Eating My Way Through Amsterdam
My top food picks
I’ve been galavanting around Amsterdam for the past week, which, trust me, is not my norm. I didn’t even set foot in Europe until I was an adult, so it’s not lost on me how lucky I am to get sent there for business.
Last year, shortly after starting my new role, I joined my team at an industry trade show. Overwhelmed by meeting new co-workers, discussing products I barely understood, and figuring out a new city, I didn’t plan much for the trip. As a result, I ate more fries with mayo than I care to discuss.
This year, returning to Amsterdam, things were different. I was more involved in planning our team’s presence at the trade show and had a better strategy for my time. A big shout-out goes to my co-worker and friend, Jenny. One day, she will be your go-to person for travel recs! Her Google Maps game made this trip what it was. Here are some of my favorite spots that you must check out if you’re ever in Amsterdam:
Like any true New Yorker, I compare everything to the city. The Noord neighborhood, where cornerstore is located, feels like Williamsburg before it was gentrified—so, Bushwick vibes. A DJ in Adidas track pants was spinning vinyl while I sipped on orange wine. We stopped for a pre-dinner drink and snack, and the pork dumplings and the lighting was perfectly moody.
We had a group dinner here last year, which was so good that we decided to repeat it. Think wood-fired pizza with fresh, local ingredients and seasonal dishes. This time, the prix fixe menu gave us a five-course feast. My faves? The miso-infused margarita pizza and the fresh tomato salad. An honorable mention goes to the spicy chocolate ice cream.
We got lucky with this impromptu dinner stop. Coba serves upscale Mexican food, and the flavors were on point. The fish and brisket tacos were the stars of the show.
I missed this memo because my IG DMs blew up when I posted about it. Apparently, everyone who’s been to Amsterdam knows about this farm-to-table gem. The restaurant is housed in a greenhouse, and every dish tasted like it was just picked. The oysters and clam dishes were standout favorites.
If you know me, I’m always looking for something sweet after dinner. Jenny and I found this bakery and split a couple of cake slices—carrot and salted caramel chocolate. Pro tip: skip the carrot cake. The salted caramel chocolate slice is the real winner here!
Thanks to the Soho House Amsterdam guide, I found this one, and they were spot on. The playlist was a vibe, and so was the food. We ordered a little bit of everything—dumplings, chicken skewers, and a crispy honey butter chicken sandwich—and while it was all delicious, the fried chicken wings were next level. Perfectly spiced, no notes!
A local cafe serving breakfast and lunch all day, Vinnies was my post-trade-show savior. The chicken Caesar sandwich was great, but the cinnamon roll? One of the best I’ve ever had. I may have eaten it more than once… but this is a judgment-free zone!
All of these spots are worth a visit. If you’ve already been to Amsterdam, let me know in the comments which places I should add to my list.
Until then, I’ll attempt to duplicate the cinnamon roll recipe from Vinnies…
Even though you were working it seems like you managed to squeeze in some palate pleasing and memorable moments.