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
Primo Passo at Mauritskade 11, near Café WU, has just opened, but you immediately understand what pampering is. The menu includes delicious fresh panini or pane. Choices include: O'Cafon ciccioli (pork) ricotta cheese and peppers, A'Marenna pane casareccio (parma ham mozzarella cheese), Parmigiana Napoletana with eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. They also have a very nice deli, where you can get the tastiest products for your snacks at home. Don't mention it.
Opening hours: Monday: 12.00-17.00 // Tuesday-Sunday: 10-00 // Sunday: closed.
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 on one island. But that island feeling and that good food? So you can also have that in Amsterdam West, at Vicio, Il Mastro Pastaio. The business is run by Sicilians: Vicio and co-owner Simone. The gentlemen previously had a business in the Jordaan: De Eetalage. The translation of Vicio, Il Mastro Pastaio is Vicio, the master of pasta. The chef more than lives up to this appointment, because not only the pastas are made in-house, but also the cakes and cannolis. And did you know that you can also pick up these dishes? We think it's great now.
In 2023, Vicio won “Restaurant of the Year 2023” from the public. So, all in all: for an evening of Sicilian food you want to go to Vicio, Il Mastro Pastaio.
Feet up for the tube? Or do you feel like going out for an Italian bite? It's all possible at PepeNero. You can order Italian dishes or settle down at the Sumatrakade. They have a wide choice of antipasti and secondi, but also fresh pasta and pizza dishes. What more could you want? So nothing.
We have already discussed this extensively here on the site Gertrude. An accessible and very cozy restaurant that looks like your great-grandmother's house (that's a good thing) and feels like visiting your best friends. Chef Monika cooks with the seasons and does so in a wonderful, casual setting that we would previously have called a 'living room restaurant'. The same owners opened Oef, a breakfast with egg restaurant in Amsterdam's Jordaan and will in the always nice Prinsenstraat. That Oef location was overhauled and in its place was - to be honest - something much better: Linguini, a pasta restaurant. No hassle, just excellent pasta for small, very reasonable prices. Popular so be sure to reserve a week in advance if you want to go on the weekend.
In oil is an Italian restaurant in Zaandam for which we would happily go outside the ring. The menu is filled with Italian slow food and we cook with organic ingredients that are purchased as much as possible from local suppliers. The pizzas have a thin base (that's how we like them best) and the homemade foccacias are delicious. The tiramisu too, by the way, so make sure you save space. Not all dishes are available online, the chalkboard in the store contains additional options every day. Are you convinced that as a vegan you cannot eat well at an Italian? Hah, really. Angelo himself ate vegan for a while and knows better than anyone how to make Italian classics vegans. See you soon!
Since June 85, Fiascetteria Pistoia has been located in Utrechtsedwarsstraat, at number 2021. Sorry, what? It's okay, just call them that Italian in Utrechtsedwarsstraat, we approve. Just go because the small but oh so nice restaurant is a winner where, as they say: 'Authentic Tuscan Cuisine'uses. We find it particularly tasty and uncomplicated, just the way we like it. A bit a la Linguini, yes, but different of course. Oh, they're in New York too. And so in our own 020.
Italian comfort food for the Dutch bon vivant, that is Mappa in the Nes. Amsterdammers who embrace Italy, as they say, and there is no way to get in between that. The clear menu includes handmade raviolis, fresh fish from the Nieuwmarkt, home-made pizzas and ditto sweets. Nice and central too, Mappa, in the Nes. That alone is a top plan!
The location is of course not the only reason why you want to join Mappa. It is mainly the tasty, yet no-nonsense food, the interesting wine list and also the lovely staff. Chef Bob is at the helm of the kitchen, going all over Italy for inspiration. Various Italian provinces, cities and techniques find their way onto the map. The menu at Mappa changes regularly, although certain classics always remain (such as the pizza Margherita, fortunately!). Also consider authentic dishes such as linguine agio e olio, but with chicken thighs or the bruschetta with figs and goat cheese marinated in grappa.
La Nostra Gigi, the most beautiful girl in the Pijp. Everything has been pulled out here to surprise you: it is exciting, sexy, challenging and relaxed, in other words, the Moulin Rouge hugs Italy. The name says it all and from inside to outside you will be amazed.
This gem is truly one of the highlights of Amsterdam on the Marie Heinekenplein (and not just any one). It's a place where you have everything! A super large terrace where you can bake and roast in the sun all day long. From dancing all night until your legs can no longer go and you've had all the cocktails. Bee La Nostra Gigi can do it all. The Italian shared dining menu makes it accessible to everyone from small bites to full dining and spending your entire monthly salary.
Most Italians love the Netherlands. Although we shouldn't think that we understand anything about food. The average Italian will laugh at you when you claim that pizza and pasta are the best of Italian cuisine. It's even worse when the pizza and pasta don't meet the standard...
La Perla – In any case, I like this street around the corner from our house: even in winter it is cozy, with pizzeria La Perla as a grateful epicenter. On one side of the street you join, on the other side you pick up. Those black particles in the pizza crust are a good sign; in a wood oven you should get those burnt bits. Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 53
Renato's – First there was Renato's pizzeria and then Renato's Osteria came. Osteria? But yes, which is a typical Italian community center where people mainly eat and drink. The place is small, the people are nice at one of the most attractive squares in the city (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
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 top-notch brick ovens. Add a generous dose of craftsmanship and passion, and you're good to go. It's no wonder they were the first in the Netherlands to officially receive the designation. 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!
Pizza bakers – Michelle and Anthony decided to start their own restaurant after their long search for the perfect pizza in Amsterdam. And this is what they decided to do with their best friends Dmitri and Siang-Lan. Also they were fan of a cava bar - pizza & prosecco turned out to be a great combination. The menu includes delicious pizzas, burratas and tiramisu to die for! There are now eleven Pizza Baker locations in Amsterdam. Haarlemmerdijk 128
Sotto – There are two Sotto locations and the slightly too trendy logo does not immediately smell of quality. Nothing could be further from the truth: the recipe for Sotto's pizzas comes from Naples, the holy grail of pizzas, and the owners trained locally. With verve: Sotto receives the A quality mark. Kadijksplein 4
Fuoco Vivo - This pizzeria is a resounding success on sites such as Tripadvisor and Iens. Now we normally don't attach much importance to that, but in this case the masses are right. De Clercqstraat 12
Ceppi's – They serve the best pizzas here in town, but of course there are many more goodies on the menu. How about rib eye, spaghetti carbonara, ravioli with lime and ricotta and so on? Lijnbaansgracht 256
Fiko – This pizza bar is lowkey one of our favorite spots. A place where you can eat really delicious Italian pizzas and where people from the neighborhood meet each other. And the menu is mouth-watering! Gerard Doustraat 82H
Loulou Pizza Bar – LouLou wants to bring back the ancient pizza and make a tasty and healthy pizza especially for you. We succeeded – and how! In their pizzalab they develop gluten-free bases that are truly delicious. And as a bonus, they are also healthy. Even more fun are the workshops they give to share their passion with others! Weesperzijde 42
Demeter – When you walk into Demetra, the smell of freshly made pizzas and pastas greets you (Happiness). It's a nice place to not spend your entire evening, but still taste the Italian cuisine. Our favorite pasta? Stracotto with slow-braised beef ragout. Short Reguliersdwarsstraat 8.
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. It is and remains the Italian favorite. Although nowadays we might just as enjoy going to Sunday, the restaurant of Toscanini chef, among others 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
Di Bruno – Admittedly, restaurant Di Bruno had a very good PR machine, after which the place was overflowing with chattering Instagram girls. That's okay because when we came back later – anonymously – Di Bruno turned out to be a party. Willemsparkweg 1071
Incanto – Feel free to spend an evening at Incato from where you can look out over Muntplein. A classic that is so central that many forget it. Missed opportunity for them, more room for us. Amstel 2
Pianeta Terra – Although the new trendy addresses on Barts Boekje are always well read, and I can't live without them, I am actually most fond of the hidden gems. That used to be Koevoet in the Jordaan, around the corner from our house, but nowadays it is a bit too popular there. No, give me Pianeta Terra in Beulingsstraat. Always Italian class and cordiality here. Beulingstraat 7
Home cooking – The case is by no means new for Amsterdam residents with a longing for Italy; has been running for over five years 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, definitely one of the school which also includes Lille, Enterpot, Toscanini (you still have them), Scheepskameel, De School and actually all our favorite restaurants 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 business, 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 always hope that we don't have to eat dry bread for the rest of the week. Well: that's all at La Fiorita (we paid just under 100 for a starter and main course plus a bottle of wine. That's fine). 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 are right around the corner from our house. Little Italy aka the Jordan. This also applies to the cozy, dark and inconspicuous La Maschera Lillo Tatini. You don't want to miss the antipasti that comes to the table in the soft light. Tweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat 6
Cecconi's – I actually didn't want to mention it (because it is immensely popular), but the arrival of the Soho House in Amsterdam is worth some cheering. The hotel is members only but the attractive looks of the Italian Cecconi's on the ground ground can be seen by everyone and anyone. Photo below for Sophia van den Hoek
Bus - Honestly? The first time I was mainly drawn in by the attractive exterior: a brick-red frame around the large windows (with small panes) and the terrace tables always fitted with sleek white linen - as if the restaurant were not located in the Negen Straatjes, the busiest square meters. of the country. That first time left me wanting more: Bussia is fine dining and an evening out as only the Italians can. Reestraat 28-32
Tozi – The name says it all, it means 'a group of friends' in the Venetian dialect. So a lot of fun. Tozi uses delicious seasonal ingredients. Even the homemade limoncello has lemons from the Amalfi Coast. These dishes are only served with Italian passion. Definitely recommended! Queen Road 34
The Forge – Also Italian in the always pleasant Javastraat in Amsterdam East. Of course, we almost want to say. The small shop is especially perfect for an Italian wine and an aperitivo. Read more: La Fucina Amsterdam East
Spaghetteria – A small chain in Amsterdam but always very good, especially when vongele pasta is on the menu. There are 5 locations: > Van Woustraat 123, Amsterdam-Zuid, Daniël Stalpertstraat 93, Amsterdam-Zuid, Olympiaplein 176, Amsterdam-Zuid, Jan Hanzenstraat 32, Amsterdam-West, Pretoriusstraat 72, Amsterdam-Oost
First – Sotto proved that 'hip' does not necessarily have to be bad in the pizza category. Primi does the same when it comes to classic Italian cuisine. Okay, classic with pasta. But otherwise authentic Italian dishes and customs here. If you come between half past six and half past six, you will receive a free snack in addition to your drink. Cocktails predominate on the drinks menu and the menu changes with the season, as it should. Van der Hoopstraat 96II
Eand place to taste authentic Italian wines while eating dishes from traditional Tuscan cuisine. All this in an atmosphere that recalls the values that belong to generations of Italian table lovers. It feels like a short trip to Tuscan Pistoia (yes, that's where the name comes from). At least, it tastes mostly like a short trip to Pistoia.
okay, you had us at tagliatelle al tartufo nero. Or spaghetti con bottarga. Everything on that card, we want everything. For that you only have to go to Utrechtsedwarsstraat cruising, saves a flight to New York (although we are happy to do so). Read more.
For a real old-fashioned night out, you know, the way it should be, we like to go to Zuid where Robertos is a concept. The location may look a bit dusty, but... truth be told is that exactly what we like so much. Beautiful white set tables, cozy fireplace, a nice classic menu. Our favorite? The cart with the truffles on it. Order the Tagliolini al burro and tartufo di stagione: fresh pasta in creamy butter, with of course fresh seasonal truffle. So delicious!
Oh, and the wine selection is also not bad – cupboards full! And then the warm (Italian) service: that is at least as impressive. And that is only right, with twenty-five years of uninterrupted quality on the counter.
Apollon 138
A quick holiday fix? Italian ice cream of course. A no-brainer:.
The tastiest in Amsterdam can be found here:
And this one too...
Crowbar – The Amsterdam local hidden in the Jordaan remains a favorite. Read more: Koevoet Amsterdam
And if you really don't know, forget everything above and make a reservation in advance for another month Restaurant Enoteca PepeNero. I think it's the best of them all. Always busy and fully booked, but very, very occasionally you are lucky and there is a table available last minute (we recently experienced such a genuine eureka moment when we had almost forgotten about Restaurant Enoteca PepeNero). Expect a menu full of affordable classics, all beautifully executed.
