Seafood Restaurant Amsterdam

If you love seafood, then you’ll surely adore Amsterdam’s deep connection to the sea and how the bounty of the North Sea shows up throughout the local cuisine. From traditional herring carts to elegant fish bistros serving oysters, mussels, and line-caught North Sea fish, there’s something to suit every taste.

Whether you’re craving a quick bite of cured mackerel or a full sit-down seafood feast with a view of the canals, there are endless ways to enjoy seafood on an Amsterdam food tour.

Amsterdam’s Seafood Scene: Fresh, Local & Full of Flavor

Amsterdam’s seafood scene is a delicious reflection of the Netherlands’ deep-rooted fishing heritage. Shaped by centuries of hauling treasures from the cold, rich waters of the North Sea, local chefs, food stalls, and fine dining restaurants offer some of the best seafood dishes in the world.

From the iconic herring served with onions and pickles at street-side carts, to elegant Michelin-starred restaurants offering oysters on crushed ice and eel smoked to perfection. Seafood is a cornerstone of Amsterdam’s culinary identity.

Local specialties like crispy kibbeling, steamed mussels, and velvety smoked mackerel are beloved local staples. However, a new wave of innovative chefs is breathing fresh life into traditional recipes by bringing in bold international flavors. Making Amsterdam’s seafood as diverse and flavorful as the city itself.

Where to Find the Best Seafood Restaurants in Amsterdam

The streets and canals of Amsterdam are decorated with seafood restaurants offering some of the best Dutch food in the Netherlands.

The Seafood Bar

Photo credit: The Seafood Bar

The Seafood Bar in De Pijp is a modern, casual fish bar with a bright, contemporary interior filled with locals who know where to find the good stuff. The menu shines with fresh oysters, grilled prawns, and a show-stopping seafood platter piled high with crab legs and mussels.

I appreciate that the portions are hearty, and prices range from moderate to upscale, depending on your appetite. It gets busy, so try going before 6:00 PM or reserve ahead, especially on weekends. Their house-made sauces and a crisp glass of Dutch white wine are the perfect finishing touches to a seafood feast.

The Seafood Bar (€€) – Ferdinand Bolstraat 32, 1072 LK Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Vis aan de Schelde

Photo credit: Vis aan de Schelde

Tucked away in the Jordaan, Vis aan de Schelde blends fine dining with a cozy, neighborhood feel. This elegant yet unpretentious bistro-style restaurant is best known for its catch of the day, inventive fish preparations, and some of the butteriest langoustines I’ve ever tasted.

I think the candlelit ambiance makes it ideal for date nights, with mid-to-high pricing reflective of the quality. Locals often sit at the chef’s counter to watch the culinary action unfold. Ask for the tasting menu to sample a bit of everything.

Vis aan de Schelde (€€€) – Scheldeplein 4, 1078 GR Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Frens Haringhandel

Photo credit: Frens Haringhandel

For a traditional Dutch experience, head to Frens Haringhandel. It’s a family-run herring stall near the Bloemenmarkt. While it’s not a sit-down restaurant, it’s legendary for serving some of the freshest raw herring in town, topped with chopped onions and pickles.

I love that the vibe here is quick and authentic. Perfect for grabbing a snack while exploring the city. It’s affordable, and the portion sizes are generous for street food. I like to order a “Broodje haring,” which is herring on a bun, which holds the toppings nicely and the soft bread is perfect for eating out of hand as I wander.

Frens Haringhandel (€) – Singel 470, 1017 BB Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Must-Try Dutch Seafood Dishes

To get a truly authentic taste of Dutch seafood on an Amsterdam food tour, I recommend sampling the following must-try dishes at least once.

Hollandse Nieuwe (Raw Herring)

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This iconic Dutch delicacy is served with raw onions and pickles. It’s traditionally eaten by holding it by the tail and taking a bite. I had some of the freshest herring at Frens Haringhandel, a popular cart near the Bloemenmarkt.

Kibbeling

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Crispy battered fish bites of cod, served with a tangy garlic or remoulade sauce, are perfect as a street snack. I loved the version at Vishandel Molenaar in De Pijp, which is light, crunchy, and addictive.

Mosselen

Steamed mussels served in big pots with white wine, herbs, and vegetables, Dutch mussels are a cozy seasonal favorite. At The Seafood Bar, the mussels were plump and flavorful, paired beautifully with fries and crisp white wine.

Gerookte Paling

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This delicately smoked eel has a silky texture and a deep, savory flavor that’s often served on toast or with salad. I had an unforgettable version at Frank’s Smoke House, where the eel was smoked in-house and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Oesters

Dutch fresh oysters, especially from Zeeland, are known for their briny, clean taste. I tried them at Brut de Mer, and the freshness was undeniable. They were shucked to order and needed nothing but a squeeze of lemon.

Lekkerbekje

Similar to kibbeling but in fillet form, this deep-fried white fish dish is a staple at local fish stands. I picked mine up from Fish Tails at Foodhallen, and it was golden, flaky perfection.

Zeeuwse Kreeft

A seasonal delicacy with sweet, tender meat, Zeeland lobster is prized for its quality. Visaandeschelde serves it grilled with butter and herbs, which I think is hands-down one of the most elegant seafood dishes I’ve had in Amsterdam.

Final Thoughts: The Sea Is Always on the Menu in Amsterdam

Whether you’re trying your first briny bite of raw herring or indulging in a refined seafood tower, there is no shortage of great seafood experiences to add to an Amsterdam food tour. I encourage you to go beyond the tourist traps, and you’ll uncover a world of honest cooking, thoughtful plating, and deep-rooted culinary pride. From simple street-side snacks to white-tablecloth dinners, this is a city where seafood isn’t just a dish, it’s a way of life.

Sources:

Brut de Mer. (n.d.). Brut de Mer. http://www.brutdemer.nl/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam food tours. Eating Europe. https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

Eating Europe. (2023, April 25). Traditional Dutch food: 10 must-try dishes in the Netherlands. Eating Europe Blog. https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/traditional-dutch-food/

Foodhallen. (n.d.). Foodhallen Amsterdam. https://www.foodhallen.nl/

Frens Haringhandel. (n.d.). Frens haringhandel. https://www.frens-haring.nl/

Gebroeders Molenaar. (n.d.). Gebroeders Molenaar [Instagram profile]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/gebroedersmolenaar/

Smokehouse. (n.d.). Smokehouse. http://www.smokehouse.nl/

The Seafood Bar. (n.d.). The Seafood Bar. https://www.theseafoodbar.com/

Visaandeschelde. (n.d.). Visaandeschelde. http://www.visaandeschelde.nl/