6x Best Breakfast In Amsterdam 🍳 (2024)

I understand if you wonder where to for breakfast in Amsterdam. There are not that many (good) places around.

I’m a Dutch local and know a thing or two about Dutch culture.

The main reason good breakfast options are limited and often geared to tourists is because Dutch breakfast culture is typically a homely affair.

For many in the Netherlands, breakfast tends to be a quick and efficient meal, often consisting of bread, cheese, perhaps some cold cuts, Pindakaas (peanut butter), and, of course, Hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), the genius way the Dutch made eating chocolate for breakfast a socially accepted affair.

This practical approach comes from the Dutch’s pragmatic lifestyle.

However, dining out for breakfast has grown recently, particularly in larger cities like Amsterdam.Breakfast and bruncheateries are popping up everywhere.

Yet, despite this shift, breakfast outside the home in the Netherlands is still more of a weekend indulgence than a daily routine. It’s so much different from our German neighbors, where every bakery serves a delicious breakfast. Or English breakfast in the UK, or pancakes in the USA.

In the past, breakfast would be limited to hotels serving it, thus I always suggest travelers on my coaching calls to stock up on groceries if they hire an Airbnb.

(PS: local tip choose VRBO instead, they have a larger inventory outside the US, and service fees are lower).

But today there are more options thus I’ve handpicked some locations for you to find the best breakfast in Amsterdam quickly. Here are my six suggestions for the day’s most important meal to get you started on the right foot.

You might also be interested in my post: The 5 Best Cafes In Amsterdam That I Love To Visit ☕️ and my post on how to tip in Amsterdam, including a useful calculator.

1. The Wasserette – De Pijp Area

De Pijp is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It’s just outside the city center, cozy and full of life, just behind the Heineken Brewery and the Rijksmuseum. Here you find quirky, one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops. It’s also home to the famous Albert Cuyp market. A large daily market where you can buy pretty much everything. Including many Dutch food favorites. Like cheese, Stroopwafels, and those little yummy Dutch pancakes called Poffertjes. But that’s all for later because it’s breakfast first.

And the “Wasserette” is a great place to do just that. Located in the heart of thePijp, the Wasserette is a hotspot in the city. The cafe is a favorite with locals. It’s a perfect place to sit down and watch the neighborhood wake up while sipping your morning coffee.

When I visited this cafe for the first time, I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed by the small menu, but when the food arrived, that was quickly forgotten I had the egg benedict with a perfect poached egg. It was yummy. My better half had the French Toast, and he loved it.

Not a big eater first thing in the morning? Then this is wonderful for an excellent strong coffee and flaky, buttery croissant on the side, and enjoy watching the world passing by.

But what I enjoyed most about this cafe was the relaxing atmosphere—the jazzy music playing in the background. And looking at the shops opening up. What I enjoyed most was that residents kept popping in for their morning coffee, some to go, some sat down with a newspaper, or to wait for a friend and travel to work together. Amsterdam can feel very touristy at times, and although the Wasserette welcomes visitors with an English menu, it feels very local at the same time.

And in case you’re wondering, this place started as a laundromat, but trust me when I say nothing feels like a laundromat anymore.

When the sun is out, this is also a fantastic place for sitting outside on their large terrace later in the day. Their menu works just as well for a leisurely breakfast and lunch too.

Again, this cafe doesn’t offer the most extensive menu, but the dishes it does serve are delicious and fresh. If you are a coffee fan, you will not be disappointed either. It’s good to know, especially when it’s a little busy, that it’s most convenient to order with the QR code on your table. Scan it with your phone’s photo app, redirecting you to the order page. You pay, and your food and drinks come right up.

Why not take a look at their (English) menu?And decide whether you’re up for a local breakfast experience away from the normal tourist crowds.

PS: De Wasserette opens early at 7:30 am, something not always the case in Amsterdam, even when breakfast is served.

2. Bagels and Beans – IJdok (Central Station Area)

Next on my list is Bagels and Beans. This is a chain restaurant across the Netherlands, but a quirky one. And I always love visiting one. They offer a choice of bagels and toppings. Next to that they offer different drinks than usual (I particularly like their tea menu). Everything is super fresh and of high-quality ingredients. Often organic and local.

Their IJdok location is a bit hidden but quite central. I must admit that service here went down over the years regarding attentiveness. Food quality is just as good as always, but catching a server’s attention can take a while, which I can get annoyed by.

Why do I recommend them then, anyway? Not because they sponsor me (none of these listings in this post are sponsored) but because the food is good, and it’s one of the best addresses for great views. The view is the number one reason I seek out this location. And the server “issue” can easily be solved by using the QR code on the table to order.

What bagel to choose? That is up to you. You can go for a classic with cream cheese (but be prepared to choose because they serve different varieties – same for your bagel). I always like the banana and cinnamon with real maple syrup bagel for breakfast (on a cinnamon bagel). Or why not go for something super Dutch: a Hagelslag (remember, chocolate sprinkles) bagel? If you’re more into something heartier, the avocado or salmon bagels are delicious too.

Not into bagels today? You can still enjoy the fantastic view over the IJ river here with all the busyness of boats from small recreational boats to ferry’s, cargo ships, and, if you’re lucky, a cruise liner, and have something else. Like a crunchy coffee yogurt, plant-based coconut mango yogurt, or porridge.

IJdok is a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam Central Station but not easily found. Make sure to use Google Maps to locate it. Search for “Bagels and Beans IJdok.” To use Google Maps, you need mobile data. I’ve written another post on the most affordable mobile data packages for the Netherlands.

This might be it if you’re looking for New York-style bagel culture with a Dutch twist.

You can find their (English) menu here.

Bagels and Beans are open every day at 8 am. It’s a cafe for breakfast, lunch, and a coffee break. But they don’t serve dinner and close at 4 pm.

PS: Bagels and Beans can be found across the Netherlands, and they have several locations in Amsterdam alone. I chose this specific location because of the views and the particular location. It’s also a great starting point for visiting the hidden but beautiful “Prinsen Island” en het “Bickers Island” away from the tourist crowds.

3. Oeuf Breakfast in Amsterdam – The Pijp Area

Another de Pijp eatery that serves breakfast, and I have a good reason for that. This area is the hotspot for fun eateries and cafes. Oeuf is no exception. I would like to argue its location might be in the cutest street of Amsterdam that is not a canal—lined with hip restaurants that are all very different. It also oozes a local residential atmosphere here. Tourists feel far away.

Oeuf is a charming littlebreakfast placeand a brunch spot that radiates a French bistro vibe. The name “Oeuf,” French for egg, is very fitting.

And if you can’t make it for breakfast: after 4 pm, the restaurant’s name changes appropriately to Boeuf for dinner.

But back tobreakfast or brunch. At Oeuf, as you might expect, you’re in the right place for egg dishes.

My favorite?

Can I name two? Then the Shakshuka served in a skillet or the Le Boeuf Classique breakfast burger with a sunny side egg on top would be my choices.

Deciding on something else? I won’t hold it against you. Everything on the menu sounds so yummy. It’s a love letter to eggs.

Three friends started Oeuf with a love for eggs that brought them together in 2019. Just before the pandemic, thankfully, they survived it so that you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a great atmosphere.

But Oeuf is not for the early birds among us. They open at 10 am on weekdays and 9 am during the weekend. But hey, a lazy brunch sounds just as amazing to me!

4. Bakers and Roasters – De Pijp / Central Station

What are the odds that a Kiwi guy from New Zealand would meet a Brazilian boy in West Hollywood, California, and go on to open one of the best places in Amsterdam forbreakfast and brunch?

But that is precisely what happened. If you’re looking for the best brunch in Amsterdam / all day breakfast place, this might be it.

The delicious brunch dishes are inspired by their native lands of New Zealand and Brazil. It’s a great place to go for a “full English breakfast,” Kiwi style, of course, aptly named a Kiwi Brekkie. Or go for breakfast items like homemade Granola. Other classic breakfast items on the menu are Huevos Rancheros, or order a breakfast burrito from their brunch menu. There is nothing wrong with missing comfort food from home while traveling. You don’t always have to be local!

This brunch place is also not a bad place for American-style buttermilk pancakes or a more healthy breakfast. For that, how about their overnight-soaked organic oats with coconut yogurt?

Not a coffee fan, no problem. They’re known for their fresh juices and smoothies. Or opt for something boozy. Nobody says a great co*cktail is just for after dinner. Because hey, it’s brunch, and you’re on holiday!

Oh, and don’t forget to try their pastries and cakes. OMG… you want to skip all-day breakfast and go straight for a slice of cake. I’m not joking. Homemade, luscious, and not skimpy in size. Just look at these cakes staring back at you. At a minimum, make sure you keep some space for dessert.

Bakers and Roasters are not known for their low prices. Please don’t complain. The prices are a little steep here. I warned you ahead of time! But it’s something they’re proud of. There is indeed a cost to good, high-quality, good-for-the-environment-produced foods. There is a saying you get what you pay for.

Today you can enjoy this cafe at two locations in Amsterdam. Both are conveniently located. One is a spot in “De Pijp.” This is the original location. The other location is just behind the Amsterdam Central Doubletree Hotel, tucked away in a residential area.

I was reading back my text and realized it sounds like they sponsored me writing this. But I can assure you I did not. I love their story and menu. It’s top of the list for me.

Want to check it out yourself? This is where you can find themenu.

5. Flo Bagels – City Center Locations

Almost ‘last but not least’ on this list is Flo Bagels. This is a level-up from Bagels and Beans if bagels are your thing. You won’t enjoy the same view, but you will enjoy the old-school handmade bagels cold-proofed overnight. This is what a classic bagel should taste like.

If you have no problem waiting till 9 am, you can choose from several locations throughout the city to enjoy a fresh bagel. The Elandsgracht location is not too far from the Anne Frank House, while the Utrechtsestraat location is close to the Rijksmuseum. The third location is in AmsterdamWest, at theJan Pieter Heijestraat, which is a little out of the way for most visitors, but still easily accessible by tram.

So when you’re looking for a quick but delicious breakfast, this is a top choice.

You can build your bagel whether you’re a plain or an everything aficionado. Or whether you prefer plain cream cheese or all the toppings. You’ll find these classic breakfast dishes here and more. The breakfast menu here is small, but what you can order is one of the best.

6. Miss G’s Brunch Boat – City Center

I was sold when I saw S’Mores Waffles on the menu. I mean… It could be a hole in the wall, in a hidden alley, and I would come and order that. But it is not. You get another fabulous side experience that is just as special. This meal is served on a boat.

It’s a classic restaurant setting with tables in a canal boat. When you’re enjoying your waffle (or something else yummie), the beautiful scenery of the Amsterdam canals is passing you by—definitely one of the best ways to experience brunch in Amsterdam.

Boats leave at least twice on both Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.

Their pricing is simple: either pay for a food item or one (boozy) drink for a fixed price. And pay extra for additional drinks. Or you can opt for the bottomless drink package. If you’re still hungry after one dish, you can purchase a second dish for a discounted price. Perfect if you can’t decide.

As the Brunch Boat is one of the best options for a boozy brunch, we must be thankful that driving is not a great idea in Amsterdam anyway, even sober. So there is no worry about who needs to stay sober.

Conclusion

There you have it – a roundup of the six best brunch and breakfast spots in Amsterdam. Because after all breakfast is the most important meal of the day. These places all make for a great breakfast. Whether it’s a croissant and coffee for you, something savory, a yogurt bowl, or a boozy brunch—an early breakfast or an all-day brunch. I think I’ve got you covered.

Suppose you’re still looking for more places forbreakfast and brunchin Amsterdam. In that case, I can also recommend the Breakfast Club, Greenwoods, or for American-inspired comfort food: Staring at Jacob is a great choice.

I hope this post helps you find the best spot for breakfast and makes you feel that you’ve found a local spot away from the tourist crowds. Because, after all, that is what your time in Amsterdam is all about: getting to know the place!

Read my Amsterdam Itinerary 3 Days post for a headstart on planning your trip.