10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Amsterdam
— Our editors and readers independently select what you see on 10Best. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Amsterdam is packed with romantic restaurants. Of course Valentine’s Day is the perfect moment to go to one of these romantic venues. But also for every other special moment or date night this list with the 10 best romantic restaurants in Amsterdam will assure that you have a great evening!
Many restaurants in Amsterdam are located in very old canal houses and have these beautiful romantic and old details in the interior. But does that make them romantic? If you’re with the right person and it’s the right moment every restaurant can be a romantic one. To help the elements a bit we selected our top pick romantic restaurants in different neighborhoods in Amsterdam.
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in the city center &Samhoud Places is a great one. For a very special night out you can book the Chef’s table at the Michelin star restaurant to enjoy a modern and very culinary menu. For a more traditional French evening restaurant Christophe and Chez Georges are great.
Some of the most romantic restaurants in Amsterdam are locates outside the city center. So if you want to discover the hidden gems in Amsterdam go to Amsterdam East where you find restaurant De Kas in a former green house or restaurant Riva that’s floating on the water of the river Amstel.
Photo courtesy of Your Little Black Book
If you’re looking for a special restaurant in Amsterdam then &Samhoud Places is a must try. It’s the restaurant of Chef Moshik Roth and divided in two sections. One is the upscale 2 Michelin star restaurant where you will experience the most special meal you can think of. The other is the lounge which is very affordable and just as special. The staff at &Samhoud Places will make sure that you’re pampered and have the best evening you can imagine. On the menu you will find very special dishes by Chef Moshik like a tomato burger which is the best veggie burger you can imagine. On the weekends &Samhoud Places has a 1,- oyster happy hour!
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: &Samhoud Places is a great restaurant with 2 concepts under one roof! A 2 star Michelin restaurant on the top floor and a very affordable street food restaurant downstairs.
Anne’s expert tip: Book the chef’s table!
Photo courtesy of Your Little Black Book
What is more romantic than dining on the waterfront? In Amsterdam there are several places with seating right on the water. Restaurant Riva is definitely one of the best! Riva is located in Amsterdam East close to the Amstel train and subway station. You can easily walk to Riva from the subway station. Riva is a restaurant located on the water. It’s floating! In the warm weather months you can sit close to the water and watch the locals sail by in their boats. The menu at Riva is classic and has something for everyone on it. The location is super romantic and perfect for a date.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Riva is a hidden gem on the river Amstel in Amsterdam East with great food and a beautiful view.
Anne’s expert tip: Book a window table or in the summer a table at the waterfront.
Photo courtesy of Restaurant RED Amsterdam
The most special restaurants in Amsterdam are often not located in the city center. So go to one of the more residential districts and discover the neighborhood gems there! Hugo’s Bar & Kitchen is the latest addition to the vibrant scene of neighborhood restaurants in Amsterdam. This cosy “Paris meets NY” style bistro is located at the Hugo de Grootplein in Amsterdam West. The menu has a shared dining concept which is perfect if you like to taste as many delicious dishes as possible. Recommendations are the crab salad and the veal. And make sure you try one of the cocktails.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Hugo’s Bar & Kitchen is one of the newest hotspots in Amsterdam and super romantic with the small bistro tables.
Anne’s expert tip: Go for a Sunday brunch and try the Bloody Mary!
Photo courtesy of Proeverij 274
If you are looking to share a delicious meal with your significant other in a romantic environment, look no further than Proeverij 274. Situated close to the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House, this cozy restaurant overlooks the picturesque Prinsengracht. Proeverij, which translates to tasting in English, accurately describes the menu. You can enjoy and taste the chef’s flavourful creations. Many of the ingredients are even seasonal and organic, often coming from the region. Pair your meal with a glass of wine as you dine by candlelight. When you are finished and absolutely stuffed, sit back and relax in the comfortable chairs.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Small scale fine dining restaurant that guarantees a romantic night out in Amsterdam.
Anne’s expert tip: The Chef’s menu with wine pairings!
Photo courtesy of Bridges Restaurant
Prepare your taste buds to experience fish at it’s finest. By sticking to the basics — only adding a few natural ingredients — and selecting the best fish currently in season, Restaurant Bridges brings out the fish’s core character and savory flavors. Watch as Chef Joris Bijdendijk creates the dishes; your mouth will water. As the focus of the restaurant is fish and wine, “fins en vins” in Dutch, Bridges offers it all, from tuna and oysters to lobster and salmon. Don’t forget to request something from the Raw Bar. The sommelier can help choose the best wine to complement and enhance the flavors of each dish. Combined with superb service and a classy, open atmosphere, Bridges promises an exquisite experience. The restaurant is located in Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, along the oldest canal in Amsterdam.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Bridges is a Michelin star restaurant that’s perfect for a romantic night out!
Anne’s expert tip: Make sure to order something from the Raw Bar.
Restaurant De Kas is located in Amsterdam East at the beautiful recreational Park Frankendael. Fashioned from a circa-1926 greenhouse, this delightful establishment promises airy, romantic dining. Surrounded by its own gardens, De Kas grows many of its ingredients just beyond its doorstep. Supplemented by local meats and seafood, the organic menu is a daily, prix-fixe event consisting of several appetisers, an entree, and a sweet. Everything served farm to table and with a lot of attention for the presentation Lunch is two courses, and chef’s table dinners can be arranged for folks who want a first-hand look at the kitchen’s workings. Patio dining is sublime during warm-weather months.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Dining under the stars at this historic greenhouse is something you never forget.
Anne’s expert tip: Surprise your love with a message in chocolate letters on the desert.
Photo courtesy of Restaurant RED Amsterdam
If you love surf and turf, Restaurant Red is one place in Amsterdam you will definitely not want to miss. Rediscover the pleasure of food; Restaurant Red definitely provides a distinct dining experience. You can choose from lobster or beef fillet, each prepared in one of two styles. Dishes are served with a salad and a side of fries. Complement your selection with a nice glass of wine, or close the evening by trying one of the chef’s delectable desserts, such as the warm chocolate tart or tarte au citron vert. With each bite, from start to finish, you’ll be craving more. To top it off, prices are quite affordable. With lobster and beef as the main stars, dining doesn’t get much better than this.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Restaurant Red is a great restaurant to eat lobster in Amsterdam located at the romantic Spiegelstraat.
Anne’s expert tip: If you can’t choose order the Surf ‘n Turf.
Chef Michiel Deenik’s motto is, “a day without good food is a day lost.” You will never lose a day at Visaandeschelde. Order from the a la carte menu or select one of the three, four or five course dinners. The menu fluctuates with the seasons and changes every 10 weeks, ensuring the best selection of seafood possible. The food is delicious and the presentation colorful and creative. Pair your meal with a glass of wine. The restaurant offers an assortment of both classic and new world wines. Visaandeschelde is situated near the RAI Convention Center, making it a perfect location for dinner after a long day of work. The restaurant is sure to satisfy.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Impress your date with a dinner at Amsterdam’s best seafood restaurant in the Amsterdam Oud Zuid district.
Anne’s expert tip: Order the plateau fruits de mer!
Photo courtesy of Chez Georges
Chez Georges is a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves classic French cuisine. The space is a bit on the small side, but the layout of the restaurant creates an intimate and almost private dining experience. The products are always fresh and of the highest quality, which results in delightful dishes worth enjoying with family or friends. Appetizers include smoked salmon; prawns in escargot butter; and grilled scallops with sweet potato cream and sauce Hollandaise. If you want to sample several dishes, order Menu “Comme chez George,” “Gastronome,” “Gourmand” or “Cuisine De Marche.” For instance, “Gourmand” consists of seven fish and meat courses. A reservation is highly recommended.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: At Chez Georges there is only seating for up to 30 guests and you can stay all night if you want to.
Anne’s expert tip: Try one of the special menu’s up to 7 courses for only little over 50,-!
Toscanini is located in the heart of the cosy Jordaan district. Tis Italian restaurant has a spacious dining room, punctuated by skylights and an open kitchen, adds character to this perennially popular restaurant. Frequented by locals and always crowded, Toscanini specialises in southern Italian cuisine and stays the mark with its homemade foods. Fresh breads and pastas, Italian wines, and authentic meat and seafood dishes convince patrons to return again and again. Fixed menus, along with daily specials, increase the options. Reservations are necessary, as you will see. For a romantic dinner at Toscanini you can make a reservation for the Chef’s table.
Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Toscanini is one of the best, if not the best, Italian restaurant in Amsterdam. Going to Toscanini is the classic date!
Anne’s expert tip: Make a reservation for the Chef’s table!