Best Cafes Amsterdam
A city of cities, hills and historic architecture Amsterdam is also a paradise for coffee lovers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful corner where you can sip a expertly prepared espresso or a lively place to enjoy a bite of croissants and country food Amsterdam’s coffee culture has something for everyone.
After visiting many times and drinking countless cups of coffee I’ve come up with a list of my favorite coffee shops in Amsterdam, each Offering something unique.
From creative locations to trendy third-wave coffee houses here are the 15 best coffee shops in Amsterdam for coffee and pesto.
Best Cafes Amsterdam for Coffee and Pastries
1. Bocca Coffee
Location: Kerkstraat 96, 1017 GP Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00 – 18:00, Sat-Sun 09:00 – 18:00
Serving: Specialty coffee, homemade pastries, and light bites
Services: Excellent espresso, pour-over options, friendly baristas
Recommended: Flat white, almond croissant
Bocca Coffee is heaven for those who appreciate high-quality, unique coffee. Located on a quiet street, it has a cool but warm atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a stroll by the river.
After that, enjoy a lovely meal with majestic fruits on the croissants. The baristas are knowledgeable and always eager to talk about their experiences.
2. Coffee & Coconuts
Location: Ceintuurbaan 282-284, 1072 GK Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00 – 17:00, Sat-Sun 09:00 – 17:00
Serving: Organic coffee, tropical smoothies, fresh-baked goods
Services: Spacious, beach-house vibe, great for working
Recommended: Coconut latte, banana bread
This haunted cinema hall has now become a cafe, with three floors, where there is provision for comfortable sitting. The ventilation and sea-level decorations make it a wonderful place to sip a coconut latte while working or reading.
Their banana bread is one of the best breads I have ever eaten in the city – name, taste, and not too sweet.
3. Back to Black
Location: Weteringstraat 48, 1017 SP Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 – 18:00
Serving: Specialty coffee, homemade cakes, light lunch
Services: Small, cozy, pet-friendly
Recommended: Cappuccino, carrot cake
A true night in Amsterdam, But Too Back is the place I go to when I want a private atmosphere. I must try their carrot cake, which is perfectly spiced with creamy frosting.
The coffee is always balanced and they eat their cancers, which gives a fresh pleasure every time.
Tip: The Back to Black busy city center location is close to the famous Heineken brewery. You can reserve your skip-the-line ticket for the Heineken Experience here.
4. AO Bar
- Best for: Brunch, local vibes
- Hours: 8 am–4 pm daily
- Location: Van Hallstraat 97, Amsterdam West (Google Maps)
- Website: AO Bar
AO is a cozy coffee spot in Amsterdam West, known for its excellent vegan banana bread and delicious pastries.
It’s a popular brunch spot with healthy options like matcha and coconut yogurt bowls, plus hearty Dutch-style toasties.
The baby blue café has a relaxed vibe, attracting people working or journaling. Their coffee is top-notch, and the matcha is excellent too!
5. Toki
Location: Binnen Dommersstraat 15, 1013 HK Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 10:00 – 17:00
Serving: Matcha lattes, Japanese-inspired pastries
Services: Stylish, relaxed atmosphere
Recommended: Matcha latte, miso caramel brownie
A cool, Instagram-worthy place with a Japanese touch. Their macha latte is one of the best in the city, and their miso karamel brownie is rich, sweet and famous in the best way.
6. Sweet Cup
Location: Spuistraat 103, 1012 SV Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 07:00 – 16:00, Sun Closed
Serving: Artisan coffee, light brunch
Services: Small and friendly, fast service
Recommended: Espresso, pain au chocolat
Sweet Cup is a small but impressive coffee shop that serves some of the tastiest experiences in the industry. Its crispy chocolate bar is buttery and perfect for breakfast.
7. Lot Sixty One
Location: Kinkerstraat 112, 1053 ED Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 08:00 – 17:00, Sat-Sun 09:00 – 17:00
Serving: House-roasted coffee, simple pastries
Services: Industrial-style, serious about coffee
Recommended: Long black, oatmeal cookie
It is the dream of many coffee lovers. She roasts her beans at home, and cooks, cooks, and cooks the same long-cooked dishes. One of these oatmeal cookies is chewy, a little crunchy and a great addition to your cup of coffee.
8. De Koffiesalon
Location: Utrechtsestraat 130, 1017 VT Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 07:00 – 19:00
Serving: Classic European-style coffee
Services: Elegant, relaxed
Recommended: Cappuccino, apple pie
A classic of Amsterdam, the coffee salons are perfect for those who enjoy a traditional coffee experience. Their coffee shops are rich and vibrant, and should definitely be tried by the best of the best.
9. Uncommon Amsterdam
Location: Wibautstraat 206, 1091 GS Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 07:30 – 16:30, Sat-Sun 08:30 – 17:00
Serving: High-quality coffee, creative pastries
Services: Trendy, well-lit
Recommended: Espresso tonic, almond croissant
This bright, airy space is perfect for a mid-day coffee break. Their espresso tonic is refreshing and the almond croissant is flakey and delicious.
10. Sango Specialty Coffee
- Best for: Speciality coffee, beans, workshops
- Hours: 8:30 am–4 pm daily
- Location: Stromarkt 15, Amsterdam Centrum (Google Maps)
- Website: Sango Specialty Coffee
Sango is my favorite coffee in the exam because everything is done in the best way here. The coffee is beautifully roasted and the Americans I ordered were full of flavour.
The coffee at Sango is delivered in a personalized way. The owners also hunt their own crops, so you are guaranteed to get high quality coffee here. One of my favourite things about Sango was that you got a mine strawberry jam with your coffee!
I’m not a huge fan of this traditional country tree but it was great to experience. Sango has nicely decorated interiors and it’s a relaxing little place to relax with a coffee.
They also have shops, workshops and stores nearby which you can find on their website. The location of Sango is great as it is close to the city center.
So it is a good place to drink coffee before going on a sightseeing tour. Overall I found Sango to be a wonderful cafe and in my opinion the best restaurant in the city.
Tip: Place the Stroopava pipe on top of your head so that the caramel filling melts between the crunchy foil layers – just like that.
11. Monks Coffee Roasters
- Best for: Speciality Coffee, beans, barista classes
- Hours: 8 am–4 pm daily
- Location: Bilderdijkstraat 46H, Amsterdam West (Google Maps)
- Website: Monks Coffee Roasters
Monks is a small yet charming café in Amsterdam known for its ethically sourced in-house roasted beans. We tried two batch brews recommended by the barista, and both were excellent—rich in unique flavors, far from mass-produced coffee.
Though the café appears full from the outside, check inside for seating. Monks also offers coffee classes, including professional barista courses. A must-visit for specialty coffee lovers!
12. Gentle Place Coffee
- Best for: Coffee, local vibes, working
- Hours: 8 am–4:30 pm daily
- Location: Distelweg 409, Amsterdam North (Google Maps)
- Instagram: Gentle Place Coffee
Gentle Place is a fantastic café on Amsterdam’s North Shore, away from the tourist crowds. It offers high-quality coffee a relaxing vibe, and plenty of seating including a spacious back area for work.
The flat white is excellent, and their kimchi toast and home-baked goods are a treat. They also serve strong cold brews, matcha lattes, and real hot chocolate with plant-based milk options.
Don’t miss their coffee workshops for a deeper dive into the craft!
13. Hummingbird
- Best for: Coffee flavor sampling, beans, cozy seating
- Hours: 8:30 am–5 pm daily
- Location: Spuistraat 217, Amsterdam Centrum (Google Maps)
- Website: Hummingbird
Hummingbird is a gem in Amsterdam’s city center standing out from the usual touristy spots. With stylish decor and outdoor seating on sunny days it’s a lovely place to relax.
They rotate coffee roasters monthly offering a variety of flavors for coffee lovers. Its central location makes it perfect for a morning coffee before exploring the city!
14. Five Ways Coffee Roasters
- Best for: Speciality Coffee, Brunch, Food
- Hours: 8 am–5 pm daily
- 2 Locations: Amsterdam East | Amsterdam West
- Website: Five Ways
Five Ways, an Australian-owned café with two locations in Amsterdam, serves excellent coffee. The Amsterdam East spot stands out with its cozy indoor space and spacious outdoor seating.
It’s a great brunch spot, offering more than just pastries—try the delicious Shakshuka!
15. Latei
- Best for: Coziness, food, local vibes
- Hours: 8 am–6 pm daily
- Location: Zeedijk 143, Amsterdam Centrum (Google Maps)
- Instagram: Latei
Latei is a vibrant café in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, filled with quirky décor, vintage lamps, and colorful tables quite different from the city’s minimalist cafes.
It’s a local favorite with plenty of seating, making it a great spot for coffee and a bite. While it doesn’t serve specialty coffee, the food looks delicious, and the cozy atmosphere stands out. A charming café near the city’s main attractions!
Tip: Latei is near the meeting point for a top-rated Red Light District tour. Exploring with a guide makes the experience even more insightful!
Conclusion
I love these cafes in Amsterdam each with its own unique and specialties. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a cozy CAFÉ to enjoy a meal these places will impress you.
Have you visited any of them or do you have a favorite café in Amsterdam? Let me know!
FAQs
1. What is the most famous pastry in Amsterdam?
- The Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart) is a must-try, especially from Winkel 43.
- Stroopwafels – Thin caramel-filled waffles, best enjoyed fresh from markets like Albert Cuyp Market.
- Poffertjes – Mini fluffy pancakes with butter and powdered sugar.
2. Are coffee shops and cafés the same in Amsterdam?
- No! In Amsterdam, “coffee shops” sell cannabis, while “cafés” or “koffiehuizen” serve regular coffee and pastries.
3.Where can I find the best stroopwafels?
- Van Wonderen Stroopwafels – Instagram-worthy and delicious.
- Lanskroon Bakery – Famous for extra-large, crispy stroopwafels.
- Original Stroopwafels at Albert Cuyp Market – Freshly made, warm, and gooey.
4. What is a typical Dutch coffee?
- Koffie Verkeerd – The Dutch version of a latte, meaning “wrong coffee” (more milk than usual).
- Espresso or Koffie Zwart – Strong black coffee.
- Café au Lait – Similar to Koffie Verkeerd but served in different styles.
5. Are there vegan-friendly cafés in Amsterdam?
Yes! Some great options include:
Pluk Amsterdam – Trendy spot with vegan-friendly options.
Koffie ende Koeck – 100% plant-based cakes and coffee.
Vegabond – A café and store with vegan treats.
6. How much does coffee and a pastry cost in Amsterdam?
- A standard coffee (cappuccino, espresso) costs €2.50–€4.50.
- A slice of Dutch apple pie or a stroopwafel costs €3.50–€6.
7. Is tipping expected in cafés?
- It’s not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
8. Where can I enjoy coffee with a canal view?
Bakers & Roasters – Great breakfast and coffee by the water.
Café de Jaren – A beautiful terrace overlooking the canal.
Waterkant – A cool riverside spot.