Image by Gisela Clarke

I love a good coffee and therefore couldn’t live without the Coffee Company. Luckily there are lots of them in Amsterdam. It’s an Amsterdam company and a bit like our version of Starbucks, but actually I’m happy to say it is a way better version!

Each of the different shops has its charm. But I like the one in the Van Woustraat best because of it’s personal atmosphere and because its ideal for chilling with friends, enjoying some alone time, or working. Upstairs is a living room area which is very comfortable, downstairs is great for working or just enjoying coffee and watching the world go by.

I also find this area very inspiring because its really mixed. Around here you will see lots of different cultures, young and old, students and freelancers. Every once in a while you can also enjoy exhibitions and live music with your coffee.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Coffee Company | Coffee & tea | Small latte € 2.90
Van Woustraat 153 | South
Mon – Fri 07:30 – 19:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 19:00

Image by Gisela Clarke

There is nothing here not to like. Friendly people, great fresh coffee (I love their iced latte), great food (I love their tosti with mango chutney), and a great atmosphere. The coffee they serve here is perfect, and they roast their own coffee here daily. So it’s as fresh as you can get!

Sitting here enjoying your coffee it almost has an feeling of not being in Amsterdam, and because of the location (you really have to know it to find it) it feels like an undiscovered gem. This will definitely become one of my favorite spots, and they’ve just opened a second shop on the Haarlemmerdijk!!

Check their facebook page for when they serve great a great breakfast on Sunday like for instance blueberry pancakes!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Two for joy | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Small cafe latte € 2.60
Frederiksplein 29 | Center | +31203306735
Mon & Wed – Fri 07:30 – 19:00, Sat – Sun 08:00 – 18:00

Image by Sanne van Poll

Pacific Parc is a great place on the ‘Westergasfabriekterrein’. Its open during the day for drinks and lunch as well as in the evening for dinner, drinking and/or dancing.

In the summertime the great attraction is the terrace outside which is very big and has sunshine all day long, but in the wintertime there is an even better attraction: a great looking fireplace in the middle of the room. It looks and smells great and warms you up when you need it!

Pacific Parc is open day and night and at night they sometimes have some really busy parties, although they aren’t really my cup of tea.

For lunch/breakfast/snack you should definetely try the “tosti” (croque monsieur / toasted ham/cheese sandwich). It’s delicious with lots of cheese and ham, pineapple or tomato. The great thing is that you get 1,5 tosti, which is exactly the right amount!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pacific Parc | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks | Main meal € 15.00
polonceaukade 23 | West | +31204887778
11:00 – 02:00 daily (kitchen open till 22:00)

Image by Gisela Clarke

I don’t have lots of spectacular things to say about this spot so I’ll just keep it simple. It is simply a really good spot.

The good things are to begin with the location, right on the Nieuwmarkt with views of De Waag. Secondly the reading chairs by the window, very nice! Check out the lunch menu during the day which is tasty and affordable. And last but not least the different kinds of Belgian beers and the nice housewine are worth a try.

Don’t forget to order some bitterballen to go with your drinks and just enjoy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Stevens | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants | lunch € 5.00
Geldersekade 123 | Center
10:00 – 01:00 daily

Image by Gisela Clarke

I had never heard of Feduzzi Mercado Italiano until a friend took me there to get some lunch. She had been there before and assured me that their ciabatta’s were delicious. And she is right! Their ciabatta’s are mouth watering.

I’ve made it my personal project to try out all of the different kinds. Until now all the ciabatta’s I have tasted were great but one of my favourites must be the ‘Cortina’. This one is with mozzarella and salami. They give you a choice between ordinary salami and spicy salami. I’ve tried them both and like the spicy salami the best. But be aware because it really is very spicy. That combined with the creamy buffalo mozzarella is an absolute treat!

Another of my favourites is the ‘Feduzzi’. This ciabatta is filled with creamy mozzarella, grilled aubergine, and delicious pesto. Writing about it makes me hungry!

Besides ciabatta’s they also sell loads of different ready to eat food like cheeses, meats, pasta salads, and other things. Also the shop has a wall with shelves full of different sorts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried and fresh pasta, coffee and all different kinds of wine.

Feduzzi’s is really worth a try. I’m sure you will not be disappointed!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Feduzzi | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Ciabatta sandwich € 4.00
Scheldestraat 63 | South | +31206646365
Mon 12:00 – 19:00, Tue – Fri 10:30 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00