Amsterdam's food scene is full of places that make eating responsibly easy and delicious. From places that serve upscale vegan cuisine and vegan menus to cafes that use only local, organic ingredients, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy great food that's good for the planet.
Some Amsterdam dining venues go the extra mile, using renewable energy, recycled interiors, and reducing their environmental footprint with creative touches like zero-waste techniques, rooftop-grown produce, and composting. Throughout the city, from the cozy cafés of Jordaan to the trendy spots of De Pape and the eco-friendly restaurants of Oud West, there are… Sustainable places to eat in Amsterdam For every taste.
Map of sustainable places to eat in Amsterdam
To make your trip easier, I've put together a map highlighting organic and sustainable places to eat in Amsterdam. Below you'll find my reviews of the places I visited, and the map includes additional recommendations from my research for you to explore and enjoy. If you have any favorites to suggest, feel free to share them in the comments!
Click To view Map of organic or sustainable restaurants in Amsterdam
Sustainable restaurants in Amsterdam
Reckless
For fine meat-free dining in Amsterdam, head straight to De Waaghals. Located in the Bohemian De Pijp area, this popular vegetarian restaurant has a surprising menu that evokes creative, seasonal dishes paired with organic and vegan wines.
Founded in 1981, it is one of the city's first vegan dining spots, with an emphasis on organic ingredients and sustainable practices. The dishes are big on flavor and curated with love. Close your eyes and imagine savoring warm parsnip tartare with mustard seeds and manchego mousse, or crispy zucchini topped with popcorn cream and ginger. The crumbled juniper candy took me back to Flavors of Ecuador With tamarillo (tree tomato) ice cream and a layer of shisha foam.
Unlike some fine dining venues, De Waaghals prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere and warm service, where you are greeted with a smile. The best advice is to book in advance, as many have been turned away with disappointed faces due to being fully booked. If you're on a “tofu tourism” trip, book your flight to Amsterdam first, then book your place at De Waaghals in that order!
location | Read reviews
Café de Sauval
Take the ferry and head to Amsterdam-Noord to reach the famous Café De Ceuval. This stylish restaurant is known for its sustainable ethos, serving organic, locally sourced produce that is 100% vegan and free of cooking gases. The menu feels European, with some excursions to other continents, such as yekarya delleh (Ethiopian pesto), Mexican mole, and Asian-inspired ginger risotto.
Under the motto “A better world starts on your plate,” Café de Ceuvel is committed to reducing its environmental impact. This commitment includes partnering with like-minded suppliers like Kaap Koffie, whose coffee is transported by sailing ship and formulating their soft drinks with organic Saru Soda syrup.
The ambience reflects the environmental focus of this creative centre, with recycled boats and upcycled decor contributing to its industrial feel. Visit in the cooler months for a relaxing atmosphere, while summer brings a pleasant outdoor atmosphere with outdoor seating surrounded by greenery and views of the canal.
location | Read reviews
Restobar
Riot Restobar, located in the Oud-West neighbourhood, is an industrial-chic space with warm lighting and dramatic murals. Its name honors the Potato Riots of 1917, when food shortages and famine led working-class women to riot, resulting in looting, deaths and injuries. Strong, feminine urban art resonates with this history.
Owned by Conscious Hotel, Riot Restobar features 100% organic cuisine and an innovative, multicultural menu. Sharing plates and sides are inspired by global street foods and celebrate the humble potato—from loaded jackets to sides of Dutch mussels and roasted cabbage. Flavors deviate from the norm with dishes like roasted beets with black garlic and short rib with cornbread.
This eco-friendly hotspot is a casual dining experience with well-crafted cocktails at night as well as a relaxed breakfast setting. Add Riot Restobar to your list of must-visit organic restaurants in Amsterdam.
location | Read reviews
|| Read about Sustainable restaurants in Berlin and Prague
Sustainable cafes in Amsterdam
Unusual cafe
Uncommon Café exudes a healthy neighborhood vibe with soothing colors and simple decor. As a laptop-free space, it's the perfect place to get away from the daily chaos.
The Uncommon Café team is passionate about impactful coffee. They go the extra mile and travel to meet with their coffee farmers, supporting organic projects that build a healthier supply chain and promote greater equality. Loyal customers know they are drinking a success story, making a positive impact by paying a little extra for a quality cup of coffee. And you can purchase their specialty coffee to enjoy at home!
Besides its extensive coffee menu, the restaurant serves mainly seasonal, vegetarian dishes made with ingredients from local artisans and foragers, such as sourdough and mushrooms. The freshest local harvest is woven into their pastry creations, and their fermented kimchi highlights their zero-waste approach.
location | Read reviews
Conscious Café Vondelpark
The Conscious Café on Overtoom is an ideal spot after a stroll through Vondelpark. The bright pink decor and “Wonderful Greetings” sign hug you like an old friend. The café's chilled-out atmosphere makes it popular among remote workers and hotel guests for enjoying a latte and croissant by day and wine or beer at night. The menu is limited and consists of healthy snacks, nuts and pastries sourced from local suppliers.
With four Conscious hotels and cafés in Amsterdam, each is powered by green energy, furnished with recycled pieces and FSC-certified wood, offers bike rentals, and features an eco-gifts section for responsible shopping during your travels.
location | Read reviews | Hotel availability | Other locations: Museum Square, Westerpark, and Tire Station
Social enterprise restaurants in Amsterdam
Mama Colcast
Learning about Mama's Koelkast initiative immediately piqued my interest. The café, located in the Jordan neighborhood, offers the concept of “one mother, one refrigerator,” where each refrigerator contains meals prepared with love by women, reflecting their cultural heritage. The Moroccan tagine in particular caught my attention, served piping hot on the cozy mezzanine, with flavors dancing across my palate.
Mama's Koelkast is more than just a healthy place to eat in Amsterdam. Originally starting as a catering company in Utrecht, the company has evolved into a platform that helps women become independent food entrepreneurs. It is growing exponentially, discovering new talent, helping with business plans, and mentoring women on how to succeed in the real world.
They run cooking workshops where you can gain insider knowledge and meet the women behind the creations. Mama's Koelkast is a catering company with a heart.
location | Read reviews
De Braille Brewery
Brouwerij de Prael is not just a small brewery. It's a socially conscious place that serves great beer, delicious food, and creates meaningful employment opportunities. Since 2001, they have been providing opportunities for people facing barriers in the job market, with unparalleled beers crafted by individuals looking for new beginnings and community.
The brewery soon expanded beyond its canal-side location, creating a larger brewery to meet the growing demand. In 2011, they opened a tasting room for locally brewed beer. De Prael has since expanded to The Hague, and set up a brewery in Energiekwartier.
Their supplier list intentionally misses major brands. Instead, De Prael focuses on small-scale, carefully selected independent brands that have a positive environmental or social impact. A beer must have a side of food, and they also serve Dutch-inspired snacks and dishes, including vegetarian options.
location | Read reviews
Cultural dining experiences in Amsterdam
If you're happy to eat out around Amsterdam, you'll be spoiled for choice with our sustainable dining options. For those who want to learn more about the city while they eat, our unique food tours provide a deeper connection, blending delicious flavors with Amsterdam's history and stories – perfect for any traveler keen to explore the city's fascinating culture from a different perspective.
Amsterdam food and culture tour: Journey through the city, tasting famous Dutch foods while gaining insight into local customs, history and architecture.
Jordanian food walking tour: Explore local delicacies at hidden gems throughout the vibrant canal-lined neighbourhood.
Dutch cheese tasting experience tour: Discover traditional cheese making techniques and taste unique flavors expertly paired with wine.
Pin number for sustainable restaurants in Amsterdam
Thank you Amsterdam for supporting me on my journey. Independently researched and visited sustainable places to eat in Amsterdam. All opinions are my own.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something I recommended. It comes at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.