I'm traveling solo in late Sept and I'm looking for restaurant recommendations.
For Dutch cuisine I've seen recommendations for the Pantry and De Blauwe Hollander. Which of those two do people recommend?
Other suggestions for a solo traveler are appreciated. Thanks
Here is something different.
When we were there we went to Martine’s table. They previously owned restaurants and now do dining in their flat.
There can be up to 6 guests around the table. We so enjoyed the evening talking and eating.
https://www.martines-table.com/
Highly recommended
I was a solo traveler in Amsterdam last October. I dined at the Pantry, the Seafood Bar (the location near Vondel Park), AMOI (Indonesian), Buffet von Odette, and Casa Peru. All were good. The first four were recommended in guidebooks or foodie blogs. At the Seafood Bar, AMOI, and Odette, as a solo diner I was able to get a seat at the bar without a reservation when the restaurants were otherwise fully booked. Casa Peru (Peruvian) was an unplanned wildcard that I ducked into during a rainstorm because there were free tables. At no point did I ever feel any issue being a solo diner anywhere in Amsterdam (or Leiden or Ghent in Belgium).
We loved The Pantry this past spring. (Learned about it from this forum.) It's a small, cozy restaurant. It was a very warm sunny late April day; so I worried the meal might be too hot and heavy. They don't change the menu for the season; as the owner told us. We were offered inside or outside seating. There are only about 4 tables outside; and just inches apart. There was a very nice lady eating next to us solo. When her meal arrived, it looked so delicious I asked what it was. We then chatted through our entire meal; which made it even lovelier. She was a Delta flight attendant based in the US; and her hotel had suggested The Pantry to her.
We all enjoyed our delicious Oven Dish which was terrific on a hot day and would only be better on a cooler day. Owners were friendly! Reservations are a must!
I also recommend The Pantry and a similar restaurant, Moeders. Both were tiny so make a reservation.
Thanks for the great advice, and keep those recommendations coming!!
OMG the Pantry is delicious! Ate there just last week and when I tell you please try the pea soup....it was just amazing! If you'd like to have a beer/lunch, try Cafe Stevens. You can grab a table on the sidewalk, enjoying your bitterballen and a beer while watching the world go by. Friendly staff and inexpensive. Enjoy!
We loved The Pantry when we were there in February. The Oven Dish is so good!
I ate solo at Cafe Sonneveld a few years ago and went back this year with my husband. Enjoyed it both times. The Pantry was also good but you definitely need a reservation made well in advance,
Based on psea's recommendation of Martine's Table, I reached out to them via email for our trip in April 2025. They will be retiring at the end of this year. Hope this is helpful for those of you planning for the next few months.
