The city’s latest wave of bars and restaurants, from buzzy new openings to Michelin-star additions, says a lot about where Amsterdam is right now. There’s a confidence to it: no forced trends, just well-designed spaces, strong menus, and the kind of spots where the room fills fast but nothing feels rushed. Amsterdam is showing off its culinary scene without making a big deal of it.

These are the new places defining how Amsterdam eats and drinks right now, from chic bars to chef-driven counters and Michelin-level dining that still knows how to have fun.

The Siren

I went to The Siren for Christmas dinner, and it confirmed what I already knew: this team, also behind the Secret Garden, knows how to get it done. Walking in feels like stepping into a hidden bubble. Think 1920s vibes, Titanic-level chic, and a sweeping staircase with a jaw-dropping statue above it. The interior? Unapologetically seductive. The energy is high, the crowd stylish, and the food will blow you away. Or just swing by for drinks and small bites at the bar at the front of the house, it’s that kind of place.

Why it works: Atmosphere-first, with just enough edge to feel exciting.

Salute

Salute nails that elusive sweet spot between neighborhood favorite and destination dining. I ended up at Salute on a quiet weeknight, and instantly understood why people are talking about it. The space is warm without trying too hard, and the menu is not over-the-top. Think about flavors that linger, and cocktails that surprise. It’s exactly the kind of spot you plan to stay for dinner and somehow end up lingering until the last glass is empty.

Why it works: Unfussy food done properly, in a space that invites you to linger.

Café Nieuw

I went in for a late lunch and got that effortless “local favorite” energy immediately. The food here is solid, and the vibe is relaxed. I love the fact that the staff make you feel like a regular in minutes

Why it works: Timeless energy that never tries too hard, and never has to.

Cheese Train Bar

I love cheese! I really can’t live without it. And now there’s a whole bar dedicated to it! Who would have thought, right? Cheese Train Bar is playful, fun, and a little bit cheeky. You can grab your favorite from the conveyor belt at the bar: white, blue, red, or hard cheeses, or take a seat at a table and make a proper meal of it. Every dish, of course, comes paired with the perfect wine. It’s exactly the kind of spot that makes cheese feel like the main event, and it absolutely works.

Why it works: Fun, focused, and refreshingly unpretentious.

Cheese dishes at the Cheese Train Bar, Amsterdam — All aboard the cheese train!

Toet

Toet is the new Mediterranea‑meets‑Italian sibling to Troef. The space is lively, with an open kitchen and a design that’s modern but welcoming. Expect dishes built around big, confident flavors meant to be shared, and a wine list that’s just as expressive as the food.

Why it works: Minimalism yet full of personality.

Franzen

Franzen understands the assignment: stylish but approachable, polished but relaxed. The space draws you in and makes it easy to stay longer than you planned. I went for drinks and ended up lingering over dinner. Everything flows naturally, and it’s exactly the kind of spot where casual plans turn into full evenings.

Why it works: Equally suited for date night or group energy.

The Marlin Bar

This is a culinary corner serving up seafood guilty pleasures. The group behind it already has a fabulous roster of spots; Williams Farmhouse, for example, and if you haven’t been, it is a must. Think indulgent shellfish dishes and flavors that hit just right. Sleek interiors, attentive service, and a vibe that instantly feels like a local secret done right.

Why it works: Polished, approachable, and just the right amount of buzz.

The Marlin bar, Amsterdam. Fine dining. — Image by the Marlin Bar, Amsterdam

Omakasa

This is where sushi is served the way it’s meant to be experienced. Here, the chef calls the shots course after course, using seasonal fish and seafood right in front of you. Respectful of tradition, playful in execution, and absolutely worth the splurge on a food‑centric night out.

Why it works: You sit down, let go, and let the kitchen lead.

Bonus: Michelin Moves

Choux

Choux is one of Amsterdam’s most talked‑about Michelin‑starred restaurants, and for good reason. The kitchen, led by chef Merijn van Berlo, builds tasting menus where vegetables and seasonal produce take center stage, with only sparing appearances by game and shellfish. The setting is an industrial‑meets‑vintage warehouse on the IJ. Creative, earthy, and surprising without being showy.

Why it works: Innovation without ego.

Cue

Cue is one of Amsterdam’s newest Michelin‑star revelations. Chef George Kataras and his team use smoky grill techniques to craft memorable dishes that feel like fine dining with personality.

Why it works: Playful and polished.

Michelin star dining in Amsterdam, Cue. — Image by Cue, Amsterdam

Final Word

What ties all these spots together? Confidence. They know exactly what they’re about, and execute it brilliantly. Each is fun, precise, and completely unapologetically Amsterdam!

This is just the beginning. Follow my ongoing series on Amsterdam’s hottest new openings to stay ahead of the city’s culinary curve

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Eat well. Sip slowly. Repeat often.

Restaurant guide for Amsterdam — Bottom’s up!

See you on the next trail!
With love,
Diti | My Trendy Trail 💋✈️

Amsterdam’s New Cool: Eat, Sip, Repeat at the City’s Best New Hotspots!