The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s dining scene is as layered as the city itself — from neighborhood bistros with candlelit intimacy to bold kitchens redefining fine dining. At Currant, we cut through the noise to bring you the restaurants that matter: places with character, intention, and a sense of style. This is our curated selection of where to eat in Amsterdam right now — a list that favors substance over hype, designed for those who appreciate food as much as atmosphere.
BISOUS
What is Bisous?
It’s a Paris-meets-Amsterdam bistro tucked into the city’s center, known for its candlelit intimacy, velvet-lined interiors, and a dinner crowd that looks straight out of an indie film. Equal parts neighbourhood hangout and dinner party fantasy, Bisous (French for "kisses") is the kind of place you discover once—and keep returning to.
Haven’t they just celebrated a milestone?
Yes—Bisous recently turned one. To celebrate, the team hosted a five-course dinner for their 100 most loyal guests (yes, they actually pulled the data). There were dancers, saxophonists, DJs, house wines flowing—it was a scene. “We just wanted to thank the people who’ve made this place what it is,” the owner said. “It was full, gezellig, and honestly very us.”
How has the first year gone?
In their words: “Super. We mogen niet klagen.” It’s rare for a new spot to become a local staple so quickly, but Bisous did just that. Regulars come back weekly. People from outside Amsterdam make reservations weeks ahead. And yet, it still somehow feels like a secret.
Why has it worked?
A few reasons. First: the vibe. There’s nothing else quite like it in the city—cushioned walls, golden glow, and a kind of curated chaos that makes everyone feel like they belong. Second: the food. “People often say, ‘Oh, the food is actually really good,’ and we always think—of course it is. Why wouldn’t it be?” And third: the audience. Thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations, Bisous has attracted a wide mix—beyond the typical Pijp and Oud-Zuid crowd.
What should I absolutely order?
Let’s start with the petits toasts—wildly underrated on most menus, but here they’re done with such flavour and finesse they leave you wanting more (and ordering a second round). The oysters are non-negotiable—briny, cold, and made to be paired with champagne. The langoustines are a seasonal must, especially in summer: light, bright, and decadent in the right way.
The steak tartare? Flawless. Sharp, clean, perfectly seasoned—it’s plated like it belongs in a still life. As for the ribeye, it’s peppery, juicy, and unapologetically rich—no one in Amsterdam does it quite like this. Honestly, we haven’t been served a single dish here that didn’t impress. That alone should tell you: order what calls to you. It’s probably excellent.
Is it cramped?
Yes. And no one seems to mind. “It’s tight,” the owner admits, “but people end up making friends with their neighbours.” If you’re looking for elbow room and formality, this may not be your place. If you like shoulder-to-shoulder laughter and last sips of wine with strangers—book now
What makes it a Currant favourite?
Because Bisous understands that atmosphere is everything—but substance matters too. The interiors are warm, the playlist is right, the food is splendid, and the wine list is built to linger over.
Should I go now?
Yes—before they turn two and throw another party you wish you’d been invited to.
SPECTRUM
What is Spectrum?
Spectrum is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant inside Amsterdam’s Waldorf Astoria, led by chef Sidney Schutte. Known for its precision and creativity, the kitchen balances Dutch produce with global influences, delivering dishes that are both artful and deeply thoughtful.
What makes it special?
It’s not just the technique — though every course is flawlessly executed — but the philosophy behind it. Schutte’s cooking is about restraint and discipline, creating excitement without excess. Each menu flows seamlessly, revealing contrasts that always resolve into balance.
Is it fine dining in the traditional sense?
Yes and no. Spectrum carries all the hallmarks of fine dining — impeccable service, rare ingredients, intricate plating — but never feels showy. The energy is calm, precise, and quietly confident. It’s a place where craft speaks louder than spectacle.
What should I order?
The tasting menu is the only way in. Expect a series of small plates that move gracefully from light to bold: vegetable-forward dishes elevated to main-character status, followed by intricate seafood and meat courses, all paired with wines chosen to surprise. Each dish feels like part of a larger narrative rather than a stand-alone showpiece.
What’s the atmosphere?
Elegant but never stiff. The dining room is light-filled, modern, and intimate, set against the backdrop of the Waldorf Astoria’s canal-side grandeur. Service is precise yet warm, striking a balance that makes the experience feel welcoming rather than intimidating.
Why is Spectrum a Currant favorite?
Because it embodies what fine dining can be today: intentional, balanced, and full of quiet artistry. Spectrum is not about spectacle but about substance — a meal that lingers in memory not because it overwhelmed, but because it moved.