For more info on each place click on the name. Most of these spots are located in the district of Jordaan and a couple around De Pijp.
BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, LUNCH
My go to breakfast place. Serves an amazing Shakshuka. I usually take the spinach and feta one, but they do a lot of specials. They’ve also got fantastic coffee which they serve with halva (I am obsessed with halva!)
APPLE PIE, ANYTIME
The home of the traditional Dutch apple pie (with freshly whipped cream for me). Always with coffee. Frankly, you don’t need anything else in life, whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack or maybe an apple pie for dinner anyone..?
LUNCH AND DINNER
Both a great take-away spot and a cosy lunch or dinner place. Simple, traditional Algerian dishes and friendly service.
RIBS AND BURGERS
You’ll see me there regularly stuffing myself with BBQ ribs. It's their house speciality and simply phenomenal. They’ve got several restaurants around town, my favourite one is in Rozengracht.
DINNER
A local, unassuming Thai place. Go for the red curry with coconut and duck. And a mint tea afterwards. I love sitting outside and watching the world go by.
COFFEE, CAKE & WORK
This is my favourite café when I want to get some work done on my laptop. Good coffee, chocolate cookies and easy music. I can focus here. They have a small fire place for those colder winter days. This place is on the border of Jordaan and Oud-West Amsterdam
I recommend these two local boutique hotels for a nice aperitif or a post-dinner drink:
Tranquil cocktail place at Hotel Mercier, perfect for an elegant but easy catch up with a friend or casual-chic date. I tend to stick to my martini espresso, though any cocktail you take will entertain your tastebuds.
Fantastic place for a quick evening drink before you hit the town. Tantalising, eclectic interiors designed by the world renowned Dutch Marcel Wanders ( You’ll find his flagship store ‘Moooi’ nearby ).
These final two are located in De Pijp:
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER
Popular place among the locals for a Sunday brunch , but I really like going there for tapas. Around 5/6pm it’s usually less busy. The menu changes quiet often, but my uber-favourite dish is their teriyaki pork belly.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Coffee and cinnamon bolle. Epic combo.
BONUS SOUL FOOD: PRE OR POST MEAL EXPERIENCES :)
I’m a mix of classical music, art and party, so my top 3:
I love being surrounded by art. Rijksmuseum is a must for me every time I’m in Amsterdam. Great variety of Dutch art. Adult ticket costs around 20euro (worth buying online if you want to skip the queue).
For a good classical music concert (or to see ‘Star Wars’ with live orchestra) head to the Concertgebouwd. A few months ago I saw Wibi Soerjadi’s piano recital there and it's still one of my fave concerts ever.
This is wehre Justine let ‘s her hair down. Great atmosphere and good DJs. If you get there early (11pm) you’ll get in easily, later on the queues get longer and loooonger. 15euros to get in, at least before midnight. They also do some themed nights, so check their FB page for the latest.