Food and drinks during SAIL 2025: these are the best spots by the water
From 20 to 24 August 2025, the IJ will once again transform into a floating festival of tall ships, sailing classics and nautical spectacle. SAIL Amsterdam is back, and believe us: you don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy it to the fullest. Fancy front-row dining by the water? Dancing at sunset? Or chilling out with a good drink and a view of millions of euros’ worth of floating heritage? Here’s where to go for the best food and drinks during SAIL 2025, from Michelin-starred quality to going barefoot on the sand.
1. Lunch or dinner at MOON: a rotating view of SAIL
For the ultimate panorama of SAIL 2025, head to MOON, the revolving restaurant at the top of the A’DAM Tower. The restaurant has just had a major makeover and looks better than ever. During SAIL-In (Wednesday) and SAIL-Out (Sunday), MOON is open all day – from 12:00 to 21:00 – with a special four-course menu (€70).
View: 10/10. Food: same. And yes, you slowly revolve while the ships sail past. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this. Read our review of Moon here.
2. Dinner by Dock: dining beneath a gigantic ship
On 21, 22 and 23 August, Dock 1 at Damen’s shipyard opens its doors for an exclusive SAIL pop-up. Tens of metres of steel above you, four courses of top gastronomy in front of you. The kitchens of BAUT, Helling 7 and BAUT Del Sol provide the culinary magic.
Only a few hundred people per shift can attend, so book quickly. Reservations can be made via dinnerbydock.nl/#tickets, and you can choose between lunch or dinner (€198.50).
3. Four-course lunch or dinner by the water at Helling 7
Located in a former shipyard canteen, Helling 7 is already a hotspot in its own right – but during SAIL, you’ll literally have a front-row seat here. The view of the IJ is incredible, and they serve a special four-course SAIL menu for €85 (lunch and dinner). Reservations can be made via Helling 7. Book quickly, because this spot is filling up fast too.
4. Food, drinks and dancing at Pllek
Pllek remains the laid-back favourite at the NDSM wharf. Coffee and lunch with your feet in the sand during the day, dancing at sunset with views of passing sailing giants in the evening. Tip: reservations at Pllek on Wednesday (SAIL-In) and Sunday (SAIL-Out) are highly recommended.
5. Sail and dine with Grand Café NEXT
Want to really go all out? Book a spot on the two-masted clipper Bracksand via Grand Café NEXT. A lunch cruise means three courses with a view of the Oranjehaven (€169 per person). An evening cruise includes a four-course menu at NEXT, followed by an evening sail with a 12.5-minute fireworks show right in front of you (€195 per person).
This is literally the most beautiful experience you can have on the water during SAIL 2025. Read our review of NEXT here.
6. Beer and bites at Lowlander Botanical Bar
At Lowlander, next to the Passenger Terminal, you’re right by the water. During SAIL 2025, they’ll treat you to botanically brewed beers, a special menu and live music with a front-row view of the parade of ships. Beer + boats = instant happiness.
Want to know more or make a reservation right away? Head to the Lowlander website. Read our review of Lowlander here.
7. Eastern vibes at Café Jakarta
At the tip of Java Island, Café Jakarta offers views across the entire IJ. Enjoy a specially curated Indonesian SAIL menu and tropical cocktails while the spectacle sails past.
Lunch, dinner or drinks: anything goes. It’s smart to make a reservation at Hotel Jakarta.
8. Cocktails at LuminAir Rooftop
Fancy a view from up high? LuminAir, on top of DoubleTree by Hilton, will be transformed into CLUB SAIL during SAIL. Various tickets are available. For €15, you can get a day ticket granting access to the rooftop during a selected time slot. In the evening, it’s time to party: with a €29 ticket, you get not only entry, but also a welcome drink and live entertainment as the sun sets into the IJ. Celebrating something? Book a VIP evening ticket (€125), including a reserved table, champagne, oysters and luxury bites. Or organise your own high-altitude event: from drinks for 125 guests to a full rooftop takeover for 400 people. Want something even more exclusive? Book the LuminAir Suite with private terrace for your own group.
Whatever you choose, watch the fireworks from high above with a cocktail in your hand. Just remember to make a reservation at LuminAir. Cheers!
Food, drinks, sailing: the tastiest way to experience SAIL 2025
Whether you’re sitting by the water with a glass of wine or holding a bottle of champagne high above the city, food and drinks during SAIL 2025 are at least as spectacular as the ships themselves. Book in time, bring an empty stomach and a fully charged phone (for the photos, of course), and enjoy the best view of the year. Bon voyage & enjoy your meal!
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