Of course, hundreds of lists have already been written about where to eat and drink in Amsterdam. But if you love wine, where can you find the ultimate wine list with brilliant wines at a reasonable price? Which wine bar or restaurant should you visit? After living in Amsterdam for two and a half years, I'm still busy exploring all the hotspots and hidden gems. These are my favorite spots so far, you're welcome!
Ceiling
I think a little shameless self-promotion is allowed, so here it is: the most fantastic place for wine and food in a relaxed setting is Zoldering. The restaurant feels more like a neighborhood pub, and the wine list is one to completely lose yourself in. What makes this wine list so special? The classic regions are extensively highlighted here. Bordeaux or Burgundy lovers, you're welcome. Choose a fantastic aged wine or let one of the sommeliers advise you for a more off-the-beaten-track choice. Or, even better, step out of your comfort zone and try one of Job's specialties: sherry! Oh, and if you're not that thirsty, ask about the extensive selection of half bottles or wines by the glass. Something for everyone here. Most recent favorite: Callejuela, El Cerro Oloroso . If you're lucky, you can also get it by the glass.
The Clapper
Personal favorite, hands down. After all the lockdown turmoil, there was only one place I wanted to go to first: De Klepel. A small, unpretentious bistro with a wine list to die for. Feeling overwhelmed by choices? I completely understand. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they're happy to help you choose. Everything you've ever wanted to drink from France is available here at a reasonable price. Want a truly all-out wine experience? Ask for the "dirty book." It's a small selection of individual bottles they've managed to snag here and there—perfect for the wine connoisseur! Afterwards, we enjoyed our ultimate bucket-list wine here. Raveneau, 1st cru Butteaux 2010. It always feels like coming home here, enjoying!
Bar du Champagne
It's all in the name. This place is de-li-cious! A wine bar with only champagne (and a little Coteaux Champenoise), lovely people running the place, and the ultimate guilty pleasure snacks. What's not to like? Ask about the Mac 'n Cheese afterward, and you'll see them burst with joy. Every time I go, they have new champagnes to try. A nice selection by the glass, but while you're there, treat yourself to a bottle. In the evening, they crank up the record player, and a fun evening is guaranteed. Like what you drink? Above the bar is their shop, L'Atelier du Champagne, so you can grab a bottle to go. My highlight here so far has been Manon Boutillez-Guer, 2012 Prise de Vue. A bit richer in style and dosage, but perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
To the Bar du Champagne website >
Sinck
Just opened six months ago, and already a fan. Sabas, former sommelier at Librije, and his partners have created a new top-notch venue here. A beautiful terrace at the front, a traditional bar downstairs, and a lovely restaurant on the ground floor. But most importantly: the walk-in wine room. A sommelier's treasure trove. They introduced a wine we'd previously never seen before: the Occhipinti Frappato. It's the kind of wine you immediately want to try after Sabas shares his personal story about it. The wine list is extensive, from chic classics to well-priced gems and original discoveries. And don't forget to order a delicious bite to eat—a must-try!
Café Parlotte
A delightful café where you'll feel like you're in France, and where the evening always seems young. Always vibrant and lively, whether you're sitting at a table or enjoying a snack at the bar. Margot has quickly put together a fantastic menu. She and the team make you feel immediately welcome and quench your thirst. We enjoyed one of my favorite Burgundy wines here, thankfully at a reasonable price. It was the "regular" Bourgogne Rouge from Emmanuel Rouget, the legend. So delicious. Parlotte is one of those places where you just want to keep delving into the wine list for all the hidden gems. Highly recommended if you're looking for a great place to have drinks.
Ship camel
It's wonderful when people dedicate themselves entirely to one country. These sommeliers have such a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience in German wines, it's unparalleled. Whether it's that one incredible Riesling, a beautiful Spätburgunder, or another remarkable find from an obscure corner of Germany, it's always a pleasure to be here. Want to know exactly where the differences between all the Rieslings come from? Chanan and his team will tell you everything you need to know. Also important, in good weather, they have one of the most delightful terraces in Amsterdam, right on the water at the Marineterrein. Recently, we enjoyed what might have been the highlight of the year: Keller, Kirchspiel GG 2012. It takes some doing, but how often do you get the chance to enjoy this bottle between the two of you? I was incredibly happy; treat yourself to this!
To the website of Scheepskameel >
4850
They're back! During the day, specialty coffee and the best cinnamon buns in town, and in the evening, refined dining with a superb wine list. A beautiful mix of traditional and natural wines, plus an extensive champagne section. Normally, I'm a bit wary of natural wine, but I trust Daniel implicitly, and he introduced us to this wildcard: Vignoble de l'Arbre Blanc, a Pinot Noir from the Auvergne. I would never have chosen this, but it was absolutely perfect for the moment and the summer temperatures. A total pleasure. Trust your somm! And don't forget to dine there; it's fantastic.
Lille
Lille is owned by the same owner as Scheepskameel. This is evident in the unpretentious food, classic without frills, simply delicious. Inspired by Flemish and French cuisine. But I especially love coming here for the wine list. What I especially love here is that you can also find wines with a bit of age. Classic top producers that are well-priced, but there are also some special finds. My most memorable moment was from one of my first visits to Lille. A completely crazy evening with all the wine enthusiasts. The highlight was the 1996 Nicolas Joly Coulée de Serrant. The cult producer from the Loire, and then there's his top cuvée, about 15 years old and still very much alive. So cool!
Domenica & La Fiorita
The number of Italian restaurants in Amsterdam is undeniable. But here are my two absolute favorites. Domenica, one of my favorite spots for a long, lazy lunch. Preferably on a Sunday, but it always feels like Sunday here. Last time, we started at 1:00 PM and didn't leave blissfully until 7:30 PM. We filled our bellies with the best pasta in town and indulged in a plethora of Italian wines. My favorite was Monteraponi, Baron' Ugo 2012. And then La Fiorita; it had been on my list for so long, and it lived up to all expectations. The antipasti are truly delicious, and the wine list is incredibly extensive. Looking for an Italian classic? You've come to the right place—choosing stress is guaranteed. With a little help, we finally chose Az. Agr. Burlotto. A producer you don't often see on wine lists because so little is produced. You can make it as crazy as you want here, but you'll definitely have a wonderful evening, I promise!
To the website of Domenica or The Flower
Would you also like to stay overnight in Amsterdam? That is possible at The Hoxton or, if you book early, also quite affordable, at Hotel V Fizeaustraat .
And now it's your turn...
It might be clear that I had a fairly classical upbringing. So the "new" world (except South Africa) and the natural wine scene aren't my forte. But if you have a great tip—a wine bar, restaurant, boat, or treehouse with a brilliant wine list—let me know!
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