Neighborhood guide: the Jordaan around the Westerstraat

Westerstraat Market

Every week there is the Westerstraat market, also known as the fabric market. It is famous for its many stalls selling fabrics and remnants. People come from far and wide to find the most beautiful fabrics. But you can also find delicious food and other things here; the market is diverse, with more than 212 stalls!

Terre Spring

At Terre Lente, they import their products directly from small-scale organic farmers and family businesses from Calabria, Southern Italy, and you can taste that. The products are honest, good and truly Italian. They have, among other things, sausage, cheese, olive oil, prepared vegetables and of course special wines. Everything is therefore organically produced. You will find this gem in the heart of the Jordaan. Tip: also enjoy a cup of Neapolitan coffee or a focaccia.

SAINT-JEAN Deli

NU Koffie & Delicatessen

In the heart of the Jordaan you will find the new delicatessen store NU. The interior is sleek and a mix between New York and Amsterdam style. They serve coffee made with freshly roasted beans from the Espressofabriek. In addition, they have a selection of pastries and sandwiches made from Ulmus bakery. If you plan to stay a little longer, take a look at the selection of natural wines.

Noordermarkt

You can shop on the cozy Noordermarkt on Monday morning and Saturday. Originally, the Noordermarkt was a pots, pans and patches market, where people in the 17th century mainly bought everyday objects. Today you can buy everything such as antiques, jewelry, paintings, glass and crockery, books and prints and lots of vintage clothing. On Saturday morning there is also an organic market where you can buy fresh organic vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, herbs, fish, honey and many other products. The market people are sometimes still true Amsterdammers with a strong accent and a board full of corny humor. You won't find such a variety of products at any other market in Amsterdam; the market has so much to offer that you can easily stroll around for a whole day.

Toscanini Deli

Next to the amazing restaurant you will find Toscanini Deli, famous for its divine cinnamon brioche, real Italian espresso, focaccia or a sandwich with fresh products such as cheese, sausage or anchovies. They also sell evening meals with all Italian specialties. Think of pasta, pasta sauces, but also freshly made vegetable, fish and meat dishes. Pizza flour, vinegars, organic good olive oil and various Italian wines are also for sale here.

Louman Butcher Shop

Louman Butcher's has been a household name in Amsterdam and the surrounding area since 1890. In addition to many regular local customers, many people from outside the city come especially to Slagerij Louman for a piece of meat, other meat products, or a traditionally prepared sausage. The butcher shop has been in the family for three generations, and with good reason. In the heart of the Jordaan, you can come here for quality, craftsmanship, and the most delicious meatballs.

Café Nol

A true family business and an authentic Amsterdam café. Located on Westerstraat in the lively Jordaan neighborhood, the café is impossible to miss: its red awnings are visible from a great distance. Inside, everything is red and quintessentially Amsterdam. Leather bar stools, lace curtains in front of the windows, chandeliers, and old photos on the walls make Café Nol iconic. Time seems to stand still here; as soon as you step inside, you find yourself in Amsterdam in 1966 (when this café first opened its doors). If you are looking for Amsterdam conviviality, Café Nol is the place to be.

Hummus Bistro D&A

Hummus Bistro D&A was founded by two Israeli women. You can enjoy delicious dishes there all day long. Start your day with shakshuka for breakfast, enjoy traditional hummus with various toppings during lunch and taste meat or vegetarian dishes for dinner. Everything is possible and can be ordered all day long. The traditional hummus is served with pita bread, salad and pickles, but you can also opt for toppings such as roasted vegetables or slow-cooked meat and fresh herbs.

Sins of Sal

At Sins of Sal, the cuisine differs from the authentic Latin American style of Salmuera. The menu embraces street food, including the Heretic Hamburger with huancaina cheese salsa and the Molleja (thymus) Tostadas. Unlike Salmuera, where the emphasis is on family dinners or romantic candlelight, Sins of Sal is bold and sinful. Candle wax drips from the candlesticks, concrete-look walls and red fluorescent tubes adorn the interior.

Margo's

When Margo and her husband decided to go vegan, they missed crispy croissants the most. After thousands of attempts, they finally achieved what they needed. Margo's croissants are indistinguishable from the version made with animal butter. They also serve American cookies and freshly prepared sandwiches in soft rolls baked daily, using the freshest ingredients.

Café Parlotte

Fine wine, delicious food, but above all the pleasure of spending an evening together in a pleasant setting. That's Café Parlotte, as they say themselves.  You can sit down for wine, oysters, charcuterie, cheese, and other delicacies, but they also serve a weekly changing three-course menu. The wine list is one of the best in town. Margot Los, sommelier of the year 2023, is just as happy to pour a house wine as she is to serve the most exceptional bottle.

Mother

Madre restaurant and cocktail bar is ideally located on Westerstraat, in the heart of the Jordaan district. It is the Bacalar of the city center and therefore just as promising a taqueria with refreshing cocktails. Madre's message is embedded in its name: everything begins and ends with our mothers. In terms of food, this means that the process from production to fork takes Mother Nature's love into account. The use of local, seasonal products contributes to the restaurant's positive message and can also be tasted, both in the Mexican cuisine and in the lime-infused mescal cocktails. Reservations are recommended but not required, as half of the space is kept open for walk-ins!

Café R. De Rosa

Finally, we can take a seat at Café R. De Rosa, located in the Jordaan neighborhood between Westerstraat and Lindengracht. This charming corner shop is run by the experienced Floris (known from restaurant VRR) and co-owner Marieke (Chateau Amsterdam). At Café R. De Rosa, you will find good quality without the high prices. Filter coffee with milk, tap Chardonnay, and delicious bar snacks such as pickled artichokes and homemade egg mayonnaise. The choice is deliberately limited, and with every order, you get water and corn nuts.

Hinata

Hinata is a popular ramen restaurant in the heart of the Jordaan district. The chef is trained as a traditional Soba master. They mix the traditional Japanese soba technique in ramen to create not only an authentic, but also a unique and distinctive flavor. Hinata specializes in Shoyu, Miso and vegan ramen and they make their own broth and noodles. 

La Fiorita

A modern Italian restaurant in the heart of the Jordaan district. Excellent ingredients and superbly prepared dishes. We recommend a table near the open kitchen so you can see where all the delicious food is being prepared. The atmosphere is cozy and chic. Recommended for a festive occasion or simply when you want to enjoy really good Italian food.

The Pearl

With La Perla already occupying both sides of the street, the owner of the pizzeria-plus also bought the adjacent building that housed the 'main restaurant' for no less than 33 years. That restaurant is no longer there, but the Italian restaurant La Perla is. In addition to delicious pizzas with a good thin crust, they also make other delicious Italian dishes here. It is considered one of the best pizzerias in Amsterdam, and you can see why!

ô bistro

ô bistro on Lindengracht is one of those places where you immediately sense a subtle balance between craftsmanship and warmth. The restaurant is run by a French-Italian duo: chef Pierre Buffard, who brings classic French bistro cuisine to the table with attention and precision, and sommelier Daniele Gaudiello, who, with his Italian background, provides a wine list that goes just a little further than the expected Burgundy or Bordeaux. The result is a carefully curated menu full of French favorites such as terrine, côte de boeuf, Location mille-feuille, accompanied by wines that make you curious Location drink on autopilot Location .

Rosario Mexican Cuisine

At Rosario, they work with a small, changing menu. They cook dishes from modern Mexican cuisine, which is what they themselves prefer to cook and eat. The tacos are highly recommended, especially the Taco de Suadero (beef with tomato salsa), but you should also try the four-course chef's menu at least once.

Het Bruine Paard

Directly opposite Café het Bruine Paard is a steep bridge. There used to be a fire station on the other side. The story goes that during a harsh winter night, the horse and fire truck slid off the bridge and ended up in the café. Hence the name het Bruine Paard (the Brown Horse).

The Little Deli

Le Petit Deli offers a variety of delicacies. They have a patisserie with a changing assortment of classic French pastries such as éclairs, choux, and macarons. They also serve luxury sandwiches and salads. The sauces and marinades at Le Petit Deli are made fresh every day.

Luuk's Coffee

In the middle of the Jordaan, opposite Winkel 43, is Luuk's coffee. Luuk Nijsen is the founder of this special coffee bar. They are extremely popular because of their excellent Location and even better coffee. They also make delicious sweet treats if you're feeling peckish. You can go here seven days a week.

Shop 43

You can come here from early morning until late at night, in summer and winter. You can enjoy the famous apple pie on the wonderfully sunny terrace or choose a tasty sandwich from the lunch menu. You can also come in the evening for a bite to eat or a drink. The menu is not complicated, but tasty and not expensive. It is located in the middle of the Jordaan and is a perfect place for people-watching. Because Winkel 43 is so famous for its apple pies, it naturally attracts tourists, but local residents also like to come here because it is so incredibly tasty. Not to be missed!

Café Hegeraad

Until the early 20th century, Café Hegeraad was a small café with an adjoining house. Later, the glass connecting doors were removed. It is a cozy bar with typical Dutch cuisine, coffee, and sweet treats.

SAINT-JEAN

Saint Jean recently opened in the Jordaan neighborhood. When owner Yann Pierre-Jean switched to a plant-based diet, he was very disappointed with the flavors of vegan pastries. He decided to start baking at home and selling his creations. This grew into his own plant-based bakery and specialty coffee shop. It's always busy, but if you arrive early, you can score one of their signature cruffins, filled with a homemade pistachio cream that is divine.

The Good Companion

Located in the heart of the Jordaan district, you will find The Good Companion. Sustainable fish and fresh products are at the forefront here. The name says it all, loosely translated from English as "The Good Companion," which is why they also sell divine fish and chips here that you can enjoy with all your good friends. But oysters, mussels, and other specialties are also of high quality here.

Café de Twee Prinsen

Café de Twee Prinsen is the third establishment from the team behind Binnenvisser and the Corner Store. Here, you can pop in for coffee in the morning, have lunch with a baguette, or hang out at the bar for some bites and the extensive selection of natural wines. In other words, the café is perfect from breakfast to late-night drinks.

Room

Kamer is the new bar and restaurant in the former premises of Café de Parel, set up by Ciaran Patrick and Justin Grooten. For Patrick, it is his first own business, after previous experiences at Sebonsa and 4850, among others. Together, they have created a place where exciting, idiosyncratic cuisine goes hand in hand with a strong focus on (natural) wines. The menu changes regularly and invites you to share, taste, and discover without a fixed pattern.

Kikkie van de Prinsensluis

This café restaurant is located on the corner of Prinsenstraat and Prinsengracht. There is a spacious terrace with a wide selection of natural wines. It is an ideal place for a drink that turns into a long evening with dishes that far exceed the level of bar snacks. At the weekend you can enjoy a tasty lunch, which means home-smoked Pastrami from 12:00, just like the smash burger and more small dishes.

The Two Swans

Café De twee Zwaantjes is a cozy brown café located in the heart of Amsterdam. Every week, a regular group of six musicians with varying lineups comes to play, but guests can also sing their favorite songs.

Toscanini

After Maud Moody started Toscanini 40 years ago, the restaurant has become an indispensable part of the list of best restaurants in Amsterdam. The restaurant is spacious, cozy and also light. Here you will find a changing menu of high quality, an extremely extensive wine list and excellent service. Chef Leonardo Pacenti likes to simplify the dishes, without sacrificing refinement and taste. Only the very best ingredients, not too much done with it, except well prepared.

Café De Klepel

In 2013, owner Maureen transformed Café de Klepel from a classic brown bar into a wine bar where French wine takes center stage. Chefs Ewout Lindenhovius and Rudolf Brand serve a daily changing menu of 3 or 4 courses. The wine list is entirely French and is accompanied by a strong team of sommeliers who know the list in detail. There are more than 300 different bottles on the list, and every evening they pour around 25 different wines by the glass, which are constantly changing.

Christiaan Smit

Christiaan Smit is an intimate restaurant in the Jordaan, located at Prinsenstraat 20 in Amsterdam. It offers a 4- or 5-course dinner, with the option to order à la carte. Under the direction of chef Simon van Lith, the focus is on seasonal dishes with meat, fish, and local products, such as langoustines and dry-aged fish. Sommelier Abel van Schoonhoven provides accompanying wines. The interior, inspired by English pubs, exudes comfort and conviviality. With space for 30 guests and an inner garden, the restaurant offers a warm atmosphere. The name is a tribute to Christiaan Smit, a historical Amsterdam cargo carrier, known as "Kikkie van de Prinsensluis". The restaurant combines high-quality dishes with a touch of Amsterdam history, ideal for a culinary evening in a special setting.

OSLO

At OSLO Amsterdam, they wholeheartedly embrace the Scandinavian philosophy. The pastries are carefully crafted, striving for the perfect balance between sweetness and refinement, satisfying without any excess. The result is a combination of complexity, yet accessible to everyone. At OSLO, they use only organic and biodynamic ingredients in their baking process, not only creating delicious pastries, but also leaving the earth a little better.

Disgusting

Leeelijk is a beautiful antique shop located in the heart of the Jordaan district. The shop is perfect for anyone looking for beautiful antique furniture, such as chairs, tables, mirrors, stools, etc. The shop is quite large and filled with items everywhere. Don't forget to walk all the way to the back. There is so much to see and find, so take your time to look at everything. There is a wide variety of furniture and decorative items, from classic styles to more modern vintage items. The owners, who are often present in the shop, are very helpful and can tell you more about the history of the pieces and where they come from.

Tableware

At Tableware, you will find thousands of unique vintage glasses, plates, serving dishes, beautiful silver cutlery sets, and table decorations, making every meal you prepare absolutely unforgettable. The pieces have been collected from all over the world, from shell plates from Miami to champagne coupes from Paris; you can find them all at Tableware.

Galerie Gaudium

Galerie Gaudium specializes in 20th-century design by the most iconic architects and designers. The gallery is located in the heart of beautiful Amsterdam, where they present various themed exhibitions of mid-century furniture combined with contemporary art. Themes include the work of famous designers such as Mathieu Matégot and Charlotte Perriand, or location-specific exhibitions such as Danish, Italian, or Japanese design. New exhibitions are announced via their social media. The items in the exhibition are For Sale Available the online store.

Geelvinck Pianola Museum

In the heart of the Jordaan district lies a unique museum, namely the small Geelvinck Pianola Museum. For anyone who has no idea what the -la does after piano: it is the collective name for all automatically playing pianos. The museum's archive has more than 30,000 rolls, all of which can be played on different types of musical instruments. The museum explains what these piano rolls are, how they are made, and who mainly uses them. In addition, the museum can also be used to rent a room for 50 people, and concerts are regularly held there, for which tickets can be purchased online.

KochXBo Gallery

Galerie KochXBos was founded by Esther Koch and Hans Bos in 2005. In this gallery in the working-class neighborhood of Jordaan, they offer contemporary underground artists a space to display their work. Galerie KochXBos is the place in Amsterdam to view innovative avant-garde and surrealist art. The taste and vision of founders Koch and Bos are indisputable. Every year, they organize several exciting and fascinating exhibitions at Galerie KochXBos. The recent success of KochXBos has not gone unnoticed. In 2011, this gallery was named one of the top 10 independent galleries in Amsterdam by The Guardian magazine. As a visitor, you are invited into a new world of art full of welcome surprises.

Kersgallery

In the Kersgallery you will find two streams of modern contemporary artworks. On the one hand, artists who depict the theatrical and absurd aspects of daily life, and on the other hand, artists who use abstract impressionism to show nature in all its wonder. For Annelien Kers, a lot of color and a lively atmosphere are the driving forces behind the artworks that are exhibited in the Kersgallery.