
Best Italian Restaurants Amsterdam 2025
Best Italian Restaurants Amsterdam
Italian cuisine is a language of love, and Amsterdam speaks it fluently. The city is home to a spectacular array of Italian eateries, from bustling pizzerias pulling perfect Neapolitan pies from wood-fired ovens to elegant ristorantes serving refined, regional dishes. Forget the tourist traps; this is your guide to the authentic taste of Italy right here in the heart of the Netherlands.
1. Toscanini
Vibe: Authentically Bustling & Rustic What It's Known For: Simple, perfectly executed Italian classics. Why It's on the List: For decades, Toscanini has been the benchmark for authentic Italian food in Amsterdam. Housed in a beautifully converted warehouse in the Jordaan, the atmosphere is loud, lively, and wonderfully Italian. The open kitchen serves up a seasonal menu where the quality of the ingredients shines through in every dish, from handmade pasta to slow-cooked meats. Best For: An authentic Italian feast, a lively dinner, impressing a food lover.
2. nNea Pizza
Vibe: Modern & Focused What It's Known For: World-class, authentic Neapolitan pizza. Why It's on the List: nNea isn't just a restaurant; it's a temple to pizza. Consistently ranked among the best pizzerias in Europe, their dough is a work of art—light, airy, and perfectly charred. The toppings are a mix of traditional and innovative, always using the highest quality ingredients. This is the place for a truly transcendent pizza experience. Best For: The perfect pizza, a casual but high-quality meal.
3. Bussia
Vibe: Elegant & Sophisticated What It's Known For: Modern, refined tasting menus. Why It's on the List: Bussia offers a contemporary, high-end Italian dining experience. With its chic interior and impeccable service, it’s a destination for special occasions. The kitchen creates innovative dishes inspired by the flavors of Italy, beautifully presented in multi-course tasting menus that showcase culinary creativity and premium ingredients. Best For: A celebration, a luxurious dinner, modern Italian cuisine.
4. Pianeta Terra
Vibe: Intimate & Conscious What It's Known For: Italian "slow food" with organic, local ingredients. Why It's on the List: Pianeta Terra is committed to the "slow food" philosophy, meaning their dishes are crafted with exceptional, sustainably sourced, and often organic ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting a deep respect for nature and produce. The result is food that is not only delicious but also thoughtful and pure. Best For: A conscious and romantic dinner, seasonal specialties.
5. La Perla Pizzeria
Vibe: Cozy & Quintessentially Jordaan What It's Known For: Phenomenal wood-fired pizzas in a charming setting. Why It's on the List: Situated on a picturesque street in the Jordaan, La Perla is a neighborhood favourite for good reason. Their giant, wood-fired oven—imported from Italy—is the heart of the restaurant, churning out delicious pizzas with crispy, bubbly crusts. The atmosphere is always buzzing, cozy, and welcoming. Best For: A classic pizza night, a quintessential Amsterdam experience.
6. Incanto
Vibe: Sophisticated with a View What It's Known For: Northern Italian cuisine and a stunning panoramic view of the city. Why It's on the List: Located on the top floor of a building overlooking the city center, Incanto offers a dining experience that is both a feast for the palate and the eyes. The kitchen specializes in refined Venetian and Northern Italian dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring over 200 Italian wines. Best For: Impressing a date, a business dinner, dinner with a view.
7. Domenica
Vibe: Contemporary, Stylish & Lively What It's Known For: An innovative menu designed for sharing. Why It's on the List: Part of the new wave of modern Italian eateries, Domenica is a trendy spot with a fantastic atmosphere. The menu is creative and designed for sharing, allowing you to sample a variety of delicious, well-executed dishes. With a great cocktail program and a stylish crowd, it’s perfect for a fun and flavourful night out. Best For: A trendy night out with friends, sharing plates, vibrant atmosphere.
8. Spaghetteria
Vibe: Casual, Communal & Fast-Paced What It's Known For: A small, daily-changing menu of fresh pasta. Why It's on the List: With several locations across the city, Spaghetteria has perfected a simple, brilliant concept: do one thing and do it well. They serve a rotating menu of just six different pasta dishes, all made fresh daily. You sit at communal tables in a lively, no-frills setting. It's fast, affordable, and consistently delicious. No reservations, so expect to queue. Best For: A quick, no-fuss pasta dinner, a casual weeknight meal.
9. Koevoet
Vibe: Historic Dutch Pub Meets Italian Trattoria What It's Known For: Authentic Italian food in a classic Amsterdam "brown café." Why It's on the List: Koevoet offers a uniquely Amsterdam experience. From the outside, it looks like a timeless, traditional Dutch pub. Inside, you'll find a welcoming Italian family serving hearty, authentic dishes like Vitello Tonnato and Linguine Vongole. The juxtaposition of the setting and the food is pure magic. Best For: A unique and memorable local experience, classic dishes.
10. Imperatore
Vibe: Classic & Welcoming Trattoria What It's Known For: Traditional Roman cuisine. Why It's on the List: If you're craving the robust, powerful flavours of Rome, Imperatore in the Jordaan is your destination. This family-run restaurant specializes in Roman classics, serving up perfectly executed Cacio e Pepe, Saltimbocca alla Romana, and other hearty dishes in a warm and traditional setting. It feels like a genuine piece of Rome in Amsterdam. Best For: Hearty Roman classics, a cozy and authentic meal.
Pro Tip: Amsterdam's best Italian restaurants are incredibly popular. For any of the sit-down restaurants on this list (especially Toscanini, Bussia, and the pizzerias), reservations are essential and should often be made weeks in advance.
Disclaimer: Restaurant menus and opening hours can change. Please check their websites or social media for the most current information before visiting.