With its romantic canals and rich café culture, Amsterdam feels surprisingly Italian at times. In this story, we explore how the Dutch capital mirrors Venice in spirit and design right down to its trattorias and traditional dolci (aka Sweets).
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A City That Feels a Bit Like Home
I’m fortunate to visit Amsterdam every few months for work. My customer is based in Zaandam, and my team is in the heart of the city, so I get to experience a blend of Dutch charm in both places. But it’s always Amsterdam that pulls me back. It may not be Italian, but stroll along its shimmering canals as the light dances across the water, and you’ll feel a kind of Mediterranean soulfulness in the air. Nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” this elegant city offers more than just stunning architecture—it wraps you in a quiet warmth, where time slows down over espresso, and flavors on the plate can suddenly transport you to Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast.
At The Amore Life, we live for those intersections where Italian culture appears in the most unexpected places.
Amsterdam is one of them.
Canals as Cultural Arteries
The most striking similarity between Amsterdam and Venice is undoubtedly their reliance on canals. Both cities blossomed as maritime powers, leveraging their waterways for trade, defense, and urban expansion. In Venice, the labyrinthine waterways defined the very essence of the city’s unique architecture and transportation, with gondolas and vaporetti serving as primary modes of transit. Similarly, Amsterdam‘s 17th-century canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a masterstroke of urban planning during the Dutch Golden Age. These concentric belts of canals, like the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, weren’t just picturesque; they were vital arteries for commerce, allowing merchants to transport goods directly to their warehouses and shaping the iconic narrow, tall houses that line their banks.
While Venice’s canals evoke a sense of timeless romance with their gondolas and serenades, Amsterdam‘s canals offer a more practical, yet equally enchanting, experience. Here, you’ll find canal cruises, private boats, and even houseboats, all contributing to a vibrant waterside life. The shimmering reflections of historic buildings on the water’s surface, the countless picturesque bridges, and the sense of a city intimately connected to its waterways, undeniably evoke the spirit of Venice.
Beyond the physical resemblance, both cities foster a culture deeply intertwined with their aquatic environment. Life revolves around the canals, whether it’s for leisurely strolls, enjoying a coffee at a waterside cafe, or simply admiring the reflections. This shared reliance on and appreciation for water as a fundamental aspect of urban living creates a subtle, yet profound, cultural kinship.
Italian Flair in the Dutch Landscape
While the Dutch and Italian cultures are undeniably distinct, there are surprising points of convergence in Amsterdam. Historically, Italy’s influence on European art, architecture, and intellectual life was immense, and the Low Countries were not immune. In the 16th and 17th centuries, there was significant cultural exchange. For instance, influential printmakers in the Low Countries disseminated Italian Renaissance art throughout Europe, and Dutch merchants often dealt in Italian art and luxury goods. This historical interaction laid some groundwork for an appreciation of Italian aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Today, this appreciation manifests in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere that can feel surprisingly Italian. Like Italians, Amsterdammers appreciate good food, good company, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. There’s a strong café culture, a love for al fresco dining when the weather permits, and a general openness that can feel quite Mediterranean. While less overt than, say, a direct adoption of Italian architectural styles (though some classical influences can be seen in Dutch Golden Age buildings), the underlying joie de vivre and emphasis on community resonate with Italian sensibilities.
Furthermore, the growing and vibrant Italian community in Amsterdam has further enriched the city’s cultural tapestry. This has naturally led to a flourishing Italian culinary scene, offering authentic experiences that extend far beyond typical pizza and pasta.
A Culinary Journey: Authentic Italian Restaurants in Amsterdam
For those seeking a true taste of Italy in Amsterdam, the city delivers with an impressive array of authentic Italian restaurants. From casual trattorias to refined dining experiences, the passion for Italian ingredients and traditional recipes shines through. Let’s delve into some specific establishments that capture the essence of Italian gastronomy.
Sapore Italiano: Casual Comfort with Authentic Flavors
Spuistraat 3B, 1012 SP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Casual, cozy, and bursting with flavor—Sapore Italiano is the trattoria you hope to stumble upon in every city. With dishes like pistachio gnocchi and perfectly blistered calzones, it’s an ode to simple, authentic Italian cooking.
It’s not flashy. It’s not fussy. It’s the kind of place where the server smiles as they pour your house wine and the pasta tastes like something your nonna might make. That’s amore.
When I stepped into Sapore Italiano, it immediately felt like the kind of casual trattoria you’d stumble upon down a cobbled alley in Rome or even Venice, intimate, bustling, and full of life. It reminded me of Trattoria Misericordia in Venice, from the rustic charm to the owner.
Just a short stroll from Central Station, it’s the kind of place that invites you in with the aroma of fresh herbs and the comforting clatter of cutlery and conversation. I couldn’t resist the bolognese, a daily special that tasted as indulgent as it sounds—pillowy soft and coated in a creamy, nutty sauce that felt like a warm hug. The calzone was another standout, golden and perfectly blistered with that slightly smoky flavor you only get from a well-loved oven. The space gets a bit tight during dinner hours, but to me, that only added to the lively charm. Service was warm and efficient; the kind of staff that makes you feel like family without hovering. If you’re craving a simple, soulful Italian meal that transports you back to Italy, Sapore Italiano absolutely delivers.
Il Pacioccone: A Slice of Tuscany with a Sweet Ending
Koggestraat 1A, 1012 TA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Il Pacioccone feels like a portal to Tuscany tucked into the heart of Amsterdam. From the moment I sat down, I knew I was in for something special. The ambiance is cozy and warmly unpretentious, the kind of place where conversation flows easily and the aromas coming from the open kitchen wrap around you like a welcome embrace.
I couldn’t resist ordering the Lemon Delight (Delizia al Limone)—how often do you see that on a menu outside the Amalfi Coast? It wasn’t quite Sal De Riso level, but it transported me straight back to Minori with its creamy citrus bite and soft sponge layers. A rare find that felt like a small, edible souvenir from home.
The filleto di manzo was cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and beautifully plated. The agnello alla scottaditto, a Roman-style grilled lamb chop dish, was so deeply savory and juicy it had me savoring every bite. And of course, we shared plates of cacio e pepe and orecchiette, both done with the kind of care that shows the kitchen respects its roots.
This isn’t a flashy place—it’s an honest one. You feel the Italian pride in every dish and every detail. Il Pacioccone’s motto, “This is not a fake Italian restaurant,” isn’t just a clever slogan—it’s a promise they live up to with every course.
Ceppi’s: Roman Carbonara and Stellar Bartending
Lijnbaansgracht 256, 1017 RK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Ceppi’s feels like a little Roman enclave tucked along the canal in Amsterdam. We stopped in for dinner and quickly realized this wasn’t your average Italian spot, it’s a love letter to Italy written in pasta, wine, and impeccable hospitality.
Naturally, I had to try the Spaghetti alla Carbonara, and yes, it absolutely lived up to the Roman gold standard. The pasta was fresh and tender, coated in that velvety sauce of egg, cheese, and most importantly guanciale, not pancetta or bacon. When you taste the difference, you know you’re in the hands of someone who respects tradition.
The wine list was thoughtful and well-priced, and we shared a bottle that paired perfectly with the meal. The Negroni I ordered was bold and balanced, one of the best I’ve had outside Italy. And my wife? She was treated to something special, a Gin Basil Smash, made off-menu by their bartender with flair and friendliness that made us feel like regulars.
One more highlight: gluten-free pasta and not the boxed kind. Homemade, tender, and thoughtfully prepared. It’s rare to find that level of accommodation executed so beautifully.
The vibe at Ceppi’s is relaxed but intentional. Whether you’re inside among the warm, rustic décor or seated on the sun-drenched terrace, it captures that feeling of stumbling upon a local gem in Trastevere. It’s not trying to be Italian it, is Italian, just with a Dutch address.
More Notable Italian Restaurants in Amsterdam
Beyond these three, Amsterdam‘s Italian culinary landscape offers a wealth of other excellent choices, each with its own unique charm and specialties:
- Pianeta Terra (Beulingstraat 7, 1017 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands) is a quiet gem in the heart of Amsterdam, where every dish feels like a love letter to Italy and the land itself. This restaurant follows the Slow Food philosophy with care and authenticity, using organic and local ingredients to highlight forgotten vegetables, rare cheeses, and sustainable fish. It’s no wonder Italians living in Amsterdam often point to it as one of the best. The space is intimate and warm, with a menu that changes with the seasons and reflects a deep respect for tradition. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and refined Italian meal that still feels soulful and rooted, Pianeta Terra offers just that.
- La Perla (Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 53, 1015 RX Amsterdam, Netherlands): feels like stumbling onto a lively backstreet pizzeria in Naples. Tucked into the Jordaan neighborhood, it serves up some of the best wood-fired pizzas in Amsterdam—thin, blistered crusts, high-quality ingredients, and that unmistakable Neapolitan soul. It’s casual and full of energy, with one side for dining in and the other for takeaway. The smell of dough and smoke lingers in the air, and every bite makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Southern Italy.
- Incanto (Amstel 2, 1017 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands): lives up to its name—it truly enchants. Overlooking the lively Muntplein, this elegant spot is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special evening out. The setting is refined without being stuffy, and the menu reflects a deep respect for classic Italian technique with a touch of modern flair. From the handmade pasta to the beautifully plated secondi, everything feels intentional and elevated. If you’re craving an Italian meal that leans more refined than rustic, Incanto offers a graceful, memorable experience right in the heart of Amsterdam.
A Blend of Northern Charm and Southern Soul
Amsterdam may be proudly Dutch, but spend a little time walking along its canals, sipping espresso in a sunlit café, or lingering over a plate of pasta, and you’ll start to feel something familiar. It’s not just the reflection of the water or the narrow buildings that bring Venice to mind. It’s something deeper. It’s a way of living that feels gently Italian. Life unfolds slowly here, with time made for conversation, good food, and the joy of everyday beauty.
There’s a rhythm to Amsterdam that echoes the Mediterranean spirit. Whether it’s a cozy trattoria tucked between tall canal houses or a glass of wine shared along the water, this city embraces the Italian way of life in subtle but meaningful ways. It’s in the appreciation for simple pleasures. It’s in the smile of a chef who learned his trade in Naples or the handmade ravioli that arrives at your table with reverence.
For travelers who love Italy, Amsterdam offers more than picturesque bridges and bike rides. It offers unexpected reminders of places like Venice, Florence, or Rome—sometimes in the food, sometimes in the people, and often in the feeling that life is meant to be savored. A perfect Carbonara, a Negroni that hits just right, a Lemon Delight that takes you back to Minori. These are the moments that stay with you.
Amsterdam may be the Venice of the North in name, but it’s also a city that welcomes the spirit of Italy with open arms. And for those of us chasing la dolce vita, that makes it a place worth falling in love with.