Best Tapas in Amsterdam
The lively ambiance, the sharing of plates, the burning of mouths and the stressed-out waiters carrying anything from chairs to carafes of sangria, make tapas ideal for a dinner with friends.
Especially in the summer small warm bites, accompanied with a Rioja or Cerveza, is our favourite food of choice. Most of the Tapas restaurants mentioned have a terrace, where you can enjoy the last drops of sun before those cute little candles are lit.
Vamos a Ver
The best Tapas restaurant in Amsterdam is Vamos a Ver. Apart from ‘reserve in advance’ and 'unfortunaetly there's no terrace', there's really not much more to say. Vamos a Ver, Govert Flinckstraat 308, Amsterdam T. 6736992
Pata Negra II
Almost a decade ago I enjoyed my first tapas dinner with nine colleagues at Pata Negra - what an exhillirating experience! (Pata Negra, Utrechtsestraat 124, Amsterdam). Over the past years, Pata Negra has succumbed to its own success, yet its younger sister Pata Negra II, is the place one to know. Best features: large terrace, real Spanish food, and better well-flowing Sangria! Also good to know, for long summer evenings: the kitchen has ‘Spanish’ opening hours: till 23h(30 on weekends). Pata Negra II, Reinwardtstraat 1 hs, next to the Oosterpark, Amsterdam, T. 692 25 06
Tapas Bar Catala
This Catalan bar has small tables (which you even might need to share with other diners) and a canteen-like interior. Not particularly ‘gezellig’. Instead, the focus of this bar is on the beautiful Catalan flavours. And that's why you should go here, and try the perfectly prepared Calamaris! Tapas Bar Catala, Spuistraat 299, Amsterdam. T. 623 11 41
A la Plancha
The tapas are good enough - at least for non-Spanish people. What’s better than good, is a la Plancha's fantastich ambiance and location- a perfect point to start an evening of fun (in the Jordaan)! After having filled the guests’ tummies, the chef plays his guitar and sings to offload his stress (on Friday and Saturday nights). A la Plancha, 1e Looiersdwarsstraat 15, Amsterdam. T. 420 36 33
Tapas Feliz
For the chocolate-loving people living in Oud-Zuid, you must have enjoyed the chocolate cake at Tapas Feliz. And the tapas? Consistently good, and even my Madrilean friend Maria agrees. Ambiance and service: quite pleasant, especially on the terrace. Of the 3 tapas bars in the area, this tapas bar makes me the most Feliz. Tapas Feliz, Valeriusstraat 85, Amsterdam T. 364 12 83
La Oliva Pintxos Y Vinos
My friend Amsterdam Foodie rewards La Oliva Pintxos Y Vinos 4 out of 5 stars. She compliments La Oliva on the “excellent Rioja” and comments “makes pavement dining seem almost glamorous”. Read her review here. La Oliva Pintxos Y Vinos, Egelantiersstraat 122-124, Amsterdam. T. 3204316
And on the review site IENS Pica Pica and Tasca Bellota are well rated amongst their guests. Has anyone been there? Pica Pica, Camperstraat 48-50, Amsterdam, T465 20 10. Tasca Bellota, Herenstraat 22, Amsterdam, T. 420 29 46
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