French cuisine in Amsterdam; a selection of restaurants, epiceries, patisseries and brasseries
Ever since the Huguenots fled to Amsterdam, there have been many French influences in our capital city. In recent years, more and more new French restaurants have been opening. Read our tips here, bon appetit!
1017 VJ Amsterdam
The Jeweler (*)
Restaurant De Juwelier is the new à la carte restaurant from the chefs of the two Michelin-starred Restaurant 212. Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot opened De Juwelier together on Utrechtsestraat. The menu features classics from French and Dutch cuisine. Refreshingly, this chic bistro has no concept, but simply revolves around delicious, hearty food and enjoyment. In short: a gem.
1012 NJ Amsterdam
Kaagman en Kortekaas
After the culinary paths of Giel (Kaagman) and Bram (Kortekaas) crossed at Bordewijk, they opened their own restaurant in 2015. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly. Dishes are based on what Available fresh and Available at that moment. Wine plays just as important a role as the food: the wine list is carefully curated, often featuring characterful wines from winemakers who work with respect for nature and tradition.
1016 HL Amsterdam
Café Restaurant Verlan
The former building of the famous Envy is getting a new lease of life with Café Restaurant Verlan. This cozy restaurant serves contemporary French à-la-carte dishes. The dinner menu is available all day, while lunch is served until 3:00 PM. Whether you're looking for coffee, a full lunch, snacks, or dinner, Verlan has it all. You can take a seat at the long marble bar and watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Monday for dinner, and on Saturday and Sunday for lunch.
1017 VV Amsterdam
Bouchon du centre
On the corner of the Reguliersgracht you will find 40m2 of cozy France, including a traditional bistro atmosphere and red and white checkered tablecloths. The bistro is run by Hanneke Schouten and is open from Wednesday to Saturday. The concept originated from the 'bouchon Lyonnais' where a high-quality meal is prepared with affordable ingredients.
1013 EH Amsterdam
Bistrot neuf
Bistrot Neuf is a cozy bistro with a modern interior in the middle of lively Amsterdam. It was once rightly proclaimed the best French establishment in Amsterdam, and that is understandable. The permanent menu is full of French classics such as bouillabaisse, snails and steak tartare. As one of the few in Amsterdam, warm lunch is also served here, but you can also dine here in a cozy and uncomplicated Parisian style with a good glass of wine.
1013 GX Amsterdam
De Belhamel
This restaurant distinguishes itself in terms of both location and interior. The restaurant and the bar (a real speakeasy) both have a romantic Parisian Art Nouveau atmosphere. French-inspired classics enhance this unique identity with tarte tatin of shallots, silver onions, blue cheese and mustard caramel or pain perdu of brioche with yogurt-orange ice cream. In the summer you can sit on the terrace on the Brouwersgracht.
1015 DD Amsterdam
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.
1015 DD Amsterdam
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.
1017 XD Amsterdam
Veneur
Chef-owners Yoran Jacobi and Moriaan Koeleman have combined their years of collaboration at the former Michelin-starred restaurant De Juwelier* in a new French restaurant on Weteringschans. Together with sommelier and co-owner Bas Hazen, they offer product-driven cuisine in which meat, grilled dishes, and open fire play the leading role. The menu is classic French with modern accents and seasonal products, focusing on robust sauces and precision. The carefully curated wine list is the perfect partner for the à la carte dishes. Veneur combines nostalgic charm with contemporary hospitality, with a warm atmosphere and a terrace reminiscent of a Parisian bistro.
1013 EV Amsterdam
Petit Gâteau
Petit Gâteau is an authentic French patisserie located on Haarlemmerstraat in Amsterdam. Everything is prepared in the store, visible to everyone. Just seeing this unique concept is enough to make your mouth water. The owners, Meike and Patrice, met in Paris, where Meike opened a patisserie after completing her pastry chef training. After six successful years in Paris, they moved to Amsterdam to do the same. At Petit Gâteau, you'll find cakes in all shapes and sizes, and you can even learn to recreate those cakes in the workshops that are given here.
1015 SC Amsterdam
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.
1015 MR Amsterdam
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.
1015 KM Amsterdam
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 .
1013 KT Amsterdam
Tannay
In the former Gouden Reaal, Chef Thomas Demuth, as a partner of the Caron Family, introduces restaurant Tannay. Tannay is named after the Coteaux Tannay appellation where Demuth grew up in Burgundy and where his father still makes wine. You can eat at a table, but there are also places at the kitchen. After working in top businesses in France for many years, Thomas cooks in Amsterdam from memories that take him from his mother's kitchen in Burgundy. He presents his dishes in a 5-course chef's menu or à la carte with a wine list that explores the depths of Burgundy, Loire and Champagne.
1013 NM Amsterdam
Boon & de Koot
Following the success of Zoldering, chef Thomas Bron, wine importer Joost Clarijs, and sommeliers Job Seuren and Wout Jans opened Boon & de Koot, an accessible wine bar in the Zeeheldenbuurt neighborhood, without compromising on quality. The menu starts with hearty snacks such as oeuf mayo with roasted garlic and lovage, cleverly served so you can eat it in one bite. This is followed by refined starters such as raw sea bass with beurre noisette and calamansi or a coarse steak tartare with radicchio and anchovies. The real showstopper is the dish of roasted peas with tomatillo, olive, and egg yolk, a perfect interplay of smoke, freshness, and creaminess. Inside, there is a French bistro atmosphere, while outside, the terrace with marble tables and burgundy chairs invites you to linger for another glass.
1054 AS Amsterdam
Gertrude
Gertrude is a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent meal. The cuisine here follows the seasons, with an emphasis on seasonal vegetables and sustainably sourced fish and meat. Think pickled sardines with arugula oil, pappardelle with ragù, or finish with pear crumble with sour cream and Kef cheeses. The interior consists of beautiful antique pieces, creating a chic yet homely atmosphere. You can dine here during the week and also have lunch here on weekends.
1054 DC Amsterdam
Vleck wines
Vleck wines is one of the first importers of natural wines in the Netherlands. The wines are purchased Immediately farmers in France, going straight from the vineyard to the store. Vleck's philosophy is to interfere as little as possible with the natural processes of winemaking, and no insecticides or artificial fertilizers are used in the vineyards. In short, if you love natural wine, this is the place to be.
1053 WD Amsterdam
The Word
Tijn Verstappen, known for restaurants such as Pazzi, Oeuf, Gertrude, and Van 't Spit, found this historic building to be the perfect location for a French bistro in the Westers district. La Parole, led by talented chef Olivier Hirschmann (26), offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks seven days a week at affordable prices. The menu includes classic French dishes such as moules frites, omelets, and cheeseburgers, as well as innovative creations such as brioche toast with steak tartare and ravioli with crab in a bisque sauce. La Parole is a welcome addition to the neighborhood, offering a relaxed atmosphere with excellent wine and a cozy bar to hang out in.
1051 BA Amsterdam
Cafe Beurre
Café Beurre is an accessible place where you are always welcome without a reservation. The restaurant has a preference for vegetables and butter, and does not use meat or fish in their dishes. The wine list is compiled by a former employee of Balthazar's Keuken and De Wijnwinkel, and offers a selection of French and Italian wines at decent prices. The restaurant also pays a lot of attention to aperitifs and serves a classic French snack of radish with homemade butter from organic farm De Beekhoeve. The menu changes regularly and offers generously flavored, uncomplicated dishes that seem to have been created on the fly.
1014 DB Amsterdam
Cantine de Caron
Cantine de Caron in Westerpark is the fourth restaurant of renowned chef Alain Caron and his sons. The restaurant started a few years ago as a pop-up called Grand Caron on the Westergasterrein, but it soon became clear that they could stay under the name Cantine. Inside this former factory space is a brasserie that offers a warm welcome, whether for a quick lunch or an extensive dinner. You can take a seat inside at one of the tables or outside on the sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Westerpark. On the menu, you will discover familiar French dishes with a Mediterranean atmosphere, while the wine list shines with wines from leading regions throughout France.
1057 SV Amsterdam
September
September is an intimate wine bar and restaurant in De Baarsjes, run by three friends, Matthew, Valentijn, and Lizzy, who met in the hospitality industry and are now creating their own dream place. Their style is based on French culinary logic with local seasonal products and a compact menu that changes regularly. Wine plays a leading role, with an emphasis on natural wine and an approach that makes it easy to discover without fuss.
1057 CN Amsterdam
Felperlaan Restaurant
Restaurant Felperlaan recently opened its doors in De Baarsjes. The owners are known from Café Mundi. Owner Lila and her partner Benten want to offer local artists the opportunity to exhibit their art. The restaurant is a vibrant neighborhood spot with a focus on good food and an accessible atmosphere. The daily menu, which is seasonal and priced between €39 and €49, is updated every three to four weeks. The restaurant also offers a snack menu with regular items such as oysters, homemade pâté (including vegetarian options), and various vegetarian dishes. The cuisine combines influences from southern France, northern Italy, and Spain.
1055 EC Amsterdam
Flour
Farine is Mitchel Charles' French bakery. He moved from England to Amsterdam just before Brexit and combined his background as a chef and barista here. After years at Coffee & Coconuts, he decided to create his own place, offering French classics that, according to regular customers, taste just like home. Charles sees the business as his personal project, from the bright blue façade to the timeless design, in which he brings together his love of branding and craftsmanship. In the bakery, everything revolves around quality, with butter from France, flour from regenerative agriculture, and coffee from Un.common, carefully selected after visits to several roasters.
1072 BS Amsterdam
Café Caron
Café Caron was born from the inspiration of Alain and Roeltje at home. Their sons Tom and David wanted to start a restaurant that felt like sitting at their own dining table, where top-quality dishes were served without fuss in a homely setting. The menu is compact and changes according to seasonal availability. The wine list is firmly rooted in France. The family business has now grown to four establishments.
1073 CJ Amsterdam
Mont Blanc Restaurant
Chef Thibault and his wife Dieuwertje Gordijn have been successfully running Bistrot des Alpes for years. In October 2021, they opened a new restaurant at Govert Flinckstraat 308. Here you can embark on a culinary journey around Mont Blanc. Chef Thibault takes you along the mountain lakes, through the mountains and finally to the top of Mont Blanc with his signature dessert. A fine-dining experience in a warm atmosphere.
1073 BX Amsterdam
Arles
Numa Muller, the chef from Arles, creates a new 3, 4 and 5 course menu every month. His neo-bistro dishes are simple yet surprising due to the special combinations of French cuisine with influences from abroad. The entirely French wine list is an interesting combination of traditional producers with both emerging vins naturels.
In 2022, the restaurant was awarded a Bib-Gourmand by Michelin for the fifth year in a row.
1072 VE Amsterdam
Petit Caron
The little brother of Café Caron, founded and managed by Alain Caron and his sons, located on the always busy Gerard Douplein. Reserve a table on the terrace and imagine yourself in the Parisian district of Les Marais. Order Petit's signature dish: Côte de Boeuf, and a nice bottle of Lowel. The wine also comes from the Caron Family and is named after the youngest son of the Caron family. A smooth red wine, preferably drunk slightly chilled, from the Loire, which is ideal for enjoying everything Petit has to offer.
1073 BT Amsterdam
Epicerie de Pijp
A little bit of France in Amsterdam. Because of the lack of French delicacies, when owner Merabi went to France, she came back with bags full of groceries, this shop was opened around the corner from the Albert Cuyp market.
All products are selected and imported by the owners themselves. Fresh products such as Le Mi-chèvre Soignon, a cheese made from goat and cow's milk, but also galettes Saint Jacques, crêpes filled with scallops in butter-parsley sauce.
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.
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!
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 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 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.
1072 LT Amsterdam
Bar Buuf
Bar Buuf was founded by Fleur van Olphen (in collaboration with the owner of Bar Dó), who grew up in Saigon and trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris before opening her own restaurant in Amsterdam. She deliberately chose a name that was homely and accessible, as a counterpart to the many French bistros in the city. The cuisine has a French foundation, with room for influences from other countries thanks to an international team and a menu that changes with the seasons. Fleur likes to be close to her guests and built Bar Buuf as a place where hospitality is a given, from a carafe of water to a basket of bread at no extra charge. Bar Buuf is also open for a simple lunch.
1079 LT Amsterdam
Pasteibakkerij
In the former slaughterhouse of the Rivierenbuurt you will find the Pasteibakkerij today. They make all kinds of sausages, pâté, bacon, ham and other chacuterie in French style here. The Pasteibakkerij is named after the dish pie; where pâté is baked in crust dough. Throughout the year, the Pasteibakkerij sells its permanent range, but during the holidays you can also buy traditional pie dishes here.
1077 CW Amsterdam
Sébastien's Bakery
Le Fournil is the brainchild of Susan and Sébastien, who, after years of baking experience in France, came to the Netherlands in 2007 to open an authentic French boulangerie. Its strength lies in its artisanal craftsmanship, sourdough, and conscious choice for small-scale, pure, traditional bread making.
1076 CM Amsterdam
Wils Bakery & Café
In Amsterdam Zuid you will now find Wils Bakery Café on the ground floor. A mix of bakery and French bistro. Wils is a new venture from chef Joris Bijendijk and the Vermaat Groep (Vermaat owns Rijks and Wils). At Wils Bakery Café they combine the craft of a bakery with the cosiness of a French bistro. On the menu you will find recognizable dishes, prepared with the same craftsmanship as in Michelin star restaurant Wils. Taste the pastries of Tania, the dishes of Rudolf, lunch with the bread of Maxim and have a drink with the wines of Barbora.
1182 GV Amstelveen
Le Fournil Amstelveen
Le Fournil is the place to be in Amstelveen for authentic French baguettes, croissants, or madeleines. Don't be put off by the queue.
During regular family visits to the Netherlands,Sébastien Roturier, a Frenchman and artisan baker, and Susan, his Dutch wife, gradually developed the idea of starting a bakery there: the same bakery as in France, but in the Netherlands. Sébastien: "I found it challenging to be the first French baker to open a shop in the Netherlands."
1391 BR Abcoude
Phil & Déjean
Gérard Déjean and Philbère Nijenhof travel twice a week to the largest fresh market in Europe: Rungis, just south of Paris. Here they buy the finest fresh products, which can be delivered directly to your kitchen shortly afterwards. In addition, since 2020 they have been running a Traiteur-Kaas & Delicatessen store in Abcoude with a real wine attic above it.
1092 AD Amsterdam
Spring Cafe Brasserie
The five-star Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits At The Park is home to Spring Café Brasserie, which overlooks Oosterpark and has a lovely terrace for the summer. Inside, there is a real brasserie atmosphere with a varied menu, including classics such as steak tartare and leeks with sauce gribiche.
1093 BK Amsterdam
Café Wu
Café Wu is a modern bistro inspired by Chinese cuisine and culture. Timo de Beurs (formerly of Slagerij de Beurs) serves exciting dishes ranging from classic Chinese cuisine to free interpretations thereof using European techniques and products. Chi Ling Wu's wine list (formerly of Scheepskameel, among others) features European wines with an emphasis on France, Germany, and Italy. Café Wu offers both a five-course menu and a concise à la carte menu. In addition to good food and fine wine, there is also a special focus on music, with an important role for elegant vinyl and tape.
1091 TK Amsterdam
Lille
Restaurant Rijsel is named after the French city of Lille, which is called Rijsel by people from Flanders. Like Lille, Restaurant Rijsel has an industrial character. In the building that used to serve as a domestic science school, delicious dishes with French and Flemish influences are now served every day. There is a wide choice of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Classics such as poussin rotie, Russian salad, côte de boeuf with béarnaise sauce, fish soup, etc. have been on the menu for years, to the satisfaction of a large group of regular guests. The extensive wine list has a slight focus on France. The restaurant is located right next to the Weesperzijde, so after dinner you can also enjoy a walk along the Amstel or a beer at Café Hesp.
1091 EX Amsterdam
Trump card
Raymond Plat (former sous chef at 212), Niels Leijssenaar (restaurant manager at Ron Blaauw), Willem Alberts, and Roderick Kunst (co-owners of Escobar) are joining forces to start restaurant Troef. The men want to create a homely atmosphere and serve delicious food without too much fuss. The menu is dominated by classic French and Italian dishes. For starters, you can choose from anchovies and sardines, oysters with beurre blanc, or crispy veal cheek with oyster cream. Main course options include lobster with antibois sauce and bisque foam or ribeye.
1094 HJ Amsterdam
The French Café
Le French Café is located on the bustling Javastraat in Amsterdam East. It's a place where you can just as easily sit down for a relaxed breakfast as for a delicious dinner. Whether you're in the mood for French classics such as an extensive seafood platter or a tasty cassoulet, or just want to enjoy a pastis or a good glass of natural wine on the terrace or at the regulars' table, you can do it all here.
1097 AB Amsterdam
La Vallade
At La Vallade, you can imagine yourself in France for a moment, where the sun is shining and the food is delicious. This restaurant was founded in 1989, and since then its unique concept has been a hit with Amsterdam residents. Here you eat whatever is on the menu, with a different chef every day. The honest French countryside is served here in a charming setting. This somewhat hidden spot is beautiful inside and out. Highly recommended for lovers of a Burgundian dining experience.
1098 AB Amsterdam
Roof
Roef is located on the site of the former iconic Café Cliché and brings a new interpretation of neighborhood restaurant to Amsterdam-Oost under owner Eshwin Boetting. Boetting named his business after his grandfather Roelof and has built a cuisine around simple ingredients, local products, and a keen focus on flavor and balance. The menu combines Dutch and French influences.
1031 CN Amsterdam
Dolzon
On Van der Pekplein, among other small businesses, you will find the Dolzon bakery. It would be a shame to overlook this little bakery. Here they sell delicious homemade bread, pastries, and other tasty treats, all made with love. The good news is that the bakery is also open on Sunday mornings, so you can enjoy a freshly baked French croissant. These are so delicious that you have to be quick, because the croissants sell out fast.
1023 BD Amsterdam
Glaze
Lazuur is a joint project Rogier and Elise, owners of Lastage* in Amsterdam. With Sherif Khalil at the helm, they have the ideal chef who seamlessly blends French cuisine with his Portuguese background. The menu offers dishes to share. Every first Sunday of the month, they serve a Sunday Roast, three classic courses for brunch or lunch. Another plus is the wine list, which includes a wide selection of matching Madeira and port wines.