Image by Gisela Clarke

The menu here isn’t big. And it doesn’t need to be. The only thing you need to order is cheese fondue, entrecote, salad, and finally chocolatemousse as a dessert. I’m a great lover of cheese so this place is really one of my favorites.

The cheese fondue is great and you get plenty of bread to go with it. Any of the different salads will do great for a bit of a fresh taste ’cause the fondue is quite heavy and obviously cheesy!

The entrecôte comes on a plate which is on a flame where you can further fry the meat in a very tasty sauce. Maybe this is not the place for a romantic first date though. All of the cheese and garlic doesn’t leave your mouth smelling very fresh…

It is important to know that a reservation is required if you don’t want to eat too late. As soon as your there you will find it easy to spend the rest of the evening there with your cheese fondue and a nice bottle of wine. I can’t wait till the next time! and the next! and the next!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bern | Bars, Restaurants | Main meal € 15.00
Nieuwmarkt 9 | Center | +31206220034
15:00 – 01:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

This is my latest Thai cuisine discovery. Thai food is definitely one of my favorite cuisines, and the food in this place really makes my mouth water.

The place is very small but usually not terribly busy so you will probably quite easily get a table. The people working here are super friendly and the food is absolutely delicious. The food is so delicious because it tastes really fresh and it is just full of taste. I love the minced beef with vegetables and basil, but the green and red curry is also delicious, although it’s very spicy to my taste. My newest favorite is the Pad Thai, it’s fantastic!!! Not only does the food taste nice, the presentation is also beautiful, the lovely authentic dishes are a treat for the eyes.

Another good thing is that you can takeaway your leftovers, which is handy ’cause the portions are quite big. They even give you some freshly boiled rice to go with it.

Good thing to know: They don’t serve alcohol to drink inside but you can get it to take away, and you can only pay cash!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Som Tam Thai | Restaurants (Thai) | Main meal € 11.50
2e Goudsbloemdwarsstraat 24 | Center | +31206382530
16:00 – 22:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

What will it be? Steak or pizza? This is the only question you will have to ask yourself when you go for dinner at Rosa & Rita. And it isn’t a difficult choice cause both options are very good.

I’ve tried the steak as well as the pizza and they are both excellent. Also the starters are very tasty. I would definitely recommend the pulpo! Instead of bread they serve delicious fresh pizza crusts with great olive oil, very very good! Everything is freshly made, even the delicious mayonnaise. And all is very affordable too!

Not only is the food affordable and tasty, the interior is also very nice and has a cool industrial look. It’s a great place to just stop by for a quick meal, the atmosphere is laidback  and once again: the steak and pizza are delicious!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Rosa & Rita | Restaurants (Steak/pizza) | Main course € 15
Conradstraat 471 | East | +31654954358
Tue – Sun 17:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I’ve discovered this place a short while a go and I must say I won’t have pizza anywhere else. The pizza they bake here is absolutely delicious.

La Perla is situated on a corner in the area called The Jordaan. The Jordaan is a great place for restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a nice place to eat you should definitely find it here. And if you by any chance feel like having pizza La Perla is the place to be!

The shop is quite small. There are a couple of seats at the window but you can also sit on one of the benches outside where you can enjoy your pizza while watching people walking and cycling by. The Jordaan seems to be an area full of interesting people so there is always something or somebody to see.

All the pizza’s are made freshly in front of you and baked in a wood fueled brick oven. This makes the thin pizza base nice and crispy. The ingredients are all imported from Italy and especially the buffalo mozzarella is extremely mouthwatering. As I said and as you can now probably imagine I really won’t go anywhere else to have pizza…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
La Perla | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizza) | Pizza (average price) € 11.00
Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 14 | Center
17:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

The Utrechtstestraat starts at the Rembrandtplein and ends at the Frederiksplein. The street crosses all the canals and this is what makes it a very charming shopping street.

The street is good for shopping fashion and delicatessen. Also there are a couple of good furniture shops. (check out the other Utrechtsestraat spots on this website.)

Also if you are looking to get someone a present, this is the place to be. Besides shopping the street is also full of bars and restaurants, again you will find a variety of cuisines suitable for any budget.

You should really have a look here if you like to go shopping but don’t like busy shopping streets full of shops you see everywhere, the choice of shops here is really different and I think you could easily spend a whole day here if you count in stops for coffee, lunch, a afternoon drink and dinner to finish it of!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Utrechtsestraat | Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants
Utrechtsestraat | Center
Mon – Wed & Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

The concept here is ‘all you can eat’ for a set price. The set price might vary per day and also depends on if you come for dinner or lunch. To be sure check the website.

I used to have dinner here all the time. But I didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to. mainly because it was always a very hectic experience of stuffing as much sushi into me as I could in a set time.

Now I’ve discovered having lunch here, which is really a great discovery! You don’t need a reservation and the place isn’t as full as in the evening. You pay around 20 Euro for as much as you can eat, and because it isn’t so busy you can take as much time as you need.

And last but not least, the sushi (and other food) is delicious!! especially the california rolls stuffed with deep fried prawns!!! Mmmm!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tokyo Cafe | Restaurants | All you can eat € 20.00
Spui 15 | Center | +314897918
12:00 – 22:30 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

This is really the place to be for a great juicy burger. Forget about Mcdonalds or Burger King! This type of ‘slow fastfood’ is becoming more and more popular as this is not the only burgerbar of this kind in Amsterdam, but it`s definitely the best one.

You get to choose between different sizes of burgers, different kinds of bread, and all the toppings you could wish for. This does get a bit pricey if you don’t know when to stop so choose your toppings wisely. Yesterday I went all out and had a burger with avocado, blue cheese, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. This one was a bit too much but still really good.

Don’t come here for the atmosphere, as its quite brightly lit and the music isn’t that great either. But…. The burgers really are to die for. I promise!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Burgerbar | Snacks, Restaurants (Snack bar) | Burger € 8.00
Reguliersbreestraat 9 | Center | +31203305968
Sun – Thu 09:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 04:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

Firma Pekelhaaring is one of my new favorites. I was first attracted by the place because of the interior, the tables and chairs are gorgeous, but I soon found out that they serve good food and wine too!

The menu consists of different sorts of fresh pasta which can be ordered in a small or big portion. I should say the raviolis are really excellent. There is also meat and fish to choose from. I always like to get a small pasta with one of the salads that are on the menu. This way I get a bit of everything! The winelist and the desserts are also really worth a try.

Pekelhaaring is open for lunch and dinner, the atmosphere is relaxed and I think quite metropolitan. During the day it’s also a great spot to do some work while drinking coffee. In the evening it can get really busy so its wise to make a reservation in advance!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Restaurant Pekelhaaring | Snacks, Restaurants (European) | Main € 15.00
van woustraat 127-129 | South | +31206790460
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

Snack Bar Bird is on the busy Zeedijk, this is the China Town of Amsterdam. By far the best place to eat here is Snack bar Bird.

This tiny place serves the best Thai food one can imagine. Unfortunately the place is also very small and cramped, so often you have to wait outside before there is a table available. But luckily they are really quick so the wait is never too long. Sit at the window if you get the chance. You’ll see some interesting people…Once you’ve managed to squeeze yourself into a seat you wonder how you will ever get out. Don’t worry, you’ll manage.

I always have the beef in oyster sauce and I’ve never had it better than here! To get you started the spring rolls are delicious too. This is really the place for a quick bite that isn’t junk food. The portions are big and will keep you going for the rest of the evening.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed dinner there is also the option of Bird restaurant just across the street. It has the same owner as the snack bar, but it is a real restaurant with more tables and more space. For any group bigger then 4 people the restaurant is a better option than the snack bar. Unfortunately it does lack the snack bars atmosphere. So if it’s in any way possible, go for the snack bar!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Snack Bar Bird | Snacks, Restaurants (Thai) | Main meal € 13.00
Zeedijk 77 | Center | +31204206289
14:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I love burritos and usually make them myself. It has actually become one of my cooking specialties. So who would have thought that one day I would find a place where they make such tasty burritos that are maybe even better than my own!!??

The first time me and my friends visited the taco shop we didn’t know what to choose, we asked which burrito was the best and got served the smothered beef and beans burrito which was absolutely heavenly and a gigantic portion too. Guacamole, nacho’s, salad, a really nice red sauce on the side and to finish it off lots of melted cheese. Wow!! I love cheese but the other day I decided to try my favorite without the cheese and this was also great, and much healthier too…

You will find the Taco shop beside the Amstel river. There are a couple of places to sit but you can also take your food out. The small shop is owned by a very friendly guy who spends a lot of time in the shop. The other people working in the shop are also very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed and pleasant. I can’t get enough!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Taco Shop | Snacks, Restaurants (Texan-Mexican) | Main meal € 8.00
Tolstraat 200 | South | +31204703657
12:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

Cafe Loetje is known for having the best steak in Amsterdam. I know that I definitely agree. Every once in a while I allow myself a dinner at Loetje: steak, fries, salad and bread. This is the only thing I’ve ever ordered here and I absolutely love it. The other things on the menu are also very good, but I haven’t tried them. 

Having dinner at Loetje isn’t an easy task. You have to prepare yourself for waiting quite a while untill you get a table. Reservations are only possible for groups starting at 6 people. You can also try coming very late or very early. If not you will easily have to wait for about an hour. Still this waiting can be quite amusing. The restaurant is Typical Dutch, the people working here are real Amsterdam people and can be quite amusing to watch. Is absolutely fascinating to see the large amounts of steak being brought down from the kitchen upstairs. 

If you like steak and want a real Amsterdam experience you should really have dinner at Loetje. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Loetje | Restaurants (Dutch) | Main meal € 22.00
Johannes Vermeerstraat 52 | South | +31206628173
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 00:00, Sat 17:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam looks very impressive. The building used to be an old water pumping station and the restaurant is situated in the former engine room. This is still visible cause the old engine is still there. This gives a kind of industrial feel. But eventhough the space is big and has very high ceilings and room for lots of people, the atmosphere is still friendly and good. The service and the menu are very good which makes that I’ve alsways had very good evenings here.

The menu is quite big but also quite basic and very good. I usually go for the schrimpcroquettes as a starter and the steak and fries as a main course. And you really should try the chocolate cake as a dessert. They also have lots of other seafood on the menu which always looks very tasty. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Restaurant Amsterdam | Restaurants (French) | Main meal € 15.00
Watertorenplein 6 | West | +31206822666
Sun – Fri 10:30 – 00:00, Sat 10:30 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I love Surinamese food. At least once a week me and my friends have to eat at one of our favorite spots. At the moment this is Warung Mini. You will find this little restaurant in the Pijp. An area which is known for the huge amount of little Surinamese toko’s. It is hard to say which one is best. They each have their own specialties so I just visit them all, but start with this one please!

I go to Warung Mini for their delicious saoto soup, ‘broodje pom’, roti, and fritta. You should definitely give these ones a try. The restaurant is small but has quite a lot of seats and it has a good enough atmosphere to sit down and enjoy your meal.

When you’re visiting Amsterdam you really cannot leave before you’ve tried some Surinamese food. I hope you will like it as much as I do!!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Warung Mini | Snacks, Restaurants (Surinamese) | Main course € 7.50
Ceintuurbaan 205 | South | +31206626804
11:00 – 23:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

In the middle of ‘The Pijp’ you will find Warung Marlon, a little Surinamese restaurant. There are lots of places like this in Amsterdam, and especially a lot in ‘The Pijp’. The menus are usually quite similar in the different restaurants but still they all differ slightly. I suppose it all depends on your personal taste which one you find the best.

Marlon doesn’t really have a lot of atmosphere but it’s ideal for a quick meal or a take-away. I think you should really try Surinamese food when visiting Amsterdam, as it really is a fantastic part of the Dutch culture

Don’t go to Marlon without trying the delicious Bakabana (deepfried banana with satay sauce)!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Warung Marlon | Snacks, Restaurants (Surinamese) | Main meal € 7.50
1e Van der Helststraat 55 | South | +31206711526
Wed – Mon 11:00 – 20:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

You really would’t expect to find a restaurant like this here in the eastern side of Amsterdam. Although the area is upcoming this restaurant really complements the area.

Comfort Caffe offers really excellent, delicious good food for an affordable price. They are open during the day for lunch and coffee but you can also have dinner here. Think of bruschetta with mozzarella and parma ham as a starter, or a trio of delicious cheeses. As a main course they mainly serve pasta. For instance with gorgonzola or truffle and parmezan cheese. Combine this with a good bottle of wine and that’s all you need!! Mmm, writing this down makes my mouth water.

Just make sure you’re early ’cause the kitchen closes at 21:00…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Comfort Caffe | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Italian) | Pasta main course € 10.00
Sumatrastraat 28-30 | East | +31204630092
Tue – Fri 09:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Rea Dierdorp

Toko MC is a mix of a lot of different things. It’s a restaurant, a bar, and a theatre but you can also go dancing here and they also have art exhibitions. I love the bar for a drink in day- or nighttime, and have had some great parties here.

The parties are good because they usually feel like being at someones houseparty, a real mix of different people dancing and having fun. Also I love the interior, everything is just really laidback. 

If you are hungry, please try the peanut soup! It’s very very tasty!

The theater is also worth visiting. Check the website for events like concerts, parties, exhibitions and theatershows.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Toko MC | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Restaurants (Caribbean) | Peanut soup € 6.50
Polonceaukade 5 | West | +31204750425
Tue – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri & Sat 12:00 – 03:00, Sun 12:00 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by G.J. Broens

Let me start by pointing out that Spanjer & van Twist is a respectable but not outstanding restaurant, foodwise. In the city you can easily find more spots with the same price-quality ratio. There are three things which makes this place different from the rest.

First of all, when you’re hungry before 17:30 on a weekday you’ll get a discount on your main meal. This is of course a clever way of them to attract business on quiet days, but ideal for you when you had an early lunch (or skipped lunch entirely). 

Next to this, S&vT has one of the most beautiful terraces of Amsterdam. From April till October you’ll find their seats alongside the Leliegracht. Although I feel a bit sorry for the staff when I sit outside (it’s pretty narrow and uneven), it’s nice to see the canal boats appear from under the bridge.

Furthermore, the place is set up really nicely. It’s both spacious, but at the same time pretty intimate. From the first floor you have a nice view on the counter and behind it you can see the half-open kitchen. You would expect to hear a lot of noise, but surprisingly you don’t hear that many sounds coming from the kitchen.

In short, S&vT is a nice place for an intimate dinner or some drinks with a date… or when you wanna have a serious chat with a close friend.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Spanjer & van Twist | Bars, Restaurants (French/Dutch) | Main meal € 15.00
Leliegracht 60 | Center | +31206390109
10:00 – 01:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by G.J. Broens

There are many bars in the suburbs which are almost empty for most days, there are only a few bars which are packed almost every day. The corner pub down my street is one of these hubs. Many local residents visit Maxwell, not only in the weekends but also on weekdays, making it a perfect place to hangout every moment of the day, any day.

So what can you expect from this place/what makes it one of my personal favorites? During the day you’ll see young mothers sipping their coffee or tea, an older local resident reading the newspaper and a couple of middle aged men talking business (or just bullocks). In the evening you’ll catch the trendy folks having dinner or a couple of drinks. Both the drink and the food menu is pretty extensive: about nine beers on tap and fourteen on bottle, seven starters, fourteen main dishes and, very important for sweet teeth like me, six lovely deserts.

Next to this Maxwell also has an extensive activity calendar (on a weekly base there are things to do). On Mondays they do a pub quiz hosted by the lovely miss Jocelyn. On Sundays they often have live music. And they organise special things on many holidays. A lot of different people, good food and drinks… all the right ingredients for a pub, I would say! So if you’re looking for a pub that comes close to the local joint back home, Maxwell is the place to go.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Maxwell | Restaurants | Main meal € 15
Beukenplein 27 | East | +31207726748
Sun 11:00 – 01:00, Mon – Thu 09:00, Fri – Sat 09:00 – 03:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Hannekes Boom

I have been writing about Hannekes Boom previously because it’s such a fantastic spot in the summer, centered in the old bay that surrounds the central station island. It feels like an island on its own, with its large trees and its underdeveloped environment. It’s a relief, this peaceful spot with its charm of nature and independance, right in the most busy area of Amsterdam, only a few hundreds of meters away from central station and Damrak.

The winter season asks for some preparation, so they have been closed for two month to have them done. I was curious how they had managed to transform a summer beach cabin into a winterproof stable. Well, the house is the same, probably they have been working on the isolation, but the most significant change is now this large, beautiful, cast-iron chimney with its lazy chairs surrounding it. My tip: Saturday in the late afternoon, after a day shopping (or whatever you had to do in the center), come here, only a few people will be around, grab a chair at the fireplace, and watch it slowly getting dark outside.

Hannekes Boom is still a restaurant, so you may stay longer, get some winterproof dish for a price somewhere between cheap and regular. Not bad at all, but the only stars you were coming for are the ones outside anyway. They are still working on a programming but probably there will be live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Jazz/Blues – I’ve been told).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hannekes Boom | Bars, Restaurants (Intern./Dutch) | Daily menu from € 12.50
Dijksgracht 4 | Center | +31204199820
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 03:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Martin Sollmann

OT301 is generally an alternative cultural center: up-to-date underground music, alternative, experimental, on the edge. An independent movie and theater venue, and any kinds of activities: courses from self-defense to salsa, but all with the understated punk attitude. OT301 also houses Subbacultcha-events (check out: www.subbacultcha.nl) like the event I attended the other day: Modern Witch performed some dark experimental electronic tunes around her mystical moody voice. Well, for my taste it was a bit too dark, but she managed to balance that out with some pretty good danceable rhythms.

You get the idea: experimental, that’s what this place is about. No wonder that OT 301 is run by an artist initiative (EHBK), working closely together with Steim, the internationally recognized center of development in the electronic performing arts. You may call it avantgarde but the focus of OT301 is to provide an alternative to the mainstream commercial culture, be it in being experimental, be it in being politically radical.

A fun thing to try out: take part in Tuesday’s ping-pong bar. In the bar and the concert hall 4 ping-pong tables wait for potential competitors. They play a fun system on the table in the bar room: as many as possible walk around the table, hit the ball when it’s their turn, and when they loose the ball they have to leave the table until only two competitors are left.  Try it, it’s fun, and it’s free….

Details about this spot (Show on map)
OT301 | Art & culture, Cinemas, Music, Restaurants (Vegan)
Overtoom 301 | West
Tue, Thu & Sun 18:00 – 01:00, Fri 18:00 – 03:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by G.J. Broens

Across the canal from the cultural centre of the University of Amsterdam and around the corner of its Law faculty, this bar was really one of my favourite spots when I was a student. A bit old-fashioned, but snugly decorated, the place still breaths some genuine Amsterdamnes. This is even more reinforced by the owners and the residential cat (Kasper, almost 17 years old).

Check out their hamburger for lunch! You can order it in two sizes (medium or large) and it can, in my humble opinion, compete with the hamburgers at the more famous burger bars: unknown in its simplicity but, more importantly, très delicious. It’s also on the menu as a main dish and then comes with fries and a little side salad. The rest of the menu is a bit plain, with chicken kebab, spareribs and steak, but here the same device is at place: simple, but good.

If you wanna try something else then the trendy bars or lunchrooms I sincerely suggest you to hop in a place like ‘t Gasthuys.. and please don’t forget to pet the old cat.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
‘t Gasthuys | Bars, Restaurants (Diner) | Medium hamburger € 5.75
Grimburgwal 7 | Center | +31206248230
10:00 – 01:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by G.J. Broens

There is something about the Linnaeusstraat between the Mauritskade and the intersection on the other side of the Oosterpark. On not even half a mile you’ll find six totally different bars, with their own atmosphere and audience. If you like the variation it’s definitely worth a pubcrawl.

First in line is East of Eden (Linnaeusstraat 11-A), a neighbourhood bar opposite the Tropenmuseum. The different sitting areas are ideal for small groups. When it’s crowded it can take a while before they take your order.

Next is café Museum (Linnaeusstraat 29), an old fashioned “bruincafé”. On Saturday between 15:30 and 18:30 they host a Jazz jam session. The place is nothing fancy, but enjoyable enough for a couple of drinks.

The third bar is the trendy Spargo (Linnaeusstraat 37-A), a spot where a lot of yuppies hang out. They serve both a huge lunch and dinner menu. Decent quality, decent prices… and there’s always crowd there.

Next you’ll find Pata Negra (Reinwardtstraat 1hs), a Spanish tapas place. It can be very crowdy and noisy, especially in the weekends, but that’s what gives it this typically Southern temperament.

The fifth place is called Boom (Linnaeusstraat 63), a small place which focusses more on dining. This spot is a bit more considerate than the rest, making it  perfect for a serious chat and a good glass of wine.

The final spot located at the intersection is caffe Milo (Linnaeusstraat 71hs). This bar is especially known as a lunch place, but they serve a good dinner as well. And you’re always welcome for drinks too.

Six places, six different experiences!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Linnaeusstraat | Bars, Restaurants
Linnaeusstraat | East
09:00/10:00 – 01:00/03:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Martin Sollmann

Van De Buurt is a bit of a newcomer in west. The neighbourhood has had a long history of not being taken care of, but the last years the winds of change have also been blowing through the streets of Bos en Lommer. One manifestation of these changes is café-restaurant Van de Buurt. The old inhabitants would think of vintage as a “not-being-able-to-afford-better”, but we love vintage because it has style. So we love to hang out in the afternoon on the old couches having a cup of tea right behind the large shop windows and watch people outside passing by at the channel. With better weather conditions Van de Buurt provides a terrace. Very relaxed.

But there is more. While the vintage corner covers only one half of Van de Buurt, the rest is a nice, and not even very small restaurant. You can have vegetarian food, Indian curry, and Spanish tortilla, all vegetarian, and with little creative touch. There is no menu though, only one meal a day, a three-course-menu, but for a reasonable price. The place is not over-run, so there is no need for a reservation. Still a pretty undiscovered gem in Bos en Lommer.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Van de Buurt | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Vegetarian) | Main course € 9.75
Gerard Callenburgstraat 1 | West | +31207729105
10:00 – 00:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Martin Sollmann

Sunday afternoon, a band called “A Boy Named Sue” is playing Johnny Cash cover songs, and the mood is terrific. They know how to make the crowd swing, and from something around 16:00 there is party at Hesp, the place is crowded. Even Henk Schiffmacher, the world famous tattoo artist, is spotted (it’s a bit of his home cafe). On Friday nights it is less crowded, but still a place to have good time. The bar tenders are doing their best to entertain, and you can tell they love their job.

But Hesp is not only a bar to have a good time on a Friday night, Hesp also accommodates a full Restaurant with a variety of international dishes for a reasonable price. On the Sunday afternoon live music events you can meet me occasionally, swinging out a weekends’ hangover to prepare myself for the following week on the job.

I must admit, when it comes to drinking beer, I have my favorite brand, but for people who are curious to try different sorts, Hesp has a whole menu of at least twenty different kinds of tap beer, this in addition to at least twenty sorts of bottled beer.

In the summer Hesp blinks out with one of the nicest terraces Amsterdam has to offer, right at the river Amstel. It’s the most mediterranean area of Amsterdam. But I am too much ahead now – it is still closed and we will have to wait a little until then.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe Hesp | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Restaurants (Intern.) | Dinner +/- € 16.50
Weesperzijde 130-131 | East | +31206651202
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 02:00, Sun 11:00 – 01:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam