Best Budget Restaurants in Amsterdam

A great thing about living in a university town is that there are ample budget dining places. As a student I frequented the 'E5 pizza place', Dutch 't Pakhuis and the Thai snackbar. 

Whatever your taste, there'll be a place matching your budget!

PS - of course these places serve more than a plain uncooked potato!

Porto Carrara - All pasta's and pizza's E5

The Moroccan owner always welcomes you with a smile and handshake. He's been there for over 25 years, I believe, and he's seen restaurants come and go. The quality of his pizza's and pasta's is surprisingly good, especially considering the meal price of E5,- Without this restaurant, I probably would not have survived my student days in Amsterdam! Porto Carrara, Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 138, Leidseplein, Amsterdam. All pasta/pizza E5.

Kira's favourites: the lasagna, the Calzone with the Bolognese sauce on the side. Skip the wine have a beer. 

Thai Bar The Bird 

The infamous Thai Snackbar. Crammed into a small bar with an open steamy and fire-y kitchen... Great Thai food, possibly the best in town. Fast service without a smile or goodbye. Still, you’ll be smiling when leaving this place.  The Bird, Zeedijk 77, China Town, Amsterdam. Main course as of E10

Please note - 'Restaurant The Bird' is on opposite the snackbar and is a real restaurant - just in case you prefer being served with a smile by a Thai lady. Needless to say, prices in the restaurant are considerably higher than in the snackbar. 

't Gasthuys - Go Holland 

't Gasthuys, Dutch for the Guest House, is one of Amsterdam's few bar-diners that serves decent food. Plus, the dishes, such as spareribs and beef, are decently sized and priced. This place is also good for watching the Dutch Football Team during the European/World Cup. 't Gasthuys, Grimburgwal 7, Centre near Munt square, Amsterdam. Main course as of E10.50

't Pakhuis - Fast Food meets Restaurant

For a quick dinner on a budget, 't Pakhuis is your best option. This dark brown restaurant is packed with students and other youngsters. Food OK especially for the price. All dishes are accompanied with fries and a small salad. 't Pakhuis, Voetboogstraat 10/12, Centre near Spui, Amsterdam. Main course as of E9.45

Stoop en Stoop 

AmsterdamFoodie comments: This “simple Dutch eetcafe” has a menu that is “a meat-and-two-veg affair” or “more like meat, chips and salad”. “The food and service were such that I would return to Stoop.” Read AmsterdamFoodie's review.  Stoop en Stoop, L. Leidsedwarsstraat 82, Leidse Sq, Amsterdam. Main course as of E12.50. 

Restaurant Bojo - Indonesian

Indonesian restaurants are difficult to review for me; it just never tastes like (my Indonesian) home. Amsterdammers praise Bojo though and rijsttafels are always a success. Despite their tourist-trap location the clientele is a mix of locals and foreigners. The ambiance is most pleasant, so don’t be fooled by their location! Restaurant Bojo, Lange Leidsedwarsstraat , Leidseplein, Amsterdam. Main course as of E9.50 

Bazar Amsterdam - Arabic Market meets Restaurant

This Arabic restaurant is perfect for a relaxed, informal lunch or dinner (open till midnight) in a church turned into an Arabic Bazar. Bazar Amsterdam, A. Cuypstraat 182, De Pijp, Amsterdam. Dish of the day E8.50

Pancakes! Amsterdam - International pannekoeken

For the best pancakes in town head to this joint. It is clear the place targets internationals...as the menu boasts Dutch, American, Indian and Moroccan style pancakes. Pancakes! Amsterdam, Berenstraat 38, 9 Little Streets, Amsterdam. Pancakes as of E6

Fonduerie - Hutspot or Kaas Fondue?

On a cold winters day, nothing beats comfort food. A Dutch hotchpotch or a French cheese fondue may be just what you need. And for only E9.50 the price of these dishes is also quite comforting, too! Fonduerie, Marnixstraat 86, edge of Jordaan, Amsterdam. 

Stadskantine - City Canteen 

Running out of time while your tummy is asking for some dinner? Head down to Amsterdam’s one and only city canteen. Ambiance? Canteen-like. Food? Simple, fresh and affordable. Stadskantine, Van Woustraat 120, De Pijp, Amsterdam. Main course as of E8.85 

Keuken van 1870 - you tell me

A Google search on ‘budget bites’  lead me to this restaurant. I have never been here. Want to try it? There’s little at stake: the dish of the day costs only E7.50. Keuken van 1870, Spuistraat 4, Centre, Amsterdam.