Amsterdam

Hey hey, Sof here!

When thinking of which places I wanted to include in the travel section of my blog, Amsterdam was a no brainer.  Not only did I live here for three years, but this is the city that inspired me to create Sofialogy in the first place.  The date was April 4th 2016 to be exact!  So naturally for the start of this website I have to make an honorable mention to this beautiful city.  This summer I was supposed to be studying abroad in London and would have traveled to Amsterdam with my friends from college! I was so excited!  Due to the current pandemic circumstances it was cancelled, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

I have compiled some of my favorite sections of the city along with my top restaurants to indulge in!  I do have a lot to say about my second home, therefore this post is going to be an ongoing edit.

My main thoughts when visiting this scenic city are: damn there is a lot of water, the street style here is ELITE, and can someone take a pic of me and my avocado toast?

For all of my blog pictures I always like to use my own photos. But for this post I was unable to find my photos for certain restaurants. Therefore for those pictures I have shared their source.

Places/Neighborhoods

Dam Square ‘The Dam’

This is the city center of Amsterdam.  The Dam is home to the royal palace of the Dutch royal family.  (They do not actually live here, but they do come for certain Dutch Holidays). 

This is a great place to add to your sightseeing guide because there are a lot of shops surrounding the area.  The shops in this section are more mainstream, such as Topshop and Zara, but if you are a Topshop addict like yours truly and need a restock on your jeans, this is the spot!

In addition to big name brand stores, De Bijenkorf, a famous Dutch department store, and Madame Tussaud’s find their home in this part of the city.  That being said, this spot does not need a lot of time exploring, but some of your trip should be set aside for this iconic landmark.

All of the city’s public transport conveniently leads to this area.

Nine Streets

In walking distance from The Dam is a neighborhood called the Nine Streets.  This section is home to the cutest of all boutiques and picture perfect lunch spots.  This area should be dedicated for shopping and Instagram pics!  Get your VSCO profile ready gals, because you are going to need it.

A shop in the Nine Streets that I always stop in is a jewelry store called All the Luck in the World.  It is such a cute place to purchase dainty gold jewelry.  I am a fan of their single hoop earrings, and they also sell hoop earrings with charms on it that are meant to be mixed and matched on your ears!  A total VIBE.

The Pijp

This section of the city will always hold a special spot in my heart.  This neighborhood is another place to find the cutest of Dutch boutiques (like the one pictured) and more Instagram perfect Cafes.  This area gives a very similar vibe to that of the Nine Streets.  If you are boutique junkie like me, then you will want to make a stop in both neighborhoods.  

Half of your day should be dedicated to this special spot and I suggest having lunch in this quaint area.  The Albert Cuyp Market is also located in this area, and is a great place to bargain for souvenirs and clothing.  The market is a place to snack on typical dutch treats.

My all time FAVORITE boutique is in this area.  It is called Noor.  If you decide to explore this neighborhood, I highly suggest taking a look into this cute shop.  They are ideal for supplying cute Instagram-y outfits and cute accessories.  I will be making another blog post diving in deeper about my favorite shopping spots in Amsterdam, but this shop is too good not to mention!

Museumplein

This neighborhood is where my family and I lived during our three year assignment.  It holds the most special place to my heart and each time I visit my stomach is filled with instant butterflies.  

This section is home to the most iconic Dutch museums: Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Moco Museum.

If you are a museum lova, then this neighborhood is calling your name sista!  All the must-see museums are conveniently located in this cute little section of the city, and all public transport holds stops in this location.  Even if you are not a museum fan, this is a great place to walk around and explore.

Normally, this fountain is filled with elaborate sculptures from evolving Amsterdam based artists.  Overall a really cool section, and you should at least take time for a scenic walk through.

I always wear my most Instagram-bloggy outfit when I’m posing in front of this scene. 

Floating Flower Market

This spot is not as vital as the others on my list, but it is still worth mentioning.  The Amsterdam Floating Flower Market holds the record for the largest flower market on water!

This market is located along a shopping area within walking distance to the Dam, and has a pretty view of the canals.  It is also accessible by tram, and is a spot that can be paired with your Dam trip.

Another area that will not need a lot of time dedicated for, but a place that would be beneficial to walk through (especially if you are visiting Amsterdam and are unable to visit the iconic tulip fields). This picture perfect moment will definitely fill that void!

Restaurants

Now we are going to talk FOOD.  Amsterdam is the city of trying new foods and playing with your tastebuds.  My family and I take our food choices very seriously, therefore this list is a never-ending collection of the city’s most culturally advanced cuisines.  So far, I compiled a list that I think best represents my audience, and the spots I always need to make reservations at when I am visiting.

The restaurant section in particular of this post will be an ongoing edit, and I will always keep you in the know.  The restaurant scene in every city is always evolving and changing for the better.  Nonetheless, the restaurant selections below are some of my cultivated faves that I hope you find love in too.

Ya girl has also shared her favorite things to order at these spots to help y’all out on this culinary advanced journey!

Sea Palace

This restaurant choice is one that I did not discover until last year.  It is a great haven for dim sum and dumpling lovers, located in a super unique location.

The entire restaurant is floating on the water, thus the restaurant is named ‘Sea Palace’.  Due to the waterfront location, nearly the entire building is gifted with a water front view.  Um, yes please?

In regards to their food, their dumpling quality matches the majestic views.

What to order when dining at the palace.  If you are a regular consumer of dim sum, you are safe to order your normal picks as this restaurant is well versed in both steamed and deep-fried staples.

If you are new to dim sum; welcome. You will not be disappointed. My fav picks are the Ha Kau Garnalen dumpling (Shrimp Dumpling), Tsa Seui Kou Gefrituurde garnalenpasteitje in krokant jasje (Fried Shrimp Dumpling), Wo Tiep Gebakken dumpling met varkensvleesvulling (Fried Pork Dumpling) and the Chiw Chow Tsing Fan Ko Dumpling met vlees en pinda vulling (Pork Dumpling with Peanuts).

Spaghetteria

This restaurant is for my Italian foodies that are not afraid to experiment with their pasta choices. I love this restaurant so much because of their diverse and creative variety.  

Yes, Spaghetteria has a great selection of arrabiatas and marinaras for my gals who want to play it safe.  The reason that I am a loyal customer to these restaurants is not for their red sauces, but for their dishes that I am unable to cook for myself at home. Specifically, the squid ink linguine dressed in white wine sauce and decorated with seared scallops, blistered tomatoes, and shrimps is pictured here.  My eyes are tearing up as I type this description. 

This menu is always changing, so I am unable to provide a substantial food recommendation.  But, if there is an option on the menu that compares to my description above, you bet that is the dish I will be ordering.

This carb oasis has several locations within the city, making it a convenient bite for every pasta connoisseur that would be visiting Amsterdam

Cannibale Royal

If you are vegan or slightly vegetarian then you should avoid this restaurant.  They do have veggie burgers for the plant-based community, but that would be like ordering pasta at a Chinese restaurant.  Pointless. 

This food spot is a great eat for my peeps who crave meat.  The Cannibale Royal menu is fully loaded with the most advanced selection of meats, and pairs perfectly with a fantastic variety of sides that are going to push your taste buds to their limit.

When the Spadaforas dine at the Royal, we are ordering the Lamb Chops (if it is a featured special), the Cannibale’s Favourite Ribs, and the Le Modeste.  For our sides I always ALWAYS order the Watermelon Salad with mint and feta (my tastebuds are screaming BRB), the Sweet Grilled Corn, and the Crispy Garlic Broccoli.

All of the sides on this menu have been crafted by the gods, so you cannot go wrong with what you choose to pair with your meal.

La Oliva

This restaurant pick earned its place on this list due to its wide selection of tapas that never seem to leave me unsatisfied.

La Oliva is a Spanish tapas bar located in another gorgeously quaint neighborhood in Amsterdam: the Jordaan.  This area is home to an AMAZING variety of restaurants.  That being said, many times La Oliva’s waitlist has been full and we have taken our dinner plans elsewhere.  Luckily this section is decorated with a great restaurant scene, so if you did not make a res and need to recalibrate - have no fear.

Since La Oliva is originated from Northern Spain, their tapas are referred to as ‘pinxtos’, and most of them are held together with a stick.  Super fun and funky food.  They also have a traditional menu to order from, but I suggest ordering a collection pinxtos to fulfill the meal.

This menu is also always evolving, but they do have regular dishes that tend to make an appearance. I will note my favorites in case they happen to be present: the lamb breast dressed with blueberry compote, the soufflé topped with shaved manchego cheese, and the lamb slider.

You should definitely ask your waitress/waiter for their recs as they are always down to share.

Loetje

(Photo taken from @loetje_restaurant)

This is the only Dutch restaurant that is included on this list.  That is for a reason: the Dutch culture is not known for their cuisine.  #SorryNotSorry

Loetje is an exception.  It is a great choice if you are craving a juicy piece of steak and want your cholesterol to go up.  It is not your typical American steakhouse, as the steaks are served in a pool of one of the two Loetje signature sauces.  The sauce choices are garlic or spicy.  I am an Italian so of course, I choose the garlic.  My love for this seasoning is in my DNA and is one I cannot explain.

They only offer one cut of meat, a filet that is provided in two different sizes.  So, when dining at Loetje, I always order the smaller size with the garlic sauce.

Loetje does offer a full menu that consists of typical Dutch foods, but I would suggest sticking with the filets and assorted sauces that I explained.

Fiko

(Photo taken from @fiko_amsterdam)

Fiko is a trendy, amazing, beautiful oasis for pizzas and pastas.  The vibe in this restaurant is one that I would love my future home to have.  It is embellished with marbles and gold chrome! Amazing!

When indulging at Fiko, you cannot go wrong with your selection (like most spots on my list), but of course ya girl has some recs.

I am a truffle lover when it comes to food.  Fiko is definitely a must for my truffle hunnies! If you are not a truffle groupie - like my dad - you will still find joy on this menu.

My go to when ordering at Fiko for appetizers are the Burrata Pugliese and Parma dop 18 mesi.  If they are putting burrata on the menu, IT IS A MUST.  For pizzas, all of the pizzas featured on the menu can be served on a black charcoal crust.  I know that this sounds spooky, but trust me that it tastes the same and it is a must-try.  I also love ordering the Tartufi and Pistachiella and the Fiko. 

Of course, ask the waitstaff on what they suggest as they ALWAYS know what is up!

MaMa Kelly

This place everyone and their mother has eaten at.  Their reasoning is warranted, this blogger spot is completely pink and decorated with chrome gold furnishings.  It is located inside of the 1928 Olympic stadium, therefore, some table seatings are gifted with a view of an Olympic athletic field.  A total vibe.

This spot should definitely earn a spot on your restaurant list when visiting Amsterdam if you are an Insta lover or VSCO connoisseur.  There are several picture perfect spots within this restaurant. That goes without saying.

In regards to the food selection, the quality matches the restaurant’s aesthetic.  The food is priced in a higher bracket, as this location is coveted, and this eating spot is more touristy.  Needless to say, it is still a great bite if you are willing to spend the $$$$.

When dining at the Kelly,  I suggest going for dinner.  On the dinner menu is where their Truffle Risotto resides! Yes MaMa!  As a fellow truffle fan, this truffle risotto is not one to miss.  It is slightly thick, therefore I suggest straying away from heftier sides and a loaded app.

If you are looking to dine here for lunch, I know you will not be disappointed as I have heard only great things.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed!

Catch ya later in my next post

with love, Sof