De Pijp Amsterdam – All our local tips

Altmann is a stylish up market restaurant on the outskirts of “The Pijp”, the famous quarter where also our Albert Cuyp Market is located. Altmann has had a change in the kitchen, which changed the menu in a positive way. The menu is original and the dishes are nice.

The staff is extremely well mannered, the wine list is good and large. They have valet parking, which is an extreme asset in the area. But overall I think the restaurant is a bit stiff, and a little bit too pretentious.

What probably didn’t help was the fact, that we were almost the only guests in the restaurant. I have had dinners there twice before when it was packed with guests, which made the ambiance much more loose and happening. For business travelers, it’s a recommendation!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Altmann | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French) | 4 course menu € 50.00
Amsteldijk 25 | De Pijp | +31206627777
Mon – Sat 18:00 – 00:00 (Bar Fri – Sat till 03.00)

One of the Albert Cuyp gems as it comes to exceptional venues and restaurants. Step into the magical world of the Middle-East.

Bazar is known for its beautiful interior, fine and warm atmosphere, and delightful kitchen. The colourful tables, prominent lamps, and happy music make you believe to be in a country far away from cheesy Holland. The only feeling that it may correspond to is that of the ‘cosy market atmosphere’ of the Albert Cuyp.

The dishes are originated from the North of Africa and the Middle East. Combined with a glass of wine or biological apple juice you’ll find yourself enjoying the overall atmosphere quite soon.

Whether you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the taste explosions are something special. Furthermore, vegetarians will be very satisfied with this menu. Think of couscous with dried fruits and raisins, steamed pumpkin and saffron sauce or the roasted Portobello mushroom filled with falafel and other special ingredients. Besides, all the meat is halal (ritually slaughtered).

An absolute recommendation is the shared (with two or more) large lunch. Ideal to try whatever they serve in small portions with bread, a combination of food of different cultures. And last but not least, don’t skip on the desserts as the cheesecake with dates and nuts leaves you begging for more.. Otherwise, a cup of fresh mint tea with traditional baklava will do just fine too.

The staff is polite and also apologizes when the food takes longer than expected.
Good quality for reasonable prices.
It is recommended to make reservations.

Don’t forget, this is not the kind of place to go for a quick bite…more an extended night full of experiences, taste explosions and that very unique atmosphere.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bazar | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Middle east) | Main dishes from € 8.50
Albert Cuypstraat 182 | De Pijp | +31206750544
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri 10:00 – 02:00, Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 09:00 – 00:00

De Pijp is lucky to have the BLOND Flagship Store in it’s shopping area. This popular Dutch design can be found in almost every cozy, kitschy house in Holland. The huge cups and mugs for tea with happy, and mostly funny, paintings always turn a smile on your face.

Do you want something even more original? No problem. BLOND also does private orders! A personalized (hand painted) design for your cups, pots, bowls, or plates. Hand in a photo, and BLOND will characterize the image in a cartoon with bright colors, cookies & teabags, tree’s and flowers etc. Whatever you’d like!

Great for gifts, souvenirs, hilarious paintings, school supplies, and/or inspiration! Check their website to see it all (also available in English)!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
BLOND | Shopping
Gerard Doustraat 69 | De Pijp | +31204284929
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

The Burgermeester is a tiny restaurant/take away next to the famous Albert Cuyp market. Across the street you can find McDonalds, but I’ll tell you now: Burgermeester is the best kept secret among the locals!

The translation for Burgermeester in Dutch can be either ´Burger Master´ or ´mayor/burgomaster´

You can choose from a great variety of proper burgers on fresh bread made with the best fish, lamb, beef or vegetarian options like falafel, whatever you wish for..
Add some delicious ingredients like grilled vegetables, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms and/or cheddar…et voila…You’ve just created the perfect burger!

Their homemade milkshakes of fresh fruits and ice are the best and the 3 mini burger menu is great to have all your favorites at the same time..
Side dishes vary from oven potatoes with basilic/garlic sour cream to exclusive salads. Small or large portion, to stay or take away; everything is possible. Although, take away is the best option as the place is really small, to go in for a quick bite is fine too.

Too many drinks last night? This is the best hangover food ever; goodbye McDonals, BurgerKing and KFC! And it´s healthy too…

Between 18:00 and 22:00 the place gets crowded: waiting up to 40min to take away is not unusual. I live just around the corner…which makes it no problem to come back later! And yes, waiting that long is totally worth it!!

Note: Burgermeester has another restaurant at the Elandsgracht 130, near the canals! And starting July also near the Artis Zoo, at Plantage Kerklaan 37.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Burgermeester | Snacks | Hamburger € 6.00
Albert Cuypstraat 48 | De Pijp | +31206709339
12:00 – 23:00 daily

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 if you like to combine the best coffee with a great atmosphere you will have to be in the 1e van der Helststraat in the area the Pijp. Here it’s always busy with people; together or alone, reading, studying, and catching up with friends. And it all gets even better in the summertime when the big terrace gets the sun nearly all day! The whole neighbourhood sits down here to enjoy the sun, the people, and of course the coffee.

The shop is right next to the Albert Cuyp Market which is one of the best markets in Amsterdam.

The shop has lots of windows so while sitting at the window you will see the world go by. The area is very diverse. Full of young artistic people, students, parents and children, people from all over the world, and lots of old people that have been living in the area from before it became full of buzzing restaurants and bars and when it was just a poor working class neighbourhood. All the

se people come for coffee here which makes it a very inviting and comfortable place, and an important part of the neighbourhood.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Coffee Company | Coffee & tea | Small latte € 2.50
Eerste van der Helststraat 62b | De Pijp | +31206731769
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 19:00, Sat 09:00 – 19:00, Sun 10:00 – 19:00

In a street that crosses the Albert Cuyp Market you will find The Emaillekeizer.

Emaille is the Dutch word for Enamel. So as you can imagine this shop is full of it. Mostly cups, plates, teapots, bowls and many other kitchen utensils. All the stuff is very colourful and often painted with floral prints. Whenever I walk into the shop for a look around I always get a happy feeling. Besides the enamel plates and other kitchen stuff the shop also specializes in signs made of enamel. For instance house numbers, street names, and many other (funny) signs.

Despite of the name of the shop, enamel is not the only thing you will find.
There are lots of other things like colourful braided baskets in different shapes and sizes. You will also find funnily shaped chairs that look ideal for in the garden, in the park, or on the beach. And it’s not all. Except for al the things to fill your living room and kitchen, there are also things to decorate yourself with. Lots of handmade jewellery from Africa, made mostly out of beads and shells.

As I said I always feel happy when I visit the shop and I also get a summer vibe. This is mostly because of the music which is usually reggae-like. It won’t surprise you to hear the shop also sells lots of this kind of music.

All in all the combin

ation of colours, floral prints, a variety of different stuff and summery happy music makes this shop a nice one to visit. It is great for presents, and for all price categories. The combination of the somewhat old fashioned enamel and the original African stuff seems strange but it works wonderfully well.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Emaillekeizer | Music, Shopping
1e Sweelinckstraat 15 | De Pijp | +310206641847
Tue – Sat 12:00 – 18:00

There’s not much to say about this spot except that it is the ideal place to get something to get a ‘broodje’ (dutch for sandwich or bread roll) with anything you can imagine!

You can choose the sandwich filling of your choice which can be a difficult choice to make. They have about all sorts of cheese and meats you can imagine and since they’re really not expensive its the ideal quick lunch.

My absolute favorite is the ‘vitello tonato’: veal, tuna salad, capers and tomatoes all on one roll. Delicious!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kaassie Kaassie | Shopping, Snacks | Roll € 3.00
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 14 | De Pijp
Mon – Sat 08:30 – 17:00

In one of our up & coming neighborhoods, The Pijp, where restaurants come & go, one is still going strong for many many years.

Tucked away at the end of the Pijp. You´ll find an authentic Italian trattoria with honest & good food: no fancy stuff. The owner and cook has his days and has his moods, but ignore that and you will enjoy the place.

A tip: ask for the dishes of the day, and what they serve besides what’s on the menu. They are quite famous for their Salsiches: small hotdogs Italian style served with fresh spaghetti, alio/oglio and some vegetables. But also the antipasti della casa and the grilled spada, are delicious.

The Red Housewine from the tap, is OK, and dinner for 2 including two pichets of red wine is around € 85.00, which is a nice bonus in Amsterdam.

So don´t tell everybody about this little gem, keep it to yourself, and enjoy!

(Minor detail, the ventilator doesn’t work that good, so you have to wear a different outfit the day after…)

Details about this spot (Show on map)
L’Angoletto | Restaurants (Italian) | Dinner & wine for two € 37.50
Hemonystraat 18 | De Pijp | +31206764182
Sun – Fri 18:00 – 23:30

This restaurant is newly opened, but still as good as before!!

Since it is a little more expensive and classier looking than all the other cafés and restaurants in De Pijp, you will not find many tourists or students here. It is a very romantic place with real candles on the table, a nice smell of insence and a great Middle-East atmosphere.

The waiters are charming and offering the best service as possible. They help you choosing your dish if you do not understand the Moroccan menu and they select a perfect wine for you. Also the open kitchen gives a coming home feeling!

For people who do not want to try something new, this is not the right place to go, but for all other people this is a great place. The first time when I was there, I knew the ingredients, but that was basically all I knew.

They make very nice combinations and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. This is really the most romantic restaurant I have ever been to in Amsterdam!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mamouche | Restaurants (Middle-East) | Main € 19.50
Quellijnstraat 104 | De Pijp | +31206700736
18:30 – 23:00 daily

Raak is probably one of the most popular shops in de Pijp. Not only people from Amsterdam, but also fashionsta’s from other cities in Holland come to Raak to provide themselves with fashionable clothing, items, jewelry, design interior, baby stuff and feminine shoes.

This small shop sells expensive wear, in addition to the exclusive jewelry.
Words to describe Raak are blond, high heeled, good quality, original, fashion, design, St.Tropez/Cannes, Chihuahua dogs and celebrities.

Within the Dutch fashion industry, Raak is also a well-established logo, promoted by several celebrities. Want to look your best? Raak is where you should go for the perfect cocktaildress! Ladies wear only…sorry guys.

Note: A bigger store of RAAK can be found at the Leidsestraat 79, a mini warehouse with even more shopping fun!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
RAAK | Shopping | Bags from € 80.00
Eerste van der Helststraat 49 | De Pijp | +31206704206
Mon 12:00 – 18:00, Tue – Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00

One of the Albert Cuyps hidden gems: South Miami Plaza offers everything what you haven’t thought of yet. Do you think you’ve seen/heard it all…explore your world here!

Music styles varying from Dutch and World to Blues and Rock, a never ending offer.

Wherever you look, special offers are a daily matter. 5 Dvds for 10 euros is not uncommon. Ok, don’t expect to find the newest released films and cds here…but you may find your lost samples of famous oldies or for example the Beatles in concert.  To complete your collection they also sell posters and cards of pop, tv, and filmstars.

The place does look like an old dump store, full of cheap, dusty cds, dvds, vinyl, video’s etc. But that shouldn’t hold you back. Be patient and you’ll bump into one favorite after another, and all this for the lowest prices ever!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
South Miami Plaza | Music, Shopping | DVD € 5.00
Albert Cuypstraat 116 B/C | De Pijp | +31206622817
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 18:00

I really love the Javanese Surinamese cuisine. This is why I love the Pijp so much. This area is filled with these kinds of restaurants. Most of them don’t look very nice on the inside. It’s all about the food and not about atmosphere. Usually it is not the ideal place for a romantic evening out. But in the case of Spang Makandra it is slightly different.

In a little street just a couple of minutes away from the famous Albert Cuijp Market you will find a little restaurant called Spang Makandra. This place is different than your usual Surinamese restaurant and this is mostly thanks to the interior of the restaurant and the presentation of the food. Now it would be too much to say that the restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening out. This is due to the giant television screen that fills one entire wall of the restaurant. This isn’t exactly romantic but it is nice for people that are waiting for their take out or for the people that are eating alone. But still despite the television the place has quite a nice atmosphere. The lights are dimmed and the interior looks really nice and is very comfortable.

The guy that owns the place is really friendly and all in all the atmosphere is very relaxed. And I haven’t even mentioned the food! This is in one word DELICIOUS! The menu is big and you can choose from lots of different main meals with rice or noodles, snacks, and sandwiches. The food is served nicely on big plates which makes the presentation much nicer than in most of the other Surinamese restaurants.

Last but not least: the portions are big so don’t order too much. Even if it is very tempting…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Spang Makandra | Snacks, Restaurants (Javanese/Surinamese) | Main meal € 8.00
Gerard Doustraat 39 | De Pijp | +310206705081
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 22:00, Sun 13:00 – 22:00

The moment IJscuypje opened its doors it has been a great success and popular even since. The stall is located next to the Albert Cuyp market, and this is also where it gets its name from.

IJscuypje is the place to be for your ideal summer desert: Icecream! Home made, natural ingredients, real cream instead of butter, no colourings and artificial preservatives and daily made!
Also, it’s sold in a perfect balance: good prices for great quality!
Don’t expect hundreds sorts of flavours. A set of 8 flavours is what you see and get. And that is absolutely not disappointing.

Mostly when you think of good icecream, you think: Italian icecream. But here’s something new: IJscuypje makes its icecream according to an old Dutch pastrycook’s shop recipe.

Actually, this may have been the first time I thought eating icecream was healthy! The yogurt ice tastes like fresh creamy yoghurt and the raspberry ice is refreshing and still holds its pure vitamin seeds. Basically: the sorbet ice is solely made of fresh fruit and juice, without the use of milk products.

A surprising fact:
In winters (November – April), ‘IJscuypje’ is transformed into ‘Stamppotje’. This name refers to a typically Dutch winterly potatodish with vegetables served with meat and gravy on the side. The most traditional are ‘Boerenkool’ with coal, ‘Hutspot’ with carrots or ask for their specials.

Above all, a very friendly service will welcome you and always let you (ask them!) try some if you can’t make your decision.

Do be aware of the fact that IJscuypje / Stamppotje has no seating area. Just take place on one of the wooden benches nearby or take away.

Enjoy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Stamppotje | Snacks, Restaurants (Dutch) | Winterpotato dish € 7.00
1e van der Helststraat 27 | De Pijp | +31204795565
11:00 – 23:00 daily

Don’t you feel like eating healthy today? Try The Taart van m’n Tante. Translation for: The Pie of my Aunt. Think of your grandmother’s Apple pie, but then better.

This small, cosy, cute place in the area of the Museum Quarter and famous Albert Cuyp market, is always packed with people enjoying a relaxing mid-afternoon tea with one of the homemade cakes on the side.

The fairytale decor of unique, special cakes (think: Disney, Ballet, Flamingo’s, Weddings) makes you even want to try more! I almost tried them all, and I can assure you, they are all extremely delicious!

Varying from chunky chocolate to creamy caramel, topped with whipped cream…Nothing is impossible! Do ask the staff which ones are available as the menu divers every day..

The place to be for sugar-addicts!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Taart van m’n Tante | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Cakes from € 3.00
Ferdinand Bolstraat 10 | De Pijp | +31207764600
10:00 – 18:00 daily

Siempre is a really cosy, Spanish tapas restaurant, just in between the Albert Cuyp market and the Sarphatipark.

The tapas they offer are diverse (meat, fish and vegetarian meals) and change every season. This is the current menu.

The (mostly served warm) bread with aioli mayonnaise is very tasteful, and the meatballs in spicy tomato sauce are another absolute recommendation.
The Spanish music (gypsy kings etc.) accentuates the ambiance, completed with small classic wooden tables, ornated tiles and well-fitting wall colours.

In summer you can sit outside till late and enjoy your coffee or fresh mint tea with the cake of the day on the side.

This restaurant is located at the not so busy part of ‘De Pijp’, but do make reservations in the weekend (note: not more than 11 persons!)

Note > From the same owners: Mas Tapas, another tapas restaurant, only a few streets away (Saenredamstraat 37). Smaller on the inside, but in summer they have a bigger terrace than Siempre.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tapas Café Siempre | Restaurants (Tapas, Mediterranean) | 5 tapas € 17.50
1e Sweelinckstraat 23 | De Pijp | +31206718616
16:00 – 00:00 daily

I love burritos and usually make them myself. It has actually become one of my cooking specialities. 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’m a cheese lover but the other day I decided to try my favorite without the cheese and this was also great! And a healthier choice I suppose…

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. You will find me there almost once a week!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Taco Shop | Snacks, Restaurants (Mexican) | main meal € 8.00
Tolstraat 200 | De Pijp | +310204703657
12:00 – 22:00 daily

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’. They cook the same things in almost all of the places but the food tastes slightly different everywhere. And I suppose it all depends on your personal taste which one you find the best.

In any case a lot of Surinamese people do go to Marlon so that must mean something.  Anyway this place is one of my favourites. The people who work here are very friendly and the food is served quickly when you sit in. There are a couple of tables to sit inside and eat which is okay if all you need is a quick meal. But the place does look very clinical with white tiles on the floor and on the wall and very bright lights.

You can sit in to eat but you can also take your food out.  Especially on a Sunday it gets very busy with people taking food. Sometimes you have to wait a while but you can also phone in your order and pick it up later. I often get a soup in the restaurant for lunch or I like to take some of their food home with me for dinner.

The great thing is also that they are not expensive at all. A main meal will cost you about € 7.50 which is very doable. A couple of my favourites are kip sate, saoto soup, ‘teloh bakkeljauw’ and roti. Also the bakabana is known to be great.

I would recommend everyone visiting Amsterdam to try the food from Suriname. It really is delicious and it is becoming such a part of Dutch cuisine that you really can’t do without.

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