When I visit home in London, I always try to tag on a European city whenever I go. It’s as if since moving to Dubai, I’ve suddenly realised and fully appreciated the beauty of London’s location; surrounded by so many incredible places just a few hours out, (or the quickest 45 minutes flight I’ve ever taken to Amsterdam!), let’s just say I’m proud to call it my true home.
As many of you will know I went to Tony Robbins UPW conference last week. I’ll be surprised if you didn’t because the instastories would have been pretty hard to ignore with all the jumping and and clapping, and well, I haven’t stopped going on about it! But before Tony, I went with one of my best girlfriends, Ianthe for a 3 night whistle stop tour of Amsterdam, and wow…what an incredible city it is!
Whilst I could write blog post upon blog post about it, I thought the most useful thing would be to highlight my favourite foodie spots that we visited, given I’m sure most of my lovely readers follow me because you are in love with fabulous food as much as I am! So without further ado, here is my ultimate Amsterdam foodie guide!
1) Cold Press Juicery
This spot was a dangerously tempting gem right next to our hotel! We were staying at the Hoxton hotel in the city centre which I couldn’t recommend enough by the way! Always buzzing with an electric atmosphere and the rooms, whilst small, are exactly what you need. It has the ‘cool’ factor for sure (which probably makes me rather uncool for using that word!).
It also has access to a fab gym just five minutes walk down the road called Train More (you get a discount for a 1 day pass if you’re staying at the hotel) so Ianthe and I juiced and raw snacked-up each morning post workout. If you’ve had a scroll through my dessert recipes, you’ll know I’m all for guilt-free treats!
2) Arles
This is the sweetest little restaurant in the De Pijp area. Pink blossom falls on the outside area and Arles is sectioned off into unique parts, some next to tall glass windows that let in a wealth of natural light and other tables situated for a more romantic evening. Charming best describes the interiors, and delicious, elevated home-cooking best describes the food.
It’s a 3 course menu which cheese can then be added onto – 3 exquisite courses will only set you back 36 euro … which I personally thought excellent value for the quality of the food. Ianthe had her meals adapted for vegan options which they were more than happy to accommodate – just give a quick call before so the chef can prep.
Mackerel with cucumber, mint and ricotta and the most sensational lamb dish I’ve had in a long time with roasted beetroot and vegetables. Well worth a visit!
I went for the additional course with a serving of Chaource cheese, maybe it’s just me but I like my cheese with a good helping of crackers or bread. (Possibly a healthy Amsterdam thing to serve it with lettuce instead?!)
Other than that, the food was to die for and the service was the best we had all week, which is quite a tall order given everyone in Amsterdam seems to be the most polite and happy people around!
3) FoodHallen
Now whilst I’ve never been to Borough market in Lodon (an absolute crime, I know) … FoodHallen seemed like heaven on earth to me! A 20 minute walk from the Hoxton hotel and we had arrived in gastronomy central with everything from Asian to Spanish cuisine, street food to champagne and oysters and ice cream waffles – yes, that’s actually a thing.
Ianthe being vegan means I can also vouch for the veggies and vegans out there that you’ll find plenty to enjoy too! There’s also some really quaint clothing and retail shops around the area – “Church of Labels” stocked some gorgeous crockery.
And a swimming pool, just in case you needed a floating aid to help with the all the food consumed!
4) The Avocado Show
If you weren’t one of the few million people to be entranced by the online Avocado Show videos, then you have your golden ticket right here! The Avocado Show is the first all-avocado restaurant in Europe that showcases this nutritious fruit in as many creative and yummy ways possible – I couldn’t not go, obviously! Unfortunately reservations aren’t possible, it’s on first come first served basis so if you want a lunch spot, get there prompt!
The ‘vegan option’ for the nachos needs a touch more inspiration (not really an option, they just remove everything non-vegan!) but apart from that, the dishes are delicious and artistic, and worth the visit for!
(Not the most enticing bowl of nacho chips I’ve seen!)
My poke bowl on the other hand was fab!
5) Taiko
Taiko is a contemporary Asian spot in The Conservatorium hotel (also a gorgeous hotel for accommodation if you’re searching). The food is fantastic, beautifully presented and executed and ideal for a romantic dinner for two over a bottle of vino. However, it’s worth highlighting that the atmosphere is somewhat hushed and less on the casual side which is what I expected it to be. It was also double the price of any other restaurant we visited in Amsterdam so make sure it’s a special occasion!
I wouldn’t suggest it was the best place to go if you’re with a bunch of girlfriends and up for a lively night out but for food alone with a partner, I do think it’s worth a visit! The a la carte menu also had some great vegan options; case and point our first starter below!
6) Seafood Bar
We stumbled upon The Seafood Bar whilst waiting half an hour for our table at the Avocado Show around the corner, making me wish my stomach was big enough to enjoy two meals! Plus, since posting about it on my Instagram, I’ve had loads of comments saying it’s a delightful spot for lunch hence it’s in my list!
The interiors are picturesque (quite literally; perfect for food and travel bloggers) and the food, as you might expect, is a whole host of fresh seafood with wine and champagne to serve alongside it. This particular one is in the De Pijp area and a must on my bucket list for the next visit!
7) Morgan & Mees
Last but not least, our final morning was spent once again a visually enchanting spot called Morgan & Mees. It’s also a hotel but I was recommended it based on it’s brunch, so that’s exactly what Ianthe and I went for! Unfortunately we couldn’t stay past the 12pm mark otherwise the lunch looked incredibly temping too.
The pancakes are a little on the small side for two foodies like us, so worth ordering two portions but taste…spot on!
And that’s a wrap!
I hope you enjoyed my Amsterdam food guide and if you ave any questions at all about the restaurants themselves or the Hoxton hotel, please comment below and I can get back to you asap!
Big Love,
LLG X
