Seger Abels Guide to the North: Part 1 – The Left
By Seger Abels
Seger Abels, Unbookables’ Seeker and local North Amsterdammer is no fool when it comes to seeking out the best of Amsterdam North’s dining scene. This is your guide, use it! And yes, this is only part one of three, so hold onto your hats as there’s more to come.
In early 2023 I, Seger, moved to Amsterdam-Noord. How original of me, right? The North of Amsterdam used to be the area where, as an Amsterdammer, you wouldn’t really want to be seen. Today, that sentiment has been flipped on its head, with parts of ‘Noord Gestoord’ becoming the pinnacle of cool. Upon planning my move, I started (re)reading all the food blogs on this part of Amsterdam. Nine out of ten times, all recommended eateries and restaurants formed but a singular list. But after living here for roughly six months, I’ve come to the realisation (and this might not hold up for everyone, but it does for me) that you can divide Amsterdam-Noord into three parts regarding F&B. Now, it’s hard to truly name these areas, so let’s keep it simple: the left side, the middle part and, you guessed it, the right bank. And as a true ‘Noorderling,’ the area has been divided from an Amsterdam-Noorder’s viewpoint. So if you are coming from the city, turn these around (except the middle part… of course).
So, let’s get into Part One of this culinary tale: The Left Side of the North (Hamerkwartier and Surroundings).
Is this the coolest part of the coolest neighbourhood? Maybe! It’s important to note that I had to force myself to condense part one’s search into a top ten but there is, of course, even more to explore! The Hamerkwartier is dense with restaurants, bars, breweries and bakeries and can offer a weekend full of fun. Go a little bit more out of your way and you will be rewarded with some proper fine dining (Lazuur) or visit one of the nicest brown cafés in Amsterdam-Noord (’T sluisje). So put on your Birkies (with socks!) and grow a three-day-moustache and “on y va.”
1. Hotel De Goudfazant
The OG! We wouldn’t have the restaurants and the food we have in Amsterdam today without Restaurant Hotel De Goudfazant. Not actually a hotel, but the space is so big it may as well be. Experience no-nonsense meals that are always perfectly cooked, flavoured and served.
2. COBA
Another OG but this time on the Mexican front. Where we see a lot of Mexican restaurants in Amsterdam currently, we feel COBA was among the first to set the trend. Entering COBA feels like entering a Quentin Tarantino movie set (not my quote, I know). The perfect spot for tacos and mezcal. Read Coba’s full recommendation.
3. The Beef Chief / Oedipus
Best burger in town! So, we said it. Yes, things are moving in the burger scene but we still feel The Beef Chief does them best.
4. Chateau Amsterdam
An urban winery with a big, sleek-looking space in an old industrial building. What’s not to like? Well, their wines are a good reason to go, but the Italian food coming out of the kitchen is the part that made us fall in love. Perfect date spot as well.
5. Little Saigon Noord
Okay, enough hipster spots (for now). Little Saigon is a cliche in the way that you always hear “You should go to spots where they have TL-lighting and locals”. At Little Saigon Noord they have tiny benches, TL-lighting and amazing Vietnamese food. And yes, locals eat here and with that I mean people with Vietnamese roots AND residents of Amsterdam-Noord.
6. Lazuur
Opening a (fine dining) restaurant on the Purmerplein is a ballsy move. Opening a Portugese- French restaurant at that, in a new location is a double ballsy move. Making it work and thrive is just next-level cool. Go and reward their gusto with a visit to Lazuur. Food = so good! Read Lazuur’s full recommendation.
7. ’t Sluisje
You, of course, need a ‘stamcafe’ in your life. For me, that is going to be Café ’t Sluisje on the uber-picturesque Nieuwendammerdijk. Ossenworst, kroketten op brood, bitterballen, kipsate. Learn these words by heart and you are good to go.
To read more on what the centre of the North has on offer, read Part 2 of Seger’s Guide to the North here.
Seger Abels Guide to the North
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