Think Amsterdam North isn't much fun? Then check out these hotspots!

Amsterdam Noord takes its name from its location north of the IJ River. In the 19th and 20th centuries, this area was home to industrial activities and the workers who made Amsterdam’s industrial growth possible. Today, Noord has emerged as a creative, trendy district that is an integral part of Amsterdam. In Noord, urban life alternates with green spaces, and there are plenty of quiet, hidden spots to discover. In addition to the well-known NDSM, you’ll find no fewer than nine“Tuindorpen.” These are 20th-century urban neighborhoods that exude a village-like atmosphere. 

The IJ-hallen, Europe’s largest flea market, takes place once every three weeks on the grounds of the NDSM shipyard or inside the NDSM Loods. There are more than 700 stalls selling vintage clothing, as well as antiques and other items. 

THE MOST COZY HOTSPOTS AND PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN NOORD

CAFÉ RESTAURANT METRO 

At Metro, the Nxt Museum’s restaurant, you’re welcome to join us starting at 10:00 a.m. Chef Rients de Jong, known for his work at Restaurant As, cooks with seasonal ingredients and focuses on high-quality produce and vegetables.

Breakfast is served seven days a week, and dinner is available from Wednesday through Sunday. For breakfast, you can choose between curd cheese with granola and poached pear or sourdough toast with Remeker Ryp. The generously filled baciata sandwich is available for both lunch and breakfast. For lunch, you can also choose from options such as roasted white asparagus and beetroot risotto. You can also opt for a three- or four-course lunch. Dinner consists of a three-course menu with a choice of roasted white asparagus or raw corvina as the starter. For the main course, you can choose between roasted yellow beets or roasted guinea fowl. Finally, there are four delicious dessert options to finish, including polenta cake with orange and vanilla ice cream.

As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice the large concrete bar, where there’s almost always a spot for a drink. Xander Waller, also known from Entrepot, will pair your drink with an exciting (natural) wine. You can order delicious snacks to go with it, such as shrimp croquettes, finocchiona salami, and sourdough bread from our own bakery! 

CORNER STORE

Corner Store is located on a corner, but it’s not a store. At Corner Store, music, natural wines, and a menu featuring local ingredients—but with Asian flavors—come together. The restaurant-bar is inspired by the small music bars you often see in Japan.

There are several grilled dishes available, including veal tongue, squid, and cod head. Other dishes include: red sea bream with lime and chili, Nashi pear with daikon and tofu, and confit duck leg with plum. In addition, there are many types of side dishes to choose from, including fava bean tempura and pointed cabbage with chili flakes. You can finish your meal with some unusual but delicious desserts: malt ice cream or rhubarb sorbet. 

The restaurant is bright and spacious and features a small bar with a handmade cabinet filled with massive speakers and rare LPs. With its unique dishes and bar, Corner Store is definitely worth a visit!

EUROPIZZA

Europizza’s menu features a small selection of fresh sourdough pizzas and a variety of snacks and small plates, with a focus on local ingredients. From pizzas, oysters, charcuterie, and grilled vegetables to shellfish, Europizza has it all. They also serve a carefully curated selection of lemonades, wines, and beers. 

Even though the lockdown has long since ended, Europizza still has a large freezer full of frozen pizzas. The frozen pizzas were a stopgap measure during the lockdown, but they’re still selling very well. If you don’t feel like cooking but also don’t want a frozen pizza from the supermarket, Europizza’s frozen pizzas are the perfect solution. Original Europizza frozen pizzas are also available for pickup at Stach, Crisp, Gorillas, Thull’s Deli, The Dylan Hotel, and Lindenhoff.

Prefer to eat out? Europizza has a lovely outdoor patio where you can enjoy your pizza in the sunshine. You can also eat inside at one of the tables or at the bar, with a view of the wood-fired oven. 

PLLEK, THE BEST TERRACE AND BEACH IN NORTH AMSTERDAM

Pllek has been around for a while, but it’s definitely here to stay as a hotspot. Pllek is a café-restaurant located at the NDSM shipyard where you can soak up the sun on the lovely terrace or private beach along the IJ while enjoying a bite to eat and a drink. Conscious living and sustainability are central to the experience. The food is mostly organic and ethically sourced, prepared with seasonal vegetables and fresh ingredients featuring global flavors by head chef Dimitry Mulder. 

Breakfast is served at Pllek starting at 9:30 AM. You can choose from a variety of traditional breakfast options, including: a croissant with butter and jam, yogurt with seasonal fruit, and toast with scrambled eggs. For lunch, you can choose from four salads, five sandwiches, and the soup of the week. Dinner features a variety of appetizers and main courses. For starters, you can try sea bass carpaccio or grilled green asparagus and artichoke. For the main course, options include Indian curry, pan-seared plaice fillet, or stuffed zucchini flowers. There’s also an extensive dessert and snack menu. Dessert options include chocolate cake with orange, vanilla-lemon curd with strawberries, and crème brûlée. For snacks, you can order wild mushroom or venison croquettes, samosas with sweet chili sauce, or a cheese platter. 

Pllek is constructed from old shipping containers, and its interior features recycled materials and maritime artifacts. Pllek also has a stage called “Pllek Live Stage.” It’s located next to the restaurant and offers a stunning view of the IJ. During events, unique non-Western bands perform here, accompanied by a DJ.