Anyone who has spent time in Spain knows the feeling: you come home and miss the evenings of small plates, shared conversation and a slow walk from one bar to the next. Tapas are not just food. They are a way of spending time together.
Amsterdam is a long way from Madrid or Seville, but its international food scene means you can still find good Spanish and Latin American cooking. Here is how to make the most of it.
The Spirit of Tapas
In Spain, tapas are about sharing. Friends order several small dishes for the table, talk, order a few more and move on when the mood takes them. The food is often simple, but the ingredients matter: good olive oil, quality ham, fresh seafood and well-made bread.
When you look for tapas in Amsterdam, look for that same spirit as much as for a particular dish.
What to Order at a Tapas Bar
If you are new to tapas or want to recreate a Spanish evening, here are some classics:
- Patatas bravas. Fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, often with aioli as well.
- Jamon. Thinly sliced cured ham, best enjoyed at room temperature.
- Tortilla espanola. A thick potato omelette, served in wedges.
- Gambas al ajillo. Prawns cooked in olive oil with garlic and chilli.
- Pimientos de padron. Small green peppers, most mild and the occasional one hot.
- Croquetas. Creamy croquettes, often with ham or cheese.
- Pan con tomate. Toasted bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil.
Order a few to start and add more as you go. That is how tapas are meant to be eaten.
Where to Find Tapas in Amsterdam
Spanish restaurants and tapas bars are spread across the city. Some of the most pleasant ones are a little away from the busiest streets.
Tasca Bellota is a Spanish and Mediterranean tapas restaurant on Bickerswerf, in the Western Islands just west of Central Station. It has hundreds of reviews and is a good choice for an evening of sharing plates in a quieter part of the city.
For more ideas, Essentially Amsterdam’s guide on where to eat Spanish food and tapas in Amsterdam lists places across different neighbourhoods.
Beyond Spain: Latin American Food
Spanish is spoken across much of the Americas, and the food of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America has its own rich traditions. In Amsterdam, these cuisines are increasingly easy to find.
Mexican and Caribbean
Mexican food goes far beyond the burritos many people know. Look for tacos with fresh tortillas, slow-cooked meats, salsas made in-house and dishes built around beans, corn and chillies.
Restaurant Cancún Amsterdam, on Veelaan in the east of the city, combines Mexican and Caribbean cooking with a bar and also works as an event venue, which makes it an option for groups and celebrations.
South American
Empanadas, grilled meats and ceviche are some of the dishes you can find at South American restaurants in Amsterdam. Many are small, family-run places where the owners are happy to explain the menu.
Eating the Spanish Way in Amsterdam
Mind the Clock
In Spain, dinner often starts late. In Amsterdam, many kitchens open and close earlier. Check opening hours and book ahead, especially on weekends.
Share Everything
Resist the urge to order a dish each. Put plates in the middle of the table and let everyone try a bit of everything.
Pair Food With the Right Drink
A glass of Spanish wine, a cold beer or a vermouth suits tapas well. At Latin American places, try a regional drink or a non-alcoholic option such as horchata if it is on the menu.
Take Your Time
The point of tapas is the conversation. Order slowly, eat slowly and enjoy the evening.
Bringing Spain Home
If you live in Amsterdam, you can also recreate a tapas evening at home. Markets and specialist shops sell Spanish ham, cheeses, olives and wine. Prepare a few simple dishes, invite friends and serve everything in small bowls on the table.
Planning a Tapas Night Out
If you want to recreate the Spanish habit of moving between bars, plan a small route. Amsterdam is compact, so it is easy to combine a tapas restaurant with a walk along the canals and a drink somewhere else afterwards.
Start early with a few small plates and a drink, then move on for a second round somewhere different. Keep each stop short and relaxed, as you would in Spain. If you are a group, book ahead, since popular places can fill up quickly, especially at weekends.
End the evening with a walk. Amsterdam’s canals are beautiful at night, and a slow stroll home is a fitting way to finish a Spanish-style evening, even under Dutch skies.
A Taste of Home Wherever You Are
Amsterdam may not have the sunshine of Andalusia, but it has the variety of a truly international city. With a little exploring, you can find tapas bars and Latin American kitchens that bring back the warmth of a Spanish evening, even on a rainy Dutch night.
