De Pijp

This stop is an especially valuable recommendation if you're visiting Amsterdam in the cold winter, as the cozy interior is a pretty perfect place to warm up from the cold with a glass of wine. Stop by in the early evening to pick up a bottle of wine from their shop for dinner, or come after dinner for a more bar-like feel (they're open until midnight most nights).

JuiceBrothers was founded by four friends, who decided in the summer of 2013, while on a canal boat, that Amsterdam needed a really good pressed juice place. Two years later, the first JuiceBrothers shop opened in De Pijp, followed by a second location in Amsterdam-West, and another in Centrum. (There's also a JuiceBrothers in the suburbs outside of Amsterdam, in the Amstelveen mall.) JuiceBrothers' main thing is still cold-pressed juice, using as many organic ingredients as possible. But they also make smoothies and serve a limited amount of breakfast (acai bowls, chia pudding, coconut yogurt) and lunch (a couple salads and a coconut wrap) items, along with some snacks and sweets (kale chips, oat bars, chocolate truffles).

Though you can come to this De Pijp favorite to shop, eat cake, and peep some art while you’re at it, COTTONCAKE isn’t just another design-centric concept shop: There’s something decidedly feminine about the whitewashed brick interior, globally sourced accessories, clothing, and thoughtful jewelry offering. It doesn't hurt that the café serves a small but mighty menu of brunch-y dishes, excellent coffee, and as mentioned, really good homemade cake.

A newer addition to De Pijp, this no-frills, indoor-outdoor spot has Australian roots and fresh, American-inspired menus. While the share-friendly dinner offering is great and the bar is exceptionally well-stocked, the true standout here is the brunch, with beloved dishes like smashed avocado toast, an elevated take on the bacon-egg-and-cheese, and cinnamon brioche French toast. Also worth noting is the Bloody Mary, which can be had four different ways, including one that’s spiked with Sriracha and garnished with kimchi.

Don’t let the creepy cannibal theme throw you off—it actually makes for a very original, moody design scheme and gives the proprietors here an excuse to gather some fascinating antiques. As for the food, the charcuterie plates and simple salads are delicious and easy, and the long draft list features some of Europe’s best craft beers. They serve food late even on weeknights, making it a god-send after delayed trains and planes. There's a second location in Centrum.

Breakfast and lunch at this cheery spot is the equivalent of a mini trip around the world: the menu is equal parts New Zealand and America—huevos rancheros, incredible fresh-baked pastry, and a ton of fresh juice options—while the bright interior (the living wall is definitely a focal point) is a nod to one of the owner’s Brazilian roots (the other is from New Zealand). In true Kiwi tradition, the flat whites are on point. There's a second location in Kadijksplein.