Amsterdam Oud West and its cozy restaurants

Oud-West was built over a 25-year period between 1875 and 1900. Between Overtoom and Vondelpark, elegant streets were developed, culminating in the Vondelkerk. The rest of Oud-West was a working-class neighborhood. By 1977, Kinkerstraat and the surrounding streets had fallen into severe disrepair.

In recent decades, this old working-class neighborhood has become trendy and popular. Here you’ll find cozy cafes, trendy coffee shops serving the best coffee, and charming restaurants. From 1990 to 2010, Oud-West was a district in its own right; after that, it became part of the new West district. Oud-West is bordered by the Singelgracht, the Vondelpark, the Kostverlorenvaart, and the Hugo de Grootgracht. One of the city’s main thoroughfares is located in Oud-West: the Overtoom, which connects Nieuw-West and the A10 ring road with the city center.

GERTRUDE AMSTERDAM

Getrude Amsterdam opened its doors on Bosboom Toussaintstraat in March 2020. Getrude was founded by two restaurant entrepreneurs, one of whom is also the founder of Pazzi and ’t Spit. Together, they also own the restaurant Oeuf. At Getrude, Chef Amadou Dia prepares simple dishes that highlight seasonal vegetables and sustainably sourced fish and meat.

The menu changes frequently and is tailored to the season. You can choose between the tasting menu curated by Chef Amadou Dia or a selection of à la carte dishes. Examples of à la carte dishes include: oysters with mignonette and lemon, langoustine with linden blossom, sea buckthorn, and sea lavender, or corn with Parmesan, Amsterdam onions, black beans, and sardines.

Right outside the door is a cozy little terrace where you can enjoy a drink, have dinner, or simply grab a cup of coffee. Gertrude has a beautiful, elegant coffee machine in use. Gertrude features a vintage interior. There’s a dark brown herringbone floor, old-fashioned portraits on the walls, and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. 

FIKISSIMO

In 2023, the owners of the Italian restaurant Fiko opened Fikissimo right across the street. At Fikissimo, the rich flavors of the Mediterranean are combined with the time-honored traditions of Italian cuisine to create a unique and unforgettable dining experience. Fikissimo aims to share its passion for food and hospitality with its guests and, through its varied menu, reflect Amsterdam’s cultural melting pot. 

The restaurant concept has evolved, starting as a traditional Italian restaurant and expanding to include sushi and other Mediterranean dishes. The menu consists of: appetizers, pastas and risottos, main courses, side dishes, and sashimi and nigiri. The freshest and finest ingredients are imported from Southern Europe, including burrata, olive oil, fresh fish from Sicily, and red tuna from Spain. The icing on the cake is a carefully curated wine list featuring wines from Spain, France, and Italy. For special occasions, the finest champagnes are also available. 

As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel the Mediterranean vibe. The light colors and large olive trees exude the warmth of a true Mediterranean restaurant.  

THE WORD

In March of this year, Café de Kwaker made way for a French bistro: La Parole. La Parole is part of the same group as the seafood restaurant La Forel, which is also located in Oud-West. At La Parole, you can enjoy classic, high-quality French dishes at an affordable price. The restaurant takes great care in preparing sustainably sourced seafood and meat dishes, but vegetarian options are also available. 

The lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, egg dishes, soups, and salads. For dinner, you can choose from French classics such as escargots and moules frites. But you can also order the traditional cheeseburger (though made with Gruyère or blue cheese) with fries. Vegetarians are also catered to. For example, you can choose roasted pointed cabbage with a stew of bell peppers, pecans, and Hollandaise sauce, or roasted cauliflower in brown butter with oyster mushrooms and tomato chutney. Finally, there are delicious desserts, including the classic crêpe with orange sauce, almond crumble, and vanilla ice cream. 

Reservations aren't accepted, but that fits with the concept of a relaxed atmosphere. The interior makes you feel as if you're in a French bistro. 

IKARIA PARK

Ikaria Food, a cozy little blue kiosk-style restaurant on Kwakersplein, is expanding with a second location in Bilderdijkpark: Ikaria Park. Ikaria is named after a Greek island known for the high life expectancy of its residents; it is speculated that this is due to their healthy diet. This inspired the owners to use healthy ingredients, fresh herbs, and local seasonal vegetables. Ikaria Park is a Greek shared-dining restaurant serving authentic Greek dishes with a modern twist. 

Unlike Ikaria Food, Ikaria Park is also open in the evenings. In keeping with Greek tradition, dishes such as moussaka and other classics are meant to be shared. In addition to Greek classics, you’ll also find culinary delicacies such as taramosalata and tigonita. At Ikaria Park, they believe in the art of Greek hospitality: coming together and sharing dishes. Fresh local produce and carefully selected wines are imported from Greece.

There is a lovely, spacious terrace where you can relax and enjoy the long summer evenings. If the weather isn’t quite as nice, you can also sit inside the restaurant. Here, you’re surrounded by large windows. The interior is warm and inviting. It features wood and marble, as well as murals and decorative ornaments inspired by Greek culture.