Amsterdam may not have a “Little Italy,” but the Italian spirit here runs deep—especially in the culinary scene. 

Italian migration to the city began as early as the 17th century with chimney sweeps from the northern Piemontese Valle Vigezzo who settled around the aptly named Schoorsteenvegerssteeg (Chimney Sweeps Alley). Terrazzo workers—craftsmen specialized in laying granite floors and other decorative elements—settled in the Oosterpark neighborhood in the 19th century, followed by a wave of Italian guest workers after World War II. Recruited for the mining, shipbuilding, and textile industries, they largely contributed to Amsterdam’s postwar reconstruction and economic growth. 

Beyond these professional contributions, the Italian influence in Amsterdam could be found most strongly in the food and cultural scenes. Italians opened a smattering of superb eateries and introduced culinary traditions like gelato-making, and Italian musicians and performers became a staple of the city’s cultural scene, particularly in neighborhoods like the Jordaan. 

That influence is still felt today. In Amsterdam, the second and third generations are redefining Italian food culture—with a sharp eye for quality, provenance, and simplicity. They run trattorias, import exceptional olive oil from Umbria, serve handmade pasta, and pour wine just as you’d find it in an osteria in the hills around Bologna. Here is a collection of these places, curated by Fons Cohen, the Chief Editor of The Edit by Broersma. 

RESTAURANTS

La Fiorita – In the heart of the Jordaan, this modern Italian kitchen serves fantastic preparations of quality ingredients. The weekly changing menu has a strong showing of veg-forward and seafood dishes; think eggplant parmesan ravioli or cod crudo with puntarelle. Cozy up in the chocolate brown booths or snag a table near the open kitchen and watch the chefs work their magic. 

Domenica – Domenica (Sunday) is the day for gathering and enjoying a long, shared meal, and this is exactly where you’ll want to spend yours (though you can come here any day of the week, for that matter). Located at Noordermarkt, in the former Bordenwijk space, this hip, minimalist restaurant boasts an unbeatable setting. Chef Flavio Carestia (formerly of Toscanini) prepares Italian classics alongside other dishes from European cuisine. The wine list is exceptionally good. 

Pianeta Terra – Chef Fabio is renowned as the undisputed champion of Slow Food in the city; he masterfully combines the finest local ingredients into upgraded Italian dishes, like artichoke with friggitelli, sweet potatoes, tempeh, and BBQ sauce or agnolotti del plin with pulled lamb, monk’s beard, and wild garlic. Hostess Laura Martini serves exquisite wines to match your four- or five-course tasting menu (you can also order à la carte) for a perfectly curated evening.

Casa Nostra – Though this restaurant is in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood, it feels like you’re in Puglia. Originally from Taranto and raised in a family where everything revolved around food, owners Manuel and Davide gained a reputation cooking for their friends after moving to the city. After frequent jokes about opening a restaurant, they finally took the leap 10 years ago. The menu features all your Pugliese favorites: handmade orecchiette, capocollo from Martina Franca, and a fine selection of Puglian wines.

Fiaschetteria Pistoia – There’s a reason this restaurant is already on Italy Segreta’s guide to restaurants in New York. Whether you’re dining there or here, it really feels like you’re in this spot’s namesake location. With small wooden tables with rustic decor and imported wine, the menu boasts all your Tuscan favorites (aglione, pappa al pomodoro, crostini con fegatini), with recipes that come from a long family tradition under Nonna’s guidance. 

Bussia – In the heart of Amsterdam, this modern spot features a refined Italian cooking style that excels from breakfast through dinner. Start your morning at their bakery with crispy sourdough bread, fresh coffee, and the most delicious Italian pastries. Lunch offerings range from bright green salads to simple pastas—all homemade—including gnocchi with truffle and their ravioli of the day, or you can opt for a three course, pre-fix menu. Pop in for a quick afternoon aperitivo with homemade focaccia, pesto, and Prosciutto di Parma on offer. In the evening, the bakery becomes the entrance to the restaurant, with a five-course tasting menu or à la carte options (don’t miss the spaghettini with lobster) and an extensive, impressive wine list. Everything here is executed perfectly. 

Toscanini – For nearly 40 years, Toscanini has been a staple on the list of the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam. Inside is spacious, cozy, and well-lit, with an open kitchen, Italian art on the walls, and Amsterdam’s classic cobblestone flooring. First-generation Italian Chef Leonardo Pacenti simplifies dishes without compromising on refinement flavor on his oft-changing menu. The fully Italian wine list (except for the champagne) is extensive, and you can’t miss the panna cotta for dessert. 

PIZZERIAS

Olido – Since 2018, Enrico Cantelmi and Tommaso Morelli have shared their passion and love for Italian cuisine in the form of antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and dolci. Their dough rises for 72 hours, making it incredibly digestible, and gets topped with all sorts of imported ingredients, from artichoke cream and mushrooms to speck and salame picante. Enjoy a sunny aperitivo on the terrace, and be sure to order a tiramisu, scroppino, or cheesecake for dessert.  

nNea Pizza – Located just on the border of the city center and west, nNea Pizza is housed in a charming, cozy space that fills up quickly—reservations are essential. The pizza here is rumored to be the best in Amsterdam (they claimed 8th place on the 50 Best Pizza list in Amsterdam in 2024), offering a tight menu of just 12 types of Neapolitan-style pizza. Pizzaiolo Vincenzo Onnembo plays with typical flavors and combos like cime di rapa, ‘nduja, and anchovies; oyster mushrooms, artichokes, taggiasche olives, and salame napoli; or simply topping a marinara with octopus.

Sotto Pizza – The interior of this locals-favorite Italian spot resembles a modern Spanish tapas bar, with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe. Since opening in 2012, it’s been among the top 10 Italian restaurants in the city, which makes sense since the owners trained under the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). The menu reads exactly like a Neapolitan pizzeria’s would, and the Margherita is unbeatable. Whether you want a leisurely dinner or a quick pizza at the bar, Sotto Pizza is ideal for both.

BAKERIES & SANDWICHES

Caldi E Freddi – Amsterdam has been introduced to the core of Italian cuisine, which, according to owner Mazziotta, is all about the beauty of simplicity. At Caldi E Freddi, the essence remains the same: few, high-quality ingredients that are easy and budget-friendly (such as chicken instead of lamb). Enjoy delicious sandwiches (including vegetarian options) and other classic dishes and desserts, takeaway only.

Zero Zero – Owned by the same proprietors as Ceppi’s (another beloved local Italian restaurant), this bakery and delicatessen specializes in sourdough breads, made with 00 flour. Their schiacciata comes stuffed with ingredients like grilled eggplant, marinated zucchini with mint, balsamic, and sun-dried tomatoes (€9), or mortadella, stracciatella, and pistachio (€10). You can also pop in for a coffee and to pick up wine, pasta, olive oil, and a few other of their products that, according to owner Greco, are all sourced from Italy. 

Salvo Bakehouse – Whether you’re looking for classic Italian pastries, cakes, specialty coffee, and panini, or for incredibly inventive takes on pastries and drinks, Salvo is the spot. The seasonal menu contains quality ingredients sourced mostly from local or Italian farmers, combining traditional recipes with forgotten desserts and unexpected flavors: think apple crumble miso caramel croissants, matcha and wasabi cookies, and (thick!) tiramisù cold foam coffee. Their stuffed focaccia panini are knockouts, rivaling even the best schiacciata in Florence. The two guarantees are that each visit will be different, and that there’s certainly something (or two) for everyone. 

DELICATESSANS

Gallizia Deli – In the charming Javastraat, this quintessential delicatessen has exquisite Italian cheeses, meats, pastries, dried and fresh pasta, and wine; Tom Gallizia began his now-famous business as a wine importer, soon expanding his shelves to include Mulino Bianco cookies, Ligurian olives, and passata. Next door is their sit-down restaurant and bar, and you can also grab a made-to-order sandwich and coffee at the deli counter. 

Alberto Pozzetto – On one of the liveliest side streets of the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, this is your go-to spot for authentic Italian groceries, from coffee, tea, and pastries to delicious sandwiches filled with fresh meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The shop is small but charming, and you can also enjoy a delightful meal inside while grocery shopping. If you’re throwing a party in the city, this is also a great option for catering. 

Terre Lente – At Terre Lente, products are imported directly from small organic farms and family businesses in Calabria. Calabrese Luigi Pucciano’s selection includes sausages, cheese, olive oil, preserved vegetables, and exceptional wines, all organically produced. Try a cup of “Neapolitan” coffee or a stuffed focaccia for a real treat.

Toscanini Deli – Next to their renowned restaurant, you’ll find Toscanini Deli, famous for its heavenly cinnamon brioche, perfect espresso, focaccia, and fresh sandwiches. They also sell ready-made Italian dinners, from pasta and sauces to vegetable, fish, and meat dishes. While you’re here, you can also snag imported pizza flour, vinegars, organic olive oil, and a variety of Italian wines.

Casa del Gusto – From gianduia and gnocchi to bottarga and aloe vera beauty products, the store lives up to its name as a “house of taste”. Owners Gianni and Gessica, who often source Slow Food presidia products, have a clear vision for this delicatessen: “We want to remain a small business working with small-scale farmers—that’s our concept. Every farmer we work with, we know personally.” They often host cool natural wine events as well.

La Bottega by Chiara’s Food – “From good people to good people” is the motto of Chiara and her family. Here, Chiara carefully selects Italian products for her shop, saying, “Most of our suppliers work in family businesses; while preserving tradition, they’ve learned to scale their workload and evolve their methods to keep up with the times. All their ingredients are locally sourced from their regions, which in turn supports the local farmers they purchase from.” You can grab all sorts of jarred goodies as well as fresh panini and Sicilian street food (get the arancini and cannoli). Regular workshops and tastings are also organized here.

WINE BARS

Enoteca Sprezzatura – In Italian, “sprezzatura” means the ability to do something with effortless grace and undeniable flair. And this so-called enoteca does just that. Under the name Verkerk Import, they source directly from small-scale winemakers across Italy, and have been supplying the hospitality industry in Amsterdam for over 26 years. With exposed brick walls and shelves stacked with labels and boxes, grabbing a glass or bottle here feels like you’re in Italy. 

Testamatta Ristorante Enoteca – “Testamatta” means “crazy in the head,” and that’s what you’d be if you didn’t plan a stop here. Also the name of a renowned Tuscan winery, the wine and aperitivo list here is excellent; pop in for an evening glass and some snacks, and snag one of their outdoor tables to watch local life go by.

GELATERIAS

Massimo Gelato – Here, their motto is “Gelato makes us happy”, and it could be left at that.  Owner Massimo Bertonasco learned how to make gelato from his nonna in Liguria, and at four (soon to be five) locations around the city, he whips out favorite flavors—pistachio, yogurt, mango, almond—with imported ingredients and classic preparation techniques. It’s famous among locals, which means you’ll probably have to wait in line—but it’s certainly worth it. The interior is simple and inviting, with a friendly staff that’s happy to help you decide on flavors (not an easy task!). They also serve excellent coffee.