Five Spots For Amsterdam’s Best Bitterballen
First things first: what is a bitterbal? A small, round Dutch croquette — crispy breadcrumbs on the outside, scalding-hot ragout on the inside. Traditionally made with beef or veal, though versions with cheese, shrimp, mushrooms and other plant-based fillings exist too. These five spots serve some of the best in Amsterdam.
admin
October 28, 2026
The name has nothing to do with a bitter taste. Bitterballen were originally eaten alongside a ‘bittertje’ — a Dutch spirit like jenever or herbal liqueur — as part of the ‘bittergarnituur’: warm snacks served with drinks.
Why do they turn up at almost every Dutch birthday party? Because you can deep-fry them quickly in bulk, they need no cutlery, and they go perfectly with beer. A plate of bitterballen also instantly signals that things are now officially gezellig. Just wait before your first bite — the filling runs roughly the same temperature as molten lava.
De BallenBar
De BallenBar at the Foodhallen turns the snack into a small tasting. Michelin chef Peter Gast and Jeroen Elijzen developed versions with veal, Dutch shrimp, bouillabaisse and truffle, among others. Ideal when you don't want six identical ones.
Hannie Dankbaarpassage 16.
Pro tip
Can't decide between classic, shrimp or something with truffle? Go for a tasting platter at De BallenBar instead of six identical ones. Wherever you order them: crack the first bitterbal open before biting in. A burnt tongue tastes mostly like regret, even with the best ragout.
Proeflokaal A. van Wees
Here you eat bitterballen exactly as intended: with mustard, pickles, and maybe a house-distilled jenever. Alongside the classic version, the menu includes vegan, shrimp and venison-beer bitterballen.
Herengracht 319.
Tourist Trap Checker
Café Luxembourg sits centrally and isn't cheap, but you're also paying for Holtkamp bitterballen and a classic spot on the Spui.
Do
Pick Café Luxembourg if you want the well-known Holtkamp version in a classic grand café setting.
Don't
Expect an uncomplicated, cheap round of drinks there — for that, Café Stevens or a visit to Café-Restaurant Amsterdam fits better.
Café Luxembourg
This classic grand café on the Spui serves bitterballen from the well-known Amsterdam patisserie Holtkamp. Take the traditional meat version or go for cheese or shrimp. Not cheap, but a great spot to watch tourists on the terrace second-guess their directions.
Spui 24.
Café Stevens
Café Stevens near the Nieuwmarkt is exactly the kind of place a bitterbal feels at home: a genuine Amsterdam local pub with beer, regulars, and little interest in culinary acrobatics. Order a portion with your drink and let the mustard do its job.
Geldersekade 123.
Café-Restaurant Amsterdam
This enormous restaurant sits in a former pumping station by Westerpark. Thanks to the spacious hall, it suits groups well — including friends who swear they only want one bitterbal and then quietly polish off four.
Watertorenplein 6.
Quick Summary
De BallenBar offers variety, A. van Wees pairs bitterballen with jenever, and Luxembourg serves the well-known Holtkamp version. Stevens is the classic local pub, and Café-Restaurant Amsterdam works well for groups. Mustard on the side, wait a moment, then bite in bravely.
- De BallenBar (Foodhallen) — a tasting of flavours: veal, shrimp, bouillabaisse, truffle.
- Proeflokaal A. van Wees (Herengracht) — bitterballen with mustard, pickles and jenever.
- Café Luxembourg (Spui) — Holtkamp bitterballen in a classic grand café.
- Café Stevens (Nieuwmarkt) — genuine Amsterdam local pub.
- Café-Restaurant Amsterdam (Westerpark) — a former pumping station, great for groups.
On the map
On this page
w
Coffeeshop tip
Discover these bitterbal spots
More from
I've got the munchies
Three Of Amsterdam’s Best Ice Rinks This Winter
Five Spots For Amsterdam’s Best Fries