Per favore: the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam
Pasta, pizza, gnocchi; we all want it. At the same time. Now. Preferably from Italy. But there are also Italian pearls to be found in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is doing well. These are the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam
Our best Amsterdam tips? We tell you about them in our Amsterdam guide!
Sicily, you know, that beautiful Italiaanse island and the ball in front of the foot of the boot. We love it, the Italian culture. Good drinks, good food – comfort food it is – Friendly people, and all that on an island. But that island feeling and that good food? You can actually have that right here in Amsterdam-West, at Vicio Il Mastro Pastaio. The place is run by Sicilians through and through: Vicio and co-owner Simone. So what exactly does that name on the facade mean? Vicio, the master of pasta. And a master he certainly is, because not only are the pastas homemade, but so are the cakes and cannoli. And did you know that you can also simply order all these dishes for takeaway? We think so too. very beautiful!
In 2023, Vicio won the 'Restaurant of the Year 2023' public award. Another reason to go to for a Sicilian evening Vicio Il Mastro Pastaio to go.
Napkins in the air and wave them, because at Toet (you know, Troef's little brother), they cook masterful Mediterranean-Italian cuisine. Think lobster with gnocchi, a langoustine carpaccio, or grisini with mortadella and anchovy mayo. It is finger-licking good.
Leonardo loves ravioliWell, Leo, you're not the only one! The chef who also presides over perennial favorite Toscanini has transformed his favorite dish into a hospitality concept where you can taste his ravioli, perfected down to the last detail. And it is rolled out thinly, with a good bite and the best ingredients suited to the season.
From the men behind a whole string of hospitality businesses in Amsterdam (think of Gertrude, Blik, Van 't Spit and many more): Pasta restaurant Linguini. No fuss, just excellent pastas at small, very reasonable prices. Very popular, so be sure to reserve a week in advance if you want to go on the weekend.
With two locations—one on Utrechtsedwarsstraat and the other in De Jordaan—the chances are even greater that you live, work, or visit the neighborhood of Fiaschetteria Pistoia. Quite a mouthful, indeed. You don't have to pronounce the name effortlessly, as long as you remember it. Because this small but oh-so-fine restaurant is a real gem where you, as they say themselves, 'Authentic Tuscan Cuisineenjoys. We find it especially delicious and uncomplicated – exactly how we like it. A bit like Linguini, but different, of course. Oh, they are also in New York. And therefore in our own Amsterdam.
We Dutch underestimate the importance of a good aperitif Sometimes, but in Italy they take this deadly seriously. And rightly so. At Ilario – the Bologna-inspired aperitif bar and Italian restaurant in De Pijp – they understand that. They speak the language of authentic Bolognese drinking and dining culture, and you are served classic spritz, Negroni, and the traditionally prepared Lasagna alla Bolognese (with seven layers) as it should be.
A European bistro with a clear preference for Italian flavors. At Enoteca de Olyphant – a relatively new establishment in East Amsterdam – they cook in the spirit of Italy. What does that look like on the plate? A selection from the menu: zucchini flower fritters, bluefin tuna crudos, tagliolini with wild garlic and Marigold egg, or parpadelle with oxtail ragout. Is your mouth watering yet? It certainly is here.
Most Italians love the Netherlands. Although we shouldn't think we understand anything about food. The average Italian will give you a piece of their mind if you claim that pizza and pasta are the best of Italian cuisine. It is even worse when that pizza and pasta do not meet the standard. Here is a list of restaurants that, at least according to us, approved .
La Perla – In any case, I like this street: even in winter it is cozy (that says something), with a pizzeria. La Perla as a grateful epicenter. You sit down on one side of the street, and pick up on the other. Those black particles in the pizza crust are a good sign; in a wood-fired oven, you are supposed to get those burnt bits. Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 53
Renato's Osteria – With 4 locations in Amsterdam now, we can no longer ignore it. Renatos go (we don't want to either). Our favorite? That's Renato's Osteria. Mais oui (ma certo we mean, of course), that is a typical Italian community center where people mainly eat and drink. The place is small, but the crowd is lovely at one of the city's most attractive squares (instant holiday feeling). A black? The vongole. Don't forget to order a bottle of red from the wine rack. And the bruschetta's, you must have them too. Van der Helstplein 10
Europizza – Although the name suggests otherwise (no, no pizza for a euro), in the former car garage (which restaurant in North Amsterdam hasn't grown up in an abandoned warehouse or garage?) you will find a restaurant that is tiny pizza menu and serves, above all, numerous euro-no-pizza dishes. And everything is done in a nice 'Nordic' way (you hate it or you love it – we belong to that last category), which makes the Italy aspect fade into the background a bit. Still, it is such a treat here that it certainly deserves a spot on the list. Muted Hammer channel 81
Poppy – We’re hanging around in North for a little while longer. Because although Poppy Despite calling itself a pop-up, this place for good pizzas and tasty pastas has definitely become a permanent fixture. Here too, you dine in an unpretentious, abandoned factory hall, which they have nevertheless managed to make cozy and atmospheric. Moreover, its size makes it very suitable for groups (a breath of fresh air in Amsterdam), and the party is complete as soon as the DJ kicks off the weekend and it’s time to dance. Poppy Corner 39
nNea – We warn you in advance: herewith pizzeria You have to reserve months in advance to taste one of the pizzas from – yes indeed – one of the best pizza makers in the world. Neapolitan Vincent Onnembo has managed to secure a spot in the top 10 of the 50 best pizzerias outside Italy, and you can taste that right here in our Mokum! His secret? It probably lies in the 50-hour rising pizza dough and the finesse of a true Neapolitan… Bilderdijkstraat 92
Ceppi's – This nice (and big) restaurant Definitely gets a ten for atmosphere and decor (I want a cute, colorful toilet bowl like that at home too!). Besides delicious pizzas, you'll find many more tasty things on the menu here. How about rib eye, spaghetti carbonara, ravioli with lime and ricotta and so on? Lijnbaansgracht 256
Fiko – This pizza bar is lowkey and one of our favorite spots. A place where you eat delicious Italian pizzas and where people from the neighborhood meet up for a good time. First Constantijn Huygensstraat 60
If we don't go to Naples, Naples will simply come to us. At Pizza Beppe, you'll eat authentic Neapolitan pizzas: handmade dough, San Marzano tomatoes straight from the Vesuvius region, and Fior di Latte that's truly exceptional.
The atmosphere? 'Cool & fine dining'. Culture, music, lifestyle, and pizza from stone ovens. Add a generous helping of craftsmanship and a touch of passion, and you're all set. It is not without reason that they were the first in the Netherlands to have the official Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) quality mark – no concessions, only authentic.
At Pizza Beppe, you eat pizza the way it's meant to be. With 25 locations across the country, there's always a place to sit down. In Amsterdam, you'll find no fewer than eight different locations. Enjoy your meal!
PepeNero Cucina – Feet up in front of the TV? Or in the mood to head out for an Italian bite? At PepeNero It is all possible. Order Italian dishes for home or take a seat at the Sumatrakade or the new location on Linnaeusstraat in The Manor (the hotel) in Amsterdam East. There is a wide selection of antipasti and main courses, as well as fresh pasta and pizza dishes. What more could one ask for? That's what we thought. Sumatrakade 1295
The Pizza Bakers – Michelle and Anthony decided to start their own restaurant after their long search for the perfect pizza in Amsterdam. Best friends Dmitri and Siang-Lan were also keen on the idea. They are all fans of cava bars, and the mix of the two turned out to be a great combination (and a winning formula). The menu features delicious pizzas, burratas, and the tiramisu is to die for! There are already eleven again by now Pizza trays locations in Amsterdam. Haarlemmerdijk 128
Sotto – Er zijn twee Bottom The locations and the slightly too trendy logo don't immediately suggest quality. But nothing could be further from the truth: the recipe for Sotto's pizzas comes from Naples, the holy grail of pizzas, and the owners went there to learn the trade. And with flying colors: Sotto hereby receives the A-mark. Kadijksplein 4
Eatmosfera - This pizzeria It has everything we love: small menus, excellent sourdough pizzas, and delicious natural wines. Simplicity sets the tone here, and that is exactly what makes this Neapolitan place—which lets its dough rise for no less than 48 hours—so beloved. Moreover, you can also come here for schiacciata in the afternoon; a Tuscan flatbread, similar to focaccia but thinner and crispier. Sumatrastraat 47
Loulou Pizza Bar LouLou wants to bring back the age-old pizza and make a delicious and healthy pizza especially for you. They succeeded – and how! In their pizzalab They develop gluten-free bases that are truly (yes, really) delicious. And as a bonus, they are also healthy (okay, healthier). Even more fun are the workshops they give to share their passion with others! Weesperzijde 42
Demeter – When you at Demeter as you walk inside, the smell of freshly made pizzas and pastas already greets you (HappinessIt is a nice place to not spend the whole evening, but still sample Italian cuisine. Our favorite pasta? Stracotto with slow-stewed beef ragout. Short Reguliersdwarsstraat 8.
Sott'oLio (Zaandam) – An Italian restaurant in Zaandam for which we are more than happy to travel just outside the ring. The card is filled with Italian slow food and they cook with organic ingredients that are sourced from local suppliers as much as possible. The pizzas have a thin crust (that’s how we like them best) and the homemade focaccia is delicious. The tiramisu is too, by the way, so make sure you save room for dessert. Incidentally, not all dishes are listed online; you will find extra options on the chalkboard in the restaurant every day. Are you convinced that you can't eat well at an Italian restaurant as a vegan? Haha, you certainly can. Angelo ate vegan for a while himself and knows better than anyone how to adapt Italian classics. vegans. See you soon! Zuiddijk 91
Fettuccine, Cotoletta alla Milanese, bruschettas, Ossobuco, Panna Cotto, Fritto misto, Risotto, Secondi di Carne, Saltimbocca... Is your mouth watering yet?
This list could be a nice mix of new and old... Surprising as can be. But go ahead, 'for Toscanini We are making an exception, which you can hardly not mention.' Here you go. Toscanini So. It is and remains the Italian favorite, who are opening a new branch a few doors down this year – so we’ve got a little bit of 'new' after all. Admittedly, we might go to just as happily. Domenica. Then restaurant from, among others, Toscanini chef Flavio Ghignoni Carestia which has been located on the Noordermarkt since the end of 2018, on the spot where Bordewijk restaurant was located for more than 25 years. Toscanini: Lindengracht 75, Domenica: Noordermarkt 7
Crowbar – The Amsterdam local tucked away in the Jordaan remains our perennial favorite. A classic of classics, whose name sounds very Dutch but secretly has a team of true Italians behind the stoves, has for years delighted many a visitor (because it is always full) with their delicious burrata, ravioli, and carne. And all that for a small price. Read more: Koevoet Amsterdam
Incanto – Feel free to set aside an evening for Incanto from where you look out over the Muntplein. A classic that is so centrally located that many forget about it. A missed opportunity for them, more space for us. Amstel 2
Pianeta Terra – Although the new trendy spots on Barts Boekje are always well-read, and I therefore can't do without them, I'm actually most into the hidden gems. That used to be Koevoet in the Jordaan, around the corner from our house, but nowadays it's already a bit too popular there. No, give me that instead. Planet Earth in the Beulingsstraat. Always Italian class and warmth here. Beulingstraat 7
Home cooking - It small business is by no means new to Amsterdammers with a penchant for Italy; for years and years, it has been running being Giovanni Carmelitano living room restaurant in Amsterdam. It became real Cucina Casalinga was only officially launched in 2018. Stadionweg 271
Not just any Italian, as we now know. No no, restaurant La Fiorita is there, qua look & feel, absolutely one of the school to which Rijsel, Entrepot, Toscanini (there they are again), Scheepskameel and actually all our favorite restaurants also belong of the moment accessories. At La Fiorita there is always a kind word and the effort to create a spot, even if only for a while. You had us at hello so to speak, still supremely important.
Although the food must of course also be good. And the atmosphere. And the formal and casual looks (The place, and especially the logo that appears on the floor and in the wine glasses, is beautiful!). And the acoustics have to be right. And the wines. And at the end of the evening, we just hope we won't have to eat dry bread for the rest of the week. Well: that is all taken care of at La Fiorita. But of course, we also want to eat very well. And so it happened.
Read more: La Fiorita, Amsterdam (Jordaan)
La Maschera Lillo Tatini – I also can't help that many of my favorite Italians located just around the corner from our house. Little Italy, aka the Jordaan. And so too is the cozy, dark, and unassuming La Maschera Lillo Tatini. You don't want to miss the antipasti that arrive at the table in the soft light. Tweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat 6
Cecconi's – Actually, I didn't want to mention it (because it's immensely popular), but the arrival of Soho House in Amsterdam is certainly worth celebrating. The hotel is members only but the attractive looks of the Italian Cecconi's on the ground floor ground can be seen by everyone and anyone. Photo below for Sophia van den Hoek
Bus – Honestly? The first time, I was mainly drawn inside by the attractive exterior: brick-red frames around the large windows (with small panes) and terrace tables invariably covered with crisp white linen – as if the restaurant weren't located in the Nine Streets, the busiest square meters in the country. That first time left me wanting more: Bus is fine dining and an evening out as only the Italians can. Reestraat 28-32
TOZI – The name says it all; in the Venetian dialect, it means 'a group of friends'. So, it is all about fun and good times. At TOZI Delicious seasonal ingredients are used. Even the homemade limoncello is distilled from lemons from the Amalfi Coast. These dishes are served with nothing but Italian passion. Highly recommended! Queen Road 34
The Forge – Also Italian on the ever-cozy Javastraat in Amsterdam East. Naturally, we would almost say. The small small business is especially perfect for an Italian wine and an aperitivo. Java street 99
Spaghetteria – A small linen in Amsterdam, but just always very good, especially when vongole pasta is on the menu. Jan Pieter Heijestraat 131
Robertos (temporarily closed due to the extensive renovation of the Hilton) – For a real old-fashioned night out, you know, the way it should be, we love going to Zuid where Robertos is an institution. Beautiful white-tabled tables, a cozy fireplace, a fine classic menu. Our favorite? The trolley with the truffles on it. Order the Tagliolini al burro and tartufo di stagione: fresh pasta in creamy butter, with fresh seasonal truffle, of course. So delicious! Oh, and the wine selection isn't bad either – cabinets full! And then the warm (Italian) service: that is at least as impressive. And rightly so, with thirty years of uninterrupted quality under its belt. Apollolaan 138
Primo Passo Located at Mauritskade 111, near Café WU, they immediately understand what a treat is. The menu features delicious fresh panini or pane. Choices include: O'Cafon ciccioli (pork), ricotta cheese, and peppers; A'Marenna pane casareccio (Parma ham and mozzarella); and Parmigiana Napoletana with eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. They also have a wonderful deli where you can pick up the tastiest products for your charcuterie board at home. You're welcome.
Opening hours: Monday: 12.00-17.00 // Tuesday-Sunday: 10-00 // Sunday: closed.
Dough Studio – What started in 2019 as a passion project (which we love) in the backyard, grew into the Pizza Projects in Oud-West and Zuid. Dough Studio became the next step and is not only the place where Bas and Idske perfect their dough, but also serve schiacciata, good coffee, and juices.
Create a quick holiday fix? Italian ice cream of course. A no-brainer:.
The tastiest in Amsterdam can be found here:
