Amsterdam's burger scene has blossomed from a niche offering to a full-fledged culinary movement, with Dutch chefs and restaurateurs putting their own spin on America's iconic sandwich. The city that gave us stroopwafels and bitterballen now serves burgers that compete internationally—literally, with one spot finishing 12th at the World Food Championships in Florida. What sets Amsterdam's burger culture apart is the combination of Dutch pragmatism (quality ingredients, fair pricing, no nonsense) with a willingness to experiment, whether that's Wagyu beef in a Wizard of Oz-themed restaurant or halal burgers on sweet potato buns.
From the historic canals of Jordaan to the Museum Quarter near Van Gogh's masterpieces, Amsterdam's burger joints reflect the city's diverse, international character. You'll find everything from classic smash burgers with crispy edges to gourmet creations topped with pulled pork and bourbon barbecue sauce. Many spots stay open until 2-3am, serving the late-night crowds spilling out of brown cafés and clubs. These six restaurants represent the best of Amsterdam's burger evolution—each bringing distinct personality, technique, or innovation to the table.
| Restaurant | Location | Price Range | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ter Marsch & Co | Vijzelstraat & Kalverstraat | €18-25 | World championship burgers |
| The Butcher | Multiple locations | €12-18 | Aberdeen Angus smash burgers |
| Cannibale Royale | 5 locations | €20-30 | Late-night pulled pork burgers |
| Burgermeester | 3 locations | €10-15 | Netherlands' first gourmet burger |
| Oh My Bun | 4 Amsterdam locations | €9.50-15.50 | Halal sweet potato buns |
| The Burger Room | Museum Quarter | €15-20 | Wizard of Oz-themed Wagyu |
Ter Marsch & Co: World Championship Pedigree
| Address | Vijzelstraat 4, 1017 CK Amsterdam; Kalverstraat 96, Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Website | termarschco.nl |
| Price Range | $$ (€18-25 per person with drinks) |
| Specialty | Award-winning burgers and sweet potato fries |
| Must-Try | Holy Moly burger (Wagyu and Spanish Black Angus) - €18 |
Ter Marsch & Co doesn't just claim to serve great burgers—they have the international awards to prove it. After dominating national competitions, they represented the Netherlands at the World Food Championships in Florida and finished 12th globally, an impressive achievement that put Dutch burgers on the world map. Their Holy Moly burger, a Mexico-inspired creation featuring Wagyu and Spanish Black Angus beef, won the Best Burger Benelux competition and remains the signature item that burger pilgrims order.
The Vijzelstraat location sits in the NH Collection Amsterdam FlowerMarket hotel, right next to the famous Bloemenmarkt flower market where the Singel canal meets Vijzelstraat. The second location on Kalverstraat occupies a beautiful historic building between Dam Square and the Munt tower, putting you in the heart of Amsterdam's shopping district. Both locations maintain the same high standards that earned those championships.
What sets Ter Marsch & Co apart is the commitment to quality at every level. The burgers use premium beef blends, the buns are freshly baked, and even the fries—sweet potato fries specifically—have won awards. At around €18 for a burger and €10 for sweet potato fries, you're looking at about €25 per person for a full meal with drinks, which feels fair given what you're getting. The portions are generous without being ridiculous, and the flavors are bold enough to be memorable without crossing into gimmicky territory.
The Mexico-inspired Holy Moly features jalapeños, guacamole, and spices that complement rather than overwhelm the high-quality beef. The Wagyu adds buttery richness, while the Spanish Black Angus contributes depth and a slightly gamey note. Together, they create something more interesting than a standard beef patty while still tasting fundamentally like a burger, not a deconstructed taco. Since opening in 2014, Ter Marsch & Co has become a destination for serious burger lovers, both Dutch and international, who want to taste what won international recognition.
The Butcher: Smash Burger Specialists
| Address | Albert Cuypstraat 129, 1072 CS Amsterdam (plus Foodhallen, Nine Streets, Noord, and more) |
|---|---|
| Website | the-butcher.com |
| Price Range | $$ (€12-18 estimated) |
| Specialty | Aberdeen Angus smash burgers |
| Must-Try | The Butcher Smashed It! (120g single or 240g double) |
The Butcher has built an Amsterdam empire around a simple concept: quality Aberdeen Angus beef, smashed on a hot griddle until the edges crisp and lace, topped with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and their signature Butcher sauce. No pretense, no fusion experiments—just the smash burger technique executed consistently across multiple locations throughout the city.
With spots in Foodhallen (the trendy food hall in Oud-West), Nine Streets (the picturesque shopping area), Amsterdam Noord, Albert Cuyp market, and even Schiphol Airport, The Butcher makes it nearly impossible to visit Amsterdam without encountering one of their locations. The Albert Cuypstraat location sits in Amsterdam's largest and most vibrant street market, where you can grab a burger after browsing stroopwafels, cheese, and flowers. The Foodhallen location offers a more contemporary food-court vibe, perfect for groups where not everyone wants burgers.
The signature "Butcher Smashed It!" burger comes in 120-gram single or 240-gram double versions, both featuring that crucial smash burger technique. When a ball of ground beef hits the screaming-hot griddle and gets pressed flat with force, the Maillard reaction goes into overdrive, creating hundreds of flavor compounds and that addictive crispy-lacy crust. The Butcher uses Aberdeen Angus beef, a Scottish breed known for marbling and flavor, which develops even more character when smashed. American cheese melts into the nooks and crannies of the crispy patty, creating that classic diner-style gooeyness.
The Butcher sauce—a proprietary blend they're not giving away—adds tangy, slightly sweet notes that balance the rich beef and cheese. Iceberg lettuce provides crunch, pickles add acid and snap. It's fundamentally a simple burger, but one that understands the power of proper technique and quality ingredients. The Albert Cuyp location phone is 020-4707875 if you want to call ahead, though most locations operate on a walk-in basis.
What The Butcher does exceptionally well is consistency. Whether you're at Schiphol rushing to catch a flight or sitting in the Foodhallen on a Saturday afternoon, you'll get the same quality smash burger. In a city where restaurants can vary wildly in execution, that reliability has built a loyal following.
Cannibale Royale: Late-Night Burger Brasserie
| Address | Ruysdaelkade 149, Amsterdam; Rozengracht 114; Mt. Ondinaweg 32 (Noord); Amstelveenseweg (and more) |
|---|---|
| Website | cannibaleroyale.nl |
| Price Range | $$ (€20-30 per person) |
| Specialty | Organic grass-fed beef, late-night hours |
| Must-Try | Cannibale Burger (pulled pork, sauerkraut, bourbon BBQ sauce) |
Cannibale Royale positions itself as a "Brasserie Extraordinaire," which in Amsterdam terms means a place that serves serious food in a relaxed atmosphere with hours that accommodate the city's night owls. Open until 2am on weekdays and 3am on weekends, Cannibale Royale has become the go-to spot when you want a proper burger after the bars close, without settling for greasy fast food.
Their beef burgers start with 170 grams of locally sourced organic grass-fed beef on a fresh bun. Grass-fed beef has a different flavor profile than grain-fed—slightly leaner, with mineral and herbaceous notes that some describe as more "beefy." The organic certification ensures the cattle were raised without antibiotics or hormones, and the local sourcing means Dutch or nearby European farms, reducing both environmental impact and the time between farm and griddle.
The signature Cannibale Burger is where things get interesting. That 170-gram grass-fed patty gets topped with 40 grams of slowly roasted pulled pork, sauerkraut, matured cheddar, sautéed onions, bourbon-flavored barbecue sauce, and mustard mayo, all served with French fries and mayonnaise (because this is the Netherlands, where fries without mayo is borderline offensive). It's a lot happening on one bun, but the combination works: the pulled pork adds smoky sweetness, sauerkraut cuts through with fermented tang, the bourbon BBQ sauce brings caramelized depth, and the mustard mayo ties it together with sharpness.
For those who prefer simpler construction, they offer burgers topped with crispy bacon, matured cheddar, sautéed onions, tomato, and fresh mustard mayo. Vegetarians aren't forgotten—a plant-based patty option comes with matured cheddar, sautéed onions, tomato, sriracha mayo, and jalapeños, giving the meatless crowd something with actual personality.
Beyond burgers, Cannibale Royale serves flame-grilled lamb t-bones with salsa verde, rib roast, their popular Cannibale ribs glazed in sweet marinade, spicy chicken wings, and steak tartare. The full menu makes this a versatile spot—you can bring friends who aren't burger enthusiasts and everyone finds something. Prices run €20-30 per person, though some locations average higher around €50 for a full meal with drinks and sides.
With five locations across Amsterdam, you're never far from a Cannibale Royale. The Ruysdaelkade spot in Oude Pijp is particularly popular, while the Rozengracht location puts you in the trendy Jordaan area. The Noord location serves Amsterdam's rapidly developing north side, which has become a hub for creative industries and young professionals.
Burgermeester: The Netherlands' Gourmet Burger Pioneer
| Address | Elandsgracht 130 (Jordaan); Utrechtsestraat 8 (Grachtengordel); Plantage Kerklaan 37 (across from Artis Zoo) |
|---|---|
| Website | burgermeester.eu |
| Price Range | $ (€10 average per burger, €30 and under total) |
| Specialty | First gourmet burger restaurant in Netherlands |
| Must-Try | Blonde d'Aquitaine beef burger (€10 average) |
Burgermeester holds a special place in Dutch burger history as the first gourmet burger restaurant in the Netherlands, operating since 2007—back when "gourmet burger" was still a novel concept in Europe. While the burger landscape has evolved dramatically since then, Burgermeester has maintained relevance by sticking to their founding principles: everything fresh, everything sustainable, everything homemade, seven days a week.
The menu demonstrates an almost Dutch directness paired with international curiosity. Blonde d'Aquitaine beef (a French breed prized for tenderness and flavor) forms the base of their classic burgers. But then things get interesting: Texels lamb burgers showcase meat from the Dutch island of Texel, biological chicken burgers come with kimchi (a nod to Amsterdam's love affair with Korean flavors), vegetarian options use garden beans, Spanish sheep's cheese features in another, and—most unexpectedly—kangaroo appears on the menu alongside American Albacore tuna.
At an average of €10 per burger with total bills typically under €30, Burgermeester offers exceptional value, especially considering the quality and variety. They also offer mini burgers and a trio option, perfect for those who want to sample multiple flavor profiles without committing to full-sized versions. For health-conscious diners or those watching carbs, any burger can be prepared as a salad for an additional €2, swapping the bun for greens while keeping all the toppings and protein.
The three locations each serve different Amsterdam neighborhoods. Elandsgracht 130 in Jordaan puts you in one of the city's most charming areas, with narrow streets, independent boutiques, and brown cafés at every corner. Utrechtsestraat 8 in the Grachtengordel (canal ring) offers a more upscale setting near antique shops and galleries. Plantage Kerklaan 37 sits directly across from Artis Zoo, making it ideal for families who've spent the day with elephants and need fuel for the trip home.
Burgermeester's longevity—nearly two decades—speaks to their ability to balance innovation with consistency. They were pioneers when burger culture was just emerging in the Netherlands, and they've remained relevant as dozens of competitors have opened and closed. The sustainable sourcing, fresh preparation, and fair pricing have created a loyal local following that keeps Burgermeester busy even as trendier spots come and go.
Oh My Bun: Halal Burgers on Sweet Potato Bread
| Address | Oudebrugsteeg 29H; Reguliersbreestraat 36; Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 82; Amazonenstraat 69 |
|---|---|
| Website | ohmybun.nl |
| Price Range | $ (€9.50-15.50) |
| Specialty | Halal smash burgers with US-recipe sweet potato buns |
| Must-Try | Triple burger (3x beef, 3x cheddar, crispy onions, bacon) - €15.50 |
Oh My Bun fills a crucial niche in Amsterdam's burger scene: halal burgers made with genuine technique and quality ingredients, not just as an afterthought or accommodation. With four Amsterdam locations and another in Den Haag, Oh My Bun has proven that halal burgers appeal far beyond Muslim diners—the quality and unique sweet potato buns have built a following among anyone who appreciates a well-executed smash burger.
The sweet potato buns deserve special mention. Using a US recipe, these buns add subtle sweetness and a distinctive orange-golden color that sets Oh My Bun's burgers apart visually and texturally. Sweet potato creates a slightly denser, more substantial bun that holds up to juicy patties without getting soggy, while adding nutrients and natural flavor. It's the kind of innovation that sounds gimmicky but works remarkably well in practice.
The smash burger technique gets full treatment here. Halal-certified beef gets formed into balls, then smashed on a hot griddle until the edges crisp and caramelize. The basic burger starts at €9.50 with minced meat, salad, tomato, and OMB sauce—straightforward and affordable. Cheeseburgers with cheddar and special sauce run €10.50. Double burgers, plant-based options, or spicy chicken burgers hit €13.50, giving you variety at accessible prices. The triple burger at €15.50 goes all-in: three layers of beef, three layers of cheddar, crispy onions, and bacon creating a towering structure that requires commitment and possibly a structural engineering degree to eat cleanly.
Oh My Bun also offers a make-your-own-burger option, letting you customize toppings and choose from their signature sauces. This flexibility makes the restaurants popular for groups with varying preferences, dietary restrictions, or just indecisive friends who want to build exactly what they're craving.
The four Amsterdam locations cover different parts of the city. Oudebrugsteeg 29H sits just five minutes from Dam Square and Madame Tussauds, perfect for tourists. Reguliersbreestraat 36 near Rembrandtplein puts you in the nightlife district. Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 82 near Spuistraat offers easy access from central Amsterdam. The Amazonenstraat 69 location near Olympisch Stadion serves the southern residential areas and sports complex.
Reviewers consistently mention fair prices considering the quality, and the halal certification means Muslim diners can eat confidently knowing the meat meets Islamic dietary requirements. In a city as diverse as Amsterdam, Oh My Bun represents the kind of inclusive, quality-focused approach that makes the food scene exciting.
The Burger Room: Wizard of Oz Meets Wagyu
| Address | Paulus Potterstraat 30H, 1071 DA Amsterdam (in front of Van Gogh Museum) |
|---|---|
| Website | theburgerroom.com |
| Price Range | $$$ (€15 burgers, €20-70 per person total with 15% service charge) |
| Specialty | Hand-pressed Wagyu and Black Angus burgers |
| Must-Try | Wagyu burger with truffle mac and cheese side - €15+ |
The Burger Room is Amsterdam's most theatrical burger experience, combining Wizard of Oz theming with hand-pressed Wagyu and Black Angus burgers in the Museum Quarter. Located directly in front of the Van Gogh Museum entrance, this spot attracts both culture tourists who've spent hours with Starry Night and locals who appreciate premium beef prepared with care.
The Wizard of Oz theme could easily slide into kitsch, but The Burger Room walks the line between whimsical and sophisticated. The cocktail bar features expert mixologists creating signature drinks—presumably including something yellow-brick-road themed, though the menu changes seasonally. The burger focus remains serious despite the playful atmosphere: hand-pressed Black Angus and Wagyu patties made from prime cuts of meat, not the pre-formed frozen variety.
Wagyu beef, originally from Japan but now raised worldwide, contains intense marbling that creates buttery richness when cooked. The fat melts into the meat as it hits heat, basting from within while developing complex flavors. Hand-pressing means each patty is formed individually to order, allowing for better texture control than pre-made patties that can become dense and compressed. Combined with Black Angus beef options, The Burger Room offers a range of premium proteins that justify the higher price point.
At around €15 for a standard burger, The Burger Room sits at the upper end of Amsterdam's burger pricing. Factor in sides like truffle mac and cheese (a popular choice that pairs beautifully with the beef), parmesan fries, cocktails, and the automatic 15% service charge, and you're looking at €20-70 per person depending on how much you order. Some reviewers note the prices feel steep even for the Museum Quarter, while others argue the quality and location justify the cost.
The 114-dish menu goes beyond burgers, offering sliders for lighter appetites, pulled pork options, and gluten-free buns for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This breadth makes The Burger Room work for groups with varied dietary needs or appetites—you can order a full Wagyu burger while your companion gets sliders and truffle mac and cheese to share.
Open daily from noon to 10pm, The Burger Room serves lunch through dinner in the heart of one of Amsterdam's most visited areas. The location across from Van Gogh Museum means you're surrounded by the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Concertgebouw—Amsterdam's cultural crown jewels. After hours of museum walking, sitting down with a Wagyu burger and a signature cocktail feels less like indulgence and more like necessary recovery.
The gluten-free options and attention to dietary restrictions reflect modern Amsterdam dining, where accommodating various needs is expected rather than exceptional. Whether the Wizard of Oz theme enhances or distracts from the burger experience is subjective, but the prime cuts and hand-pressing technique ensure the food backs up the concept.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average price for a burger in Amsterdam?
Burger prices in Amsterdam range from €9.50-15 at casual spots like Oh My Bun and Burgermeester, €12-18 at mid-range places like The Butcher, and €18-25+ at premium restaurants like Ter Marsch & Co and The Burger Room. Expect to pay €20-35 per person total including fries and a drink at most places.
Do Amsterdam burger restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes! Most Amsterdam burger spots offer plant-based options. Burgermeester has multiple vegetarian burgers including garden bean and Spanish sheep's cheese varieties. Cannibale Royale offers a plant-based patty with jalapeños and sriracha mayo. Oh My Bun includes plant-based burgers at €13.50. The Butcher and other spots typically have at least one vegetarian option.
Are there halal burger options in Amsterdam?
Oh My Bun specializes in halal burgers with four Amsterdam locations, offering certified halal beef on sweet potato buns at €9.50-15.50. This makes Amsterdam accessible for Muslim diners seeking quality burgers that meet Islamic dietary requirements.
Which Amsterdam burger restaurant is best for late-night dining?
Cannibale Royale is Amsterdam's late-night burger champion, open until 2am weekdays and 3am weekends across five locations. Their organic grass-fed burgers and full menu make them ideal when you want a proper meal after the bars close.
Do I need reservations at Amsterdam burger restaurants?
Most casual burger spots like The Butcher, Oh My Bun, and Burgermeester operate first-come, first-served. Higher-end places like Cannibale Royale and The Burger Room accept reservations through OpenTable or their websites, which is recommended for dinner on weekends. Ter Marsch & Co can get busy, so calling ahead for larger groups is wise.
Which Amsterdam burger place is closest to major attractions?
The Burger Room sits directly in front of Van Gogh Museum in the Museum Quarter. Ter Marsch & Co's Vijzelstraat location is next to the Bloemenmarkt flower market, while the Kalverstraat spot is between Dam Square and Munt tower. Oh My Bun's Oudebrugsteeg location is five minutes from Dam Square and Madame Tussauds.
Conclusion
Amsterdam's burger scene reflects the city itself—international, quality-focused, diverse, and unpretentious. From Ter Marsch & Co's world-championship pedigree to The Butcher's smash burger consistency, from Burgermeester's 18-year pioneering legacy to Oh My Bun's halal innovation with sweet potato buns, these six restaurants demonstrate that Dutch burger culture has evolved far beyond importing American fast food concepts.
What makes Amsterdam's burger landscape distinctive is the balance between embracing global influences and maintaining local character. Cannibale Royale serves bourbon BBQ pulled pork burgers until 3am. The Burger Room pairs Wagyu beef with Wizard of Oz theming across from Van Gogh's sunflowers. Burgermeester offers kangaroo burgers and Texels lamb alongside traditional beef. This willingness to experiment while maintaining quality standards creates a burger scene that rewards exploration.
Whether you're a burger pilgrim seeking internationally recognized creations, a halal diner looking for certified options, a late-night reveler needing sustenance at 2am, or a museum-goer wanting premium beef in theatrical surroundings, Amsterdam delivers. These six spots represent different approaches to the same goal: creating burgers worth crossing the city—or crossing continents—to experience.