MY TOP AMSTERDAM COFFEE SHOPS (FOR ACTUAL COFFEE)
I have been going from place to place over the last month, trying to find the spots I would consider to be the gems of Amsterdam. Here is a list of coffee shops (yes for actual coffee, not weed) that I have consider to be my favourites so far on my Amsterdam journey. As there are so many great places to choose from, I narrowed down my list by sticking to places that you can easily bring a laptop to get some work done, read a book or just spend time with friends.
P.s. Some of these spots double as restaurants, serving real meals rather than just the classic baked goods.
BOCCA COFFEE
Located on a quiet street within the canal belts, Bocca is the gem that keeps on giving from behind an unassuming glass door. Upon entering, it is clear that you have not just stumbled across a hole in the wall, you have stumbled across one of the more delightful and well-kept coffee shops Amsterdam has to offer. There is plenty of room and many sitting areas to choose from. Whether you are looking to sit up at the computer bar or want to have a screen free afternoon at one of the cozy reading chairs - Bocca has whatever you might need. The staff treat you to service at your seat and your drink may even come with a lovely description of its origin. I spent an entire afternoon just reading and sipping on tea. Afternoon well spent.
MONKS COFFEE ROASTERS
No computers on the weekend, a rule that keeps Monks Coffee Roasters a great spot for social gatherings. A delicious menu of food and drink to choose from, as well as a few board game options set up on the communal back table. During the week, Monks also doubles as the perfect location to get some work done! The mood lighting and comfy seating is just where you want to be when typing away… or when snacking like there’s no tomorrow.
CT COFFEE & COCONUTS
CT Coffee & Coconuts is a massive staple in Amsterdam! It is one of the first places people will tell you to go for a delicious brunch and a good vibe. Situated in a refurbished old movie theatre, this 3-story restaurant/coffee shop/juice bar is sure to please. If you want to impress your friends with your ability to pick a great spot to hangout, this is the place to go. Furthermore, the first floor has couches and a communal work table, making remote work a breeze, and meaning you can have a decent meal while getting some work done on a comfy sofa. I highly recommend trying the vegan buckwheat pancakes with berry compote and coconut whip (as pictured above)!
TOKI
Tucked in a quaint part of the city, not far from centrum, but not in the middle of the crowds, Toki is a very hip spot to sip on a latte and spend an afternoon. Can I just say, the interior design is on point and everything is exceptionally stylized. This coffee shop does not double as a restaurant, so keep in mind, when you visit the food options will be your standard layout of baked goods.
MEATLESS DISTRICT
Primarily a vegan restaurant, this spot is great for a coffee and some quiet time. I had brunch here with a friend, and we both could not stop raving about the chai latte. If you are a plant-based eater, or in the neighbourhood, I would definitely recommend Meatless District. It is a bit on the pricey side for the amount of food you actually get, but what you get is sure to be delicious. I also liked how the vibe was very cozy at the front, but near the back the big windows show off the natural light leading from the back garden (which opens up in the summer).
OKO CULTURAL MEETING PLACE
I would consider OKO a gem in the west end of Amsterdam. It is a quaint spot, no bells and whistles, but it offers a comfortable setting for any occasion. I would often go here to get some work done or do some reading. Of course, I am also OBSESSED with their Golden Crunch Bowl (pictured above) with features homemade granola, seasonal fruits and sits upon your choice of regular or vegan coconut yoghurt. There is also a café dog that hangs around, so if you are canine inclined, this is a great spot for you!
SAMEN
Samen is one of my favourite coffee shops in Amsterdam (big statement). They have so much to offer, from fresh squeezed juices, little cakes and treats, as well as a good meal if you are so inclined. I pretty much always got the chai latte with hazelnut milk (SO GOOD) and a slice of the vegan coconut-orange loaf, but I also tried a juice and loved it! The back area has a communal table, perfect for taking out the laptop and getting busy, whereas the front area is laptop-free, but very bright and perfect for meeting friends or having a good read. There is a café cat you will see around, as well as local regulars who bring their adorable pups.
BACK TO BLACK
Back to Black is very busy on the weekends! Rightly so. This coffee shop is perfectly located at the base of the canal rings, just central enough to feel like you have everything at your fingertips, but not so central you want to cry from the mobs of confused tourists herding themselves through the streets. Even when it is busy, the vibe inside is sunny and bright, and the staff make you feel like a regular even on the first visit. They also have a seasonal smoothie on the menu which is awesome if you are looking of something a little more substantial, plus some vegan treat along with other baked goods. I have found it is the perfect place to meet a friend for a drink then walk 2 minutes over to the movie theatre to catch a film.
RAINBOWLS
Somewhat hidden in the alleys of De Pijp, Rainbowls will blow your smoothie-loving mind! The smoothie bowls are not only beautifully curated, but delicious and filling! I will also say, it is a bit more difficult to find Kombucha in The Netherlands than it was back in Canada, but Rainbowls is one of the spots where Kombucha along with other faved beverages (matcha lattes etc.) are on offer! It may be a bit of a theme now, but yes there IS a café dog that hangs about. This café is a great option for having brunch or getting that Instagramable moment with a side of hidden gem appeal. I have even sat down with my laptop and a smoothie bowl and found it to be the perfect level of quiet but sociable.
SOVA
I feel very lucky to live less than a minute from this adorable coffee shop. SOVA is bright and airy, just how I like my hangout spots. The menu offers a couple vegan choices and they serve the almighty matcha latte - so what more could you want? It is a very chill vibe and generates a cool customer base of locals and travellers-alike. The clean design and ease with which you can feel at home warrants SOVA a spot on my favourites list.
So, not a super short list, I know. I do love to find a good coffee shop, as many of you might already know. I hope that my café habit has worked out to be beneficial to you by creating this list! If you know of any other coffee shops (for actually drinking coffee) in Amsterdam, let me know! Happy coffee drinking :)
Ella
Images: Ella
