La Perla Pizza has been one of my go-to spots since moving to Amsterdam about ten years ago. At La Perla they directly import authentic ingredients from Italy a few times each week including their buffalo mozzarella, their prosciutto and even their olive oil. This guarantees the ingredients are always fresh and taste like Italy. The pizza at La Perla Pizza is not traditional Neapolitan. The crust is thinner and snappier, and there is no gooey middle. But if you’re not looking for traditional, it’s sure to please you.
If you’re looking for the best people watching on the cutest little street in Amsterdam, and you happen to love pizza, La Perla is your place. You’ll find it on a street locals refer to as “Little Italy” amongst a few trattorias, a couple cafes and a gelateria.
Want even more pizza recommendations in Amsterdam? Here you’ll find my neighborhood by neighborhood guide to all the best pizza places in Amsterdam.
Where is La Perla?
La Perla sits on two opposing street corners in Amsterdam’s Jordaan. The coziest corner in all of Amsterdam perhaps…
On one side you’ll find a large wood burning brick oven and a few barstools lining the window. This is where the magic happens and where you can order a pizza to go. Across the way is the cozy dining room with enough space for about 30 lucky pizza enthusiasts. There are also streets lining the sidewalk, my favorite if the water permits.
On any given evening you’ll find smiling faces and hurried waiters bustling from one side of the street to the other. Much like in Italy, the pizza at La Perla in Amsterdam is served uncut and piping hot.
What to order?
Since La Perla Pizza is only a few blocks away, I come here far too often. You would think I would’ve tried all the pizzas by now, but I typically stick to two favorites. The Prosciutto San Daniele with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula and Parmigiano Reggiano or the Calabrese di Spilinga, a spicy pizza with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, oregano, and a hot salami paste called n’duja. If you’ve never had n’duja you should! It tastes sort of like a spreadable sopressata with chilis.
They won’t do half and half, so go with a friend and split both pizzas down the middle. You won’t regret it. Oh, and certainly enjoy the olives they serve complementary as a starter. Some of my favorites.
Pro tip: Reserve a table no matter what day of the week it is. La Perla Pizza is popular in Amsterdam with locals and tourists, so it’s best to book ahead.
La PerlaTweede Tuindwarsstraat 53
Published February 2017, updated in 2026
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