Amsterdam is a progressive, liberal and forward thinking city, and as a result it is ridiculously vegan-friendly. There is an abundance of options; almost too many – it is hard to choose where to go! Below I have listed my personal recommendations, but honestly most restaurants in the city have a vegan option and 90% of the cafes stock oat milk – eating plant-based is a breeze!
Amsterdam Vegan Eats:
Vegabond.
One of the OG vegan cafes in Amsterdam, serving breakfast and lunch food such as acai bowls and traditional dutch apple pie. It also doubles up as a health food store, so is a great stop to pick up snacks.
Cold Pressed Juicery.
This is a healthy juice chain with locations throughout Amsterdam. It serves organic coffee, healthy food, smoothie bowls, sweet treats and raw meals.
Beter & Leuk.
This brekkie and lunch spot is known for being very vegan-friendly with items such as vegan croissants, buckwheat pancakes, salads and smoothie bowls.
Coffee & Coconuts.
A beach shack vibe coffee spot with an eclectic vegan-friendly menu ranging from an all-day vegan breakfast through to superfood salads and fresh coconuts.
SLA.
An organic plant-based salad bar which serves up pre-designed and custom salad bowls – perfect for if you want a nourishing meal. I loved the “green protein” bowl and was eyeing up the salted caramel cheesecake.
Alchemist Garden.
A laid-back, health focused cafe serving raw, vegan and organic dishes, smoothies and sweet treats. Another good choice for if you’re trying to be healthy!
Cafe Du Ceuvel.
A beautiful spot with a sustainable mission, this cafe serves up veggie and vegan eats and is working towards being zero waste! Not to mention it has composting toilets, solar panels and so many more awesome initiatives. It also serves as a workspace so feel free to take your laptop and plough through your emails, or maybe sign up to one of their sustainability workshops.
Mr & Mrs Watson.
This vegan restaurant is best known for its homemade vegan cheeses – stop by for dinner and indulge in a mind-blowing cheese board! I also recommend the rhubarb crumble for dessert – absolutely delicious.
Vegan Junk Food Bar.
This was by far our favourite meal in Amsterdam. This restaurant does what it says on the tin, it serves up incredible vegan junk food. But not just burger and chips – they are seriously innovative. We had delicious salmon sashimi, tempura prawns, calamari rings and even traditional dutch bitterbollen! We agreed that the burger was the best we have ever had, even better than beyond meat – which is a serious claim. Seriously, don’t miss this place.
Men Impossible.
The only vegan ramen restaurant in Amsterdam. Completely off the tourist path this is an authentic experience with amazing flavours, but you need to book ahead as it is a cosy spot.
Meatless District.
This popular brunch and dinner spot is 100% vegan. The menu includes classics like burgers, fish and chips, and wholesome salads. A great choice for a more “fancy” dinner as it is less casual than other vegan spots in the city – make sure you reserve a table though.
Deer Mama.
A 100% vegan milk and burger bar. An indulgent spot known best for their plant-based soft serve, beyond meat burgers and charcoal BBQ dishes. Their menu is huge and diverse, ranging from tofu scrambles and pancake stacks through to chicken nuggets, dutch croquettes, and ramen bowls.
Sir Hummus.
A vegan-friendly hummus focused restaurant, for all your hummus needs.
Terrazen Centre.
A family-run cafe in downtown Amsterdam offering vegan versions of Caribbean and Japanese food – a quirky combination! Dishes include sushi, roti wraps and Jamaican curry.
Vegan Burger Brothers.
Want a burger delivered to your door? These guys have you covered with burgers, milkshakes and loaded fries on the menu.
Cakestix.
This new cake pop up store creates custom vegan cakes on sticks! Choose from a seriously broad selection of toppings and prepare for a sugar rush!
Mr Stacks.
This new bubble tea and vegan pancakes restaurant is developing a seriously good reputation. They serve up epic stacks of vegan pancakes, both sweet and savoury, as well as bubble tea. We loved the cinnamon stack! Other vegan-friendly pancake spots include The Pancake Bakery, Moak Pancakes and The Happy Pig Pancakes.
Bonus Amsterdam Recommendations:
Gyms: If you want to stay active in Amsterdam then I recommend you check out High Studios for intense HIIT & strength classes, Saints&Stars for boxing and Vondelgym for crossfit.
Hotels: I recommend you stay in the heart of Amsterdam, near the central canals. We chose to splash out on the Pulitzer and it was worth every penny, but there are tonnes of cheaper options.
Things To Do: Amsterdam is the city of cycling, so rent a bike and explore on two wheels. Make sure you ride outside the city centre to get a feel for the different districts and neighbourhoods. Stop by Vondelpark for some green space and a picnic, or Hortus Botanicus for some seriously beautiful plants. Visit the numerous museums, my favourite was MOCO. Hop on a canal cruise – I recommend Flagship. Stop by the cat boat floating cat sanctuary and make some furry friends. Stroll along “the 9 streets” and browse the vintage and independent stores. Take a day trip to Utrecht. There are so many things to do, the list is honestly endless and there are tonnes of comprehensive blog guides such as this one.
Safe travels,
Zanna
