Restaurant
RIJKS
The Rijksmuseum's own Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Joris Bijdendijk and serving the cuisine of the Low Countries with Dutch produce.
Café-Restaurant Amsterdam
A large brasserie in the machine hall of a former water pumping station in West, serving lunch and dinner every day.
At a glance
- Type
- Brasserie
- Area
- Westerpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- cradam.nl
Good to know
- Open daily
- Children's menu
- Vegan menu
- Seafood platters
Why we recommend it
Café-Restaurant Amsterdam has occupied the machine room of a former water pumping station since 20 December 1996. The Machinepompgebouw opened in 1900 to pump drinking water from the dunes at Vogelenzang into the city, continuing a supply that had begun in 1853. It ran on steam at first, was electrified in 1940 and stayed in use until 1996. One of the original diesel engines is still on display among the tables, and the 1960 water tower beside the building is still used to even out sudden drops in water pressure.
The dining room is a single huge space with a high ceiling and an industrial character, and it has a cheerful, informal atmosphere. The menu is brasserie-style, with separate lunch and dinner menus, seafood platters, a group menu for 13 or more people, a children's menu and a vegan menu, as well as lists of wines, beers and cocktails. For its 30th anniversary the restaurant published a cookbook, sold in the restaurant and in local bookshops.
The space and the menu make it a strong choice for families with children, larger groups and anyone who wants a relaxed meal away from the busiest parts of the centre. It opens at 10am, so it also works for coffee or a long lunch.
The restaurant opens daily from 10am, closing at midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 1am on Friday and Saturday. The kitchen serves from 10am to 3pm and again from 5pm to 10pm. Reservations can be made online or by phone; groups of seven or more must phone, and the maximum group size is 15. Payment is by card only. Occasional closures for private events are announced on the website, so check before you go. Allow around an hour and a half for dinner.
The building stands in West, close to Westerpark and the Westergas cultural park, with its cinema, bars and events. Tram 5 and bus 21 stop nearby, and parking is available on Waterkeringweg or in the Q-Park Westerpark garage. It is a pleasant destination at the end of a walk through Westerpark, about 20 minutes by tram from Dam Square. Bikes can be parked near the entrance.
Café-Restaurant Amsterdam FAQs
What was the building?
A water pumping station, opened in 1900 and in use until 1996; an original diesel engine is still on display.
When does the kitchen serve?
Daily from 10am to 3pm and from 5pm to 10pm.
Can you book?
Yes, online or by phone; groups of seven or more must phone.
Does it take cash?
No, payment is by card only.
Is it good for children?
Yes, there is a children's menu and plenty of space.
Are there vegan options?
Yes, there is a separate vegan menu.
How do you get there?
Tram 5 and bus 21 stop nearby.
What is nearby?
Westerpark and the Westergas cultural park.