Tucked on the corner of Eerste Van Swindenstraat, this beguiling
neighbourhood spot offers an unbeatable breakfast. Order flaky
croissants and eggs any style, or, if you’re in need of proper
fuel, the full continental. In between bites, take stock of your
pistachio- and emerald-hued surrounds, noting the taxidermy stork
guarding the bar’s top-shelf stock (and making a mental note to
return later in the day for a tipple or two).

Aussie-Dutch owners whip up classic and inspired brunches at
this no-frills, indoor-outdoor spot. For brunch, tuck into crispy
fritters or baked sweet potato waffles, washed down with a
sriracha-spiked bloody mary. If you’re favouring something sweeter,
the desserts here are dangerously good – choose from meringue,
baklava, cherry pie and cheesecake. Note that the café is closed on
Tuesdays.

A good grab-and-go option (though seating is available),
Bakkerij Wolf is open Wednesday to Sunday. Stop by the bakery from
8am (it’s open until 4pm) for a flaky almond croissant or pay a
visit to the café (which shutters at 10pm) later in the day. Its
Wolvenstraat address (in the Negen Straatjes neighbourhood) means a
shopping trip is likely to precede or follow any visit here.

This lively spot on the Leidsegracht has a bit of a NYC
sensibility. With a great atmosphere and timeless interiors – think
butcher-tile walls and classic Thonet chairs – the easygoing
all-day brasserie is popular with the Insta set. Feast on moules
frites or a reuben sandwich; the vongole is good, too. On sunny
days, grab a seat outside; come nightfall, we’ll be perched at the
swish long marble bar.

Located on one of the prettiest side streets in Amsterdam, Pluk
is one-part café, one-part home accessories store. Overflowing
barrels of fruit welcome you as you enter – a nod to the store’s
health-focused fare. If dining in, nab a seat on the second floor
and watch the world pass you by through the two-storey shop front
window.

With three Benji’s venues located in Amsterdam – Benji’s East,
Benji’s West and Benji’s New-West – a pit stop here over the course
of your trip is pretty likely. Stopping for breakfast? We’d make
the Oost location your go-to. The most important meal is served all
day, with popular dishes like smashed avocado toast and an
unbeatable homemade granola revamped for a discerning crowd. “A
peaceful green oasis with an industrial feel” sees interiors dotted
with hanging baskets and hotchpotch lighting, while an outdoor
terrace covered in lilac wisteria is the optimum spot for basking.
In bad weather, keep cosy bar-side.