8 of the best places in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel
Although FavorFlav’s Wieke is a true Amsterdammer, she spent most of her life in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. She knows the village like no one else and shares her favorite spots for eating and drinking. These are the places you’ll want to go:
“You can eat so well in Ouderkerk. And you sit in such a lovely spot, along the Amstel. Especially in summer, I love spending a day in Ouderkerk and sitting on the terrace at Loetje or getting something to eat at one of the other hotspots. Ouderkerk really has a true restaurant strip. We may be in that farming village, but we’re totally hip!”
Ron Gastrobar Indonesia
Restaurant ’t Deurtje used to be here, and it was always a beloved place. So when it closed, it was a little nerve-racking to see what would take its place and whether it would be a worthy successor. Well, it turned out perfectly, because this has become my favorite restaurant in Ouderkerk. Ron Blaauw has given the place a fantastic makeover, so it’s lovely both inside and out. And the food… My god. I could eat here every day for a week and still not be tired of it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhRCUIRBoqV/?utm_source=ig_embed
Loetje
And the week after that, I’d eat at Loetje every day. I’m not tired of that either. The steak remains unbeatable and has been exactly the same for years (unlike the prices, which seem to have made quite a sprint forward, in my opinion), and even though I know it’s so unhealthy, I think it’s completely worth it. The fries are delicious too; they always slather the mayonnaise on top, but it doesn’t matter. The carpaccio to start, or the shrimp croquettes, sashimi… Even hip dishes like a poké bowl are on the menu—and yes, that’s absolutely delicious too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAhrmJqqYDV/?utm_source=ig_embed
Jaimie van Heije
Sadly, there’s no view of the Amstel, but the terrace here is perfectly fine and of course the food is what you really come for. Who needs a view when you have such works of art on your plate? Every dish here always looks so special, and the flavors work together so beautifully. It’s not exactly sensible for my wallet to come here every week, but for a special occasion, this is my standard go-to.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAwyF-WAPri/
Brasserie Paardenburg
Fun fact: this is where I started my hospitality career at the age of fifteen. I lasted exactly two months, after sending several champagne corks flying through the restaurant, dropping and breaking eight plates, pronouncing haricots verts as ‘harrie koevers’ to a group of businessmen, and dropping piping-hot teapots from my hands at the pass. Fortunately, I eventually got the hang of those hospitality skills, but I did suffer a fairly serious trauma here for a while. There’s been a new owner recently who has started a great makeover, and I especially think the terrace has turned out beautifully. On the Amstel, very spacious and large, and a lovely addition to the restaurant strip.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_kNCnJnxjI/?utm_source=ig_embed
De Voetangel
As far as Ouderkerk has a center, this place is quite a bit outside it. A household name among locals, but not as well known beyond the area. Incredibly delicious food, a very extensive menu (with lots of vegetarian options too), by the water and in the middle of the polder. Great for stopping for coffee or lunch during a bike ride (it’s about a twenty-minute cycle from Ouderkerk), but definitely go for a proper dinner sometime too. Inside it’s very cozy, with lots of wood, and the food is genuinely delicious. Very friendly staff as well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkzEbFrHybf/?utm_source=ig_embed
De Kruidfabriek by LUTE
Another spot for fine dining, just past ‘the strip’. The name gives it away a little: it really is an old spice factory, so I’m always a huge fan of the setting. Beautiful interior and the food… Well, if Peter Lute is the chef, it has to be good, right? Absolutely. It’s not exactly good for your wallet to come here regularly either, but it’s worth every euro—you’re truly pampered here and leave absolutely stuffed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9jx5cZAsn8/?utm_source=ig_embed
Café de Vrije Handel
Yesss, of course I have to mention this one. The pub where I got drunk far too much for the first time (sorry, Mom and Dad), where there’s always such a lovely atmosphere and where the food is insanely good for a pub. Really: more than once, we’ve decided to have a bite to eat here instead of at Loetje. In the evening, it’s wonderfully village-like and convivial here, because since Ouderkerk is hardly a metropolis, all the fun people gather in one place—and that’s this place. The festival week around King’s Day is notorious in Ouderkerk, so if you really want a good time (and a lot of beer), definitely stop by. And let me say in advance: sorry for my drinking.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAzrKolBmTW/?utm_source=ig_embed
Gusto Italia
For a good pizza, or if you want to line your stomach before heading for drinks at the pub mentioned above, just go two doors down: that’s where you’ll find this pizzeria. That’s always so great about Ouderkerk—everything is literally within crawling distance. Small pizzeria, very kid-friendly too, and genuinely excellent wood-fired pizzas. Takeaway is also available, by the way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B917aaIliAS/?utm_source=ig_embed
Read also:
