Netherlands

12 of the Best Vegan Restaurants and Cafés in Amsterdam

by Ruth Smeets  |  Published May 8, 2023

Although a typical meal in the Netherlands is likely to err on the side of meat and cheese, vegan options are becoming easier to find than ever, particularly in Amsterdam. The best vegan restaurants and cafés in the Dutch capital serve up tasty plant-based alternatives in generous portions, made with love. 

Meatless District (Photo by Rob Smalley, courtesy of Meatless District)

With its charming canals, picturesque bridges and inviting cafes and restaurants, Amsterdam is a foodie’s playground. The options are outstanding, and not only for lovers of Gouda cheese, stroopwaffels or bitterballen. The market is changing rapidly and being vegan no longer presents a challenge when looking for a feast in the Dutch capital. Don’t miss these 12 vegan restaurants when visiting Amsterdam, whether or not you’re actually vegan.

Vegan Junkfood Bar

Messy and colorful: junk food vegan style (Photo courtesy of www.veganjunkfoodbar.com)

Ask the Dutch about vegan food in Amsterdam and they will send you straight to the Vegan Junkfood Bar. With three locations throughout the city, this restaurant is a treat for both your eyes and your tastebuds. Expect creative, colourful food in a funky atmosphere. We’re talking blue veganaise (egg-free mayo), rainbow burgers and loaded fries with edible flowers. The Netherlands is known for its bitterballen, so definitely order a portion on the side. These Dutch snacks are traditionally made of meat, but some claim that the plant-based version is even tastier. Who said vegans can’t enjoy junkfood?

Reguliersdwarsstraat 57, 1017 BK, Staringplein 22, 1054 VL, Marie Heinekenplein 9, 1072 MH

Deer Mama

In need for food that will uplift your mood? Deer Mama serves vegan and homemade streetfood, such as funky burgers, KFC nuggets (Korean Fried Cauliflower, that is), nacho buckets, a vegan version of the classic Dutch bitterballen and mushroom croquettes with pink mustard. Do you have more of a sweet tooth? Your cravings will be satisfied by their creamy soft serve, extravagant ‘mylkshakes’ and brightly colored layer cakes. Make sure to visit this pink restaurant on an empty stomach, because you will eat your heart out!

Ceintuurbaan 71, 1072 EW

Mastino Vegan

The best pizza in Amsterdam (Photo courtesy of Mastino Vegan Pizza)

Crispy on the bottom and melty on top, the pizzas of Mastino vegan will send you straight to vegan heaven. According to many, these are the best vegan pizzas they’ve
ever tasted, so don’t forget to add this place to your list. The large menu offers many flavours, like truffle focaccia, marinara and tutto mushrooms, topped with homemade vegan cheezes such as red lentil mozzarella, pesto ricotta and cashew cheddar. Moreover, their cakes and tiramisu are a dessert-lover’s dream come true. Mastino is located in De Pijp, one of the most trendy and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of Amsterdam.

Eerste van der Helststraat 78h, 1072 NZ

Margo’s

Set your expectations high, because some say this is the best vegan bakery in the Netherlands. Minimalist and Scandinavian inspired, this place is located close to the Anne Frank house. Good thing Amsterdam is such a walkable, because it’s the perfect excuse to explore on foot while tucking into a sweet bun or a crisp and flaky croissant. Is your stomach rumbling for something more filling? Don’t miss out on Margo’s delicious sandwiches on homemade bread or try the ‘ham and cheese’ croissant (made from
seitan). Make sure to save their special Danish pastry with pistachio and rosewater for later or grab a coffee on the go.

Eerste Tuindwarsstraat 2A, 1015 RV

Koffie ende Koeck

Vegan treats in Amsterdam (Photo courtesy of Koffie ende Koeck)

Anyone who’s on the hunt for wonderful vegan pastries should run to Koffie ende Koeck. The name is written in old Dutch and means ‘coffee and cookie’. This 100% vegan
cafe near Westerpark is the perfect spot to unwind from busy city life during the day. Whether you want to catch up with a friend over a cosy afternoon tea or you are just in the mood for cakes and pastries – no excuse needed – this is the place to go. The coffee-brown interior with its floral wallpapers reminds us of a visit to Grandma’s – in the best way possible. Koffie ende Koeck is a warm place to feel at home, while taking a bite out of the iconic victoria sponge cake, delightful passionfruit vegan cheesecake, scones, spinach quiche or anything else that warms your heart and fulfills your needs.

Haarlemmerweg 175, 1051 LA 

Vegabon

This charming vegan deli in Amsterdam Oud-West is an ideal stop for a nourishing meal at any time of the day. Enjoy their large menu with roasted veggies, spreads and warm meals such as lasagna, curry and Italian stew. In need of some extra protein to make it through the day? Try their Queens Quiche, Korean Bunless BBQ Burger or Bang Bang Tofu. Grab an açaí bowl, croissant or spinach lentil-‘feta’ roll for brunch, enjoy their banana bread or raw cakes during a sweet break and take a moment for yourself with their matcha and golden lattes. You might need an extra suitcase to get back home, because there’s a vegan concept store next to their in-house deli. Here you’ll find a wide variety of cruelty-free products, such as handmade vegan cheese, egg substitutes, vegan ice cream, beauty products,
sustainable lifestyle items and more. Find Vegabond in the middle of the city centre, just a 20-minute walk from Dam Square and a 10-minute walk from Leidseplein.

De Clercqstraat 48, 1052 NH

Plant Based Sushi

Eating the rainbow (Photo courtesy of Plant Based Sushi via Facebook)

South African expat Claudia Deken was frustrated with the bare minimum of available vegan options at traditional sushi restaurants. She decided to change the game and started Plant Based Sushi, the first vegan sushi restaurant in Amsterdam. The menu changes every three months and always features five different sushi rolls, such as uramaki, futomaki, nigiri (made with smokey tomato ‘salmon’) and gunkan (made of pulled jackfruit, kombu mayo, spring onion and dulse flakes). Order the rolls seperately or enjoy a mixed plate. Don’t forget to try different kinds of gyoza, Japanese croquettes and vegan karaage (Japanese fried chicken with a tofu twist) on the side. Find them near the much loved neighbourhood the Jordaan and close to the Westerpark.

Kostverlorenstraat 11, 1052 GS

Men Impossible

Ready for a whole new ramen experience? Men Impossible is the Japanese all-vegan ramen
restaurant that lives up the hype that surrounds it. The friendly staff welcome you
into their noodle heaven, where you can expect an explosion of flavours that unfold over four courses: cold appetizers, warm appetizers, main course (ramen) and dessert. Contrary to most egg-based ramen noodles, the main ingredient here is 100% plant-based and, we confirm, absolutely exquisite. We recommend their ‘katsu sando’ for lunch (an Instagrammable seitan sandwich). Do you prefer to keep it spicy? Try the ramen with red hot chili pepper. Find Men Impossible in the midst of Amsterdam’s busy city
center, close to the famous Nine Streets. Reservation is required.

Hazenstraat 19H, 1016 SM

Mr. Stacks

Pancake lovers love to indulge themselves at Mr. Stacks. And no, this isn’t your standard order with maple syrup, fresh fruits and whipped cream. Over-the-top is almost an understatement here. Close your eyes and picture stacks garnished with cotton candy, caramelized apple and vanilla ‘creamcheese’. Can’t choose between sweet and savory? Try their most unexpected options: pancakes served with a vegan protein burger on top, stacks with ‘gyros’ or some filled with vegan scramble, guacamole or sweet potato.

Govert Flinckstraat 122, 1072 EM

Mooshka Vegan Soul Food

Vegan soul food in Amsterdam (Photo courtesy of Mooksha via Facebook)

What makes a great meal outstanding? It’s a rare mystery ingredient that our eyes can’t perceive, but that we can definitely taste and will remember for a long time. Reading this, you may be thinking back to that one special meal that left you with a comforting, hearty sensation. Mooshka Vegan Soul Food is one of those places where you’ll form memories like this. Inspired by African-Caribbean cuisine, you can choose between many soulful options, like a Caribbean burger, avocado fries, fried okra, no-chicken with waffles, and injera, an Ethiopian/Eritrean dish with fermented flat bread and six different stews. All dishes are organic and produced with quality ingredients. A feel-good bonus: 5% of the income from every order goes to the Sendafa Children project, ensuring Ethiopian children from low-income families receive clothes, shoes, access to education and two square meals a day.

Van Woustraat 110H, 1073 LS

YB

The story of YB (formerly known as Yoghurt Barn) is inspiring and contagious. With over 13
locations throughout the country, it was long known by locals for their all-day breakfast and brunch menu. Main ingredient? You guessed correctly: yoghurt – the local product that Dutch farmers are so proud of. In 2022 YB changed its name and completely switched to plant-based ingredients, acknowledging that the future is vegan and eating accordingly is a better choice for the environment, animal welfare and our health. You can now personalize your non-dairy mylks yoghurt with a wide variety of toppings: fudge brownie chunks, healthy granola, fruits, sauces, nuts, seeds and more. Or level up with overnight oats, chia puddings or toasts, wraps, pastries, cakes and coffee specials. Find YB at Amsterdam Central Station and in the Foodhallen in Oud-West.

Stationsplein 17b (near IJ-passage) 1012 AB / Foodhallen unit 1, Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT 

Meatless District

Meatless District (Photo by Rob Smalley, courtesy of Meatless District)

Forget about all the colourful Instagrammable food spots for a moment. Vegan locals in Amsterdam prefer a cosy, refined lunch or dinner over candlelight at Meatless District. This vegan restaurant is A’dam’s answer to the meatpacking district in New York and opened its doors in 2016. Indian curries, salads and burgers will impress even the most skeptical carnivores. Don’t miss out on their mushroom bourgignon, beetroot trofie (beetroot pasta with creamy thyme sauce and in-house whipped ‘goats cheese’) and ‘faux gras’. Leave room for one of their enticing desserts such as rhubarb crème brûlée or chocolate cappuccino. Their selectin of vegan wines, beers and cocktails makes a splash.  Meatless District has two locations in Amsterdam: one in Oud-West and one in De Pijp.

Bilderdijkstraat 65-67, 1053 KM, Van Woustraat 189 -191, 1074 AM