These Amsterdam restaurants welcome walk-ins
Planning has never been my strong suit, so restaurants where you can’t make a reservation are ideal for me. I don’t mind waiting a little either, especially with a drink in hand. Doing a bit of people-watching, having a drink, getting a feel for the atmosphere.
And when I want to eat somewhere at the last minute, I always have my favorites ready: these 6 restaurants are ideal if you want to go out for the evening without a reservation.
Where you can eat without a reservation in Amsterdam
1. Pepito
New kid in town and instantly a favorite for many: I went there for dinner last week and it wasn’t just incredibly delicious, it was also very busy. You can leave your name on the waiting list and go for a drink nearby while you wait your turn. Believe me: it’s more than worth the wait—every Spanish tapa here is fantastic.
Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 21
2. Wijmpje Beukers
One of my favorites for years, because everything is just right here: the value for money, the perpetually cheerful staff, the delicious wines, and the ever-surprising menu. Here too, there’s a good chance you’ll have to wait a little, but in their cozy corner (or on the terrace), that’s absolutely no hardship.
Karel du Jardinstraat 47
3. Eetcafé Schotsheuvel
Well, if you mention Wijmpje Beukers, you’re actually mentioning their little brother Eetcafé Schotsheuvel too—because everything is just right here as well, and the food is at least as delicious. This is where you go for an evening of leisurely dining with good wines and delicious Espresso Martinis (which you should definitely order at Wijmpje too, by the way).
Banstraat 14
4. Café Binnenvisser
If you’re in a group of up to five people, you can always just walk in here—larger groups can make a reservation. It’s not a large place, so you do need a bit of luck (and patience), but you’ll never get bored here: the menu changes daily.
Bilderdijkstraat 36
5. Café Twee Prinsen
Mostly in the mood for good wines, perhaps with a small bite to eat? Then you’re in the right place here. It’s such a lovely little spot with its stained-glass windows, and people-watching from the terrace is a delight. Though by now you do need a bit of luck to get a table, because Café Twee Prinsen has grown into one of the Jordaan’s most popular spots.
Prinsenstraat 27
6. Spaghetteria
At some locations you can now make a reservation (check the list here), but walk-ins are always welcome at Spaghetteria locations. And honestly: the pasta here is always good. It’s not necessarily the place for a long, leisurely meal, but it is the perfect spot for a quick dinner, with good food and reasonable prices.
7. Gossler & Florin
Gossler & Florin, an international neo-brasserie as they call themselves, is a wonderfully inviting spot in Amsterdam’s Jordaan where you can enjoy fantastic, indulgent food. It’s especially nice that Gossler & Florin always has room for spontaneous walk-ins. The team is professional, friendly and relaxed, and the menu is pleasantly straightforward. A tip: definitely order the sweetbreads with a cola glace reduced with ginger, and a celeriac cream with veal jus and sweetbread jus. We always ask for extra bread to wipe everything off our plates…
Lindengracht 90
Also read:
- Amazing: the Espresso Martini Affogato cocktail
- This is why the Espresso Martini is so popular
- Recipe: Espresso Martini pancakes
Image: Pepito
