Sustainable Places To Eat in Amsterdam: Vegan + Organic
LAST UPDATED: 30th November 2024
Amsterdam’s food scene is buzzing with places that make eating responsibly easy and delicious. From spots with plant-based haute cuisine and vegetarian menus to cafes using only local, organic ingredients, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy great food that’s kind to the planet.
Some dining spots in Amsterdam go above and beyond, using renewable energy, upcycled interiors, and minimising their ecological footprint with creative touches like zero-waste techniques, rooftop-grown produce, and composting. Across the city, from the cosy cafés of Jordaan to the trendy restaurants in De Pijp and eco-friendly eateries in Oud-West, there are sustainable places to eat in Amsterdam for every taste.
Map of Sustainable Places to Eat in Amsterdam
To make your trip easier, I’ve put together a map highlighting organic and sustainable dining spots in Amsterdam. Below, you’ll find my reviews of the places I visited, and the map includes additional recommendations from my research for you to explore and enjoy. If you have any favourites to suggest, feel free to share them in the comments!
CLICK TO VIEW THE MAP OF ORGANIC OR SUSTAINABLE EATERIES IN AMSTERDAM
Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants in Amsterdam
De Waaghals
For meat-free fine dining in Amsterdam, make a beeline for De Waaghals. Located in the Bohemian De Pijp district, this well-known vegetarian restaurant has a surprise menu that conjures up creative seasonal dishes paired with organic and vegan wines.
Established in 1981, it is one of the city’s first plant-based dining spots, emphasising organic ingredients and sustainable practices. The dishes are big on flavour and curated with love. Close your eyes and imagine tasting warm parsnip tartare with mustard seeds and manchego mousse or crispy courgette topped with popcorn-ginger cream. The juniper crumble dessert transported me back to the flavours of Ecuador with the tamarillo (tree tomato) ice cream and chicha foam topping.
Unlike some fine dining spots, De Waaghals prides itself on a relaxed atmosphere and warm service, where you’re greeted with a smile. The best advice is to book ahead, as many were turned away with disappointed faces due to being fully booked. If you’re on a journey of ‘Tofu Tourism,’ book your trip to Amsterdam first, then reserve your spot at De Waaghals in that order!
Cafe De Ceuval
Jump on the ferry and head to Amsterdam-Noord for the famous Café De Ceuval. This shabby-chic eatery is known for its sustainable ethos, serving organic, locally sourced, 100% vegan and cooked gas free. The menu feels European, with some forays into other continents, such as yekarya delleh (Ethiopian pesto), Mexican mole and Asian-inspired ginger risotto.
With the slogan “A better world starts on your plate,” Café de Ceuvel is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact. This commitment includes partnering with like-minded suppliers like Kaap Koffie, whose coffee is transported by sailing ship and crafting their sodas using Saru Soda’s organic syrups.
The ambience reflects the environmental focus of this creative hub, with repurposed boats and upcycled decor contributing to its industrial feel. Visit in the colder months to get a cosy vibe, whilst summer is a fun al fresco atmosphere with an outdoor seating area surrounded by greenery and a canal view.
Sustainable Restaurants in Amsterdam
Riot Restobar
Riot Restobar, located in the Oud-West neighbourhood, is an industrial-chic venue with warm lighting and edgy murals. Its name honours the Potato Riots of 1917, when food shortages and starvation led working-class women to riot, resulting in looting, deaths, and injuries. The powerful female urban art resonates with this history.
Owned by Conscious Hotel, Riot Restobar features a 100% organic kitchen and an inventive, multicultural menu. The sharing plates and sides are inspired by global street food and celebrate the humble potato—from loaded jackets to sides for Dutch mussels and roasted cabbage. Flavours veer from the norm with dishes like roasted beet with black garlic and short rib with cornbread.
This eco-conscious hotspot is a casual dining experience with well-crafted cocktails by night as well as a relaxed breakfast hangout. Add Riot Restobar to your must-visit list of organic restaurants in Amsterdam.
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Sustainable Cafes in Amsterdam
Uncommon Cafe
Uncommon Café exudes hygge neighbourhood vibes with tranquil hues and minimalist decor. As a laptop-free space, it’s the perfect haven to disconnect from the everyday chaos.
The team at Uncommon Café are passionate about impactful coffee. They’ve gone the extra mile and travelled to meet their coffee growers, supporting organic projects that build a healthier supply chain and promote greater equality. Loyal customers know they’re sipping on a success story, making a positive impact by paying a little extra for their quality cup of coffee. And you can buy their specialty coffee to enjoy at home!
Alongside an extensive coffee menu, they serve mainly plant-based seasonal dishes crafted with ingredients from local artisans and foragers, like sourdough and mushrooms. The latest local harvest is woven into their pastry creations and fermented kimchi spotlights their zero-waste approach.
Conscious Cafe Vondelpark
Conscious Café on Overtoom is the perfect pitstop after a stroll through Vondelpark. The bubblegum pink décor and ‘greetings gorgeous’ sign hug you like an old friend. The chilled cafe vibes make it popular with remote workers and hotel guests to enjoy a latte and croissant by day and wine or beer by night. The menu is limited, consisting of healthy snacks, nuts and pastries sourced from local suppliers.
With four Conscious Hotels and Cafés in Amsterdam, each is powered by green energy, furnished with upcycled pieces and FSC-certified wood, offers bike rentals, and features an eco-gift section for responsible shopping during your travels.
LOCATION | READ REVIEWS | HOTEL AVAILABILITY | Other Locations: Museum Square, Westerpark and Tire Station
Social Enterprise Eateries in Amsterdam
Mama’s Koelcast
Learning about the initiative at Mama’s Koelkast immediately sparked my interest. The café, located in the Jordaan district, presents the “one mother, one fridge” concept, with each fridge holding meals lovingly prepared by women, reflecting their cultural heritage. The Moroccan tagine especially caught my eye, served piping hot on the cosy mezzanine, with flavours that danced across my palate.
Mama’s Koelkast is much more than just a healthy place to eat in Amsterdam. Originally starting as a catering company in Utrecht, the business has evolved into a platform helping women become independent food entrepreneurs. Growing steadily, it discovers new talent, assists with business plans, and guides women on succeeding in the real world.
They run cooking workshops where you can gain insider knowledge and meet the women behind the creations. Mama’s Koelkast is a catering company with a heart.
Brouwerij De Prael
Brouwerij de Prael isn’t just a microbrewery; it’s a socially conscious venue that serves great beer and tasty food and creates meaningful employment. Since 2001, they’ve provided opportunities for people facing barriers in the job market, with unparalleled beers crafted by individuals seeking fresh starts and community.
The brewery quickly outgrew its canalside location, leading to the installation of a larger brewery to meet rising demand. In 2011, they opened a tasting room for their locally brewed beers. De Prael has since expanded to The Hague, establishing a brewery in Energiekwartier.
Their supplier list is missing big brands on purpose. Instead, De Prael focuses on carefully chosen, small-scale, independent brands with a positive environmental or social impact. Beers should have a side of food and they serve Dutch-inspired snacks and dishes, including vegan options.
|| READ ABOUT THE BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE NETHERLANDS FROM A LOCAL
Cultural Food Experiences in Amsterdam
If you’re happy to eat your way around Amsterdam, you will be spoiled for choice with sustainable dining options. For those who want to learn more about the city as they eat, unique food tours offer a deeper connection, blending delicious flavours with Amsterdam’s history and stories—perfect for any traveller eager to explore the city’s fascinating culture from a different perspective.
Amsterdam Food & Cultural Tour: Journey through the city, tasting iconic Dutch foods while gaining insights into local customs, history, and architecture.
Jordaan Food Walking Tour: Explore local delicacies at hidden gems throughout the lively canal-lined neighborhood.
Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience Tour: Discover traditional cheese-making techniques and savour unique flavours expertly paired with wines.
pIN for Sustainable Restaurants in Amsterdam
Thank you to Iamsterdam for supporting me on my trip. The sustainable places to eat in Amsterdam were researched and visited independently. All opinions are my own.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. It comes at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
