Make your reservations: these new restaurants will give 2026 a tasty edge

The Amsterdam restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and 2026 kicks off with several striking new ventures. From an intimate spot where barbecue technique has been elevated to an art form to a restaurant where the evening flows seamlessly into a full-blown party. These are the five newest spots you'll want to add to your list now.

Amsterdam's restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and 2026 is kicking off with several striking new ventures. From an intimate spot where barbecue technique has been elevated to an art form to a restaurant where the evening effortlessly flows into a lively party. These are the five newest hotspots you'll want to add to your list now.

char.d, Utrechtsestraat

On Utrechtsestraat, Dean Baker and Slava Nazaryan opened their own culinary dream: char.d. Here, everything revolves around fire, flavor, and precision. The name refers to Charring: slow grilling over charcoal or wood, combined with cooking at high temperatures for that characteristic, smoky edge.

The menu is small but well-thought-out and changes with the seasons. You'll find dishes with layered flavors, such as an impressive 600-gram signature steak: first seared vigorously over coals, then slowly cooked over wood. Fish and vegetables also receive the same attention, prepared in a smaller charcoal oven for just as much depth.

The interior is warm and understated, with plenty of stone, wood, and dark earth tones. No excess, but just enough to let the dishes shine. A special highlight: the chefs largely built the restaurant themselves, from demolition to interior design, and you can feel it.

House of Noa, Beurs van Berlage

Beneath the impressive vaults of the Beurs van Berlage, you'll find House of Noa: a place to enjoy a delicious dinner, but also one to linger into the wee hours. This new concept from brother and sister Fleur and Pepijn de Visscher (known for The Seafood Bar) and sushi chef Ken Srisangkhan (Ken Sushi) combines fine dining with a touch of nightlife.

The menu features hand-rolled temaki and refined, omakase-inspired dishes for sharing. Ken's signature style—sleek, pure, and full of flavor—is truly in its element here.

The atmosphere? Think: the mysterious allure of a 19th-century opium den with the comfort of a modern cocktail bar. Velvet, warm lighting, dark corners. And once dinner is over, the DJ takes over and the evening slowly transforms into a sultry night…

CAMARAT, Amsterdam-Noord

In this spacious building in Amsterdam-Noord, good food, nice people and a relaxed atmosphere come together effortlessly.

Behind the restaurant are Beau and Ruben, two friends with, by their own admission, a passion for everything that makes life enjoyable. The menu features creative dishes for sharing, with ingredients combined in a slightly different way than you're used to. The wine list is playful, and the atmosphere is just right: warm, open, and a touch quirky.

And as the evening progresses? Then the tables slowly move to the side and the DJ takes over. Dancing is allowed, and so is lingering. 

Bistro-bar Blik, Reguliersdwarsstraat

With Blik, Michelin-starred chef Jacob Jan Boerma brings an accessible yet sophisticated bistro to one of Amsterdam's most vibrant streets. Here you'll find classics with a twist, in a setting that's both stylish and inviting.

The menu is short but appealing, the sommelier is excellent, and you're welcome just the way you are, whether that's in a suit or with your coat half on. A lovely spot for lunch, dinner, or a good glass of wine at the bar.

Orchid House, Amsterdam Center

If you're looking for peace and refinement in the heart of the city, Orchid House is the place to be. This botanical restaurant combines a bright, green interior with a menu full of Asian-inspired dishes that are subtle and flavorful.

The atmosphere is relaxed, the pace is slow, and each plate is a small composition.