The best seafood restaurants in Amsterdam listed
We are as Dutch as herring with onions and therefore very fond of fish. Oysters, mussels, gourmets, anchovies from Spain, come on! And we don't even have to travel to the coast or board a plane (of course we prefer to do that, fresh fish tastes best when it is thirty degrees and the Portuguese words are flying around your ears). There is endless choice in our capital! And because no one likes to fish behind the net, here you go: the cream of the crop, our favorites among Amsterdam's fish restaurants.
Prefer vegetarian? See our favorite Vega restaurants in (and around) Amsterdam here.
You already wanted to go to The Seafood Bar on Amsterdam's van Baerlestraat, diagonally opposite the Vondelpark, for about the tastiest fish & chips, oysters, sea food and lobster (and lobster soup), which a lot of people did too. Do. We get it. While many seafood restaurants still feel a tad stuffy, The Seafood Bar has managed for years to keep top-quality fish surprisingly accessible. Just a few oysters at the bar, a tower of fruits de mer with friends, or a plate of steaming fish & chips on a weekday Tuesday. Anything is possible. In the meantime, the Brabant natives (= always good news) behind the fish shop (well, fish-plus actually) have opened three more Amsterdam locations of The Seafood Bar, and even locations in Utrecht and London.
At The Seafood Bar, nothing but delicious food, and everything as sustainably as possible. That is important. Green energy, minimal waste, they purify their own water, and cooking is gas-free. And of course, sustainably caught fish, knowing that fish stocks always have a say in the fishing. Additionally, they are affiliated with the Good Fish Foundation, these not only guarantee the process, but also investigate how it can be improved.
Bistro de la Mer It is related to two well-known (and incredibly good) Michelin-starred restaurants: De Juwelier and Restaurant 212. As the name suggests, this is a seafood restaurant. The menu is full of fish dishes with a twist (read: a cocktail with North Sea crab, avocado, and jalapeños, to name just one delicious example). Only the best of the best is served here (something about the crème de la crème), but that is to be expected with Richard van Oostenbrugge & Thomas Groot as founders. Oh, and the wine is also fantastic and personally selected by co-founder and sommelier Daphne Oudshoorn. Inside, there is an accessible and relaxed atmosphere. A bit like New York (hello narrow, tube-like restaurant and dining at the bar, or at high tables that are just a little too small). meets Amsterdam. Simply eat fish at the bar on a wooden bar stool. And this case also rightly received a star for that. Located near her two brothers (catering brothers, that is), on Utrechtsestraat. You can go here for lunch and dinner from Monday to Sunday. Well, put on your coat, we'll see you there.
Visque, we love you. Truth be toldThis is one of the more expensive ones on this list. But after an evening meal at Visque, you feel reborn. It’s the kind of outing where you dress up nicely and put on a nice outfit for a change (not mandatory, but allowed). Upon entering, you take a seat at a sweet little table with a white or blue tablecloth (this sets the tone right away, lovely). You start here with a glass of bubbly, after which you slurp down an oyster (or two) and browse the menu at your leisure. We love the concept here shared dining to embrace. That way you can try as much as possible, and that is what you want at Visque. Prefer something more informal? Then take a seat in the Oyster Bar section! The same menu, just as good, just a little bit. more relaxed.
Control freak? Challenge yourself and join us for an evening Fishing food (just kidding of course). There is no menu at Pesca (so you can't secretly check what you are going to order at home). What they do have here is a daily selection at their fish market. This concept means you always eat the best and freshest fish at Pesca. Did we already say that this prevents waste? We are fans. A visit to Pesca goes as follows: you are welcomed by the host, after which you choose your fish at their fish market and then choose a matching (yes, yes) wine at the wine market. No knowledge about wine? No worries, you will be helped here with love. Hop, hop, on to Pesca!
Brut de MerWho doesn't know him? This good place is located on the always pleasant Gerard Douplein, in the middle of the Pijp. From Tuesday to Sunday you can enjoy a delicious and fresh meal (and drink) here. Brut is a bit like a French bistro. It is a narrow tent, with a terrace where you can enjoy drinks shoulder to shoulder. And also a place where you come back again and again. The service is great! And the wine... you shouldn't skip it here, because fish has to swim (read: a glass of wine should go with a piece of fish).
Shefishe in the Pipe. cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, good food and lovely seating. Oh, and Sjefietshe is also the first and only cevicheria in Amsterdam (South). The dish: ceviche, has South American rootsBut that is not the only thing they serve here. Besides ceviche, the menu is full of other fish dishes, such as shrimp croquettes, sardines, and anchovies with blood orange. Yum!
Visaandeschelde It is anything but a kibbeling stall (nothing wrong with that, by the way; a portion of kibbeling every now and then is fine). Here you eat fish in style (linen tablecloth and crystal wine glasses) and it is so good! Visaandeschelde is no newcomer; this gem has been in its place for 25 years. The wine list is massive, so there is bound to be a good wine for you, and French wines dominate the menu. This restaurant may not be the cheapest on this list (Oud-Zuid is super expensive), but it is certainly worth a visit. I bet you'll come back a few times afterward.
Simply Fish is (yes, yes) also located in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, but this time on the Koninginneweg. And we get that, because this is definitely one royal from this list. Silly pun perhaps, but the fish here is anything but simple. You eat excellent, freshly caught fish from the Oosterschelde here. If your friends or parents aren't big fans of fish, this is a very good place to go for a meal. There is plenty of choice here for meat lovers too (such as steak tartare and tender tournedos). Tip: order an espresso martini here. aka Esma as a nightcap, it's heavenly here.
Where The Good Companion the best place for c (Fish & Chips) used to be in our tulip city; has this fish bar now switched towards more fine diningCertainly no less tasty, but slightly less casualAt the fish bar in the heart of the Jordaan, sustainable fish and daily fresh products take center stage. Everything is as local as possible. The North Sea and the fish farms in Zeeland are the main suppliers, but fishing does not take place further from home than European waters. The prices? They have remained reasonably low. Yes!
