If you’re looking for the best vegetarian food in Amsterdam, we’ve got some great tips for you. The vegetarian restaurants on our list offer much more than just salads. In fact, even meat lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the plant-based options on offer.
A quick note on the vegetarian culture in Amsterdam and how we selected the top 3 restaurants
For vegetarians, Amsterdam is one of the best cities in the world to find vegetarian food. The days of a stuffed portobello tacked on at the end of the menu as the only vegetarian option are long gone. In fact, many restaurants now list vegetarian dishes before meat or fish dishes.
What are the reasons for this? Well, as you may know, the city is known for its progressive culture, and this certainly applies to the food scene as well. Another influence is the relatively high number of young people in the city who support a sustainable lifestyle and vegetarianism.
Amsterdam is also the most multicultural city in the world, with over 182 nationalities represented, so it’s easy to find national cuisines that are more vegetarian by nature – such as the Asian, Mediterranean, or African.
And with 26 Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam, the city’s cuisine is of a high standard and, in keeping with our national mindset, Dutch chefs are happy to experiment or adapt and are not too attached to tradition. As a result, new influences such as the vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can easily flourish here.
The advice we would give to vegetarians is: don’t worry too much about where to eat in Amsterdam, because in general you will find a good selection in most restaurants (except the steakhouses and fish restaurants, of course).
And of course, our food tours are also very suitable for vegetarians, but we have to be honest: due to the use of dairy products in many traditional dishes, our food tours are generally not suitable for vegans. One exception to this is the Indonesian Rice Table Private Tour.
For mixed groups, there is a wide variety of restaurants that offer something for everyone. But if we had to advise you, this would be our list of top recommended fully vegetarian restaurants:
Our top 3 recommendations for vegetarian restaurants in Amsterdam:
1 – Chez Nina – for vegetarian comfort food that is also pleasing to the eye
Chez Nina is the Amsterdam-based namesake restaurant of Swedish chef Nina Olsson, and offers a seasonal menu with a variety of influences.
Not only is the menu 100% vegetarian, but there are also plenty of vegan options to choose from. You can also pair your meal with one of the seasonal cocktails or a delicious wine from a small producer.
At Chez Nina, the focus is on comfort food and quality, and a great deal of attention is paid to the overall experience. Whether you want to enjoy an intimate meal with family and friends, sit at the spacious bar, or enjoy the outdoor seating, Chez Nina is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Address: Van Limburg Stirumplein 10 A, 1051 BE Amsterdam (Amsterdam West)
Extra tip: go for a walk in the lively Westerpark neighborhood before or after your meal – it’s right around the corner.
2 – Meatless District – for a vibrant vegan dining
Meatless District is the place to go if you’re looking for a fully vegan restaurant. They’re open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and they also serve snacks, cocktails, and wines.
The menu features a diverse range of options, including “No Chicken Pie”, burgers, salads, and mushroom bourguignon. At Meatless District, the focus is on cruelty-free food, and they also do their best to source products from local producers.
Good to know: the restaurant is dog-friendly, so your furry friend is also welcome.
Address: Bilderdijkstraat 65-67, 1053 KM Amsterdam (Amsterdam Oud-West)
3 – Lowlander Botanical Bar and Restaurant – with a stunning location in Amsterdam North
Lowlander is a well-known craft beer brewery in Amsterdam that opened this restaurant last year. It’s great to combine a meal here with a bike ride in Amsterdam-North.
Lowlander Bar and Restaurant is also a perfect choice if you’re looking for something that’s off the beaten track. Situated on the waterfront, this vegetarian restaurant offers stunning views and a great vibe.
The menu offers various options that are a vegetarian twist on classic favorites, such as burgers, ravioli, stew, and fish. Many of the dishes are shareable, so you get to try more of the unique meals that they serve. You can also pair your food with one of the delicious and refreshing botanical beers, cocktails, or sodas on the extensive drinks menu.
At Lowlander, there is a focus on sustainability and environmental impact. Therefore, they do their best to use seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers, and they reduce food waste by using surplus produce as much as possible.
Good to know: they also have a kids’ menu.
Address: Kromhouthal, Gedempt Hamerkanaal 201, 1021 KP Amsterdam (Amsterdam North)
Want to do a vegetarian-friendly food tour in Amsterdam?
If you’d like to experience authentic Dutch cuisine in Amsterdam, then we’d highly recommend doing a food tour with one of our local guides. Our tours are all vegetarian-friendly (just let us know your dietary requirements when you book). And for the private tours, we can also arrange vegan options at a small additional cost.