Amsterdam Cafe Guide: Top 2025 Spots
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Introduction
Amsterdam’s coffee and café culture is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, where canal-side espresso bars sit next to cozy, plant-filled brunch spots. From specialty brews to homemade pastries, the city’s cafes are as much about community as they are about coffee. Whether you’re a local café regular or a wandering traveler, Amsterdam’s cafés offer charming ambiance, thoughtful design, and fresh flavors. In this Amsterdam cafe guide, we’ll introduce five standout cafés—ideal for 2025 visits—each highlighted for its unique style, atmosphere, and delicious offerings.
1. Scandinavian Embassy
- Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Location: Sarphatipark 34, De Pijp
- Highlights: Specialty filter coffee, cardamom buns, minimalist decor
Tucked away near Sarphatipark, Scandinavian Embassy brings Nordic calm to Amsterdam. Known for their barista-brewed filter coffees and signature Nordic pastries—especially the aromatic cardamom buns—this café blends warm hygge with Scandinavian design: clean lines, oak furniture, and plenty of daylight. Whether you’re working from your laptop or catching up with friends, the vibe is relaxed yet refined.
Reserve a table via OpenTable if you want a prime seat during the busy weekend brunch hours!
2. Bocca Coffee Bar
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
- Location: Kerkstraat 107, Centrum
- Highlights: Single-origin espresso, roasting lab, minimalist industrial space
Bocca is a pioneer of Amsterdam’s third-wave coffee scene. Their in-house roastery ensures every espresso shot is both bold and nuanced, with single-origin brews highlighting the terroir of each bean. The sleek, industrial interior—towering ceilings, exposed brick, and stainless steel—offers a modern, minimalist charm. Coffee lovers will appreciate watching the roasting process while sipping a precise pour-over.
3. CT Coffee & Coconuts
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Location: Ceintuurbaan 282–284, De Pijp
- Highlights: Coconut lattes, healthy bowls, lush tropical design
Set in a converted cinema, CT Coffee & Coconuts is perfect if you want a more tropical scene in your café experience. With palm fronds overhead, bright wooden accents, and vibrant plant life, it feels like a mini oasis. Their coconut lattes are creamy and slightly sweet, while their smoothie bowls and avocado toast cater to the health-conscious. It’s a go-to for brunch lovers looking for something more substantial than a simple coffee.
4. Back to Black
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
- Location: Weteringstraat 48, Centrum
- Highlights: House blend espresso, artisan cakes, warm neighborhood feel
Charming and intimate, Back to Black is coffee comfort at its finest. Their house blend espresso is smooth and subtly roasted to perfection, and each espresso-based drink is handcrafted with care. They bake in-house cakes and tarts daily—from gooey chocolate brownies to refreshing lemon bars. With wooden tables pressed close together and an ever-present hum of friendly conversation, it feels like home with your favorite morning cup.
5. De Koffieschenkerij
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, Centrum
- Highlights: Canal-side setting, traditional Dutch pancakes, rich hot chocolate
Nestled in a centuries-old Gothic chapel right by Amsterdam’s canal, De Koffieschenkerij offers an unforgettable setting. There’s something magical about sipping rich hot chocolate or strong espresso while basking in vaulted ceilings and stained glass. Their menu includes classic Dutch pancakes and hearty sandwiches, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stop between sightseeing. The peaceful, heritage-filled atmosphere adds a sense of history to every cup.
How to Choose the Perfect Cafe
Choosing the right café depends on your mood and agenda:
- Need a serene workspace? Scandinavian Embassy and Bocca offer quiet corners and consistent Wi-Fi.
- Craving a healthy brunch? CT Coffee & Coconuts has your coconut lattes, smoothies, and nutritious bowls.
- After a cozy local experience? Back to Black gives you homemade cakes and neighborly charm.
- Want to feel the city’s history? De Koffieschenkerij delivers canal-side elegance and Dutch tradition.
Affiliate Picks
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- Try a quality espresso maker or pour-over for barista-style coffee at home—check out coffee makers via Amazon to get started.
Conclusion
Amsterdam’s café scene in 2025 is all about diversity—minimalist spaces, tropical brunch hubs, historic gems—all serving top-tier coffee. Whether you’re after artisanal beans, Instagram-worthy interiors, or peaceful canal views, this Amsterdam cafe guide has you covered. Don’t forget to secure your spot via OpenTable, especially on busy weekends.
Have a favorite café we missed? Tag your photos with #EasyYumFood on Instagram—I’d love to see them! For more hidden gems and culinary recommendations, explore our Restaurant Picks and City Food Guides.