A peek inside: resident Joost Houtman. Located in a distinctive 1919 building block designed by Joan Melchior van der Meij, this unique apartment once served as the architect’s own home and studio. The current residents saw potential in the apartment’s dated condition and collaborated with Thomas Geerlings of Framework Studio to redesign it. Out of respect for the original layout, they created an interior where light, space, and materials take center stage, with the iconic studio window as the focal point. Read more here
When the current residents first saw the apartment, it was outdated and fragmented by previous renovations. But beneath those layers lay a clear structure and a unique sense of space. Together with Framework Studio and Thomas Geerlings, that quality was brought back to the forefront. Not by imposing something new, but rather by returning to the essence of the building. By examining how light, space, and architecture come together—and tailoring the interior to that. The result is a home that feels calm and natural. Timeless, yet never distant. Resident Joost and architect Thomas share their story.
Joost, what made you want to live here?
It was 2012, the lowest point of the Amsterdam real estate crisis. I didn’t really want to move, but the moment we stepped over the threshold here, I was Immediately Sold. An apartment with dimensions you don’t usually see in Amsterdam—almost 10 meters wide. High ceilings with windows on all sides. Right in the heart of the city, yet an oasis of calm.
What makes this house special to you in your daily lives?
What makes it so special to us is that every room is beautiful. From the large living room down to the smallest details—like the hallway, staircase, and even the laundry room—everything has the same unique charm. It’s filled with light all year round. As soon as the sun comes out, we open the conservatory doors wide and enjoy being outdoors.
Thomas, what was the most important design decision in this home?
“The most important design decision was to stay true to the architecture. I believe it’s important for an interior to be connected to its context—the city, the building, and the location. You don’t want to create something that feels disconnected from Amsterdam. It had to be a timeless apartment. You can really feel that in the large windows at the front, which give the design an almost iconic character.”
How did you incorporate Joost and Jeffrey’s wishes into the design?
“For me, every project starts project the user. The way someone lives, moves, and uses the space determines the design. From there, I look at the architecture and the location. By bringing these elements together, I create an interior that feels natural and truly suits the residents.”
Joost, what's your favorite spot in the house, and why?
My favorite spot is at the table, the central spot from which I can take in all the beauty—the desk area, the living room, the sunroom, the Roof terrace , last but not Location lovely kitchen where my partner prepares the most fantastic dishes.
We didn't really want to move, but the moment we stepped inside, we were Immediately Sold. Right in the heart of downtown, yet an oasis of calm.
Neighborhood guide
The home is located in the Museum Quarter, a neighborhood characterized by 19th-century architecture, sophisticated amenities, and a rich cultural scene. The Museumplein, Vondelpark, and historic canals are all within walking distance. Additionally, the neighborhood offers a wide range of shops, from small boutiques to international luxury brands, and a diverse selection of restaurants, cafés, and bars. For daily groceries, there are high-quality specialty shops on Van Baerlestraat and Beethovenstraat, among other streets. On Saturdays, there is an organic market on Jacob Obrechtstraat. De Pijp, with the Albert Cuyp Market, Sarphatipark, and the city center, is also a short distance away.
1071 KK Amsterdam
Edible Treasures
The concept store Edibe Treasures is located in a former butcher shop in Amsterdam Zuid. In addition to the 'edibles and drinkables' in the coffee shop, you will find a beautiful selection of everything for the table, such as silverware, ceramics, table linen, but also cookbooks and accessories. Pop-ups and workshops are also regularly organized.
1071 LK Amsterdam
Café Welling
Café Welling is a cozy neighborhood café on J.W. Brouwersstraat; near the Museumplein. Here you can enjoy a nice beer at the bar or on the terrace when the sun is shining. This neighborhood café has a long history. The café has been around for more than 70 years but has only been called Café Welling since 1963. This history may explain the familiar atmosphere that always seems to be present in this café. Interesting for music lovers: Café Welling regularly organizes Jazz evenings.
1071 BG Amsterdam
Brasserie van Baerle
The French brasserie van Baerle has become an indispensable part of the Amsterdam cityscape. With a lifespan of 41 years in Amsterdam-Zuid, it is a familiar place. The compact lunch and dinner menu consists of classic dishes from the predominantly French brasserie cuisine and innovative contemporary dishes. In season there are always oysters, asparagus and lobster. In addition to à la carte, there is a changing 3-course choice menu for both lunch and dinner that has been awarded a 'BIB Gourmand' annually by Michelin since 2010. Grootspraak, the restaurant guide for wine lovers, has ranked Brasserie van Baerle as one of the best 'wine restaurants' in Amsterdam for years.
1071 BJ Amsterdam
Esh Pitabar
Esh Pitabar is the new chapter for brothers Ilan and Joël Benamara, who previously ran Café Martinot since 2015 until the building was forced to close in 2022 due to foundation repairs. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, they decided to rebuild their business, this time with more space for their Israeli roots and inspiration from Tel Aviv. Chef Ilan Benamara himself is in the kitchen and enforces a simple but clear rule: everything is homemade, from the hummus to the pita bread. The menu features street food such as pita falafel, hummus with warm chickpeas, and fresh pizzas, just like you would eat them in Israel.
1071 AP Amsterdam
L'Entrecôte et les Dames
L’Entrecôte et les Dames embraces the concept of a formula restaurant, as the French call it. Within an attractively decorated French brasserie, the entrecôte takes center stage, always lightly cooked 'bleu' from Maas-Rhein-IJssel cattle. This is served with fries and a refreshing salad. If you are still hungry afterwards, you will be served another portion. Prefer not to eat meat? As an alternative, they serve sole fried in butter with ravigotte sauce. Same formula and same price as the entrecôte menu.
1071 NE Amsterdam
Pizzeria Le 4 Stagioni
Visitors to the Concertgebouw are no strangers to Roman-style pizzas with thin crusts. Since 1978, the pizzeria in Oud-Zuid has been providing many groups and (large) families with authentic Italian food. The interior has a Mediterranean touch and the menu offers something for everyone, from fresh pasta and tender meat to indispensable antipasti and vegetarian alternatives.
1071 NH Amsterdam
Franzen
Chef and owner Jesse Franzen grew up in a catering family in Haarlem. His father worked in the kitchen, his mother worked in the service. His own professional journey began in the kitchen of the two-star restaurant Chapeau, after which he gained experience at places including Aan de Poel, Ron Gastrobar, and Lars Amsterdam. With Franzen, Jesse creates a place that feels like a modern living room for the city. Accessible and warm, but always with a high standard. The menu is classic and recognizable, with a surprising twist here and there.
1071 TR Amsterdam
Café wildschut
Café Wildschut is located on Roelof Hartplein and is an ideal base for a drink. It is especially nice in the summer, as the terrace is sunny from early morning until evening. Because the café is located on a square, there is always activity. The café is housed in a monumental building of the Amsterdam School style and has a cosmopolitan interior with 1920s elements. It attracts a mixed crowd and has been a household name among Amsterdammers for decades. You can also come here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
1071 DT Amsterdam
Café Loetje
In 1977, Café Loetje was established as a billiards café by Ludwig 'Loetje' Klinkhamer, but it wasn't long before they traded the billiards for the tenderloin steak that was served. More than forty years later, Loetje is a huge chain, and the original 'Café' is a household name in Amsterdam. The tasty steak is served with homemade fries and fresh gravy - it's finger-licking good!
1071 HK Amsterdam
George W.P.A
George W.P.A is the ideal place to settle down for a good glass of wine and delicious food with a chic touch. The brasserie in Zuid describes itself as a combination of classic French cuisine, packaged in New York style, and is known for signature dishes such as grilled lobster and Blackened Tuna. Step inside (by reservation) in Amsterdam's "Upper South" and see for yourself!
1071 HD Amsterdam
Coffee District
Owners Adil Loukane and Rosa Loukane started with a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in a fashion store in the South. When the store closed its doors, Adil and Rosa seized their opportunity and decided to open their own coffee bar. They now have multiple locations. The coffee is made with a proprietary blend roasted by Lot Sixty One. They also offer sweets such as the now-famous cinnamon buns and banana bread.
1071 DJ Amsterdam
Sandberg
Café Restaurant Sandberg is named after Willem Sandberg, the innovative former director of the Stedelijk Museum, a name that Immediately says something about the ambitions behind this restaurant. It was set up by the same young Amsterdam hospitality entrepreneurs who are also behind Entrepot and Metro. During the day, the bakery works together with the kitchen to provide sweet treats to accompany coffee, sandwiches to take away, or an extensive lunch. For dinner, the curtains close and the young team serves creative, but recognizable and classic dishes.
1071 WZ Amsterdam
Breadwinner Too
Breadwinner Bagels was founded by Jon Fairclough, who translated his love of artisan baking into hand-rolled sourdough bagels with his own signature. What started in the Jordaan neighborhood grew into a beloved concept with multiple locations, including this branch in De Pijp. The kitchen focuses on natural ingredients and bagels baked fresh daily, combined with creative and classic toppings.
1071 DB Amsterdam
Taiko
Taiko is located in the five-star Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam. Chef Schilo van Coevorden is in charge of the kitchen. As a chef, he was trained in classic French cuisine, but soon became fascinated by the exotic flavors of Asia. Together with his team, he has created a menu that includes sushi, dim sum, curries, and meat and fish dishes. Vegetarian options are also available, of course.
1071 GZ Amsterdam
Brasserie de Joffers
With a large terrace in the summer and winter, brasserie Joffers has been a well-known hotspot for 15 years, just a stone's throw from the Vondelpark and the Museum Quarter. If the sun is not shining, there is plenty of space inside - a space decorated with art and mirrored walls, which creates a homely atmosphere. The meeting place for the neighborhood is ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner or simply for a nice cup of coffee.
1071 JH Amsterdam
Brasserie van Dam
Brasserie van Dam is known for its simple but effective formula: a concise menu with high-quality products, reasonable prices, good coffee, a pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff.
1071 GZ Amsterdam
Batoni Khinkali
In the Netherlands, Georgian cuisine is unfortunately underrepresented, despite its rich and fascinating culinary heritage. Fortunately, Batoni Khinkali offers an introduction to this flavorful cuisine. This restaurant, founded by Georgian clarinetist Levan Tskhadadze, combines his love of music with his passion for cooking. Here, guests can enjoy Georgian classics such as khinkali, katschapuri and lobio, as well as a vegan and meat menu, all served with the characteristic Georgian hospitality.
1077 JJ Amsterdam
Et Claire
Et Claire is located on Beethoven Street. Et Claire arose from a love for the best viennoiserie, coffee, (ice) tea in combination with endless sweet and savory options. The motto at et Claire is ''ne vous contentez pas de moins'', which means that you should not settle for less.
1077 HM Amsterdam
Cafecito
Cafecito, a minimalist coffee shop, offers high-quality coffee from gleaming white machines. It is part of the Cafecito franchise, an Amsterdam-based coffee roastery that decided to open coffee shops to stimulate their own sales when sales to catering establishments stagnated during the pandemic. Cafecito already has three branches in Amsterdam and one in Rotterdam. Cafecito is a business reduced to its essence. You can drink top-quality coffee from white machines there.
1077 BG Amsterdam
Roberto's Restaurant Amsterdam
Roberto's should not be missing from the top ten Italian restaurants in Amsterdam. The restaurant is located in the Hilton hotel, where the iconic Italian cuisine has been filling the plates for 25 years. The restaurant revolves around pure and simple flavors with dishes such as thinly sliced eggplant, green farfalle pasta with lobster sauce and Lava cake.
1071 MG Amsterdam
Carter
Carter is a modern brasserie in Amsterdam-Zuid where international classics are served with flair and finesse. Located on Valeriusstraat, this place feels like an elegant neighborhood café – informal, refined, and always welcoming. The menu features timeless dishes such as steak tartare, burrata, and lobster pasta, accompanied by a solid wine selection.
1071 BP Amsterdam
Café Georgette
Café Georgette is the little sister of Café George. It is a beautiful place with a French, elegant, and charming atmosphere. Early birds can come here for an espresso and night owls for a cocktail. Located on the chic P.C. Hooftstraat, this place is a dream for every foodie. The menu is full of lunch classics such as avocado toast and croque-monsieur, but also timeless French classics such as oysters and steak tartare.
1072 LZ Amsterdam
Bisous
An 'over the top interior' by Jean-Philippe Demeyer (Architectural Digest AD100 architect) combined with an excellent cuisine which they themselves call 'A sumptuous French – Zeeland cuisine'. A good example of this are the Zeeland cockles in a creamy white wine sauce finished with Parisienne herbs and parsley. Bisou!
1075 GH Amsterdam
Barolo
Bar Barolo brings the atmosphere of northern Italy to Valeriusstraat, in the heart of elegant Amsterdam-Zuid. The wine list is extensive and carefully curated, with Barolo as the obvious centerpiece. On the menu: homemade pasta, classic antipasti, and unpretentious seasonal dishes. The interior is warm and understated, as is the hospitality—everything here is done with care.
1072 SL Amsterdam
Boss bike
Sjefietshe is a cevicheria in the center of De Pijp, with a beautiful terrace offering plenty of space. For anyone unfamiliar with this delicious South American dish: the classic Peruvian appetizer consists of raw (white) fish that has been "cooked" in lime juice. The dish is served with chili, cilantro, red onion, and an ocean of lime. An overwhelming taste sensation and therefore difficult to match. Sjefietshe makes a good attempt and creates its own version with Amsterdam flair. In addition to ceviches with different types of fish, there is also the option to enjoy tasty bites, including the Sjefietshe special: their own invention, the 'hot dog octopus'. Enough reasons to stop by and decide for yourself whether the restaurant succeeds in transporting you to higher South American spheres!
1072 CT Amsterdam
Sababa
The owner of Sababa wanted good, perfect falafel. They started trying out different combinations, tasting products, and that's how their perfect falafel sandwich was created. Inspired by Israeli cuisine, great for a quick bite or an extensive meal with a beer.
1077 JK Amsterdam
Wine Bar QV
At Winebar QV you can basically spend the whole day as if you were in Italy. You start with an Italian espresso, have lunch with a hot meal and end with a good glass of wine with an Italian aperitivo. It is cozy and stylishly decorated and you can sit on the high stools at the bar, at the lower tables or on the small terrace.
1071 HX Amsterdam
Visque Restaurant
Restaurant Visque is located on the beautiful corner of Amsterdam South, where fish plays the leading role. Our menu is flexible and depends on the daily choice for the freshest and most flavorful products. Chef Menno gives his own twist to simple French dishes, such as scallops, Dutch shrimp, slip sole and our famous Tuna Wellington.
1072 CB Amsterdam
La Dilettante
Owners Olivier von Grumbkow and Hans Vervoort opened the doors of La Dilettante. La Dilettante is open for lunch and wine. Snacks such as quiches, tarte tatins, patés and rillettes are served with the natural wines. One of those natural wines that the men pour is called La dilettante. That is not the only explanation for the chosen name. The word has several meanings. One of them is: someone who does something out of love.
1071 XX Amsterdam
State (*)
In the Rijks, Joris Bijdendijk has put the culinary taste of the Rijksmuseum on the map. He mainly works with ingredients from his own country. Be sure to taste his signature dish, a millefeuille of fine layers of beetroot with a beurre blanc that has been enlivened with soy sauce from Tomasu and fresh parsley oil. Don't forget to take a look at the delicious wine list compiled by sommelier Isabelle Chow.
1072 ET Amsterdam
Sora Sapporo
Sora Sapporo Ramen serves authentic Japanese ramen and other Asian dishes. The restaurant has two locations in Amsterdam, one of which is on Ceintuurbaan in De Pijp. The restaurant is known for its delicious noodles. These noodles are imported from Japan, where they specialize in preparing this product. The broth, which is part of the miso soup and tonkotsu shoyu ramen, is also worth trying. For those who prefer to enjoy a delicious bowl of noodles at home, Sora Sapporo Ramen also delivers.
1072 CV Amsterdam
Auberge Amsterdam
The owners of 212 (**), de Juwelier (*) and Bistro de la Mer (*) were themselves avid visitors of the former Auberge jean & Marie. Now they continue the Auberge tradition in the same location. For 38 euros you can eat an excellent 3-course menu here.
1071 AR Amsterdam
Renzo's Delicatessen
Renzo’s Delicatessen is all about homemade, culinary and Italian products. All dishes are made fresh here every day. In addition to Renzo’s classics, there is also a varied menu. For some, Renzo’s is a neighborhood store and for others a place to have lunch or dinner. You can also go there for groceries, an Italian take-away menu or a sandwich. And especially the Dino sandwich: ground beef or warm chicken thighs with the infamous dinosaus, sun mayo, arugula and sun-dried tomatoes.
Southern Market
The zuiderMRKT is a small, cozy, weekly neighborhood market. Unique due to its cooperative character. The cooperative consists of members - enthusiastic local residents - who warmly support the market and help out at the market and in the vegetable stall. The members jointly determine the range of all stalls. They buy vegetables and fruit directly from the farmer, to sell them for fair prices on the zuiderMRKT square.
1071 ZJ Amsterdam
De Wijnkaart
De Wijnkaart is located in the Museum Quarter in Amsterdam-Zuid. All kinds of wines from the forgotten Eastern European wine countries are served here. Although the history of wine making started here, these countries are often forgotten in the wine world. If you have become curious about all kinds of wines, you can do a wine tasting in the wine bar, where you can choose which ones you want to taste. In addition to the appetizer platters that change weekly, there are also main courses on the menu.
1071 NL Amsterdam
Greengrocer Tom Ensink
Greengrocer Tom Ensink ensures that customers can choose from an exclusive range of honest products. In addition to vegetables, cheeses, fruits, nuts, oils, wines and meals are Sold - carefully selected for the true gourmets in the South. Specific wishes can be fulfilled when ordering products, but also for the fresh meals.
1066 VH Amsterdam
De Schuyt Butcher Shop
Butcher shop De Schuyt, named after its location on Cornelis Schuytstraat, has the parakeet as its symbol. Just like the parakeet, this distinctive butcher shop has its origins in the 1970s, and both have carved out a place for themselves in Amsterdam. Inspired by the parakeet, owner Evert Blauwendraat started his butcher shop with the idea of giving it a distinctive, personal, and special emblem that everyone could recognize. This family business with a rich history is the place to go for meat and delicacies.
1077 HN Amsterdam
Hergo Butcher Shop
Hergo Butcher's is Amsterdam's meat specialist. Back in 1930, Mr. Cantor, a German sausage maker, and his wife, who came from an Amsterdam butcher's family, started their butcher's shop selling typical German sausage specialties. With the motto "The butcher with a chef's hat," Hergo has grown to four different locations and has become an integral part of Amsterdam's streetscape. With hunting sausage, hausmacher, beef sausage, corned beef, and even a filet americain sandwich, Hergo distinguishes itself as a top-tier butcher shop.
1072 CH Amsterdam
Layers Bakery
Layers is a bakery and deli in Amsterdam, founded by French pastry chef Alexandre Scour, who translates his craftsmanship into a place where everything is built up layer by layer. In the mornings, the open pastry lab is in full swing, producing buttery croissants, viennoiserie, and patisserie that are made entirely in-house. In the afternoon, the focus shifts downstairs, where the deli serves fresh sandwiches with the same dedication to quality and detail. The concept revolves around unadorned craftsmanship, with food that is prepared with precision and attention.
1071 LN Amsterdam
The Concertgebouw
The Concertgebouw is one of the monumental buildings on Amsterdam's Museumplein. The building dates from 1888 and was completed in the style of Viennese classicism; although it also has features from the neo-Renaissance. The building was designed for classical concerts but also served as a pop venue for a while in the 60s and 70s. Famous stars who have performed here include Led Zeppelin and Aretha Franklin. Nowadays, almost a thousand concerts and other cultural activities take place in the Concertgebouw every year. There are also free lunch concerts for those on a smaller budget. For a visit to a lunch concert, it is best to check the website first. You can often reserve free tickets in advance there.
1071 HK Amsterdam
Hama Gallery
At Hama Gallery, they believe that a gallery is a boundless meeting place where art and people come together. The goal is to make art more accessible by offering a unique experience that breaks with tradition. The gallery welcomes visitors with open arms, whether you walk in for a spontaneous visit, want an intimate private viewing, or want to celebrate art together with others during our festive openings and garden events.
1071 DJ Amsterdam
Municipal Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is the place where everyone can discover and experience modern and contemporary art and design. Open 365 days a year. In the building of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, old and modern architecture merge into one. Architect Mels Crouwel used the white of former director Willem Sandberg as a starting point for 'the bathtub' in the renovation of 2012. The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam has been hiring 15 new Blikopeners every year since 2008. Blikopeners are open-minded young people from Amsterdam who work in the museum for a year to open the eyes of the public and staff.
1071 DJ Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum
In the Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein you will find the most beautiful works by the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The museum has a permanent collection with Van Gogh's masterpieces and a changing exhibition showing works by both contemporaries and contemporary artists. Exhibitions have been held in the museum by David Hockney and Maurice Denis, among others. In addition to showing art, the Van Gogh Museum also conducts research into Vincent van Gogh and his time. On the museum's website you can find a lot of information about the research Projects and restorations carried out. The museum is very popular, especially among international tourists, to avoid disappointment and long queues it is useful to order tickets online in advance.
1071 HR Amsterdam
Galerie Bildhalle
Bildhalle was originally founded as a Swiss gallery specializing in classical and contemporary photography. The gallery now has branches in Zurich and Amsterdam. Since its founding by Mirjam Cavegn in 2013, the gallery has developed into one of the most respected photo galleries in Switzerland. In October 2021, Bildhalle continued its growth with the opening of a second gallery on Willemsparkweg in Amsterdam. Here, the gallery presents a carefully selected collection of Dutch and international artists, ranging from emerging talent to established photographers.
1071 DE Amsterdam
Moco
The Moco museum (Modern Contemporary museum) is one of the newest museums on the Museumplein. This museum was founded in 2016 and also has a branch in Barcelona. The Moco museum is an independent museum that shows pieces by Banksy and Yayoi Kusama, among others. The Moco museum focuses on contemporary art, such as (post)modern visual art and street art. In Amsterdam, the Moco museum is located in Villa Alsberg. The building from 1904 was designed by Edward Cuypers, the nephew of the architect of the Rijksmuseum and was one of the first private villas on the museum square.
1072 SN Amsterdam
Galerie Fleur & Wouter
Galerie Fleur & Wouter was founded in 2019 by Fleur Feringa and Wouter van Herwaarden. The gallery's mission is to involve young people in art, familiarize them with galleries, and encourage them to collect art. This accessible and inclusive philosophy is reflected in all activities. They strive for understandable communication and clear stories.
1071 AP Amsterdam
Cosentino
Cosentino Group is a globally renowned Spanish family business that produces and distributes high-quality innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. Their inspiration center is located on Van Baerlestraat, where visitors can compare colors, materials, and applications for architecture and design Projects. Cosentino City offers an extensive inspiration platform where architects and designers can meet and work.
1071 JC Amsterdam
Menno Kroon
Menno Kroon's exuberant and atmospheric display window showcases such enchanting and special flowers that you simply have to take a look inside. Budding love, delight, the inevitable farewell. Each bouquet from Menno Kroon gives meaning to a special moment. Nothing is too crazy for them at Menno Kroon, and you can go there for the most special and diverse bouquets.
1071 AL Amsterdam
Carl Hansen & Søn
Carl Hansen & Søn, a Danish family business led by the third generation, embodies over a hundred years of craftsmanship in modern design. At Carl Hansen & Søn, they believe that iconic design stems from simplicity, aesthetics, and functionality, with attention to craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Their focus on preserving Danish design classics goes hand in hand with welcoming new influential designers to create a diverse collection of the best modern furniture classics.