The best bakeries and cafés in Amsterdam
Few cities can match the charm of Amsterdam, with its winding canals and picturesque homes. While many people might think of various exciting activities in the Dutch capital, it's the city's dynamic food scene that truly deserves attention. A variety of specialty coffee shops, artisanal bakeries, and stylish cafes keep popping up all over the city. Here, we've compiled a list of the top bakeries and cafes in Amsterdam for your next craving for pastries and a caffeine boost.
Bakery Loof Samira Kafala / @bakkerijloof
Nestled between Amsterdam-West and Jordaan, Bakkerij Loof attracts a steady crowd of fashionable residents eager to taste the city's flakiest croissants. The display case is always filled with a fresh assortment of pastries, along with hearty focaccia sandwiches made from carefully cured, pickled, and proofed ingredients sourced from the bakery itself. Enjoy a coffee and a pastry while you relax in the cozy space, surrounded by charmingly disorganized bookshelves.
Location: Bilderdijkstraat 38, 1053 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: bakkerijlouf.nl
This trendy micro-chain features a handful of coffee shops located around the edges of Vondelpark and Amsterdam-Zuid. Each one is simply designed with a bright, white interior. You can look forward to a variety of freshly baked pastries paired with expertly crafted flat whites and matcha drinks. It's the perfect spot to recharge before exploring the city.
Location: Willemsparkweg 8h, 1071 HD Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: coffeedistrict.nl
Finding New York-style bagels in Amsterdam can be a challenge, but that's where Breadwinner comes in. This cozy bagel shop, owned by a Canadian, is nestled on a quaint cobblestone street in the Jordaan neighborhood. You can spot it easily by the line of eager customers outside, ready to indulge in Breadwinner's delicious sourdough sandwiches. They offer a wide variety of bagel flavors, including jalapeno and cheese as well as za’atar, all perfectly chewy and baked fresh in their stone oven.
Location: Tweede Laurierdwarsstraat 50HS, 1016 RC Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: breadwinneramsterdam.com
This food design studio and café, situated on the west side of the city, offers a breakfast and lunch menu that evolves with the seasons. Design enthusiasts will be captivated by the impressive architecture of the space, featuring a stylish staircase and a mint green balcony above – both the staff and patrons here exude a sense of effortless style. You can look forward to artfully arranged dishes and unique flavor combinations, like chickpea flatbread topped with cime di rapa and miso scrambled eggs on toasted brioche.
Location: Jan van Galenstraat 147, 1056 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: oficinaoficina.com
Check out this Italian-style bakery near Jordaan for a delightful variety of luxurious desserts. You'll find maritozzi overflowing with light whipped cream, pistachio tiramisu, crispy cannoli, and thick chocolate cookies among other delicious options. The selection at the baked goods counter is always refreshing and changing, ensuring you'll leave with sticky fingers and a satisfied appetite. There's ample seating available to relax and savor your treats.
Located in the center of Amsterdam, the folks at Bocca are dedicated to brewing and serving some of the city's finest coffee. Just a short five-minute stroll from the famous Rijksmuseum, you can access this hidden gem through a simple door nestled on a cobblestone street. Once inside, you'll be welcomed by a surprisingly spacious and industrial-style interior, where skilled baristas whip up exceptional flat whites at a central counter. Feel free to relax on the cozy sofas or take a seat at the large communal table and take a breather.
Location: Kerkstraat 96H, 1017 GP Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: bocca.nl
The irresistible aroma of warm cardamom and cinnamon buns will draw anyone out of bed in the morning. You can find some of the softest buns in the city at Oslo, nestled in the charming streets between Central Station and Jordaan. Throughout the day, a steady stream of customers makes their way in. While the space isn’t particularly large (just like many spots in Amsterdam), you can cozy up among the plush sheepskin rugs and wooden tables, or opt for a delicious pastry to enjoy on the go.
Location: Prinsenstraat 16h, 1015 DC Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: oslo.amsterdam
Make it a point to arrive at one of Little Collins’ locations in De Pijp or Oud-West early on weekends, as the line can stretch around the block—and it’s well worth the wait. Their brunch menu features unique coffee options and exciting flavor pairings, like kimchi gruyere scrambled eggs and roasted peach French toast. You might even want to stop by later in the evening to try out their dinner menu, which draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine.
Location: Eerste Sweelinckstraat 19F, 1073 CL Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: littlecollins.nl
Toki is a trendy spot in the Jordaan neighborhood, buzzing with fashionable locals and freelancers working on their laptops throughout the week. They serve great coffee, top-notch matcha, and delicious baked treats. Be sure to try the banana bread, generously topped with buttercream frosting, as well as their rich chocolate chip cookies.
Location: Binnen Dommersstraat 15, 1013 HK Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: tokiho.amsterdam
Avoid the long lines at the overly popular tourist spot Van Stapele Koekmakerij and take a short walk to Het Koekemannetje for some of the most deliciously chewy chocolate cookies in town. While there might be a line here too, it definitely moves quicker. It's common to see locals stocking up on boxes of these indulgent cookies on weekends—and who can blame them?
Location: Runstraat 3, 1016 GJ Amsterdam, Netherlands Website: hetkoekemannetje.nl