic list of cocktails, it feels like you’re out with friends in a space that’s as much an art gallery as a kitchen.
Bennies | Sesame Prawn Toast | Pineapple Chili Sauce + Lime
Bennies | Brussels Sprouts | Szechuan Pepper Creme + Comte + Kale Hot Sauce
The food, crafted by Chef Rick Swinkles, is all about bold simplicity, with standout favorites like shrimp toast, fried chicken, saffron ravioli, and cheesecake that have earned their share of rave reviews. Of course, I had to try as many dishes as I could during my visit, and I was not disappointed. This, my friends, is an all-star meal.
For my Nashvillians, Bennies’ Shrimp Toast rivals what Chef Trevor Moran prepares at Locust, and the Chicken Gordon Bleu was one of my favorite dishes from the entire trip.
Bennies | Chicken Gordon Bleu | Brie De Meaux + Iberico Bellota + Thyme Honey + Lemon
Bennies | Little Gem Salad + Caesar Dressing + Parmigiano Reggiano + Melba
In short, Bennies isn’t “just another pretty restaurant.” It’s a warm, creative space where interior design, inventive comfort food, and casual elegance come together, giving anyone who visits an experience that’s stylish, tasty, and intentionally unpretentious.
Whatever you do- ORDER THE CHEESECAKE!
Bennies | Bennies Cheesecake | Amarena Cherries + Olive Oil + Lemon
Until Next Time!
