Barts Best Of: Eating out 15 times in the Pijp in Amsterdam
There are plenty of nice restaurants in Amsterdam. And De Pijp is also not lacking in hip/cozy/beautiful/tasty addresses. There is a new eatery on every street corner and every few meters. But what is the crème de la crème of that hip neighborhood in the South district? We have listed the top ones for you. Not hip, hipper, hippest. But rather good, better, best. Also.
Our best Amsterdam tips? We tell you about them in our Amsterdam guide!
Located in the building from 1931 at Eerste Sweelinckstraat 10 BadcuypOnce a bathhouse, now a restaurant, and with the Albert Cuyp Market just around the corner, the name is naturally no coincidence. At Badcuyp, the service stands out: attentive, relaxed, and just right. Menu recommendations? The artichoke with basil gremolata, confit shallots, lamb's lettuce, and Oude Rispens – a real standout. For the main course, the Basque chicken from the wood-fired oven (super tender thanks to sous-vide cooking), served with fries and leek gratin (with plenty of cheddar; skipping this is not an option). With over 500 wines on the list, Badcuyp might just be the wine destination of De Pijp.
At Leonardo's Ravioli Bar In De Pijp, everything revolves around fresh ravioli, straight from Leonardo's own “ravioli factory.” You might know him from Toscanini, and you can immediately taste that Italian signature here. The menu is simple but just right: pecorino with honey, a ham, some breadcrumbs, and then the ravioli taking center stage. From spinach and ricotta to beef with butter sage or the special of the day. Italian coziness, comfort food, and a surprisingly friendly bill.
After several successful years, the team behind Maris Piper is changing course. A new concept, a new interior, and a new name: Neo Amsterdam“We are aiming for something more in line with what people want to eat today.” It sounds vague, but according to the team, it is simple: a bistro that serves small dishes that can fill an entire table and are meant to be shared in a convivial atmosphere. With this, Neo Amsterdam shows that fine dining The concept of Maris Piper has completely abandoned itself. The somewhat formal setting that Maris Piper had has also disappeared, and the restaurant is more spontaneous and casual. Walk-ins are therefore always welcome, but reservations are recommended.
Give us a corner building and we’re easily happy. Large windows, lots of light, and cozy nooks… With the result, it’s inevitable that the interior is inviting (provided you dress things up a bit to make it warm and cozy, of course). For every moment of the day, there is a mouth-watering dish at Samuels. Starting the day with their classic breakfast, or the orange salad with papaya. For dinner, one thing is essential: keep in mind – and therefore leave room for – Samuel’s bestseller: the tiramisu. Samuel also knows how to deliciously prepare more well-known dishes such as burrata, the smashburger, or roasted cauliflower. And we see a surprising twist in all these classics. Nice!
The Caron family now runs no fewer than four restaurants in Amsterdam: Cafe Caron, Petit Caron, Cantine de Caron en Tannay. Top chef Alain Caron has clearly passed on the chef's gene to his sons. Each and every one of them fantastic because of the classic formal and casual looks and good French cuisine. These are the kinds of restaurants you can really take anyone to, from your mother to a first date. We’re naming them all, because we’re fans!, but you’ll find Café Caron and Petit Caron in De Pijp. For the rest, you have to head a bit towards the Wild West.
Restaurant and bar Dame aan de Kade opened in January 2026 at Ruysdaelkade 169 in De Pijp, Amsterdam: a warm neighborhood bar and restaurant with such a delightful no-nonsense attitude. “I’m here for you. Until late,” says the Dame on their site. Okay, that’s fine. We can certainly feel that. Owners Quirijn and Niek Roozen and Dominic Aarts serve up a Mediterranean-European menu full of comfort food (and the bar: the best spots are at the bar). Interactive pollo piccolo (with little gloves, hence the interactive), a creamy pointed cabbage with beurre blanc and a changing menu with small, shared dishes.
ShefisheCeviche Amsterdam style. Get it? This is not only the first, but also the only cevicheria in Amsterdam. At Sjefietshe, you eat (you guessed it) ceviche in all shapes and sizes. Think of the classic, for example, but also with octopus or prawns. And if you fancy some variety, just order something. bites next to: like fish cakes with jalapeño mayonnaise or burrata with artichoke. On the Van Ostadestraat, edge of Pijp.
A KEI hard favorite: Wijmpje Beukers, the neighborhood café where they know what tastes really good. Besides the fantastic service (and no, we’re not exaggerating), the living-room atmosphere is just right. The dishes are fresh, pure, and local. The changing menu always features two vegetarian/vegan options. Curious about the owners? They are usually in the café themselves; it doesn't get much more personal than that. Where is Wijmpje located? Around the corner from Renato's, on Karel du Jardinstraat.
Right opposite De Pijp metro station, you will find an iconic former movie theater. Where you used to find Coffee & Coconuts, recently Belt Theater settled down. An all-day rotisserie restaurant where simplicity and quality take center stage seven days a week. Rotisserie? That is meat that cooks slowly on a spit, keeping it juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Simple, but just right. Chef Atti de Moll (formerly of Lars, among others) consciously chooses an accessible, Burgundian approach here, characterized by fire, simplicity, and Mediterranean flavors. Think: Basque chicken from Lindenhof, ribeye, ravioli, and cauliflower for the veggie lover. During the day, pull up a chair for shakshuka, eggs, or hearty sandwiches like porchetta or a pumpkin sandwich.
Warm(er) days call for a light fish, white wine, and an oyster (nowhere in Amsterdam have we found better oysters than here, just saying). And you can find that at Brut de Mer. Brut of a dry white sparkling wine (in your glass) and Mer from the sea (duh): what's not to like. And that shows, because since April 2015, it has been a party at Brut de Mer on Gerard Douplein in De Pijp (read: always busy, a good sign). Slightly on the pricey side, though, so make a day out of it (or keep it short and therefore somewhat budget-friendly; there is something to be said for that too, of course). Seafood and bubbles in a cozy industrial setting: Brut de Mer
Well, what else do we have to say about it? Arie. You will find Arie on the corner of Ferdinand Bolstraat. In addition, this fine café is a full member of the Goudvisch (catering) family. It's been one big party (and favorite) ever since the doors opened. The atmosphere is informal, but anything but lax. The cozy neighborhood café with a menu that has something for everyone. And the cocktails, yes, they are just great. Whether you join us for lunch or stay late, Arie is always a good idea. Read more? You do that here.
On the Karel du Jardinstraat you will find a piece of Italy in De Pijp. Or should we say: two pieces of Italy. Of course we're talking about Renato's Pizzeria en Renato's Osteria.
At Renato's Pizzeria eat your excellent roman-style pizzas. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. In addition to the best pizza, antipasti is also on the menu.
And then diagonally opposite the first Renato's number two: Renato's Osteria. This is the place to be for homemade pasta. The terrace is perfect for long sultry summer evenings.
Okay, this is cheating a little, because you can't go out for an extensive meal here. But what you can do GlouGlou is a wonderful long meal with the very best (natural) wines. There is a small snack menu, but our advice is to eat somewhere beforehand (or afterwards), for example at one of the addresses from this list (Renato's and Auberge Jean et Marie are almost around the corner). This nice place is always a good idea for a date, drinks with friends or parents. Cosy, with a it-feels-like-a-holiday terrace and just not in the busiest part of the Pijp. Oh, and if you can't see the forest for the trees due to the wide range of wines: get advice. They are the best at it. Love the wines, but prefer something more to eat? Then go to their big sister Bar Central in Amsterdam West.
Lolita It has become an indispensable part of De Pijp. If you’re feeling a bit down, put on a nice outfit and you’re guaranteed to be out of your slump after a visit to this restaurant. The interior has a lovely French feel, just like the music. And the service here is great too. formidable. And steak tartare exactly the way you want it. And and and, of course. In addition, Lolita has a per-fec-te location, right in the middle of De Pijp, within hopping distance of Marie Heinekenplein. Tip: a very good spot if you have something to celebrate with a larger group. Just be sure to reserve in time.
Pekelhaaring company is one of those that we have enjoyed attending for years. Never change a winning team, let's just say. They were hip before 'being hip' was a thing. And not hip with a bitter aftertaste, but hip because of the nice interior, good prices and really tasty food. Italian course, that's what you can expect on your plate at Pekelhaaring: gnocchi, ravioli, primi, secondi. It is not without reason that it is a favorite among many, so make sure to make a reservation for the weekend.
