If you are a vegetarian, vegan or just a
- The Vegan Junk Food Bar
- Avocado Show
- Beter & Leuk
- Betty’s
- Café de Ceuvel
- Zest for Life
- De
Culinare Werkplaats - De Meets
- De Peper
- Dophert
- Dutch Weed Burger Joint
- Foodhallen
- Golden Temple
- Jackson Dubois
- Kebabi
- Mana Mana
- Maoz
- Mastino
- Meatless District
- Men Impossible
- Mr & Mrs Watson
- Mylk
- Ninour
- Olive and Cookie
- Saravana Bhavan
- Sir Hummus
- SLA
- Spirit
- The Happy Pig
- Alchemist Garden
- Vegabond
1. The Vegan Junk Food Bar
Plant-based foot doesn’t have to be 100% healthy, huh? I am introducing the Vegan Junkfood Bar. For those who crave junk food but still want to keep it plant-based. Here you will definitely find the best vegan burger in Amsterdam. And there are two locations to choose from. Personally, I love the one near Vondelpark – a lovely spot to spend time on a warm evening. In the menu you will find stacked burgers, shawarma, battered onion rings etc. All meals are made completely of vegan ingredients. The portions are quite big and the restaurant is not very expensive. I think that the kapsalon (‘loaded fries’) may be even better than the meaty version. What is more, the service is amazingly friendly and welcoming.
Where to find it: two locations: Marie Heinekenplein 9-10, De Pijp and Staringplein 22, Oud-West
2. Avocado Show
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One of the hottest vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam at the moment. What is not very surprising, the restaurant is all about avocado. To be honest, Avocado Show is not 100% vegan, as you can find some meat dishes too, but vegetarians will definitely find something they like. In the menu you will find breakfasts and lunches. My absolute number one is the Mango Curry Tango served with hummus and avocado. Make sure you will also try the Veg-O-Tato – grilled vegetables with guacamole and chipotle. All dishes at Avocado Show are delicious, nutritious and… for those who care – perfectly Instagrammable.
Where to find it: Daniel Stalpertstraat 61
3. Beter & Leuk
If you are looking for a place to have a healthy brunch and learn how to cook, this might be your place to visit. On top of the great menu, Beter & Leuk also offers various workshops (2- or 3-hour courses) so that you can learn how to eat healthier at home. In the
Where to find it: Eerste Oosterparkstraat 91
4. Betty’s
Betty’s is located on the Rijnstraat which is quite close to the city center. The place is run be an amazing couple – the woman is a chef and the man is a front of the house. To me, it is a kind of a place to spend all evening at and a culinary surprise every time.
The most exciting thing at Betty’s is that there is no menu. You just let them know if there is anything you cannot eat and then you just wait to be surprised. It is vegetarian (vegan in some cases), all ingredients used are organic, including the wines. The food is just delicious but to be honest, what stole my heart at the very beginning was the atmosphere. It really makes Betty’s a very special place.
Where to find it: Rijnstraat, Zuid
5. Café de Ceuvel
Café de Ceuvel is a very original place. It was built out of reused materials in 2014. It has an aquaponic garden on the roof and all dishes in the menu are produced from local farms’ ingredients. The main vision behind Café de Ceuvel is providing healthy food for people and taking care of a
Where to find it: Korte Papaverweg 4, Amsterdam North
6. Zest for Life
A 100% vegan restaurant. It is actually more than vegan – it is also the raw restaurant. To me, it is a great place for breakfast or lunch. The menu is interesting, with many nice dishes free from gluten and sugar. Besides breakfasts, there are also cakes and many smoothies and juices. What is more, at Zest for Life you can also buy some supplements and superfoods. Zest for Life is also great for some relax and detoxing – upstairs there is a wellness space where you can enjoy a massage and beauty treatments.
Where to find it: a stone’s throw away from Museumplein – Van Baerlestraat 45HS
7. De Culinare Werkplaats
If you are looking for a unique dining experience, you are all set at De
Where to find it: Fannius Scholtenstraat 10
8. De Meets
The Meets is not a 100% vegetarian restaurant. However, the majority if menu is vegetarian. The restaurant is located in De Pijp area and it is said that De Meets might be one of the best restaurants for vegans. All dishes are made from local, organic and fair products. No harmful additives and refined sugar included! Unfortunately, prices are quite high but assuming that all ingredients are organic and healthy, you should not complain. What I like the most is shakshuka and the Meets Platter full of tasty snacks. And do not forget to try the Mexican Veggie Burger!
Where to find it: Cornelis Troostplein 3
9. De Peper
De Peper is a vegetarian restaurant run out of OT301 (this was a squat for artists). The restaurant is open on Tuesdays and then between Thursday and Sunday. It is recommended to call them so that you are sure there is a table (and a meal) for you. It might happen (especially on weekends) that you will be turned away at the door if there are too many people inside. De Peper is 0% commercial and 100% vegan-friendly. Prices are quite ok – around 8 – 10 Euro for a soup and a main course. In the menu you will also find beer and desserts.
Where to find it: Overtoom 301
10. Dophert
Dophert is the first vegan restaurant lunchroom in Amsterdam. The restaurant is all vegan – there are no eggs and dairy in the kitchen. The place is famous for its vegan sandwiches, soups and salads – most of them are also take away. Dophert is just perfect for breakfast – I especially love their granola and soya yogurt. If you feel like something sweet, you should definitely try the amazing pancakes. There are also very nice vegan milkshakes. The atmosphere is relaxed and the interior design is modern and very clean. The restaurant is open from early until late.
The restaurant also has a little shop. It offers healthy snacks, cosmetics and accessories. What is worth mentioning, Dophert’s prices are quite affordable. To be honest, non-vegan will not be able to see the difference.
Where to find it: Spaarndammerstraat 49, Westerpark
11. Dutch Weed Burger Joint
Dutch Weed Burger Joint started as a regular foodtruck a few years ago. Now, they have their own restaurant in a side street of the Kinkerstraat. The restaurant is a final proof that vegan burgers can be just as delicious as the meat ones.
In the menu the most famous dish is obviously a seaweed burger (it is nutrient-rich and it’s made of the most renewable plants on Earth) but there are also many recommendable snacks. All dishes are tasty and fresh so even if you are not a vegetarian, you should try out the place.
Where to find it: Nicolaas Beetsstraat 47
12. Foodhallen
Kind of a place to be found in most big cities all over the world. Many various stalls – everyone will find something that suits their dietary preferences. You take place at a table wherever you want and then you just get the chosen snacks from one of the stands. It is absolutely amazing that around 50% of the vendors have vegan options. I truly recommend vegan gyoza and steamed buns at Dim Sum Thing- they will just blow your mind. There is one 100% vegetarian stall at the moment – Padron. However, there are some ‘almost’ vegetarian – Maza, Fento and Mr. Temaki. They are not very cheap but their exotic flavours are worth every penny.
Where to find it: Bellamyplein 51
13. Golden Temple
One of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam. It was opened in 2008, named after the famous Sikh temple. It is kind of a mix of Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. In the restaurant you sit on cushions, enjoy exotic flavours and sip mouth-watering juice cocktails. All dishes in the menu are vegetarian and most of them are vegan. There are also raw meals. The menu is very international. Starting from tacos, you may even reach risotto and curry! However, it all makes sense surprisingly. In this vegetarian oasis make sure you taste Indonesian tempeh salad, light Vietnamese rice paper rolls and Iranian quinoa. Usually a dinner with wine at Golden Temple come to around 30-40 Euro. The service is extremely friendly so the restaurant is worth every penny.
Where to find it: Utrechtsestraat 126
14. Jackson Dubois
Vegetarian cuisine does not have to be dull. Jackson Dubois, a restaurant at the Spui, serves dishes from all over the world. Here you will find the Italian lasagna and risotto, the American cheesecake and many others in a vegan version. Jackson Dubois is stylish and serves beautiful meals. In the menu you will also find beers, cocktails and champagnes. The most recommended dish is the Quinoa Nasi Goreng (with the peanut Tamari dressing) and the Lasagna with pumpkin and zucchini and some soya béchamel sauce. If you feel like a dessert, you cannot miss out on the lemon cheesecake.
Where to find it: Spui 10
15. Kebabi
Have you ever heard of a vegan kebab restaurant? If not, it’s time to change it! While in Amsterdam, you should definitely go to Kebabi – the first plant-based kebeb café in the city. When I first went there, I didn’t expect much – maybe just a decent vegan eatery. It was a big surprise though! I had a stuffed sandwich with chewy and flavourful kebab with no meat at all. It was big and delicious. I might even say that it tasted better than most of original kebabs I had eaten so far. In the menu you will also find various vegan snacks (like Dutch bitterballen and sweet baklava) and other bar food.
Where to find it: Overtoom 428 HS
16. Mana Mana
If you are a vegetarian willing to taste something new, you could not choose better – Lebanese and Israeli dishes will satisfy your palate. The restaurant is small but very cozy. Everything they serve is fresh and instantly prepared. If you are one of Ottolenghi fans, you will be in heaven at Mana Mana. The restaurant tends to be quite crowded, so I recommend you made a reservation.
In the menu you should definitely try a shakshuka and hummus. There is also the ‘psychedelic cauliflower’ that I personally recommend. Falafel, polenta and tahini are also very good and… look incredibly good on Instagram.
Where to find it: Eerste Jan Steenstraat 85, De Pijp
17. Maoz
A very famous vegetarian chain of restaurants in Amsterdam. Maoz is 100% vegetarian, in most cases vegan actually. It is a falafel chain where you can get some decent, nutrient food, even late in the night. What is more, Maoz is very affordable. And Maoz restaurants are located near all the tourist spots, literally. In the menu you will find the standard falafel, tasty sandwiches and some all-you-can-eat salads and sauces at the bar. Maoz places are just perfect if you are in need of a quick vegetarian lunch at a reasonable price.
Where to find it: Muntplein 1, Leidsestraat 85, Damrak 40, Ferdinand Bolstraat 67, Van Woustraat 15
18. Mastino
Actually, there are two Mastinos in Amsterdam. The first one is located in De Pijp (it serves both vegan pizza and the traditional one) and Mastino V in located in Amsterdam West (it is all vegan). The vegan one is healthy and gluten-free. If you are looking for a vegan and gluten-free pizza alternative, this is a place you should definitely visit. In the menu you will also find different doughs with vegan toppings. Very recommended!
Where to find it: Eerste van der Helststraat 78, De Pijp and Bilderijkstraat 192, Oud-West
19. Meatless District
The Meatless District’s interior is modeled after New York City’s Meatpacking District which is a nice piece of irony. It is located in the bustling de Pijp area. This is a real delight for a vegan. The menu is small but just perfect. It includes breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It serves 100% vegan food and hosts some regular events (like Blood Mary brunch). Meatless District is quite affordable – main courses start at 15 Euro which is more than ok. My favourite dish is smashed avocado toast with yellow beet, mint, lemon and field greens, as well as pumpkin-filo dough pastries with roasted mushrooms and couscous. And the Sunshine Bowl with teriyaki noodles, smoked tofu, kimchi and sugar snaps is a real must try. All those are finger licking good!
Where to find it: Bilderijkstraar, Oud-West
20. Men Impossible
It all started with one man – Chef Atsushi. His mission was to prove that you can prepare a vegan ramen and that it can be nothing but mouth-watering, amazing, tasty, yum! And… he actually did it! Men Impossible is a one-man show as all meals are prepared by the Chef. All meals are fresh and vegan, if you want to eat there, you have to book a table (because of the anti- food waste policy). In the menu you will find Japanese starters and three types of traditional (but vegan) ramen. There are five different sets to combine. My favourite one is the black garlic ramen – it is absolutely amazing, full of spices, toppings and creamy sauce.
Where to find it: Hazenstraat 19H
21. Mr & Mrs Watson
The restaurant is located in Amsterdam East. It is mainly famous from its BBQ sandwiches made with pulled jackfruit. Mr & Mrs Watson is a vegan restaurant, among the others it serves an amazing, home-made vegan cheese (it was chosen the best began cheese by PETA 2 years ago). The menu includes cashew brie and blue roquefort. The restaurant is just made for those who love plant-based food. To be honest, even meat lovers will second guess their opinions after trying out the Mr & Mrs Watson menu. I especially love their grilled cheese sandwiches and sloppy cheese steak bun. In the menu you will also find the creamy cashew-based fondue with roasted vegetables, cheesecake and frietjes with vegan mayonnaise. There are also gluten- and nut-free options available.
Where to find it: Linnaeuskade 3h, Oost
22. Mylk
Mylk is a small bar serving breakfasts and lunches. It is all about vegetables there. The dishes are mostly vegan, however in the menu you will also find some dairy products and some fish (like the smoked salmon). The big plus for organic ingredients – they are all local and seasonal. If you go there for breakfast, you can create your own breakfast bowl with porridge or chia seed pudding. There are also many coffee drinks, smoothies and pastries. Non-vegetarians will also love it. Yum!
Where to find it: Strawinskylaan 77
23. Ninour
This is one of the places you fall in love with immediately. When you come in, you are in the world of amazing jewellery and accessories. Then, when you go into the back, you can eat delicious organic food with no sugar. The menu is mostly vegetarian but there are also some vegan dishes. I especially like the couscous with vegetables and hummus with refreshing avocado. What is absolutely amazing, all meals from the Ninour menu are made from local products. The restaurant is proud of being 100% organic so if you feel like a healthy veggie lunch, this is your place to go. Ninour mostly has a Moroccan touch but there are also many Lebanese specialties to try out there.
Where to find it: Eerste Jan Steenstraat 109
24. Olive and Cookie
The restaurant is located near Albert Cuyp. It is a slow-food cuisine with Istrian origins. The whole menu is vegetarian and it is amazingly flavourful ad rich. In the menu you find some salads and hot meals, like a fabulous polenta cakes with parmesan and roasted sweet peppers. And to be honest, their desserts are to die for, even if you are not a very ‘sweet’ person. Their chocolate as well as the mascarpone torte are like heaven. All dishes and desserts are inspired by the owners’ Croatian and Serbian roots.
The only minus is that Olive and Cookie is only open Monday-Friday between 4:00-9:00 pm.
Where to find it: Saenredamstraat 67
25. Saravana Bhavan
The best Indian food in Amsterdam and one of the best vegetarian restaurants at the same time. Indian dishes are usually vegetarian by definition, but I think that Saravana Bhavan brings veggie meals to the next level. I think that the most recommendable dish in the menu is the Saravanaa Special Meal which is a combination of around ten little dishes plus rice, poppadum and chapatti. All flavours are authentic, and they just make you feel like you are in India. You should also try the Cheese Masala Dosa – a kind of a pancake folded into a triangle stuffed with potato, onion and cheese.
What is more, I really like the interior design. It is bright and quite spartan. You just feel comfortable here.
Where to find it: Stadhouderskade 123-124
26. Sir Hummus
Sir Hummus is not a very famous restaurant in Amsterdam. However, it is the first hummus restaurant in the city so of you are a vegetarian visiting Amsterdam, you just have to go there to try its mouth-watering hummus and the tasty hot pita bread. Sir Hummus is a perfect place for all vegan hummus lovers. The restaurant is run by Israeli and you can feel it in every dish.
Sir Hummus is a nice place for a tasty vegetarian lunch close to the city center. Its prices might seem a bit high but the portion are satisfying so it is not a big deal. Be aware that there is a chance they have no tables available during lunch time.
Where to find it: Van der Helstplein
27. SLA
If you are a trendy vegetarian, you cannot miss one of the hottest veggie places in Amsterdam! SLA is a chain of organic restaurants serving delicious salads, variety of lunches and dinners. Prices are reasonable, and all dishes are organic and vegan. I especially love their vegan desserts. The portions are large and well-stocked, ingredients are home-made and flavours are nothing but fresh. You can pick any ingredients and create your perfect salad or choose one of those recommended by the chef.
Where to find it: different locations: Westerstraat 34, Utrechtstraat 10HS, Ceintuurbaan 149, Middenweg 55B, Haarlemmerdijk 50-h, Claude Debussylaan 35, Amstelveenseweg 124
28. Spirit
Spirit is 100% vegetarian and organic. Actually, most of dishes are also vegan. The best thing is that the menu changes daily. There is a list of ingredients posted near all dishes so you do not have to ask about allergens if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. The restaurant serves breakfasts, dinners and lunches and to me it is a must-go for veggie visitors in Amsterdam. On top of great main courses Spirit also serves very tasty desserts. However, my number one is spicy noodles. A great thing is that you can make your own meal and pay for what you have chosen only. Spirit is open all day.
Where to find it: Czaar Peterstraat 2
29. The Happy Pig
Do you feel like some pancakes? The Happy Pig has got you covered! Vegan pancakes are finally on the Amsterdam streets. The restaurant is located in the center of the city. The Happy Pig offers different types of waffles, as well as various vegan and gluten-free pancakes. The vegan toppings are just jaw-dropping. No matter if you want to go sweet or savoury, The Happy Pig will make your palate satisfied. Unfortunately, The Happy Pig also serves some meat products.
Where to find it: Rosmarijnsteeg 12
30. Alchemist Garden
A place for those who prefer raw cuisine with a bright feel. Alchemist Garden is more a café and a small shop than a restaurant. However, the owner – Alec Boswijk – has done a really great job! Alchemic Garden is 100% gluten-free, organic and vegan. All food is raw. I especially love the pesto pasta with zucchini noodles and the Vietnamese soup. In the menu, you will also find many fresh-squeezed juices, nut milk and fresh coconuts, as well as biodynamic wine. The salad bar here is just awesome.
Alchemist Garden also hosts community events (e.g. the wild herb walk where the staff teach patrons how to use herbs to make incredible dishes).
Where to find it: Overtoom 409
31. Vegabond
A perfect place for a lunch or just a quick snack during the day. All dishes they serve are daily fresh, there are no flavor enhancers inside. Vegabond owners are proud to offer totally pure cuisine and I can add that not only is their food fresh and heathy, but it is also very creative. Every dish is a little masterpiece made with true passion. If you want to grab the tastiest vegan cupcake in Amsterdam, you should definitely go to Vegabond. If you want to take some food away, no problem – in the back of the restaurant there is a small store where you can buy some mouth-watering things to take home.
Where to find it: Leliegracht 16
Summary
When compared to other cities in Europe, Amsterdam has probably very much to offer. Also, when it comes to food. Not many places on Earth have so many amazing restaurants for vegetarians and vegans. Every week, several new veggie restaurants seem to open the doors. My list above is quite long but to be honest, I just couldn’t choose less than 32 places. All restaurants I have listed are checked and verified by me and my vegetarian friends. I am sure everyone will find something for them there. The list includes options for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you may be sure not to be bored while spending time in Amsterdam.
