Whether you’re strolling around the impossibly cool streets of De Pijp or exploring the artsy corners of Jordaan, you’ll rarely be far from some top-quality vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam. If you’ve been on any of my Amsterdam food tours, this likely won’t come as a surprise to you!
While it might be famous for its traditional charm, the Dutch capital is a cosmopolitan city, and its diverse demographics have contributed to the growing plant-based scene. When it comes to vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam, it doesn’t get much better than these alluring eateries.
A Look into Amsterdam’s Vegetarian Culture
Before I get into my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam, it’s worth looking a little deeper into the cultural context of vegetarianism in the city.
Some people have ditched meat in an effort to be more eco-friendly, while others have embraced the plant-based cuisines introduced to the city by immigrants from across the globe. This growing demand has encouraged standard restaurants to offer meat-free dishes and led to the opening of countless vegetarian joints.
If you need more convincing about how vegetarian-friendly Amsterdam is, a 2023 report revealed that Dutch residents consume more plant-based products than any other European nation!
Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Amsterdam
Golden Temple
Photo credit: Golden Temple
There’s a reason that Golden Temple is among the top-rated vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam. Along with a stunning, mural-filled dining area, it has a super diverse menu with dishes from across the globe.
I went for one of their much-loved Indian thalis. Of the five dishes I got to sample, the creamy coconut-based korma was my favorite, and I teamed with sticky basmati rice.
Golden Temple (€€) – Utrechtsestraat 126, 1017 VT Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Chez Nina
Photo credit: Chez Nina
Chez Nina is one of the top vegetarian restaurants in the city. Between the friendly staff and the polished marble decor, I had a good feeling about this place from the start.
During my visit, the seasonal menu featured a delightful pizza topped with fresh scamorza, meaty shiitake, and artichokes to add some sweetness.
Chez Nina (€€€) – Van Limburg Stirumplein 10 A, 1051 BE Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Morris & Bella
Photo credit: Morris & Bella
Quaint, classy, and intimate, Morris & Bella is an ideal spot for a relaxed, plant-based meal.
This restaurant is all about sustainability and offers a culinary experience described as slow fine dining. Their six-course tasting menu was extraordinary, but I have to highlight the dessert, which consisted of rich brioche with earthy chestnut cream.
Morris & Bella (€€) – Nova Zemblastraat 586, 1013 RP Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Hidden Vegetarian Dining Gems
Pof
Photo credit: Pof
If you’re on the hunt for veggie food on a summer’s evening, I’d encourage you to check out the sprawling outdoor area at Pof, a hidden gem for vegetarian dining.
You can’t leave without trying their plant-based meatballs. They had the savory, beefy flavors of traditional meatballs and were doused in a thick tomato sauce that brought a touch of heat to the dish.
Pof (€€) – Meteorenweg 280, 1035 RN Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Soil Vegan Café
Soil Vegan Café has two locations in the city, both of which are among the top vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam, in my opinion. However, the chic dining area in the Oud-West branch gives this spot some extra points!
I chose the kimchi fried rice, one of their best-sellers, and the explosive mix of tastes and textures from the edamame, scallions, and bean sprouts was superb.
Soil Vegan Café (€€) – Bilderdijkstraat 141, 1053 KN Amsterdam, Netherlands.
D&A Hummus Bistro
Photo credit: D&A Hummus Bistro
As a huge fan of Middle Eastern food, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to check out the cute and cozy D&A Hummus Bistro.
I’m pretty fussy about shakshuka, but the one here blew me away. It was hearty and flavorful, with perfectly baked eggs, a gentle spicy tomato sauce, and a helping of warm pita on the side.
D&A Hummus Bistro (€€) – Westerstraat 136, 1015 MP Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dining Options
Meatless District
Photo credit: Meatless District
Meatless District is glamorous yet effortlessly cool, and the menu has plenty of delectable options for vegetarian and vegan foodies.
The chef’s creative use of vegetables here is amazing, and I was particularly impressed with the ‘faux gras.’ It had the luxurious flavor and consistency of traditional foie gras, yet it was entirely animal-free.
Meatless District (€€) – Bilderdijkstraat 65-67, 1053 KM Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Vegan Junk Food Bar
Photo credit: Vegan Junk Food Bar
Few eateries have quite as many drool-worthy vegetarian and vegan options as the trendy, graffiti-covered Vegan Junk Food Bar.
I couldn’t come here and not try the kapsalon, a plant-based version of a beloved Dutch takeout food. On the bottom was a layer of crispy fries, while the top featured a blend of tender faux shawarma meat, cheese, and fiery chillis.
Vegan Junk Food Bar (€) – Marie Heinekenplein 9, 1072 MH Amsterdam, Netherlands.
De Waaghals
Photo credit: De Waaghals
De Waaghals is understated and ambient and has become a stand-out vegetarian restaurant in Amsterdam’s gastronomic scene. Here, seasonal vegan and veggie set menus and curated wine lists take center stage.
For me, the dish that combined sweet roasted carrots and tangy madras sauce was the winner, as the balance of flavors and textures was just right. That said, all four courses were pretty spectacular.
De Waaghals (€€) – Frans Halsstraat 29, 1072 BK Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Vegetarian Food Tours in Amsterdam
Choosing to follow a meat-free diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on guided foodie outings. My vegetarian-friendly Amsterdam food tours will ensure you get to sample all the local classics through market-hopping adventures or culinary-focused trips to neighborhoods like Westerpark and De Pijp.
That said, food tours aren’t the only way to dabble in vegetarian gastronomic experiences. For instance, Spirit Amsterdam offers a fully vegetarian buffet, Saravanaa Bhavan serves delicious Indian thalis, and A Beautiful Mess crafts creative mezze platters.
Conclusion
Even as a meat eater, I found the quality of the vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam to be seriously impressive. Not only can you easily find meatless eateries, but the diversity of the cuisines means you can enjoy both local and international-inspired dishes.
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