23 Best Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Amsterdam
Fill your itinerary (and your tummies) with these top family-friendly places to eat in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam offers a wide variety of family-friendly places to eat, with options that cater to both children and adults alike. From classic Dutch dishes and fresh seafood to iconic desserts, the city’s diverse culinary scene ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor seating or a restaurant with a kids’ playground, you’ll find plenty of dining options that are perfect for families.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite family-friendly eateries in Amsterdam, featuring everything from authentic Dutch snacks to sweet treats that won’t disappoint.
You can trust that these spots are well-suited for both parents and kiddos, making mealtime in Amsterdam a pleasant and stress-free experience.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick List: Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Amsterdam
- Patat (Potato Fries)
- Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx
- Frietboutique
- Freddy Fryday
- Seafood
- Stubbe’s Haring
- Rob Wigboldus Fishmonger
- The Good Companion
- Cafes & Dutch Cuisine
- Winkel 43
- Harlem Soul Food
- The Pantry
- Kinderkookkafé
- The Happy Bull
- Sweets
- Carousel Pancake House
- PANCAKES Amsterdam Zuidas
- The Pancake Bakery
- Hans Egstorf
- Melly’s StroopWafels
- Indonesian Food
- Kartika
- Sampurna
- Tujuh Maret
- Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
- Grand Café Het Paviljoen
- De Vondeltuin
- Groot Melkhuis
- Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve
The Essentials for Eating in Amsterdam With Kids
🍟 French fries are known locally as patat or frites and are a popular street food and a go-to kid-friendly snack throughout the Netherlands.
🥞 For sweet treats, try the most beloved delicious options like pannenkoeken (traditional Dutch pancakes), poffertjes (fluffy mini pancakes), and stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffle cookies).
😎 During the warmer months, take advantage of Amsterdam’s family-friendly dining by visiting restaurants with garden seating or outdoor patios, making it easy to enjoy meals with kids.
🐟 For seafood lovers, while brined herring might be an acquired taste, fried fish (known as kibbeling) is a kid-approved alternative and a tasty way to enjoy Amsterdam’s seafood culture.
💳 Card payments are widely preferred at most restaurants and even by street vendors. Travel to Amsterdam with the Wise Travel Money Card for competitive rates on currency exchange, foreign transactions, and withdrawals.
23 Family-Friendly Places to Eat In Amsterdam Your Kids Will Love
Patat (Potato Fries)
Patat, or “frites,” hold a special place in Dutch cuisine and culture, particularly in Amsterdam, thanks to a blend of historical and cultural influences. The Dutch were among Europe’s first to embrace the potato as a staple food in the 18th century, paving the way for a love of fried potatoes (who doesn’t love fried potatoes???) – a quick, affordable, and versatile snack.
In urban centers like Amsterdam, a thriving street food culture emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, solidifying patat as a beloved treat for locals and visitors alike.
Today, Amsterdam’s iconic snack bars and friteshuis serve these thick-cut fries in paper cones, often topped with mayonnaise, curry ketchup, or peanut satay sauce. This variety of sauces reflects the city’s multicultural culinary landscape and its enduring preference for simple, flavorful comfort foods that make for the perfect family-friendly snack.
Top Rated Places to Eat Patat in Amsterdam:
1. Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx
A stable frites shop known for its thick, crispy fries served with a creative variety of delicious sauces.
2. Frietboutique
With multiple locations throughout Amsterdam, this chain is an easy solution for getting the kids fed in a pinch!
3. Freddy Fryday
They are known for their ‘loaded’ options, including extra toppings such as pulled pork and cheesy pepperoni.
Seafood
Seafood has long been a cornerstone of Dutch cuisine, especially in Amsterdam, due to the country’s geography and historic reliance on fishing. Surrounded by the North Sea, the Netherlands has had easy access to a variety of fresh fish and shellfish, which became dietary staples and economic drivers as early as the Middle Ages.
Popular types of seafood include herring, mussels, eel, and cod. “Hollandse Nieuwe” (raw herring) is perhaps the most iconic, eaten with onions and pickles, while fried kibbeling (battered cod) is another beloved snack that’s perfect for kids.
In Amsterdam, seafood is celebrated in both traditional fish markets, among street food vendors and modern seafood restaurants, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted connection to the sea and its passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Best Family-Friendly Places to Eat Seafood in Amsterdam:
4. Stubbe’s Haring
A popular street kiosk, offering the perfect solution for eating on the go with kids in Amsterdam.
5. Rob Wigboldus Fishmonger
Kids will love the kibbeling sandwich, a humble meal with delicate cod-flavored fried bits.
6. Herring Stall Jonk
This popular street food shack is known for serving traditional Dutch herring, often enjoyed with onions and pickles – a must try when in Amsterdam.
7. The Good Companion
A sit-down restaurant with a trendy atmosphere that serves a mix of comfort-style and refined seafood dishes.
Dutch Cuisine
One of the best aspects of dining in Amsterdam for families is the abundance of versatile restaurants, including those that serve universally loved dishes like burgers and pasta. Additionally, many cafés offer a diverse international menu while still showcasing Dutch favorites, providing options that appeal to all ages and tastes.
Dutch cuisine is defined by hearty, simple dishes that reflect the country’s agricultural roots. Staples like stamppot—a comforting mash of potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale or carrots—originate from practical cooking traditions in rural areas, where families would make the most of winter vegetables and potatoes.
Another iconic dish is erwtensoep, or split pea soup – a thick, hearty meal traditionally enjoyed during cold winters and often served with smoked sausage. Bitterballen are a classic Dutch snack: small, deep-fried meatballs filled with a savory beef ragout, perfect for sharing. Gouda cheese, named after the Dutch city where it was historically traded, is one of the world’s oldest and most famous cheeses. Known for its mild, creamy flavor and smooth texture, Gouda is a beloved staple enjoyed by the whole family.
These dishes represent the Netherlands’ love for simple, flavorful comfort foods that bring communities together and make use of seasonal, local ingredients.
Best Family-Friendly Places to Eat Traditional Dutch Cuisine in Amsterdam:
8. Winkel 43
Serving European-style snacks and Dutch classics, this place is especially known for its traditional apple pie – a nationwide treasure.
9. Harlem Soul Food
The perfect gathering spot for parents to enjoy a craft beer while their children munch on nachos and chicken wings.
10. The Pantry
A cozy environment featuring house-made products and traditional meals.
11. Kinderkookkafé
👍 A unique, child-friendly restaurant where kids take the lead in the kitchen. Here, children can cook, serve, and even help clean up under the guidance of staff, creating a fun and hands-on dining experience.
12. The Happy Bull
American-style eatery serving everything from burgers to milkshakes.
Sweets
Dutch cuisine is renowned for its variety of sweet treats and desserts, which are not only enjoyed year-round but also hold deep cultural significance – making them a big hit for families with kids dining in Amsterdam.
Stroopwafels, thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, originated in Gouda in the 18th century and have since become a beloved snack for both adults and children. Another classic is poffertjes, small, fluffy pancakes typically served with powdered sugar and butter, and especially popular at outdoor markets and winter festivals.
Speculaas, spiced cookies flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, are traditionally associated with the Dutch Sinterklaas holiday in December, evoking feelings of warmth and celebration. These sweets reflect the lasting influence of the Dutch spice trade and have become iconic in Dutch food culture, cherished by families across the Netherlands for centuries.
Best Family-Friendly Places to Eat Desserts in Amsterdam:
13. Carousel Pancake House
The restaurant is centered around an old-fashioned carousel ride!
14. PANCAKES Amsterdam Zuidas
Equipped with a kids’ play corner inside the restaurant.
15. The Pancake Bakery
It is located inside a 2-story renovated warehouse.
16. Melly’s StroopWafels
Enjoy freshly made stroopwafels with warm and gooey caramel syrup.
Indonesian Food
Without knowing the history behind it, eating or even finding Indonesian food in Amsterdam might not seem intuitive. However, Indonesian food is among the most popular cuisines in the Netherlands!
Indonesian food is popular in the Netherlands largely due to the historical connection between the two countries during the period of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia, which lasted from the early 17th century until Indonesia’s independence in 1949. During this time, Indonesian spices, flavors, and cooking techniques were introduced to Dutch society, sparking a lasting love for the cuisine.
One of the most popular dishes is the rijsttafel (“rice table”), a Dutch interpretation of an Indonesian feast featuring a variety of small dishes like satay, rendang, and sambal, designed to showcase Indonesia’s diverse flavors.
Today, Indonesian cuisine remains one of the most beloved “international” cuisines in the Netherlands, with Indonesian restaurants and takeaways widely available, particularly in cities like Amsterdam.
This culinary tradition reflects the historical and cultural connections that still resonate between the two countries, blending Indonesian flavors with Dutch dining culture.
Top Rated Places to Eat Indonesian Food in Amsterdam:
17. Kartika
Their specialty includes rijsttafel, a selection of small dishes, including spiced meats, vegetables, and sambals, all served with rice and made for family-style sharing.
18. Sampurna
Unsure of what to order? This restaurant offers a convenient tasting menu featuring the best selections from their menu, allowing you to sample a variety of their top dishes.
19. Tujuh Maret
Featuring a vibrant selection of main dishes and inventive desserts, including a unique cactus ice cream flavor.
Restaurants With Outdoor Seating
If you’re visiting Amsterdam during stretches of nice weather, consider enjoying a family meal at a restaurant with outdoor seating or a patio. Dining outdoors offers several advantages for families with children: the open space provides kids with a bit more freedom to move around, and the fresh air and lively surroundings can keep them entertained.
Additionally, outdoor areas tend to be more forgiving of the inevitable noise and excitement, allowing families to relax without worrying about disturbing others. And, of course, dining by a canal adds a uniquely charming, only-in-Amsterdam experience that’s sure to make the meal memorable.
Top Rated Family-Friendly Places With Outdoor Seating in Amsterdam:
20. Grand Café Het Paviljoen
Picnic-style benches and an on-site playground make this the perfect place for families with young children to dine.
21. De Vondeltuin
Nestled in a charming courtyard, this restaurant offers a garden-like atmosphere complete with a playground for kids.
22. Groot Melkhuis
Located in the heart of Vondelpark, this waterside café boasts a stylish terrace with direct access to an outdoor play gym for children.
23. Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve
Although located just outside the city center, this is a dream destination for families visiting Amsterdam with kids. It features a petting zoo where children can interact with the animals, a farm shop selling fresh, locally produced goat cheeses, milk, and other dairy products, as well as a café serving homemade treats.
Map of Family-Friendly Places to Eat in Amsterdam
FAQs Families Visiting Amsterdam
Is Traditional Dutch Food Typically Liked by Kids?
Typical Dutch foods are simple, hearty, and influenced by the Netherlands’ farming and maritime history. While the Dutch were historically very interested in spices and played a key role in the global spice trade, these influences are not as prominent in their modern-day cuisine.
Dutch food is generally very palatable, even for the pickiest eaters, and is overall quite comforting. There are no strong flavors or unexpected elements that might put off a typical child.
Do Restaurants in Amsterdam Have Kids’ Menus?
Kids’ menus are not typically found at restaurants in Amsterdam, but this is not because the city is not kid-friendly. Dutch food is already so widely favored by children that there is little need for a separate menu with special dishes. Instead, you can simply ask if a restaurant is willing to adjust portion sizes to suit your little diners.
Are Restaurants in Amsterdam Open All Day?
Dutch culture does not follow the afternoon rest customs seen in southern European countries like Italy and Spain. As a result, businesses generally operate throughout the entire day, making it easy to find places to eat at any hour.
However, visitors should be mindful of typical Dutch eating habits, which include a more low-key approach to lunch. Many Dutch people have a cold lunch, often consisting of bread, cheese, and possibly deli meats or spreads. Lunch is not a big event, and hot meals are typically reserved for dinner.
As a result, many restaurants don’t open for dinner until 5 p.m. or later. It’s always a good idea to check the hours before heading out to a specific place.
How Much to Budget for Dining Out in Amsterdam?
Dining in Amsterdam is manageable, though not the most budget-friendly option. While the city’s restaurant prices are in line with the rest of the Netherlands, they aren’t inflated just because of its popularity as a tourist destination.
Although you may not find ultra-cheap options, the prices remain reasonable, and it’s definitely possible to eat out without breaking the bank.
Daily Budget Estimate:
For a moderate budget, expect to spend around €30–€50 per person per day on meals if you’re dining out for all three meals at casual spots.
For Budget-Friendly Options:
If you’re looking to save, street food or smaller cafes are a great choice. This can bring your daily food budget down to about €20–€30. Quick bites such as sandwiches, salads, or light meals at cafes typically range from €8–€15.
Recommended Places to Stay in Amsterdam for Families
Best Unique Accommodation: The Unbound Amsterdam (CHECK PRICES)
Best Luxury Hotel Experience: The Hoxton (CHECK PRICES)
Best Houseboat: Dreamtime Houseboat (CHECK PRICES)
Best City Center Location: Amstel Corner Hotel (CHECK PRICES)
Related Posts:
Where to Eat in Prague With Kids
