The best delivery restaurants in Amsterdam during lockdown

I had a lot of plans for my first blog post about Amsterdam. I’ve lived here for almost two years now, and it was toug to decide what to write about first. Like most things in 2021, nothing is going according to plan with a new lockdown from the Dutch government. Instead of sharing meals at restaurants, I’ll be ordering a LOT of takeout. So, instead of writing about the best bars or brunch spots with friends (RIP bottomless mimosas) I decided to write something that will be useful during our current lockdown. Here is my guide to the best takeout and delivery restaurants in Amsterdam.

Some of these restaurants are available on Deliveroo, Thuisbezorgd, or UberEats (use code eats-49qey for €12 off your order). But if you live close I encourage you to pickup takeout instead. It’s more money in the restaurant’s pocket, and gives us all a chance to escape our houses for a walk. And be sure to follow me on Instagram for sneak peeks of everything I’m ordering during lockdown!

Best Mexican: Rosario Cocina, Tacos & Tequila & Bacalar

Mexican food is one of the things I miss most about California. It’s been hard finding decent Mexican in NL, but I found three! For delivery I recommend Tacos & Tequila (available on Uber Eats). They have great tacos, as the name suggests.

In the Jordaan

If you’re willing to pick it up in the Jordaan, try Rosario Cocina! Their cochinita pibil is legit (this is coming from a California-born Puerto Rican) and their guacamole is the best in Amsterdam. They are still figuring out their pickup situation, so be patient and watch on social media.

In Noord

Another great pick up spot if you are closer to Noord (or willing to make the trip) is Bacalar. It’s a high concept taco spot that has epic carnitas.

Best practical meal: Van t’Spit & Franggo

A list of the best delivery restaurants in Amsterdam has to include a place that has great leftovers. One thing that the Dutch do REALLY well is rotisserie chicken, which is reallypractical. If you order a whole chicken, you can have leftovers for lunch the next day!

The best chicken in Amsterdam is a tie for me. I love the authentic Portuguese grilled flavor of the half chicken from Franggo (available on Uber Eats & Deliveroo), and their buttered rice is really tasty. I also love to order a whole chicken + fries from Van t’Spit (also available on UberEats and antibiotic-free). There are a few locations in the city so it’s easy to get it delivered fresh – and make sure you try their BBQ and spicy piri piri sauces.

Best comfort food: Pendergast BBQ

I have family in Texas, so BBQ is one of those comfort foods that reminds me of home. Hands down the best BBQ in Amsterdam is Pendergast. I’ve heard that it’s actually won some international awards too! And although it’s incredible when you order it fresh at the restaurant, it actually holds up really well when it’s delivered through Deliveroo. It’s Kansas City style so I recommend the pulled pork, the brisket, and the mac & cheese. They also have a salmon option for pescatarians.

Best pizza: N/Nea & Pazzi

I’m a huge fan of pizza and had a tough time deciding this one, so I have a few recommendations. N/Nea has fantastic pizza, and during this lockdown they are offering two options. One is their frozen pizza that you can heat up at home, and the other is a new concept called portofoglios you can order in advance for pickup. Portofoglios are folded pizza you can eat in the go. I recommend the Vincenzo or the Pastori.

If you want something delivered, I love Pazzi (available on UberEats & Deliveroo). I recommend the quattro formaggi with added chili oil & spicy salami – DELICIOUS.

Also an honorable mention (told you I love pizza) – if you live near the Jordaan, I recommend La Perla for take away. I always get the four cheese and add spicy salami (are we sensing a pattern here?).

Best lunch: Lebanese Sajeria & Ben Cohen

Sometimes I’m too busy in the middle of the day to make lunch, and I have to resort to delivery. When I do, I like The Lebanese Sajeria – a little takeout spot in the 9 streets. They also offer delivery via Deliveroo or UberEats. They have these delicious wraps called manoushe. I recommend the beef & labneh or the chicken & hummus.

I also recently tried delivery from Ben Cohen Tel Aviv Street Food, and their shakshukas are really tasty. Try the eggplant + feta shakshuka, available on Deliveroo & Uber Eats.

Best healthy food: Back

If you’re looking for the best delivery restaurants in Amsterdam, you want something delicious. But delicious doesn’t always have to equal unhealthy. When I’m trying to be (somewhat) healthy, I order from Back. Their Cajun chicken thighs are SO good. The only thing to watch out for is quantity can be a little hit or miss depending on the day. I usually build my own salad bowl with the basil-lemon vinaigrette and feta – and make sure to add their jalapeño shreds. Back is only available on UberEats or pickup in Zuidas.

Best Indonesian: Restaurant Blauw

Rijsttafel is one of my favorite Dutch meals (only found in NL, even though it’s Indonesian). It’s basically a bunch of small dishes, a couple of different rices, and these yummy crackers called krupuk. My Dutch step-mom describes it as culinary roulette – which is pretty accurate, since you never know what you’re going to get. It’s hard to find a good rijsttafel delivery place since there are so many dishes, but Restaurant Blauw (one of the best Indonesian restaurants in Amsterdam) is offering pickup or delivery here. It requires some prep, so it’s fun Friday night activity.

Best brunch: Bakers & Roasters & Little Collins

I’m a biggggg brunch fan. So the ONLY good thing about this new lockdown is that Bakers & Roasters is offering delivery again. You can order through their website, which is really nice since all of the revenue goes towards supporting the business. My favorites are the chorizo breakfast burrito (best in Amsterdam) & the Kiwi breakfast. I literally have an order on the way as I update this post! And they’re also offering cocktail delivery for those of us who miss boozy brunch beverages.

My other favorite brunch place in Amsterdam is Little Collins. I haven’t seen an update from them yet, but last lockdown they offered pickup so fingers crossed.

Best pasta: Cecconi’s & Bella Storia

Pasta delivery is really hard to get right – I think it’s because the pasta continues to cook a little as it’s being delivered. But Cecconis has pretty consistent quality. The rigatoni bolognese is perfect for cozy nights if you’re a meat eater. You also might want to order a burrata while you’re at it… because you can never have enough cheese.

Bella Storia is a new spot I recently discovered for pasta (they offer amazing pizza too). I love their rigatoni alla carbonara – available for delivery on Uber Eats & Thuisbezorgd.

Best fine dining: Vanderveen, De Kas, and Flore

My favorite restaurant in Amsterdam is Vanderveen. The head chef & the whole team are such genuine people, and their food is incredible. TBD on their plan for the lockdown, but if they do something I will absolutely be ordering!

De Kas is also one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. In fact, it was the first place I went with my husband after the first lockdown ended. Last lockdown they offered at-home ramen kits with a different flavor every week. I haven’t seen what they plan to do for this lockdown, but will keep an eye on their Instagram.

If you’re looking for a multi-course menu from a Michelin-starred chef, last lockdown we ordered frequently from Restaurant Flore. It’s perfect for a special occasion – fully cooked, but requires some simple reheating and preparation. It’s a fun activity to do with a partner or a friend. They are doing special holiday menus for Christmas & New Years – check out the menus on their website.

Let me know where you’ve been ordering from in the comments! And tag me on Instagram if you try any of these places – would love to know what you think.