11 Best Cafés in Amsterdam

Furnished with an array of coffee shops, Amsterdam is a coffee lover’s dream offering the best cafés you’ll ever visit, complete with cozy seating areas, fireplaces in the winter, and outdoor terraces packed any time the sun shines.

From small independent coffee shops to larger chains, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Whether you are a digital nomad wanting to get some work done or just want to meet up with a friend for a drink, I’ve compiled my favorite cafés in Amsterdam where you can sit down and socialize or work in peace.

Best Cafés in Amsterdam

1. Café Het Molenpad

Address: Prinsengracht 653, 1016 XD Amsterdam, Netherlands

By day, Café Het Molenpad is a fantastic German-themed canal-side cafe. But, when the Amsterdam sun sets, it becomes a candlelit, romantic bar. This charming establishment is situated in a historic Amsterdam building and offers excellent drinks and food, making it the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner when exploring the Dutch capital.

Het Molenpad made this list because it is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, offering a place to relax and unwind after a long walk. Moreover, Het Molenpad is one of the best cafes for a coffee break or lunch, with the menu offering a vast array of tasty specialties including burgers, pastas, croquettes, and their famous bitterballen.

All in all, Het Molenpad is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner in an authentic Dutch atmosphere. Enjoy sitting outside on their sunny terrace alongside the canal while sipping on your coffee or tea – you won’t be disappointed!

See Related: Best Markets in Amsterdam to Visit

2. Back to Black

Address: Weteringstraat 48, 1017 SP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Back to Black is a family-run business set in a charming building that once housed an English school but now serves up delicious house-roasted brews. Not only is this cafe a favorite with Amsterdam locals, but it’s also become a popular hangout for tourists too, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and great service. 

Aside from their high-quality coffee, Back to Black has a great laid-back vibe and is perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or sipping a glass of wine while you catch up on your reading or watch the world go by from one of the greatest cities in Europe.

This cafe is perfect if you’re a digital nomad in Amsterdam and need an ideal space to do some work. They boast plenty of seating areas and power outlets so that work can be done comfortably inside. Plus, Back to Black features a beautiful outdoor terrace in the summer, so you can enjoy some al fresco (outdoor) relaxation while getting your caffeine fix and taking in the stunning views of the canals and city below.

3. Café de Geit

Address: Wolvenstraat 4, 1016 EP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind with a cup of good coffee or meet up with friends for a beer and a snack, Café de Geit is one of the best cafés in Amsterdam. 

You will find this charming coffee shop in the heart of the Western Canal Belt, and immediately after walking through the doors will be greeted by a cozy interior, friendly staff, and affordable drinks.

To me, the ambiance at Café de Geit is reminiscent of an old-school pub but with a modern twist, making it the perfect place to decompress after a long day of exploring the city.

See Related: Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam’s Nine Streets District

4. Bocca Coffee

Address: Kerkstraat 96H, 1017 GP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Found in the Southern Canal Belt of Amsterdam, Bocca Coffee is a modern, well-lit cafe that has become world-famous for its specialty coffee. 

In fact, Bocca Coffee is one of the first coffee roasters in the Netherlands to successfully complete the whole bean-to-cup process, from sourcing beans to selling them. As such, it comes as no surprise that its artisan blends and inspired menu, including cascara sodas and coffee cherry tea, have earned it European Coffee Award wins.

On your next trip to Amsterdam, I don’t think you can go wrong if you decide to check out this charming coffee shop, which also offers free WiFi, for a uniquely flavored cup of coffee and perhaps a dessert. 

5. Kanarie Club

Address: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in the former tram depot De Hallen in Amsterdam Oud-West, Kanarie Club was given new life as an Amsterdam coffee shop. 

Adapting the space into various zones and paying tribute to its industrial roots, the designers offset red-brick walls (as opposed to whitewashed brick walls) with yellow-green custom furniture, lush plants, and slatted chairs that evoke the design of old electric Amsterdam trams. 

With a beautiful coffee bar setting, cheerful staff, and a menu full of delicious eats, Kanarie Club is the perfect venue for digital nomads to get some work done in Amsterdam or social butterflies to meet up with friends or colleagues.

Kanarie Club offers a diverse menu to please everyone’s palate. If you’re in the mood for something quick, try their Eggs Benedict or Tuna Focaccia with Wasabi Mayonnaise and Nori. Alternatively, for lunch, try their Flatbread with Grilled Halloumi and Green Herbs.

See Related: Spots for the Best Views of Amsterdam

6. Coffee Bru

Address: Beukenplein 14, 1091 KG Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located on Beukenplein in Amsterdam Oost, Coffee Bru is the perfect spot to sit back and relax with a cup of excellent coffee or a pot of specialty tea. Specifically, Coffee Bru’s menu offers a range of drinks, including coffee, iced coffee, flat whites, and lattes, plus various baked goods. 

They also offer a number of options, including a range of loose-leaf teas. However, their chai is particularly tasty as they use a blend of beans from Dutch micro roasters Rum Baba, which is just a short walk away.

Moreover, Coffee Bru boasts a stunning terrace where you can sit back and enjoy a great view while sipping on your drink. The atmosphere here is very relaxed, plus they have an idyllic view of Oosterpark, making it an ideal spot for hanging out and meeting people.

Coffee Bru makes for an ideal study and working space if you need some peace and quiet, or want a break from your desk.

7. Scandinavian Embassy

Address: Sarphatipark 34, 1072 PB Amsterdam, Netherlands

At Scandinavian Embassy, coffee and food unite in an intimate Scandinavian setting. Located in De Pijp, this cozy Amsterdam coffee shop has a relaxed atmosphere and is known for its fantastic service. 

Additionally, Scandinavian Embassy offers a wide variety of coffees combined with one of my favorite breakfast menus in Amsterdam, plus lunches, and private dining. Consequently, it is considered one of the best cafes in Amsterdam for a mean. Scandinavian Embassy is a favorite among local coffee lovers and has even been praised by European critics for its gourmet menu. 

Although Scandinavian Embassy sometimes lacks space to accommodate all of its patrons, this is merely a byproduct of its immense popularity. Hence, it comes as no surprise that this cozy cafe is one of the best spots to get a great cup of coffee in Amsterdam.

See Related: Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

8. Espressofabriek

Address: Pazzanistraat 39, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Espressofabriek is located in Westerpark and offers a wide variety of coffee beans to choose from. The large lobby offers plenty of seating, and a wall featuring a steaming cup of coffee provides a cozy vibe. Furthermore, its central location in the park makes it a great place to grab an early morning coffee or a jolt of caffeine at lunchtime. 

Espressofabriek also has a small menu for breakfast, lunch, and desserts. The espresso beans here are freshly roasted, making this a great spot for a fresh cup of coffee.

For the digital nomads reading this, the free WiFi is good enough to keep you connected throughout your stay. Thus, Espressofabriek is an ideal spot to grab a cup of coffee and get some work done while taking pleasure in the laid-back vibe of this industrial ‘living room’ style cafe.

9. De Koffieschenkerij

Address: Oudekerksplein 27, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in the oldest building in Amsterdam, De Oude Kerk, De Koffieschenkerij is a cozy coffee shop offering organic coffee, tea, and homemade cakes and pies, all wrapped up in an ambiance of the history and serenity of the city.

If you are in the mood for brunch, this Red Light District coffee shop has a very nice selection, including piled-high triple-decker sandwiches, and bowls filled with hearty soups, all ready to order right from your phone.

Additionally, De Koffieschenkerij has plenty of vegan options, so if you’re vegetarian or gluten-free, please take comfort in the fact that you have not been forgotten.

See Related: Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Places to Stay

10. Monks Coffee Roasters

Address: Bilderdijkstraat 46, 1052 NB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Monks Coffee Roasters is one of the more trendy coffee shops in the western part of the city of Amsterdam. Its owner, Patrick Abbott, is an Irishman who spent a few years in Perth and Melbourne before moving to Amsterdam, Netherlands. While working for different companies, Patrick gained a lot of experience, developing his knowledge of the coffee business.

Rather than keeping his coffee business expertise to himself, Patrick decided to open his own cafe in Amsterdam, offering a range of coffees and mouthwatering cakes and pastries. 

Today, the Monks House Blend combines Brazilian, Ethiopian, and Peruvian beans. The synergy between this unique blend of beans makes it the perfect all-day coffee. 

Specifically, the Ethiopian bean from the Yirgacheffe adds a hint of leather, which goes very well with the Brazilian’s sweetness and the Peruvian beans’ acidity. Only someone who has spent ample time in the coffee business, like Patrick, would have this kind of deep-set knowledge of great coffee bean mixology. 

Furthermore, Monks Coffee Roasters provides a cozy workspace, complete with power outlets and free WiFi, to enable you to do your best work. Its cozy atmosphere also makes it ideal for digital nomads to gather and discuss their latest projects.

11. CT Coffee & Coconuts

Address: Ceintuurbaan 282, 1072 GK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Located in De Pijp, around the corner from Scandinavian Embassy, Coffee & Coconuts is another of the city’s best cafés. From an aesthetic standpoint, the interior of Coffee & Coconuts is decorated in a minimalist style, with white-washed walls and red brick exposed piping. Additionally, a few genial configurations of light wood furniture and soft linen cushions create a calming vibe in the cafe.

Enclosed within a former cinema built in the 1920s, this cozy and comfortable venue is not just a popular coffee place but also a great spot for brunch. Their extensive food selection includes tasty dishes like Coconut Pancakes, Korean Kimchi Toast, Moroccan Veggie Wrap, Tokyo Town Hotdog, and Blueberry Smoothie Bowl, among others. Several of their food options are gluten-free.

Along with a variety of adult beverages, including wine, beer, and rum, Coffee & Coconuts also has a wide selection of kid-friendly smoothies, juices, and cold beverages. From socializing friends, working students, and daytrippers to hip mamas with kids in tow, Coffee & Coconuts ranks among the best coffee shops in Amsterdam.

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