Looking for tips for Amsterdam’s Staatsliedenbuurt neighborhood from a local? Staatsliedenbuurt is the neighborhood (buurt in Dutch) that I’ve called home for the last three years. This is a great neighborhood in Westerpark.
Westerpark is one of the best places in Amsterdam to visit. Why? There’s no tourists here.
And we’ve got plenty of great restaurants, bars and takeaway spots. There are also a few gyms and yoga studios, and some cozy shops. The Staatsliedenbuurt neighborhood doesn’t appear too often in guidebooks, but that’s all the more reason to visit.
Here are some of my favorite local spots, close to home. Or head here if you prefer an overview of all the best places to eat and drink in Amsterdam.
Published in April 2024, updated in October 2025.
Where to eat, drink, shop and go in Staatsliedenbuurt
Just click the link to jump to that section or check out the GoogleMap to get a sense of where things are. And of course, don’t forget to visit Westerpark itself.
Coffee & breakfast in Staatsliedenbuurt | Westerpark
Ferment Coffee & Wine – for coffee and wine
Ferment recently took over from my favorite spot in the neighborhood, Ao. As much as I miss the cool blue walls, modern beech furniture and Japanese accents, that made me smile, Ferment is a reasonable replacement.
They serve coffee, matcha and tea in the morning and wine with small plates in the evening. The green decor is serene as can be and the staff is friendly. I’ll definitely be stopping in more often.
Back to Black – for coffee, matcha and chai
Whilst Ao is the new kid on the block, Back to Black is the OG neighborhood cafe. They’ve got a gezellig vibe (that’s cozy in Dutch), excellent coffee and plenty of outdoor seating in front. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to snatch a seat on their back patio and escape the city for a while. Back to Black’s coffee is available for takeaway and is also served in other cafes, bars and restaurants throughout the city.
Louf Bakery (Two locations in Westerpark)
Louf Bakery opened up about a year ago on the Wittenkade. This is one of the best bakeries in Amsterdam. The location sits right on the canal, and is takeaway only. Walking by alone will trigger your senses to pop inside. Freshly baked sourdough baguettes and loafs, flakey croissants and other pastries, and at lunch time, sandwiches to go. Plus, you can get a coffee too.
Just recently Louf opened up another location, that I’m kindly still considering to be in Westerpark as well. This one is quite impressive, it’s located inside the windmill. Louf de Molen is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy an early morning or afternoon together.
Knock Knock Bakery – for pastries and sourdough
Knock Knock Bakery is the new kid in town. Just a small little bakery open from Thursday to Sunday. There’s a table or two inside and out on the sidewalk. They serve coffee and freshly baked breads and exquisite pastries. The pastries here are truly beautiful to look at, and equally tasty. Come here if you want to impress whoever you’re with.
Quick eats & takeaway in Staatsliedenbuurt | Westerpark
Doardi – for fries
Go to Doardi for ice cream and fries. It might seem like a strange combo, but ice cream and fries are the two things Doardi is most famous for. They also have burgers, croquettes and other food for takeaway. There’s a window where you order and just two picnic tables out front. Grab a cone of frites with mayo or a few scoops of ice cream before heading to Westerpark to relax in the sunshine.
De Buurman – for falafel
Go to De Buurman for falafel and Turkish pizza. It’s a small place with big energy, and it’s popular! At peak hours, the line is out the door and swarmed with delivery drivers. Is it worth the hype? I vote yes. De Buurman’s falafel comes with pomegranate seeds and has this freshness that a lot of other places just can’t seem to achieve. They also have excellent sweet potato fries and creative kimchi croquettes. Best for takeaway.
Dumplings – for dumplings of course
Dumplings is of my favorite and most frequented take away spots in Amsterdam. Just at the edge of Westerpark, you’ll find a little dumpling stand with, more often than not, a very long line. Dumplings serves Chinese crepes, dumplings, bao, spring rolls and other snack foods. They have a couple tables outside, but otherwise you can get your food to go and eat in Westerpark.
Read more about Dumplings in Westerpark.
Pie-Nong Thai – for Thai takeaway
Pie-Nong Thai is the smallest Thai restaurant I’ve ever seen. It’s an iconic pagoda shack placed on the bridge between Staatsliedenbuurt and the Jordaan. They only accept Tikkie (like Dutch Venmo) or cash. There’s one picnic table out front, so it’s best to takeaway. They’ve got all your favorite dishes like curry and pad thai and the friendly husband and wife work shoulder to shoulder to whip up your order. Even if you don’t want Thai, take a peek inside, it’s impressive what they can do in that little kitchen.
Wrap Labs – for lunch
Wrap Labs just recently opened, replacing the vegan food truck, Vleesch Noch Visch. The Wrap Lab serves boba and vegan and veggie wraps. I haven’t popped in yet, but be sure to give it a try.
Best Restaurants in Staatsliedenbuurt | Westerpark
Bella Storia – for pizza
When you go to Bella Storia you are transported from the Amsterdam streets to a trattoria in Italy, just for a minute. The decor is simple, no frills – wooden booths and a narrow dining room. Though they did renovate recently and added additional seating. Next door you’ll find the takeaway side of the restaurant, where you can see the pizza oven in the back and a small shop with Italian specialty foods and cheeses.
Go to Bella Storia for some of the best pizza in Amsterdam. I love their Neapolitan style pies, but if that’s not your thing, they also have pasta dishes. The gnocchi alla sorrentina is melt-in-your-mouth good, though I haven’t seen it on the menu lately. I’ll need to make a request!
Note: Next door is Piccola Storia, not quite as good in my opinion, but still great if you are looking for takeaway.
Cafe Beurre – for date night
This is one of the newest and hippest spots in town. Vegetarian and no reservations. The prettiest people are always gathered around outside on sunny days sipping rose and champagne. Like a magazine. On cooler evenings, the drippy candles and bistro-interior welcome you off the not-so-pretty street. When my cousin came to town she even visited twice, it’s that good!
Pendergast – for American fare
Pendergast is an upscale American-style barbecue restaurant, known for having some of, if not the, best barbecue in Amsterdam. Definitely book ahead as the dining room is small and fills up quickly. The ribs were by far my favorite and I loved the chocolate pecan pie – save room for dessert.
Craving American comfort food for brunch? Check out brunch at Stacks.
Best Bars in Staatsliedenbuurt | Westerpark
Checkpoint Charlie – for a dive bar
Checkpoint Charlie is somewhat of an institution in Staatsliedenbuurt. A popular hangout for a diverse crowd of artists, old timers and real Amsterdammmers. Vintage decor and that late night bar odor give it its charm. There’s a pool table and couches inside, but hanging on the adirondack chairs out front is just as popular. Go here for laughs and people watching.
Cafe Nassau – for burgers and beers
A classic bar with burgers and other dishes for lunch and dinner. Cafe Nassau is located on the Nassaukade canal and gets pretty good afternoon sun on the terrace. If you want a classic meal or a beer it’s a good place to visit. No frills and nothing special. They also host regular trivia nights and other events.
Cafe Restaurant Piet de Gruyter – for people watching
When the sun is shining Piet de Gruyter is the place to be. Dutchies line up in neat rows at tiny tables all facing the sun, sunnies on and biertjes in hand. A great spot to grab a drink on a sunny afternoon. Of course they’ve got an inside as well and it can be a cozy hangout in winter too.
Cafe de Pianist – for live music
More popular with an older crowd, and filled with regulars catching up over koetjes en koefjes (that’s chit chat in Dutch, literal translation: little cows and calves) the Piano Bar is another one of those spots that’s been there forever. It’s tucked away on a residential street so it can be a bit harder to find unless you know where to go. The Piano Bar is famous for hosting live music on Thursday and Friday nights. If you want a taste of the real Amsterdam it’s a good place to start.
Specialty shops in Staatsliedenbuurt | Westerpark
Bario Market – for everything
Barios is my go-to mini market. I go here for produce and groceries, as the selection is often better than that of an Albert Heijn or Jumbo, the two main supermarket chains in the Netherlands. But my favorite things to buy at Barios are the hummus, feta and olives. He has an excellent selection of all three. You grab a container and take as much as you like. My favorite is the spicy mango hummus. I know, sounds weird right? Just try it.
Mini Alba – for produce
The second bodega I love in the Staatsliedenbuurt is Mini Alba. Mini Alba is also a package pick up and drop off point, so lots of visits here. The produce out front is always fresh and they also have a selection of pantry items in back. Service is friendly and it’s a great stop if you’re coming back from Back to Black.
Het Groene Paradijs – for plants
Just like every Amsterdam neighborhood, we’ve got a plant shop in Staatsliedenbuurt too. This is one of my favorites. The prices are fair, the selection is large and they are even open on Sundays. Super rare for plant shops in the city. At Christmas time, they fill the street corner with little trees of all sizes, making for a festive corner.
Workout in Staatsliedenbuurt | Westerpark
FORM – for barre
Another new kid in town! Italy Padilla opened FORM East a couple years back. Last year, she opened her second studio, FORM West. FORM is a barre and yoga studio with a clean aesthetic. It’s the perfect place to start your morning or end your day. Looking to feel the shakes? FORM is the place.
The White Door Studio – for yoga
If you’re in need of a calming atmosphere and a deep Yin class or classic Vinyasa, White Door is for you. The minute you walk in the door a sense of serenity is guaranteed to overcome you. My favorite spot if I need a reset. They also have some fiery pilates classes, check out my friend Brittany’s classes!
Where to stay in Staatsliedenbuurt, Amsterdam
Conscious Hotel Westerpark
Need a hotel by the Staatsliedenbuurt? Conscious Hotel Westerpark is the place. The Conscious Hotel is located in Westerpark itself. It’s the perfect location to explore the city from, and a great little respite away from the city center. I even stayed here myself before officially moving into my apartment. The rooms are modern and simple, there’s a great bar and restaurant downstairs with a vertical garden, and the park is your backyard. You can also rent bikes directly from the hotel to get around more easily.
I’d also recommend The July Boat & Co.. Not quite Westerpark, but this hotel sits on the Ij in Houthaven and has a great restaurant and swim spot just outside in the summer months. Beware, the sun will attract hundreds of locals outside. From here you can easily walk to everywhere mentioned or catch the bus or bike to Central Station or anywhere else you please.
That’s it for the Staatsliedenbuurt, here’s plenty more places to visit in Amsterdam. And if you like to eat your way through each neighborhood, explore next the best restaurants and bars in Jordaan.
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