Away from the rowdy Red Light District and far from the tourist traps, there is an authentic Amsterdam filled with unpretentious goodness to fill your soul. During our fourth trip to Amsterdam, we decided to stay for three weeks and experience life to the fullest in the Dam. We explored the best restaurants in Amsterdam, Amsterdam’s artisanal cocktails bars, and one mean coffee bean scene. Here’s where to eat, drink, and be merry in Amsterdam.

EAT

The Pancake Bakery – You know a place is going to be memorable when it’s perfectly ok eating pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This Amsterdam staple always delivers the best pancakes in The Dam and never disappoints! We highly recommend ordering the Poffertjes, miniature pancakes soaked in butter and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Ask for a side of Nutella and dunk your miniature pancakes into the hazelnut goodness for an extra sweet treat.

Lion Noir – Lion Noir is at the helm of the culinary scene in Amsterdam. With its creative cocktails, courtyard location, and delectable foods, it’s no wonder why Lion Noir topped our list as our favorite meal in all of Amsterdam. This bar and restaurant is eclectically chic, yet unpretentious and boasts a delicious seasonal menu. If it’s a nice evening, make sure to grab a coveted table in their courtyard, just steps away from popular Reguliersdwarsstraat.

De Hallen – De Hallen, or The Food Hall, possesses dozens of gastronomic delights for you to feast on. Amsterdam’s version of an epicurean Epcot, choose from American BBQ or Korean BBQ, Japanese sushi, Iberian cured meats, or Hawaiian poke bowls. Wash it all down with a cocktail from the Gin & Tonic bar or a traditional Dutch beer.

Jun – Hundreds of years ago, The Dutch colonized Indonesia and brought back their own version of Indonesian delights which they call rijsttafel (pronounced “Rice taffle”). Enjoy an authentic Indonesian feast at Jun.

DRINK

Café Panache — Located in the Oud-West neighborhood, this bar and restaurant makes some of the best cocktails in all of Amsterdam. Eclectic and chic, this bar is the perfect place for bespoke cocktails.

Brouwerij’tij — Not only does this craft brewery brew some of the best local beers in Amsterdam, but it’s located in a windmill! Does it get any cooler than that?!

Bubbles & Wines – So this may be a favorite for hen parties and skew on the touristy side, but with dozens of bubbles, you can’t go wrong at this vino establishment. We highly recommend the flight of champagne so that you can taste all different types of delicious!

Arendsnest — Home to one of the largest selections of local Dutch beers, Arendsnest has an unpretentious canal side crowd and over 250 beers to choose from!