There’s more to breakfast in Amsterdam than pancakes with chocolate sprinkles! We’re here to guide you through that all-important first meal of the day, from egg-cellent omelets to perfect pastries and everything in between.
“What’s the difference between Dutch breakfast and Dutch lunch?” goes the well-known joke in the Netherlands. Punchline: “About four hours!” For a long time, breakfast meant buttered sliced bread with savory or sweet spreads, sliced cheese, or hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) by 8 o’clock in the morning. And by 12 noon, the same bread with toppings was rolled out at lunchtime.
Fortunately for us, a lot has changed – especially in the bigger Dutch cities. And you can now find an array of delicious breakfast food, from pancakes to eggs, from sourdough to bagels, and from healthy options to a full fry-up. In Amsterdam, there are dozens of cafes and restaurants catering to the earlier breakfast crowd as well as those looking for a long, leisurely, and sometimes boozy brunch. So whatever kind of morning person you are, we’ve got the first meal of the day covered.
Continental breakfast: Gebroeders Niemeijer
An artisanal baker right in the center of the city, Gebroeder Niemeijer bakes fresh sourdough bread and authentic French pastries. They open early Tuesday through Friday, and slightly later at the weekend, which means you can get your morning coffee at the same time as your croissant fix.
While sipping your cup of espresso from Turin, you can watch the bakers at work – hand making the goods and baking them in a huge stone-floored oven. We recommend the “petit déjeuner extra,” featuring four petit pains with marmalade and butter, croissant or brioche, a slice of Dutch cheese, gruyere, free-range Italian ham, coffee or tea, and fresh orange juice. A true taste not only of the Netherlands but of the rest of the continent!
International brunch: Little Collins
For those looking for big fusion flavors at brunchtime, Little Collins is the ultimate international brunch experience. Now with two branches (one in the De Pijp, one in West), Little Collins was one of the first names to really corner the brunch market in Amsterdam. Think French toast with miso-caramelized apples, poached eggs with labneh and chili butter, smoked mackerel omelet with pickled fennel, or brisket with a Mexican twist. Wash it all down with a rhubarb mimosa for an intensely delicious brunch experience.
Healthy breakfast: Benji’s
If fried fare isn’t your thing, have no fear – there are plenty of healthy breakfast options available as well. One such eatery is Benji’s, with three locations across the city, serving up an array of granola bowls, açai bowls, veggies salads, and loaded toasts. Not to mention a few egg-based dishes for those with heartier appetites. Every dish is fresh, sustainable, and healthy – but above all, a festival of flavors. And the interior feels like a tropical-meets-urban jungle. Benji’s is extremely popular and doesn’t take reservations for under seven people, so arrive early (they open at 9 am) to guarantee your spot.
Full English breakfast: Greenwoods
It may seem counter-intuitive, but in Amsterdam it’s also possible to get an excellent full English breakfast, complete with sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and hash browns. And all that from 8.30 in the morning! Greenwoods has two locations, both canal-side, which means serene views of the water and the passing boats as you tuck into your breakfast. If you’ve got room for more, don’t forget to try their English cream tea: freshly made scones with jam and cream (and, of course, tea!).
All-day brunch: Dignita Hoftuin
Another favorite among Amsterdammers is Dignita, which also has a few different locations, but our top choice goes to Dignita Hoftuin. Located in the beautiful gardens behind the Hermitage Museum, it’s a lovely location for an al-fresco brunch with friends that can linger well into the afternoon. All the ingredients used are seasonally grown, locally sourced, and organically produced (where possible), so you can be sure you’re doing good for your body – and for the planet. The menu changes regularly, but you can expect creative takes on eggs Benedict, fritters, toasties, and more, available all day.
Banging bagels: Flo’s Appetizing
For some, breakfast means bagels! And in Amsterdam, you can’t do better than the New York-style bagels at Flo’s Appetizing. According to their website, Flo’s bagels are rolled by hand, cold-proofed overnight, and kettle-boiled with barley malt. And we can believe it, because they’re finger-licking fabulous. Fillings are classic: smoked salmon (or a veggie alternative of carrot lox), schmears of cream cheese, and toppings of dill, red onions, and capers. Head over to Amsterdam West and you’ll be transported straight to Manhattan!
Excellent eggs: Omelegg
You can’t make breakfast without breaking eggs. And that’s what the good folk at Omelegg have been doing for the past decade. A family run business that started in De Pijp and opened a second location near Central Station in 2019, Omelegg has stayed true to its word and still does a fantastic line in omelets. You can order something simple like ham and cheese, or you can choose from well over a dozen creative, international combinations. Don’t know about you, but the suçuk with feta, bell pepper, and chili gets our vote!
Perfect pancakes: Pancakes Amsterdam, Madam Pancake, and Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs
While it may be a bit of a cliché, the Dutch do love a good pancake. But these dinner plate-sized, lavishly topped pancakes are so hearty that they often serve as breakfast and lunch in one. You’ll find pancake houses all over Amsterdam, but some of our favorites include Pancakes Amsterdam, Madam Pancake, and Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs.
While there are a few differences, they generally have a lot in common: A range of sweet pancakes, from apple with raisins and whipped cream to banana with chocolate sauce. And a range of savory pancakes, from classics like bacon and cheese to veggie combinations with spinach and goat cheese. Whatever you choose, bring your appetite and prepare for a nap afterwards!
British by birth and Dutch by choice, Vicky Hampton is a food & wine writer based in Amsterdam but frequently found working from various wine regions. She’s written for publications including The Guardian, New York Times, Michelin Guide, and her own Amsterdam Restaurant Guide. With a WSET level 3 qualification in wine, Vicky also runs a wine consultancy business: Truffles and Tannins. Follow her on Instagram @amsterdamfoodie or @trufflesandtannins.
