The best spots in the Amsterdam Houthavens (and counting)
De Amsterdam Houthavens, such a nice spot (especially in summer) on the water. Yet 'people' (neither Amsterdammers nor tourists) don't seem to be coming there anytime soon... But did you know that among all the new construction there is also a delicious brunch, drinks and dinner available? Is so. Where then? We've got you (We apologize in advance for the number of spots on the water, but we also take it back. Who doesn't like having a drink on the IJ?). Here is our (growing, because they spring up like mushrooms) list of favorite spots in the Houthavens.
For views, cocktails, and fine dining, REM is the place to be. The iconic platform in the Houthavens has become much more than a restaurant, featuring rooftop sunsets, long evenings over the water, and a revamped menu with influences from Scandinavia, Japan, and the Mediterranean.
At REM you can find the full experience. We'll start at the bottom... At the bottom you can enjoy surprising cocktails and ditto bites. You can enjoy one floor higher fine dining with matching wine(s). You can choose from meat/fish or vegetarian. Additionally, there are non-alcoholic drinks, which is of course always nice for the non-alcoholics among us.
Maybe that name sounds familiar, and it could be. Because The July Hotels is a hotel chain that can be found throughout Europe. So there's a good chance in one of your favorite cities too. And our Fave? That must be Boat & Co. Why do we like it here so much? The atmosphere is so nice. A stone's throw from the busy, hectic city, yet you can still find serene tranquility here. Because whether you are in Amsterdam for one day or just for a longer period of time, it doesn't matter at Boat & Co.
Oh yes, and there is also a very nice restaurant attached to it. But more about that below.
Connected to Boat & Co, because at Boat & Co they do everything they can to pamper you. And they do that Vessel so too. During the day it is a nice workplace or study place. And a little secret: Vessel is perhaps the nicest place in the summer because of the enormous terrace on the IJ. Vessel serves dishes that are easy to share, and are very honest and sustainable! For example, most ingredients come from local suppliers and they are working on a low waste kitchen. When can you join us? Well, that's the best time of the day: from 7 a.m. for a nice cup of coffee in the morning sun.
Our beloved Pont 13 is no longer there... Although we have to be honest: we mainly came there in the summer months, when the cafe-restaurant on the old ferry was one of the best (in the know) terraces of the city. The ferry is located in Amsterdam's Houthaven, which will now (April 2024) have a new name: Ferry. Ferry Amsterdam. Old ferry, new name, same terrace, new owners. Those are the people behind it The Cook and The Maître. So make a reservation if the weather looks good and pedal all the way to Houthaven. Or better yet: moor with a boat. By the way, you can also park there very well
Bar Wood is a bit of a gem for the local residents. Located on the schoolyard of the local primary school, you can find the real Houthaven residents (not a word, as we know) here. No child? No problem! This is a great place for brunch on a lazy Sunday. And yes, we speak from reliable sources (take the sandwich, the sauce is really the bomb). Bar Hout also has a delightful terrace with enough space for you and all your friends (or colleagues, a nice spot for the Vrijmibo).
This restaurant is named after the chef. Gary Loen works inspired by French cuisine and with an Indonesian twist. You may know him from Master Chef Netherlands, where he won in 2015. Also very special: Gary runs this gem with his partner Henck. You're sitting here too errug cute among the flowers and plants.
BAK is surely one of the gems of the Amsterdam Houthavens. Okay, okay, actually on the edge of the Houthavens, but we'll just enjoy it. Here you can eat from a gastronomic a la carte menu. The ingredients are local and seasonal. BAK is the big brother of Bambino (that cute little place on the Vijzelgracht). At BAK they can take almost all dietary requirements into account, but unfortunately this is not the case for people with gluten allergies.
Anne & Max is not only found in the Houthavens. They already have quite a number of locations and a nice spot in the Houthavens should of course not be missed. Anne & Max's doors close at 17 p.m., but there are plenty on the list where you can take a seat. This does not mean that you cannot drink wine here, you can. Vegan wine (and beer) even! Another thing you should definitely visit Anne & Max for is their brunch menu. Read: breakfast board with everything you dream of (and a mimosa on the side for the enthusiast).
Borysov is a small part of the North in the Houthavens. Read: natural wine, hip interior and fine menu. At Borisov you can dine, have drinks and (on Friday and Saturday) go for a dance! Here you can enjoy a drink on the terrace or in their clean and modern interior (it really is a beauty in here). On the menu: coq au vin in rose with roseval & mushrooms, but also just a solid (vegetarian) burger or a Caesar salad. Always good!
Sitting somersaults away from Borisov Yellow House, . Isn't it so nice to have those places where you can extend it completely? Yellow House is such a place. Here you have a wonderful workplace (and lunch spot) during the day, both indoors and outdoors. In the afternoon you can enjoy drinks here with a good snack or dinner and you have even come to the right place for a dance. It's a bit of a slog to get there, but... thank goodness for Google Maps. And the great thing is, once you've cycled the route once, you'll remember it!
Not just a place to eat. But really a place to come together. That's exactly what CanCanteen wants to achieve. Building a community. And that has certainly been successful in recent years. Because secretly quite a few people come. From office tigers who drink their first cup of coffee here, to wine lovers who come to catch up with each other, to a bingo evening with the neighbors. CanCanteen provides a (beautiful) location where people can come together.
