The 10 Best Cafés & Coffee in Amsterdam

One of Amsterdam's most respected specialty coffee roasters, operating out of a bright, airy space in Oud-West. Order a flat white or filter coffee made with their own single-origin roasts — the quality is consistently exceptional. It draws a knowledgeable coffee crowd and can get very busy on weekend mornings, so arrive early or expect a wait.

Bocca is one of Amsterdam's oldest and most respected specialty roasters, with a flagship café on the Keizersgracht canal. The coffee is impeccably sourced and roasted in-house, and the canal-side setting makes it feel quintessentially Amsterdam. Seating is limited inside so grab a spot early; the outdoor terrace fills up fast in good weather.

Amsterdam's original craft beer café, open since 1974, with an extraordinary selection of Belgian and Dutch beers on tap and in bottle. The dark, wood-panelled interior feels genuinely old Amsterdam — this is a place where locals have been debating beer for decades. Note that it's a beer café first and foremost; food options are minimal, so eat before you arrive.

A small, Japanese-influenced specialty coffee bar tucked into the Jordaan that has built a devoted following for its precision brewing and calm atmosphere. The matcha latte and pour-over coffees are standouts, and the minimal interior feels like a quiet escape from the busy neighborhood streets. Seating is very limited — it's best suited for a solo visit or a pair rather than a group.

A pioneer of Amsterdam's third-wave coffee scene, Scandinavian Embassy is a calm, design-forward café in De Pijp with a serious commitment to filter coffee and Nordic-inspired food. The brunch menu is excellent — try the open-faced sandwiches or granola bowls alongside a carefully brewed pour-over. It can fill up quickly on weekends and the no-laptop policy during busy hours keeps the atmosphere convivial.

A beloved German-inspired café in the Oost neighborhood named after Bertolt Brecht, with a literary and artistic atmosphere, mismatched vintage furniture, and a relaxed all-day vibe. The coffee is solid, the homemade cakes are excellent, and the shaded garden terrace is one of the city's best-kept secrets. It's a true neighborhood hangout — expect locals reading, working, or lingering over long lunches.

One of Amsterdam's oldest brown cafes, on a storybook corner where the Prinsengracht meets the Brouwersgracht since 1642. Famous for homemade apple pie (Bill Clinton made a special trip). Come for pie, coffee, or a beer in a genuinely historic room. Cozy, small, and beautiful. Get here off-peak.

A stylish, music-themed specialty coffee bar in De Pijp that takes its name seriously — the walls are lined with vinyl records and the playlist is always on point. The espresso drinks are excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed and creative, attracting a mix of locals and in-the-know visitors. It can get crowded on weekend afternoons, and the small space means seating is at a premium.

A grand, light-filled café on the Amstel river with two floors, a riverside terrace, and an extensive menu spanning breakfast through dinner. It's a beloved Amsterdam institution that manages to feel genuinely local despite its central location — the Sunday newspaper crowd and long lunches are a ritual here. The terrace is one of the best in the city but fills up fast; the upstairs reading room is a quieter retreat.

The apple pie many locals swear is Amsterdam's best, on the corner of the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan. Fresh-baked all day, huge slices with whipped cream, best with market bustle outside. It's a full cafe too (breakfast, lunch). Expect a queue on Saturdays. Walk-in only, no reservations.