Quick answer
Amsterdam, a city famed for its picturesque canals and historic charm, also boasts an increasingly sophisticated and diverse coffee scene that rivals any global capital. Beyond the well-known 'coffeeshops' (which cater to a different kind of buzz), the city is a haven for true coffee connoisseurs seeking meticulously sourced beans, expert baristas, and inviting atmospheres. From minimalist Scandinavian-inspired spaces to bustling roasteries, there’s a perfect cup waiting for every taste.
- Best overall
- Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters
- Top pick
- Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters — Consistently praised for their expertly roasted beans and vibrant atmosphere.
Top verdicts
- Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters: Coffee purists and those who appreciate a lively, urban vibe, perfect for a quick, high-quality coffee break.
- Bocca Coffee: Coffee enthusiasts looking to explore different brewing methods and single-origin beans, with plenty of space to relax or work.
- Back to Black: Those seeking a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, excellent coffee, and guilt-free vegan treats in a welcoming setting.
The city's embrace of specialty coffee has deep roots, growing from a rich Dutch tradition of 'koffie drinken' – a social ritual often enjoyed with a pastry. Over the past decade, Amsterdam has seen a significant 'third wave' coffee movement, with independent roasters and cafes prioritizing quality, ethical sourcing, and innovative brewing techniques, transforming the everyday coffee experience into an art form.
Visitors and locals alike can explore a spectrum of coffee styles, from rich, dark espresso blends characteristic of Italian influence to bright, fruity single-origin pour-overs, cold brews, and plant-based lattes. Many establishments also offer delicious breakfast and lunch options, making them ideal spots for a leisurely start to the day or a midday break.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters | Artisan Roaster | mid | De Jordaan |
| 2 | Bocca Coffee | Specialty Roaster | mid | Centrum |
| 3 | Back to Black | Cozy Cafe | budget | De Pijp |
| 4 | Coffee & Coconuts | Brunch Spot | premium | De Pijp |
| 5 | Screaming Beans | Classic Coffee | budget | Jordaan |
| 6 | Friedhats FUKU Cafe | Experimental Roaster | premium | West |
| 7 | Scandinavian Embassy | Nordic Inspired | premium | De Pijp |
| 8 | Trakteren Koffie | Neighborhood Gem | budget | West |
| 9 | Monks Coffee Roasters | Specialty Roaster | mid | Westerpark |
| 10 | Uncommon Coffee | Third Wave | mid | De Baarsjes |
1Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Coffee purists and those who appreciate a lively, urban vibe, perfect for a quick, high-quality coffee break.
- Strengths
- De Jordaan
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- A bustling hotspot in De Jordaan, Lot Sixty One is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and expertly roasted beans. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in, promising a consistently excellent cup every time.
- What to order
- Their classic Flat White – perfectly balanced, rich, and smooth, showcasing their signature blend.
🕐 Opening hours
2Bocca Coffee
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Coffee enthusiasts looking to explore different brewing methods and single-origin beans, with plenty of space to relax or work.
- Strengths
- Centrum
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- As one of Amsterdam's pioneering specialty coffee roasters, Bocca offers a deep dive into the world of coffee. Their spacious cafe and tasting room allows you to appreciate the journey from bean to cup with expert guidance.
- What to order
- A V60 Pour Over of one of their rotating single-origin beans to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors.
🕐 Opening hours
3Back to Black
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those seeking a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, excellent coffee, and guilt-free vegan treats in a welcoming setting.
- Strengths
- De Pijp
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Back to Black is a charming and unpretentious cafe known for its ethical approach to coffee and delicious vegan pastries. It's a true neighborhood gem with a wonderfully warm and inviting atmosphere.
- What to order
- A creamy Oat Milk Latte paired with one of their freshly baked vegan banana breads.
🕐 Opening hours
4Coffee & Coconuts
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups, remote workers, or anyone looking for a vibrant, spacious environment with great coffee and a full food menu.
- Strengths
- De Pijp
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Housed in a former cinema, Coffee & Coconuts offers a vast, stylish space perfect for an all-day experience. While famous for brunch, their coffee program is equally strong, delivering quality brews in a stunning setting.
- What to order
- Their signature Iced Coconut Latte – a refreshing twist that complements their tropical-inspired menu.
🕐 Opening hours
5Screaming Beans
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Locals and visitors seeking a straightforward, excellent cup of coffee without fuss, ideal for a peaceful morning.
- Strengths
- Jordaan
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Screaming Beans offers a classic, unpretentious coffee experience with a strong focus on quality and friendly service. It's a reliable spot for a well-made coffee in a relaxed setting.
- What to order
- A classic Cappuccino – perfectly textured milk and robust espresso, a testament to their consistent quality.
🕐 Opening hours
6Friedhats FUKU Cafe
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Coffee aficionados eager to try unique, innovative roasts and learn about the intricate world of specialty coffee.
- Strengths
- West
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Friedhats is for the adventurous coffee drinker. Their FUKU Cafe is where they showcase their experimental roasts, pushing the boundaries of what coffee can taste like with unique processing methods and rare beans.
- What to order
- Ask for their current experimental filter brew – it's always a surprise and a delight for the palate.
🕐 Opening hours
7Scandinavian Embassy
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics, light-roasted, fruity coffees, and a quiet, refined atmosphere.
- Strengths
- De Pijp
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Bringing a touch of Nordic minimalism and quality to Amsterdam, Scandinavian Embassy focuses on light-roasted, high-quality beans and excellent Nordic pastries. It's a serene escape overlooking Sarphatipark.
- What to order
- Their filter coffee, often showcasing beans from top Nordic roasters, paired with a traditional Swedish 'kanelbulle' (cinnamon bun).
🕐 Opening hours
8Trakteren Koffie
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Anyone looking for a welcoming, local coffee shop with a strong community feel and expertly prepared drinks.
- Strengths
- West
- Price / value
- $
- Why it made the list
- Trakteren Koffie is a delightful neighborhood spot known for its incredibly friendly service and consistently high-quality coffee. It's a cozy haven where baristas take pride in their craft, including impressive latte art.
- What to order
- A classic Latte, not just for the taste but to admire the intricate latte art that their baristas are famous for.
🕐 Opening hours
9Monks Coffee Roasters
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Serious coffee drinkers interested in the nuances of single-origin beans and a clean, contemporary setting.
- Strengths
- Westerpark
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Monks Coffee Roasters offers a modern, minimalist space where the focus is firmly on the beans. They roast in-house and specialize in single-origin coffees, providing a clean and precise coffee experience.
- What to order
- A Batch Brew for a quick, perfectly prepared black coffee that highlights the bean's origin flavors.
🕐 Opening hours
10Uncommon Coffee
restaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Those who appreciate a refined, contemporary coffee experience with expertly crafted beverages and a peaceful environment.
- Strengths
- De Baarsjes
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Uncommon Coffee is a sleek, modern cafe with a strong emphasis on sourcing high-quality beans and executing precise brews. It's a favorite for its minimalist aesthetic and dedication to the craft.
- What to order
- Their filter coffee, often rotating through excellent guest roasters, showcases their commitment to quality.
🕐 Opening hours
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a Dutch 'coffee shop' and a 'koffiehuis' or specialty coffee shop?
In the Netherlands, a 'coffee shop' (often spelled as one word) is a licensed establishment where cannabis products are legally sold and consumed. A 'koffiehuis' or a specialty 'coffee shop' (two words) is a traditional cafe or modern establishment focused solely on serving high-quality coffee, tea, and often pastries or light meals, with no cannabis sales. This guide focuses exclusively on the latter.
Are Amsterdam coffee shops generally kid-friendly?
Yes, unlike cannabis 'coffee shops,' the specialty coffee shops listed in this guide are generally very kid-friendly. Many offer high chairs, space for strollers, and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for families. Some even have small play areas or kid-friendly menu items like hot chocolate. Always check specific venue details if you have particular needs.
Do Amsterdam coffee shops offer vegan or gluten-free options?
Absolutely! Amsterdam is very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Most specialty coffee shops, especially those in trendier neighborhoods like De Pijp or Jordaan, offer a variety of plant-based milk alternatives (oat, almond, soy) for coffee, and often have a selection of delicious vegan and gluten-free pastries, cakes, or lunch options. Back to Black is particularly known for its vegan treats.
What are typical opening and closing times for coffee shops in Amsterdam?
Most specialty coffee shops in Amsterdam open relatively early, typically between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM on weekdays, and slightly later on weekends (around 9 AM). Closing times vary, but many operate until 5 PM or 6 PM, with some larger or more brunch-focused cafes staying open until 7 PM or later. It's always best to check individual venue websites for precise hours.
Can I work remotely from Amsterdam coffee shops?
Many Amsterdam coffee shops welcome remote workers, especially during off-peak hours. Places like Bocca Coffee or Coffee & Coconuts offer more space and amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets. However, during busy periods, it's considerate to limit your stay, and some smaller, very popular spots might not be ideal for extended work sessions. Always purchase drinks or snacks if you're occupying a table for a while.
Is tipping customary in Amsterdam coffee shops?
Tipping is not as deeply ingrained in Dutch culture as in some other countries, but it is appreciated for good service. For coffee, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving €0.50 - €1 for an excellent experience is common. For larger bills or exceptional service, 5-10% is a generous tip. There's no pressure to tip, but it's a nice gesture.
What's a 'Third Wave' coffee shop, and why should I care?
'Third Wave' coffee refers to a movement that views coffee as an artisanal product, similar to wine, focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced beans, precise roasting, and expert brewing. These shops prioritize single-origin beans, unique brewing methods like pour-overs, and a deeper understanding of coffee's flavor profiles. You should care because it means a much higher quality, more flavorful, and often more sustainably produced cup of coffee than traditional commercial brews.
Are the coffee shops in Amsterdam expensive compared to other European cities?
Prices for specialty coffee in Amsterdam are generally comparable to other major Western European cities like Paris or Berlin. A standard espresso typically costs €2.50-€3.50, and a latte or cappuccino ranges from €3.50-€5.50. While this might be slightly higher than some regions, it reflects the quality of beans, expertise of baristas, and the overall cost of living in Amsterdam. Our 'Budget Tiers' can help you find options for different price points.