It’s a recurring trend: Rough neighborhoods, the would-never-walk-there-alone-at-night type of areas, that slowly become friendlier as more creative businesses open their doors. Some might call it gentrification. I call it another excuse to go out and explore a new part of town. And restaurant-bar Pompet in the Noorderpark in Amsterdam-Noord is definitely worth exploring.

Floradorp, a neighborhood right in the middle of Amsterdam-Noord, used to have a pretty bad rep. But with more and more additions such as Pompet, it is a destination to add to your list. When you enter Noorderpark at its halfway point, you will quickly spot the bright red chalet of Pompet. With its brightly colored furniture, awesome graphics, jeu de boules area, and – my personal favorite – the outdoor bar with an enormous croissant on the roof, it has all the ingredients to be a typical hipster haven. But this name would not do this place justice. Yes, it’s very cool and creative. But the surrounding nature, the French-oriented menu, and organic wines make it more than just a nice place to show off on your Instagram feed.

So don’t be scared to dive deep into Noord for a little hipster holiday to France. After all, this place is only two(!) metro stops away from Central Station. Need I say more? Santé.