Amsterdam Vegetarian Vegan Eats

When in Amsterdam.... there are a range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants and lunch places. This list of healthy places for lunch and dinner has been chosen for their central location for you to enjoy. We then list some places a little further out and finish with some really local tips. (updated December 20140

Maoz Vegetarian

The popular chain first started in Amsterdam in 1991 and has now spread throughout Europe and the US.  The falafel and endless salad bar are a hit with visitors. The fast food chain for vegetarians and vegan. You will find Maoz stores near most tourist areas.

Muntplein 1, Amsterdam
Leidsestraat 85, Amsterdam
Damrak 40, Amsterdam
Ferdinand Bolstraat 67, Amsterdam
Van Woustraat 15, Amsterdam

Vliegende Schotel Vegetarian Restaurant

Vliegende Schotel 

Located in the centre of the Jordaan district. It got taken over by a new owner/chef some years ago and is currently 100% organic and vegetarian, with many seasonal dishes on the menu. The servings are very large so be sure not order to much. Great value for money.

Neighborhood: Jordaan
Nieuwe Leliestraat 162

Lavinia good food
(photo from facebook page)

Lavinia

Located in the busy Leidseplein area. Lavinia Good Food is a comfortable lunch room with a range of vegetarian and vegan bites. Try the spelt sandwich or the range of salads.

Neighborhood: Leidseplein
Kerkstraat 176, Amsterdam

Golden Temple Vegetarian Restaurant

Golden Temple

Founded by Shiks the food is a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian influence. Sit down in cushioned areas to enjoy their healthy offerings.

Neighbourhood: Grand Canal District
Utrechtsestraat 126, Amsterdam

Vegabond lunchroom and deli

Vegabond

Situated on the picturesque Leliegracht not far from the 9 Streets area. The place sells a range of vegan food to take away or sample there. A perfect place for lunch after or before an Anne Frank House visit.

Neighbourhood: Grand Canal District 
Address: Leliegracht 16, Amsterdam

Venkel Salad
(Photo from Venkel facebook page)

Venkle

Venkle is all about local and seasonal products. Their range of salads is fantastic. The small downside for picky vegetarians is the slight smell of fresh grilled chicken. If in the area of the famous Albert Cuyp Street Market then this is a good option.. Open 11am - 9pm.

Neighbourhood: De Pijp
Address: Albert Cuypstraat 22

Olive and Cookie, Amsterdam
(photo taken from their website)

Olive and Cookie

Food with love and care for a good price. A 'pearl' as one reviewer stated. Beautiful interior that transfers to the food. Daily selections of vegetarian and other food. A local favourite.

Neighbourhood: De Pijp
Address: Saenredamstraat 67

Mana Mana, Amsterdam
(Photo from Mana Mana facebook)

Mana Mana

An Israeli tapas style place. All of the dishes except one are vegetarian. Good selection for vegans also. Share the plates and don't forget to order the fresh pita bread.

Neighbourhood: De Pijp 
Address: 1e Jan Steenstraat 85

LOCAL TIPS

Robin Food for vegans and vegetarians, Amsterdam
(Photo from Robin Food facebook page)

The Robin Food Collective at the Nieuwe Anita

The Nieuwe Anita is a Speak Easy style of bar that host regular live music. However, twice a week on Monday and Thursday the area behind the bar is transformed into a vegan and vegetarian heaven. A set course is cooked with love by volunteers. You can buy drinks from the bar at the front. A great night to mix with locals. Be sure to check their website or facebook page for up to date details.

Vekologisch vegan and organic Amsterdam
(photo from Vekologisch facebook)

Vekologish.nl at Zaal 100


On Wednesdays at Zaal 100 the lovely people of Vekologisch create a set menu of biological vegan delight. Zaal 100 is normally a live music venue. Bookings are recommended as is checking their facebook page to ensure the event is taking place.



When in Amsterdam...enjoy!

New Year's Eve in Amsterdam: tips for the blogging community

This is a blog for all the bloggers who are visiting Amsterdam for New Year's Eve. Mynameismatt.com asked how to go about New Years Eve in Amsterdam? (Updated 2015)

This is not an easy question and after experiencing many of these wonderful nights in Amsterdam we are still learning new and wonderful spots. We at Omy Amsterdam Tours are always looking to help and teach people about Amsterdam, a city we love.

Yesterday we covered fireworks so you know where to get them from.

We have valuable survival advice so you can have your own fantastic experience.Why? Because we belong to the blogger's community and no one ever told us the below points when first experiencing New Year's Eve in Amsterdam. We learnt them the hard way.

In the Dutch tradition we will start honest and finish honest.

First a few words of warning.

The city is full and I mean FULL.
Hotels are full, restaurants are full, clubs are full and the streets are full. If you haven't booked a nice restaurant or a club by the last week of December you are not going to get in unless you know the manager or the owner. There is no real place to hide, especially in the inner historic centre of Amsterdam.

No Transport.
Due to the overwhelming surge in the city's population at New Year's Eve public transport grinds to a halt. Finding taxis is difficult and Amsterdam's taxies are not known for being forgiving on visiting folk in the best of times.

Watch your backs.
The city is invaded by young men armed with small explosives. They are not afraid to use these explosives and throwing a banger into a crowd is commonplace. If I was young teen again I probably would be doing the same thing so please don't get cross at their excitement. Just see them coming before they frighten the socks off you.

Telephone Gridlock.
The city is jammed packed with people and everyone is sending text messages. On New Year's Eve in Amsterdam the mobile phone network is overloaded. On this one night it is back to the days before mobile phones. Set up meeting points at certain times in case your group gets separated is a must. If you want to meet someone set time and place before the sun sets. Then set up back up places an hour or two latter in case the first meet up fails.

These tips will be of more use to you than knowing where are the coolest hip and happing parties.

Now for the positive tips.

Arm yourself with Supermarket beer/wine
I learnt this off the Amsterdammers a long time ago. During the day visit the national supermarket institution known as Albert Hein is a must. With an eight pack of Amstel beer costing 5 euro you and your wallet will thank me when you recover in the New Year. If you buy something that is discounted you are going to need a discount card. Just ask any dutch person in the checkout line for those. The Dutch understand the value of a discount and won't begrudge anyone a few euro off their bill.

Please buy tins of beer and plastic glasses for your wine. Avoid GLASS BOTTLES. I have told many tourists this line. "Bikes and glass do not go together." By law you are not allowed to drink on the street. The  Dutch are famous for their tolerance and New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is one of the nights you get to let your hair down and kick up your heels.

Nieuwmarket, Amsterdam New Year's Eve

Nieuwmarket (New Market) Is the Place to Be.
On the edge of the Red Light District this is my favourite place central location. Dam Square and Museumplein (Museum Square) are good but full of people not from Amsterdam.  Nieumarkt is at the end of China Town. The Chinese invented fireworks. Need I say more?

                            Youtube clip of New Year's Eve in Amsterdam thanks to Amsterdam1971


Maritime Museum

In 2014/5 New Year's Eve in Amsterdam the city and the Maritime Museum put on a large display. Infrastructure was there to help crowds. Free toilets and lots of space for vantage points to see the fire works. Check with the IAmsterdam website for an update before you come.

For Families Visit the Library
This may sound like a weird tip but I have left the best to last. The Amsterdam Central Library is the largest public library on the continent of Europe. It is open until 10pm. Take your son and wife to the top after dark and enjoy what will be the best view of your trip to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is flat. Hence the name the Netherlands and any elevation on this evening is an experience you won't soon forget. No matter how many coffee shops you visit.

The library is also close to Nieuwmarkt, only a twenty minute stroll in a full Amsterdam. There is also a cafe (eating cafe not smoking) at the top so if you haven't been able to snare a dinner reservation you should be able to get something from the food hall. Best of all, entrance to the library is free.

Ok, blogging community and Matthew, Happy New Year.

Nieuwmarket, Amsterdam post New Year's Eve

What is most important is that,


When in Amsterdam...... Enjoy!

Similar post:

Things to do in Amsterdam: Winter

Best Amsterdam small bar close to Dam Square

Where to buy Fireworks in Amsterdam