There’s something almost magical about waking up in Amsterdam. The city hums to a different rhythm in the morning—less crowds, softer light slicing through gabled windows, and the fragrant promise of coffee and fresh-baked goods drifting from cozy cafés. Over a decade of savoring Amsterdamer breakfasts, I’ve learned this: the best meals aren’t just about food. They’re about the feel of a place—the clink of porcelain, the murmur of conversation, the way a canal view can turn a simple avocado toast into a moment of pure poetry. As we edge toward 2026, Amsterdam’s breakfast and brunch scene remains a vibrant, ever-shifting tapestry of flavors, ethics, and experiences. From plant-based paradises to sun-drenched terraces overlooking water, here are fifteen spots that define the ultimate Amsterdam morning.

Valk: A Plant-Powered Morning Retreat

Tucked on a quiet stretch of the Utrechtsegracht, Valk feels like a secret shared between friends. Run by a trio of former fine-dining chefs who decided to channel their creativity into plant-based comfort food, this spot isn’t just a meal—it’s a movement. I arrived at 9 a.m., ordered the “Dutch Dawn” platter (smoked tofu “kapsalon,” pickled beetroot, and a cloud of cashew scrabble), and within minutes was convinced this was one of the best vegan breakfast spots in Amsterdam for 2026. The space is minimalist but warm, with reclaimed oak tables and a living wall of ferns that humidifies the air just enough.

Address: Utrechtsegracht 54, 1012 JS Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily (kitchen closes 4 p.m.)

De Kas: Farm-to-Table Goodness on the Amstel

If you want to peel back the layers of Amsterdam’s culinary soul, head to De Kas. Literally “The Greenhouse,” this floating restaurant perched on the Amstel River serves nourishing, budget-friendly brunch. Their daily “Market Menu” always includes vegetarian and gluten-free options. I once shared a bowl of heirloom tomato salad with pomegranate and local cheeses—€12, and it tasted like summer had moved into the canal itself. It’s arguably the most affordable brunch near Amsterdam canals in 2026, and the views? Priceless.

Address: Amsteldijk 115, 1012 Amsterdam (boat access only) | Open: 7:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily

Grand Café Hotel Amsterdam: Canal-Side Opulence

For occasions when you need to dress up—anniversaries, business meetings, or simply wanting to feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson film—the Grand Café at the Hotel Amsterdam on the Singel delivers. Book a terrace table and order the “Imperial Amsterdammer”: poached lobster, truffle-infused scrambled eggs, and a popper of black pudding, all served with gilded canal vistas. When the light catches the gold leaf just so, you’ll understand why this is the go-to luxury brunch with canal view in Amsterdam for 2026.

Address: Singel 101-103, 1012 Amsterdam | Open: Breakfast/brunch 7:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., lunch until 5:00 p.m.

Bakery Bloem: Gluten-Free Mastery

Bakery Bloem has been a beacon for those with dietary restrictions—and those without—since 2019. Their 72-hour fermented gluten-free sourdough is legendary. I’ve eaten their “Seabreeze Toast” more times than I care to admit. Owner Lena’s passion for flavor pairings makes this a top choice for gluten-free breakfast options in Amsterdam for 2026.

Address: Lindengracht 73, 1015 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily

Brouwerij ‘t IJ: Night Owl Breakfasts

When the canals glitter under sodium lamps, Brouwerij ‘t IJ is where exhausted partygoers and early risers converge. Their “Oatmeal for the After-Party” serves until 1 a.m. on weekends, cementing its status as the undisputed king of brunch spots open late on Amsterdam weekends in 2026. Don’t miss their fluffy Dutch baby pancake dusted with powdered sugar.

Address: Funenstraat 7, 1012 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. (kitchen until midnight)

Café Elixer: Botanical Breakfasts

Café Elixer looks like a botanist’s dream: moss-covered walls, clay mugs, and a menu printed on recycled paper. Every ingredient is local, organic, or composted on-site. Their “Forest Bowl” is a masterclass in sustainability, making it a leader among eco-friendly breakfast restaurants in Amsterdam for 2026.

Address: Westerstraat 92, 1016 Amsterdam | Open: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily

Veldkamp: Schiphol Traveler’s Haven

For travelers landing at Schiphol, Veldkamp in Amsterdam Sloterdijk is quickly becoming the top brunch near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 2026. Try the “Schiphol Special”: smoked Gouda omelet with “runway” hash browns.

Address: Tweede van Disselstraat 6, 1053 Amsterdam | Open: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily

Café de Klos: Amsterdam’s Lively Family Hub

Bring the whole crew to Café de Klos. Their “Rainbow Pancake” with a plastic tractor for kids and chunkier granola bars make it the ultimate family-friendly breakfast spot in Amsterdam for 2026.

Address: Pipperweg 12, 1012 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily

Plaza Café: Jazz & Breakfast

On weekends, Plaza Café in the Jordaan transforms into a tiny jazz club before noon. Soft swing music accompanies “Concorde Toast” (fig, goat cheese, honeycomb). It’s the perfect spot for brunch with live music in Amsterdam for 2026.

Address: Westermarkt 02, 1016 Amsterdam | Open: 8:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m. (music starts 10 a.m. weekends)

Morning Glory: Nutrient-Packed Deliveries

Sometimes the best Amsterdam morning begins in bed. Morning Glory delivers bowls like their “Green Goddess” across the city with same-day dispatch, earning them a spot as the go-to for healthy breakfast delivery in Amsterdam for 2026.

Contact: app/website (morninggloryamsterdam.com) | Delivery Areas: City center, De Pijp, De Hallen, Oosterpark

Café de Jaren: Timeless Riverside Classic

Perched on the IJ River, Café de Jaren has served crowds since 1978. Their “Dutch Breakfast Platter” with stroopwafels and spek is a carb-loaded love letter to the Netherlands.

Address: IJpromenade 2, 1012 Amsterdam | Open: 7:00 a.m.–midnight daily

Ronnie’s: Industrial Chic Comfort Food

In a repurposed warehouse near NDSM Wharf, Ronnie’s blends raw concrete aesthetics with hearty portions like “Smoked Hash” (potatoes, duck confit, pickled red onions).

Address: Buiksloterweg 1, 1031 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily

Pancake Bakery: Cloud-Like Dutch Mastery

For pancakes that puff like clouds, this no-frills spot in De Pijp serves the “Appeltaart Pancake” filled with spiced apple compote.

Address: Albert Cuypstraat 174, 1012 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. daily

Café Loetje: Smoky Meat-Lovers’ Paradise

Famous for steaks, Café Loetje offers brunch that’s anything but delicate. Think smoked cheddar fritters and crispy bacon wedges with a Brouwersgracht view.

Address: Brouwersgracht 38, 1016 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily

The Breakfast Club: Creatively Playful Toasts

In a bright space near Leidseplein, try their “Avocado Toast” topped with edible soil (black beetroot powder, crispy onions, microgreens).

Address: Leidsegracht 37, 1016 Amsterdam | Open: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily

The Morning After

Amsterdam’s breakfast scene in 2026 isn’t just about food. It’s about intention—choosing a spot that mirrors how you want to start your day. Whether you’re chasing a quiet vegan bowl, a canal-view indulgence, or a late-night bite after dancing, the city delivers. Let the light guide you. Walk until you smell something irresistible, then surrender to the moment. After all, isn’t that what mornings in Amsterdam are for?