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

If you like vintage design furniture you should really check out Neef Louis. You will find Neef Louis at the North side of Amsterdam (where you will also find Noorderlicht and The Ijhallen, check these article here and here). So even though it is quite a journey to the North, it is worth it!

Neef Louis is a gigantic place and it’s absolutely stuffed with all kinds of old, vintage and design furniture. I would really love to be able to buy just all of it! Unfortunately my budget doesn’t allow me to do so. But still, I love to look around and it gives me inspiration. 

Across the road you will find Van Dijk & Co which is much the same but with more classical type furniture. Also worth a look!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Neef Louis | Shopping
Papaverweg 46 | North | +31204869354
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

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

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I must admit I’m not the best in bargain hunting. Every once in a while I try to do my best at flea markets or vintage stores but most of the time I have to face the facts: I’m incapable of finding the nice clothes in the midst of all the junk. Still I keep on trying because I do know people that do succeed and I can’t stand the idea that I might miss out on a great bargain just because I didn’t give it a try…

So I gave it a try at the IJhallen in the North of Amsterdam. Every month there is a huge flea market here where people sell mostly clothes but also other things. For an entrance fee of 3.50 you are free to spend as long as you want to rummage around the piles and piles of stuff that are on offer.

The market is usually partly inside and partly outside. Make sure you dress up warm cause both places are cold in wintertime!! The stuff people sell is really very cheap so if you do have an eye for a bargain you rally can’t miss this.

Also the trip over to the market is worth while. You take the free ferry from Central Station over to the NDSM part of North, I always enjoy this!

(Check the website for the upcoming markets)

Details about this spot (Show on map)
IJhallen | Relaxing, Shopping | Entrance adults € 3.50
T.T. Neveritaweg 15 | North
09:00 – 16:30, check website

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I can’t repeat enough how much I like cheese. This is why visiting De Kaaskamer is a treat for me. Looking at (and smelling) all the different sorts of cheese makes my mouth water… You don’t even have to go into shop to smell the (I think delicious) smell of cheese!

I usually go here to get a delicious baguette for lunch. You can pick any sort of cheese or meat and other toppings and the baguette will definitely fill your stomach for the rest of the day.

The shop is hard to miss, you can smell it meters away. When you go inside you won’t know where to start! Luckily the personnel is really friendly and they let you taste different cheeses too.

My tip would be to get yourself a baguette, and to eat it somewhere beside one of the beautiful canals. Then on your last day in Amsterdam head to the shop again and fill your whole suitcase with CHEESE!!! Enjoy!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Kaaskamer | Shopping, Snacks | Baguette € 5.00
Runstraat 7 | Center | +31206233483
Mon 12:00 – 18:00, Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

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

De Kring is normally a members club but for a while now they have opened up their club on weekend nights for different kinds of usually very good parties. Club Up is attached to De Kring and is an actual club. It has a separate entrance on the Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 26 but. Parties are usually at the side of Club Up and sometimes if they’re bigger the parties are on both sides of the club with the entrance at De Kring.

The club is becoming more and more popular which means that you will often have to queue op for a while unless you come really early or really late. But as soon as you get in line you will easily get in as they don’t have a strict door policy and inside you will always find an eclectic mix of different kinds of people having a good time.

I always have a good time here, the music and the atmosphere are good, its almost always busy, I can almost certainly guarantee you some wild nights!

Friday and Saturday nights are almost always busy and good, but just to be sure check the websites for the program.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Kring / Club Up | Bars, Music | Entrance fee € 10.00
Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 7-9 | Center | +31206236985
23:00 – 04:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

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)

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I love jewelry. Especially the silver and oriental kind. This is why I’m so glad I discovered Kasbah. Actually it wasn’t me who discovered it but my best friends who’ve already gotten me a birthday present from here twice. Since then I walk by the shop every once in a while mostly to admire all of the jewelry and other objects.

Although the shop is small, there is lots to see. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces (silver, gold, with or without gemstones) but also statues and interesting ornaments. The owners are very friendly and let you look around as long as you like. If you like this kind of stuff you should really have a look here and perhaps treat yourself or someone else!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kasbah | Shopping
Staalstraat 6 | Center | +31206235564
11:00 – 18:00 daily

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 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

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

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 | South
Mon – Sat 08:30 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

Cafe the Tuin is a really relaxed place in the Jordaan in the centre of Amterdam. In this area there are lots of good places. (Check the La Perla Pizza article) Cafe de Tuin is just laid back and no nonsense. They play really good music and serve a wide collection of Belgian beers.

Its nice to sit outside but there isn’t a lot of space. I love the way they’ve made little tables out of the ‘Amsterdammertjes‘ by the side of the road.

In the weekends the place gets really busy with people inside and outside and sometimes a DJ playing music. This makes it the excellent place to start or finish your evening. Or just stay here, you don’t need to go anywhere else!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafe de Tuin | Bars | Bbeer € 2.20
2e Tuindwarsstraat 13 | Center | +31206244559
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 03:00

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

I never knew you were able to get good scones in Holland until I went to the Bakkerswinkel. Me and my friends met for lunch and started of having different kinds of savoury sandwiches which were all delicious. There is plenty of choice here and the ingredients used are tasty and fresh. The bread is nice and heavy so you are sure to be satisfied for the rest of the day after you get lunch here.

I have to admit that we were definitely satisfied, but we still couldn’t resist the temptation of ordering a scone as dessert. This was absolutely delicious. They have different kinds of scones, for instant with raisins, chocolate or cherries. They also have a wide range of different sorts of freshly made jam to go with it. Its really very good. And of course the clotted cream just makes it perfect!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Bakkerswinkel | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Scone (jam&cream) € 3.50
Warmoesstraat 69 | Center | +31204898000
Tue – Fri 08:00 – 18:00, Sat 08:00 – 17:00, Sun 10:00 – 17:00

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 place really is the best! Broodje Bert is a great place for lunch, especially if you are suffering from a hangover. Famous (and my favourite) is the “Broodje Bert” sandwich, a large piece of Turkish bread with freshly grilled lamb meatballs. Besides the meat the bread is filled with lettuce, tomato, peppers, and lot of sauce. It takes a bit of work to get it down, but I always feel very satisfied after.

Besides the Broodje Bert they also serve several different sandwiches, burgers, and omelettes.

If you’ve had a rough night and you’re heading towards the city centre I would recommend you to give it a shot. There is no better way to start a (hung-over) day!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Broodje Bert | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Sandwich (cash only) € 6.50
Singel 321 | Center | +31206230382
08:00 – 17:00 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

In the Dapperstraat in the Eastern part of Amsterdam you will find the Dapper market. The Dapper market is one of my favourite markets. It is one of the busiest and biggest markets of Amsterdam.

The market sells a great diversity of food like fruit and vegetables. Besides food you will also find flowers, clothes, shoes and anything else you might need. I usually go there for flowers and fruit and vegetables and am always amazed at how cheap it is!

I also love the fact that at the market all different cultures come together to do their shopping. It is a really multicultural place and it represents Amsterdam really well. It is also worth it to check out the different shops just off the market where you will find little supermarkets that sell different foreign products. Also the market offers a diversity of different ready to eat snacks from lots of different cuisines. Another favourite of mine are the freshly squeezed fruit juices.

If you are planning to check out Amsterdam Oost, which I really recommend you do as it is a very lively area where lots of different cultures and kinds of people come together, you really can’t miss the Dapper Market.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Dappermarkt | Shopping, Snacks
Dapperstraat | East
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 17:00

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