Want to eat out spontaneously? You do not need a reservation at these restaurants in Amsterdam
Some people really hate those places where they don't take reservations. Because 'we want to know where we are going to dine'. Okay, we understand to some extent, but we (or at least the person who is currently typing this piece) is a big, very big fan of the concept. Because - especially with a few kids - there is little better than going out for a spontaneous meal. Okay, you often have to be early (no problem with a few kids), or late (no problem for the babysitter), but in any case you never feel passed over. It should be clear: this article was written out of pure self-interest. With this one At restaurants in Amsterdam you do not need a reservation† See you there!
First of all, the Wijmpje Beukers café. Cafe, yes, refreshingly not from the highest tower, named after the mother of the mentor of one of the two owners. Very Dutch and yet intriguing. old school and still cool. Timeless and – importantly – familiar: everyone should feel at home. When you enter, the staff will introduce themselves to you. Pleasant. Then have a drink at the bar and take a look around: art. A plant here and there (half the Intra garden against the back wall), black wire chairs and a semi-open kitchen. The menu changes every week, which keeps the neighborhood curious and team Wijmpje sharp, and is always something to write home about. Moreover – this may sound strange – the toilet is fine. Really, it is an indicator for many restaurants. Smells nice, not cold even though we are in the basement, and a nice soap. The butt wants something too. A great favorite, our Wijmpje. And: from day one they don't take reservations here; nice for the neighborhood and last minute decision makers.
Karel du Jardinstraat 47, South
Tiny disclaimer: we called Café Binnenvisser in Amsterdam a 'forever favorite', but it must also be said: the last few times we went there - spontaneously, because that's why we like it so much - we were not exactly enthusiastic about the enthusiasm of the staff. Or without a twist: unfriendly. And not just once, unfortunately. But still… A dinner party Café Binnenvisser at the Bilderdijkstaat in Amsterdam West remains for a new golden oldie. A nice place with a relaxed atmosphere vibe. No fancy people, but very tasty food and drinks. Read more about Café Binnenvisser.
Bilderdijkstraat 36, West
Where cordiality always goes well is at Eetcafé Schotsheuvel. The men of the famous Wijmpje Beukers in De Pijp have not been idle, even during the well-known lockdown. On the contrary! A new top spot has emerged near the Museum Quarter on Banstraat. The name, you ask? Eetcafe Schotsheuvel! A second place where you can enjoy culinary dishes without any fuss, with a glass of good wine, in a French bistro style. Nice!
Read more about cafe Schotsheuvel.
Banstraat 14, South
She, and then 'she' is the people behind Café Beurre Amsterdam, were not yet open or we were already smitten on the lovely blue-and-white interior of the small, initially inconspicuous business in Amsterdam's StaatsliedenTurn. Café Beurre is located on a corner there, with a partly covered terrace, on the Van Limburg Stirumstraat. Good news, because we didn't have anything like this in the area before. Something like that? Yes. A restaurant with nothing but vegetarian dishes and a hell of a wine list. For vegetarians and certainly also for non-vegetarians! Join us spontaneously is the credo and then it's party time: oh so pleasant service; Letting them decide and letting you lean on the evening is highly recommended. Everything is delicious. Although it must be said: you should not miss the bread and butter here. Read more about Café Beurre
Van Limburg Stirumstraat 115, West
Of course, you can wait until a special moment to open that one special bottle of champagne – no one will blame you. But shouldn't you sometimes celebrate life – completely spontaneously – where you can celebrate it? Right, we think so. And for such a spontaneous plan Bar du Champagne at Rokin in Amsterdam (you won't get more of a center than that) there. Go up the stairs and you enter l'Atelier du Champagne, the (champagne) shop of our dreams. Go down the stairs and you are at Bar du Champagne. In the Pijpenla you can sit comfortably at the bar, sipping the tastiest champagnes with the most delicious bar snacks. Of oysters and an egg with mayo (yes, please), to varying exquisite dishes that will make you lick your plate. Purpose of the people behind the frisky bar? Making champagne much more accessible. Yes, on a perfectly normal Thursday we also thought twice about glasses starting at 3 euros, but make no mistake: those are very good prices for very good glasses (read: they are certainly not poured cowardly). Moreover, the prices of the dishes are more than reasonable and everything is simply delicious, fun, cozy and friendly. 15 points, as far as we're concerned.
Rokin 91a, Center
Café Cliché, the topic of conversation, is not at all cliché. Although we understand the choice of name: no fuss for the chef who became known for his cooking skills at Librije's Zusje (**), the star restaurant located in Amsterdam's Waldorf Astoria. No polished fuss for a while, no starched tablecloths for a while, no ge-U, no rules for a while. No, at Café Cliché it is time for you and you, a picnic and classics on your plate, Schutte style (just a little bit different and above all very tasty), to choose from a menu with pictures in plastic. Love. Read more about Cafe Cliche
You are not the first to rush past Amsterdam's Frederiksplein; After all, what are you looking for at this busy intersection? Wrong! For example, look forward to the most beautiful kids shop in the city, Archive Store, and recently to restaurant Oocker Amsterdam. Of course it depends a bit on which side you come from, but a bit hidden 'behind' the Frederiksplein, next to the Albert Heijn, you will find this new winner. The business is run by men who worked at The Lobby, Gebr. Hartering, wine bar Shiraz and Italian restaurant Domenica on the Noordermarkt – all favorites in the city. Which brings us to Oocker: you can't go wrong! terrace in front of the door, excellent wines on the menu and that 'fun all day' atmosphere in the shop.
images via @restaurantOocker
Frederiksplein 29h, Center
From the men of Café Binnenvisser comes Café Twee Prinsen and it immediately became a hit. This is because all the ingredients are present: prime location, beautiful building, long sunshine in front of the door, good dishes and excellent wines. In short: the new café for breakfast until late drinks. Your typical Amsterdam café, with a beautiful interior, good wine and good people. A sandwich for lunch and snacks for drinks. It must be said: the men of Café Binnenvisser and the staff have clearly received the same training as at the other location...
Even more favorites in Amsterdam you can find here.
Prinsenstraat 27, Center
We want to be at Restaurant VRR. 7 days a week if possible. Because of that rugged location (where you can also park comfortably, but where you can also easily reach the city center by bike - win-win), because of the neighborhoods with City bakery As (in the same building) and because of the excellent dishes based on nothing but Dutch ingredients.
If you are not yet convinced, please know that the 'neighbourhood with' city bakery As is no coincidence: Restaurant VRR comes from the founder of restaurant As (aha, great alert) and is related to Hotel de Goudfazant (high score). And did we mention that there is a very, very nice terrace? Reservations are possible here, but the people from VRR promised us that there will always be a few places left for spontaneous eaters. And we hold them to that.
A spontaneous dinner sometimes requires a spontaneous group of people and that in turn requires a place where it is not only good, but also just fun. Café Enfin, diagonally opposite Museumplein, is exactly that: a nice, effortless and fuss-free place.
Images + main image via JPS Architects
