Amsterdam may not have quite as many brunch choices as New York City or London, but it seems the Dutch are quickly catching on to the beauty that is brunch. Here are the 11 best brunch spots in Amsterdam.
This article is originally from January 2017. In October 2019 I updated the list with three new favorites. Enjoy.
1. Staring at Jacobs
Staring at Jacob’s is my new favorite brunch spot in Amsterdam. They have a New York-style menu that highlights my all-time favorite: chicken and waffles. This is by far the best chicken and waffles I’ve found in all of Europe over the last five years.
The menu has all the big American eats with a little Dutch flair. They take reservations but save 20% of the seating for walk-ins. If you only have time for one brunch in Amsterdam, I’d choose here.
2. Coffee & Coconuts
An eclectic Bohemian menu in a huge space. This is possibly the biggest restaurant I’ve been to in Amsterdam. There are three floors all decorated to impress. It’s more than just a brunch spot, it’s a hangout and a place to work while you sip a Matcha latte or coconut water straight from a coconut.
Coffee & Coconuts is always a big hit with out of town guests. It’s a favorite in wintertime when the winter blues are starting to sink in. There’s always a line, but it moves quickly. Just be patient and order a drink at the bar to get started.
3. Greenwoods
Not only is the service always friendly and the food always tasty, but the charming tea room on Singel is the perfect escape from the touristy city center.
In addition to an all-day breakfast menu, they also serve high tea, complete with clotted cream, crumpets, scones and finger sandwiches (call for high tea reservations). Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their homemade soda bread. It’s pure buttery heaven.
The only drawback to Greenwoods is the line. Try to get there early to swing by and put your name in before starvation hits.
Greenwoods 2 locations
4. Dignita
Dignita was one of the first brunch spots I ever visited in Amsterdam. I immediately fell in love and wrote a post about the inventive menu, the bright interior and the beautiful plating.
At Dignita they’ve got it all. Healthy raspberry beet juices, indulgent sticky gingerbread milkshakes, classic English breakfasts, vegan coconut yogurt with nutty granola and American-style pancakes.
Not only is everything delicious, but every dish is made with love and care. They source local and sustainable ingredients and donate 100% percent of their proceeds to Not For Sale – an international organization that provides training to victims of human trafficking. A meal your tummy and your heart can feel good about.
They opened a second location about two years ago at the Hoftuin. There’s a lot of outdoor seating making this my favorite outdoor brunch spot.
Dignita. 2 locations
5. Pluk
It’s nearly impossible to walk by Pluk and not take a gander inside. Located in the heart of the charming Nine Streets, this is the perfect place to go for a quick brunch before a day of shopping.
While you admire the trinkets, baked goods and kitchenware on the first floor, grab a menu and hop in line. Be sure to check upstairs before placing your order to make sure there is space available. There are only about 8 tables at Pluk so you may need to wait a bit. Good news is, most people are in and out quickly
Want something light? Try one of their smoothie bowls – my favorite is Vitamin Sea with greek yogurt, spirulina, honey, avocado and banana with tons of seasonal toppings. Prefer eggs? The smashed avocado toast with poached eggs, lemon and chili flakes will do the trick!
Pluk 2 locations both in the Nine Streets
6. Little Collins
Spending some time shopping along the Albert Cuypstraat or wandering in the hip Pijp neighborhood? Well, you’re in luck – Little Collins has one of the best brunch spreads in Amsterdam.
On a sunny day, grab a seat outside or at the bar lining the windows. Order a Collins Bellini for a sweet start and pair it with my favorite, Funghi Toast.
Little Collins also opened a second location in the West. This location is one of the few brunch spots in all of Amsterdam that actually takes reservations. If you’ve got a group, I highly recommend here.
Little Collins 2 locations
7. The Breakfast Club
Now with 3 locations in the city, you’re sure to be nearby a Breakfast Club no matter where you are. The laid back atmosphere and the all-day brunch menu are hard to resist.
I’d recommend one of the City Breakfast options. They may seem pricy, but each comes with a freshly squeezed orange juice and any coffee or tea you like. My favorite is the Mexico City – the closest thing you’ll get to huevos rancheros on this side of the Atlantic.
The Breakfast Club, 4 locations
8. Metropolitain
Metropolitain is an all-day brunch spot that sits just below the popular cocktail bar and club Café de Paris. That means you can have brunch and then head upstairs for some classy cocktails followed by an evening of dancing.
The menus got all sorts of items for everyone. If you like sweet, go for one of the smoothie bowls. The Green Acai bowl with granola and banana is filling and healthy. A heartier favorite is the Croque Monsieur – be sure to swap out the normal fries for the truffle fries and enjoy. This place is small so try to arrive earlier in the day or wait till a bit later.
Metropolitain, Rokin 81, Open 9 am – 10 pm daily
9. Bakers & Roasters
Seven days a week Bakers & Roasters is hard at work preparing homemade cakes and pastries, whipping up exquisite breakfast specialties and grinding artisan coffees.
They describe themselves as a New Zealand style café with a heavy dose of Brazilian influence. A home away from home where you can truly taste the love. On weekends, be prepared to wait a while.
My go-to order: the Vege Brekkie with a Green juice and a Matcha latte.
Bakers & Roasters 2 locations
10. Le Petit Deli
Le Petit Deli probably doesn’t appear on too many brunch lists, but I just had to add it. This is a very small, hence the name, patisserie and sandwich shop in the Jordaan. It’s nearby my house and one of my favorite places to go when I don’t have reservations and am ready to brunch.
They have delicious coffees and teas to go with their pastries. I absolutely love the Almond Croissant, it’s the best I’ve had outside of Paris. They also have open-faced sandwiches and a few other savory dishes. There are also five or so chairs, but if you get lucky the deli is a cozy spot to start your morning.
11. Pancakes!
And of course… no Amsterdam brunch list is complete without a pancake spot. Dutch pancakes are one of the staple breakfast foods in the Netherlands. If you’re American think of them like this: an American pancake had a baby with a crepe, voila, a Dutch pancake.
You can get savory pancakes and sweet pancakes here. I’d recommend going with a friend and ordering one of each. Best choice? One Goat cheese [ancake and one Lemon and sugar pancake for two, please!
Pancakes! at least 3 locations and always expanding
That’s it for my favorite brunch spots in Amsterdam. For more great eats and things to do, keep on reading.
