Noorderlicht Café

Restaurant · Buiksloterham

Noorderlicht Café

Restaurant · Buiksloterham

3

NDSM-Plein 102, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null
Noorderlicht Café by null

Highlights

Noorderlicht is a funky greenhouse café on Amsterdam’s NDSM wharf, serving fresh, seasonal eats with waterfront views, live music, and chill vibes.  

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NDSM-Plein 102, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

noorderlichtcafe.nl
@noorderlichtcafe

€10–20 · Menu

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NDSM-Plein 102, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

+31 20 492 2770
noorderlichtcafe.nl
@noorderlichtcafe
𝕏
@NoorderlichtAMS

€10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Noorderlicht Café

"Noorderlicht Café is basically an old greenhouse on the banks of the IJ. Great for a sunny day. The laid back, live-and-live vibe the place exudes isn’t the only thing drawing in the crowds. When the sun goes down the bar resumes its nightly alter ego as a good spot to catch a DJ or live band." - Mr. Koreander

https://onthegrid.city/amsterdam/noord/noorderlicht-caf%C3%A9
View Postcard for Noorderlicht Café
@afar

"Noorderlicht: Casual Dining Over the Ij On a hopping night, Noorderlicht (Northern Lights) blazes with colorful lights visible clear across the IJ River—hence its name. For those drinking and jamming to live music on a waterfront terrace warmed by a roaring bonfire, the setting is more intimate. We've reached Noorderlicht, a "cultural café" in Noord-Amsterdam, via free ferry from Central Station. Destination: NDSM yard, a revitalized shipyard that belies its maritime/industrial heritage with warehouses and shipping containers transformed into nightclubs, hotels and student housing. Dotted with fishing villages, condos and restaurants, the eclectic neighborhood calls itself "Art City." With its airplane hangar shape and greenhouse-like architecture, Noorderlicht enhances the funky landscape. The popular café draws creative types who come for waterfront dining, drinking and dancing. Inside, warm-hued wall hangings, wooden flooring, tables ornamented with polished driftwood and a disco ball contribute to an inviting ambiance. Seasonal lunch and dinner menus feature organic and regional dishes, plus casual fare like frites and burgers. Noorderlicht's grassy terrace offers a spectacular view of Amsterdam city center from the other side of the Ij River. Dine on wicker chairs, cushioned couches and picnic tables as musicians perform overlooking the waterfront. A roster of events ranges from campfires and poetry readings to DJ nights that usually inspire some pumping and grinding in a young, energetic crowd."

The Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
View Postcard for Noorderlicht Café
@afar

"Noorderlicht: Casual Dining Over the Ij On a hopping night, Noorderlicht (Northern Lights) blazes with colorful lights visible clear across the IJ River—hence its name. For those drinking and jamming to live music on a waterfront terrace warmed by a roaring bonfire, the setting is more intimate. We've reached Noorderlicht, a "cultural café" in Noord-Amsterdam, via free ferry from Central Station. Destination: NDSM yard, a revitalized shipyard that belies its maritime/industrial heritage with warehouses and shipping containers transformed into nightclubs, hotels and student housing. Dotted with fishing villages, condos and restaurants, the eclectic neighborhood calls itself "Art City." With its airplane hangar shape and greenhouse-like architecture, Noorderlicht enhances the funky landscape. The popular café draws creative types who come for waterfront dining, drinking and dancing. Inside, warm-hued wall hangings, wooden flooring, tables ornamented with polished driftwood and a disco ball contribute to an inviting ambiance. Seasonal lunch and dinner menus feature organic and regional dishes, plus casual fare like frites and burgers. Noorderlicht's grassy terrace offers a spectacular view of Amsterdam city center from the other side of the Ij River. Dine on wicker chairs, cushioned couches and picnic tables as musicians perform overlooking the waterfront. A roster of events ranges from campfires and poetry readings to DJ nights that usually inspire some pumping and grinding in a young, energetic crowd."

The Best Bars in Amsterdam
View Postcard for Noorderlicht Café

wimmobo

Google
We have been here before and had drinks . It’s a nice location overlooking the water ( IJ) This time we wanted to have dinner and the friendly waitress gave us the menu. The menu also explains where the fish come la from. There were only 3 main dishes but all unavailable because of a party the day before . There was no fish on the menu, except vegan fish. We ordered 2 beers and had to wait 15 minutes on a quiet evening . We left and had great food in a restaurant close by.

Ricardo Acuña

Google
The terrible experience we had today at Noorderlicht is the perfect example of how poor management and not owning your mistakes can make you lose a regular visitor. I brought my parents for lunch and we ordered 4 “Noorderlicht burgers”. The waiter asked us to pay in advance because the place was very busy, and he told us it was 88 euros. I asked why 88 if the menu said 19€ per burger (as in the shared picture). He mentioned that if we wanted cheese and bacon was 3€ extra. I told him that shouldn’t be like that because in the menu it said 19€ INCLUDING THE CHEESE AND BACON AS INGREDIENTS. But anyway, I decided to pay. He was very polite and mentioned that they were changing the menu and that probably it was a mistake, so he would ask the management team to solve it. After a while, I told the waiter (he was very polite all the time) that I was aware it was not his fault but that I thought it was not acceptable to pay 12 euros extra for 2 ingredientes that in the menu were reflected as included. He said that we were right and that he was going to ask his supervisor. A young woman came and told us they could offer us a free drink as a compensation but we told her in a polite way that we preferred our 12€ back. Her manners changed there. She started being very rude and entitled, and told us that that was everything she could do as they couldn’t refund us. We insisted and she said she was going to talk to her boss. She came back a couple of minutes later and she told me that if we wanted a refund I had to give her my name and bank account. I told her that I was not going to share my personal details and that I thought that was not the correct way to proceed with a refund. They should either give the money back on the card we paid with or give us the amount in cash. Being even more rude, she said they couldn’t do that. I asked why and she said “because my boss says so”. Then I told her that I would like to talk to her boss. She made a terrible face and left. A few minutes later, another woman came and asked with very rude manners that what was the problem. We explained her the situation, and that we thought it was their mistake charging us for ingredients that were already included in the menu. She said “ok, but we offered you drinks and you denied them. Also, you already ate the cheese and the bacon”. We told her that if we wanted more drinks we would have been happy to pay for them (also we are not stupid and we know that their cost for 4 beers is way less than the 12€ euros they overcharged us). We insisted that we just wanted to pay the fair price that was reflected in the menu and therefore we wanted our 12€ back. She left and came back with 6 coins of 2€, threw them to the table and said “let’s see if you learn to trust us more now”. Horrible, horrible management of the situation. It was their mistake, and instead of owning them, they decided to lose a regular visitor for 12 euros. I am definitely not coming back. Well done, team! 👏 (Also we had to wait 20-30 minutes for the drinks we ordered before lunch and the food was very mediocre)

Xijia Luo

Google
Maybe we were there the wrong day, it was raining, so we cannot enjoy the beautiful terrace. The food choice was quite limited and the taste was very mediocre.

Matthias Hoyos Bindewald

Google
The cafe looks really nice and has a great location right next to the river. The only problem: I ordered the hazelnut cake and it was absolutely terrible. I've never in my life eaten anything so sweet. It felt like 99% sugar and 1% Hazelnut. I'm sure the other dishes are better but this cake was a nightmare. I'm sorry

C Stum

Google
Very rude servers, we came in through the wrong entrance (it used to be an entrance in the past) and we were scolded. The food and drinks took forever and we got the wrong drink, I mentioned it and the server said “but this is what was ordered” (it wasn’t), luckily my friend didn’t mind. One of the servers kept speaking Dutch to my friend who doesn’t speak Dutch, I kept answering in English to give her the hint but she didn’t get it. Getting the bill also took very long, the servers seem to feel too important to hand people their bills, only one girl seemed to do that for all tables on a busy terrace. This used to be such a nice place 😢

Manu Fdez Galán

Google
Bad service. We ordered 2 beers, and after waiting a while they brought us 2 ciders. When we asked why, they told us that they had already sold them... A very bad excuse for not taking responsibility for a mistake.

Enrique Velasco

Google
Cool and alternative setting. You can come for that casual weekend gathering with friends. Offers a good variety of meals and cakes. Also great for that daytime beers and snacks. For more experiences like this follow @quiquinnv

Lina Vasiloudis

Google
The place is really cool with an awesome atmosphere and a nice mix of customers! Service was a bit slow, but the food was nice. I would have liked a couple more meat options, but it’s nice that there is something for everyone.
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Vilma S.

Yelp
Awesome hangout restaurant, cafe, event center, etc in the Noord area of Amsterdam. We were lucky that it was so close by to our Airbnb Apartment. Our server Tristan was just awesome--so personable, attentive and even gave us a short history lesson about the Netherlands. They have a snack menu you can choose from at any time and also a regular lunch and dinner menu. We ordered the celery and beet soup (delicious!!), bitterballens, lumpia, and nachos. All were very tasty and the prices were very reasonable. They have a full bar and we decided on getting a couple of the local beers.
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Jonathan L.

Yelp
This outdoor beer-garden offers wonderful views of the Amstel River, and is a great place for break between gallery stops. There is a nice selection of beer, and the Meza plate was delicious.
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Agon Y.

Yelp
Vegan moussaka is absolutely amazing! Im not vege but this dinner was worth coming. Although afterwards we ordered meat and we got disappointed...too cold and too hard :(
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Pinaki G.

Yelp
Place is OK. ORDER before hand before you get a place to sit. Also the food is just ok
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Bog V.

Yelp
What an experience! Norderlicht is a special place, a bit like a human settlement brought back to Earth :) The glass cafe sourrounded by an artsy yard in the middle of a former shipyard sets the whole experience apart. We poped inside looking for a table and although the tables were booked for in an hour, we were invited to stay until reservation comes in. After half an hour we were given another place and invited to stay for the film projection. Awesome service and warm people.
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Tiffany O.

Yelp
This place is awesome. From what I was told, not too many tourists venture to Amsterdam Noord, but I'm glad I did because this place is so quaint. Atmosphere: Outdoors-ish. It looks like a rundown greenhouse but there are lights all around outside and cool seating areas. It's super hip. Food: Didn't try anything but the beer, and it was pretty good beer (Jupiler). Not sure of the price because it was paid for by Dutch writer Jan Donkers, who was leading our tour around the area. Overall, it's a really great place to sit and chat, beer in hand. If I'm ever in Amsterdam again I will ferry over there and try their food.
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Mondo F.

Yelp
Come for the frites with Indonesian curry! Friendly staff, good indoor and outdoor seating, great music. Place gets crowded in nice weather and when bands are playing.
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Alyse H.

Yelp
Take the NDSM ferry from Centraal station to get closest to this restaurant. We tried to stop in on a Monday, but it was closed. They are closed every Monday in the winter FYI. We came back Tuesday with our bikes and locked them up on the long fence around the restaurant/compound. It's more than a café because they have a fire pit and a place for bands to play when it isn't freezing cold. We ordered a couple of beers and sat at a picnic table to absorb some vitamin D. It was a lovely experience.
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Tash S.

Yelp
I'm always on the lookout for things to do when winter comes around. Particularly tricky are those beautiful, sunshiny, blue sky days when it looks like it would be wonderful outdoors (but is actually bloody freezing). This is the perfect spot for such days. With its glass dome, you can enjoy the sunshine, a glass of wine, the sun on your face, and pretend for a few hours that it's summer time. The whole place is super quirky which I love, and it perfectly epitomizes the NDSM wharf. The service is average (but you get used to that) and the rest really is worth it. And the ferry ride is awesome.
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Sean M.

Yelp
Super cool, very local spot in Amsterdam Noord. From Amsterdam Centraal it was just a free ten minute ferry ride and a five minute walk past a couple of run down old warehouses to Noorderlicht. It was dark out when we arrived and the restaurant, which is housed in an old greenhouse, was lit from the inside and it was literally the only thing that looked alive in the area. There definitely weren't any tourists in here, myself being the exception, and the menus are in Dutch only. Fortunately there were several Dutch people in our group, who helped translate the parts I wasn't able to read. The food was great! I had the pork pate and the BBQ beef steak. They also provide tons of good bread with a really good garlic spread and an olive tapenade, which helped soak up all the Leffe Blonde I was drinking. This is a great place to go with a group for good food and beers.
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Billy D.

Yelp
It's definitely one of my top bars in Amsterdam. In what other city can you take a ferry ride past a beached submarine, crossing an abandoned shipyard until you reach the coolest bar known to man where you overlook the "skyline" of amsterdam from across het ij? Nowhere, but I guess that statement was a bit Amsterdam-specific. It's the best summertime weekend night destination one can ask for. Live music, usually a bonfire and a chill crowd. Now that Pllek is open down the road, NDSM is becoming a destination. Watch out before it becomes the new Brooklyn - with or without you.
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David P.

Yelp
The food and service here were great. A local recommended it to us, and I felt like a local when I was eating here. Don't forget the Mint, Ginger and Lemon Tea!! so good. The deserts were good too. They had a nice selection of beer, but I did not partake.
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Felipe C.

Yelp
This is one of the the first places I've been in Amsterdam Noord - NDSM. I love the casual and hippie vibe they have. The food is simple and lekker. At night during spring- summer they have some amazing live show around a bonfire.
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Malin A.

Yelp
Really nice ambiance, decorated with different kind of second hand furniture and lamps in different colors. Food is reasonably priced. Great place to go to with friends for either dinner or only drinks. The staff was very friendly. The fact that we had to take the ferry over to get there made the experience even nicer. If you visit Amsterdam this is a great way to see more of Amsterdam at the same time as you visit a cool restaurant - during the summer you can also make use of their terrace that has a great view!

Michelle M.

Yelp
Man, this entire area is a quirky, almost dystopian (in a good way), landscape. Very artsy and odd. Could be a movie set. We wandered into the picturesque restaurant expecting very little and had one of the best meals of our Amsterdam trip. The menu is simple and strong. Lots of vegan options. There's something for everyone. We ended up eating the mackerel sandwich and a side of fries. The sandwich was AH-MAZING! Smokey, salty makerel, tart (from the homemade tartar mayo), served on a great, grainy bread. The fries were crisp, crunchy and with a perfectly tender interior. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. Definitely recommend! You can take the free NDSM ferry from central station to Noorderlichit and tour the areas nearby, then walk to the tram that will take you to the area around the Buiksloterweg ferry station where you can go up the tower at A'dam Lookout (worth the money for the view), then take the Buiksloterweg ferry back to central station. A good tourist-friendly loop of Amsterdam Noord.
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Kim S.

Yelp
Noorderlicht cafe is a cultural hotspot for unique and abstract art. Located on an old shipyard, surrounded by awe-inspiring art objects to art status. This area highlights art in unforeseen places. What a perfect location for this cozy cafe. Here is another great spot worth jumping on the ferry for. Commuting from Central Station, it's about a 15 minute travel by ferry. I am a total big fan of this place because of it's creative atmosphere. It's another great place to explore north of Amsterdam on any given day. Atmosphere is very friendly and relax. Ideal place to go with big groups for snacks, light lunch, or drinks.
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Matt G.

Yelp
Super cool, very fun little spot. Worth it just to experience wandering around NDSM. Go on a nice day and they set up a bonfire out side with a view of the water. Food and drink is reasonably priced (main dishes for 12-16 euro).
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Arpineh K.

Yelp
Such a unique and cool place to have lunch! We had to take the ferry from our hotel to get here but that was also really fun. I loved the relaxed vibe of the restaurant and the fact that it's windows all around so you can look out. My falafel wrap was amazing and not like any other I've had. I wish there had been a few more options but either way I loved what I got. I'd definitely recommend this place if you're looking for something unique.
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Kiana B.

Yelp
The suns out Damsko and this is the place to enjoy it!! I was in the noord for the big monthly IJ flea market and needed to fuel up after a long day of rummaging through vintage and antiques. Had a nice lentil soup with fresh bread (soup of the day) while enjoying the beautiful view... I'd love to come back here just for some drinks since the weathers been a-mazing!!!!
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Johan O.

Yelp
Mijn meest favoriete plekje in noord is bij uitstek Cafe Noorderlicht. Het is een mooie plek om zeker in de zomer tot in de late uurtjes op het gras te genieten. Met het prachtige uitzicht zul je al snel de tijd vergeten. Neem ook gerust plaats aan het kampvuur. In de winter is er ook binnen voldoende ruimte om te kunnen genieten van de bio-specialiteiten. Je moet hier niet bang zijn voor honden omdat deze meestal wel vrij rondlopen. Cafe Noorderlicht is te vinden op het NDSM terrein en ligt op loopafstand van de NDSM-veerpont. Als je het pondje vanaf Amsterdam CS neemt zul je Noorderlicht al snel aan de stuurboordkant zien. In het donker is het al helemaal een mooi aanzicht aangezien het gebouw vrijwel helemaal uit glas bestaat. Ben je nog nooit in noord geweest? Dan is dit een goede reden om even het pondje (gratis!) te nemen. Tip: nacho's met kaas en jalapeno pepers! Heeerlijk!
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Janet K.

Yelp
I went for lunch - food pricing is fair for pretty good food - employees seem to try to serve you - conveniently located by the Warf and ferries - portions are not huge (you may consider ordering multiple items if you're a big eater) I suggest this place if you're in North Amsterdam. You can ask for an English menu ;)
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Mark K.

Yelp
Food and beer selection is good. Friendly staff. Nice outdoor seating area when the weather is up for it.
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Sam L.

Yelp
They have lots of tables outside including a stage. There's a nice grassy area with large lawn toys to play on or with. There is food and drink as well but you have to go up to the window to order it. It's a nice easy going atmosphere. The inside is spacious and there is an upper area, too.
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Zach K.

Yelp
Nice atmosphere. Lovely outdoor "Ampitheater" on a grassy plain in front of the greenhouse. Arts-and-crafts interior decor. I had the seasonal rhubarb and raspberry smoothie. It came out of a pitcher but it tasted like real fruit, just not very cold. Service was friendly.

Ghada A.

Yelp
Yummy food, great atmosphere, friendly servers. We ordered the weedshop, rice with gado gado and the chicken skewers and they were so delicious till the last bite i highly recommend it
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Simplemts S.

Yelp
Spent a lovely afternoon here having a couple of beers and some snacks. The food was OK to Good, the beer was good, and the setting was great. Beautiful outdoor area with nice views of the water. The fries and tapas were just mediocre which is why I dinged them a star. I still highly recommend this place.
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Alli K.

Yelp
If you want to get away from the Amsterdam centrum hussle and bussle then hop on one of the free ferrys from centraal and head out to Noorderlicht. Adding this place to my favorite gems list. Super laid back, great music and a great view! we sat outside on a sunny day and had some drinks and a really delicious cheese sandwich on the most amazing bread. I was also eye balling the nachos that looked pretty good. i'll definitely be heading back here when i want to escape and just chill to good food, music and views.
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Jeff G.

Yelp
Wow. I have no idea how this place rates so high. The service was terrible. No idea how the food was because no one ever came to our table.
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Jose S.

Yelp
Great place for going with friends! we enjoyed a Saturday dinner, plus drinks afterwards with live music! the terrace is awesome! and the atmosphere even better! I ordered the Bavette and it was super nice (also heard the Lamb was fantastic!) , I love the food's presentation and the staff was very friendly! the only downside is that we were seated upstairs and sometimes we had to look for the waiter, but other than that I can only say......take the ferry and go there!
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Selin O.

Yelp
Great place, great food, nice stuff! Became our favourite place at our four day stay in Amsterdam :)
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Mark R.

Yelp
Founded by amsterdam's alterna culture norderlicht has great food, and an even better view. Cozy in the winter and beautiful on a sunny day.

Charles C.

Yelp
My favorite spot in the Amsterdam shipyard area. You can catch a free ferry from behind central station, it leaves from the leftmost berth (verify that the digital sign says the ferry is going to NDSM). Takes about 15 minutes to get there. Reasonably priced fresh local food and drinks, and they always seem to have some good music playing. An excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Amsterdam, especially on the weekends. Live DJs and bonfires at night. If you can catch it in season, the rhubarb crumble is particularly good. Try to go when it's not raining.

Qype User (mokumv…)

Yelp
Shhht, this is an insider tip! Take the 'pont' from the back of the Central Station to the NDSM island. From there, go right, follow the sighs. It is a 5 minute walk. You will find a nicely alternative cafe with the possibility to sit inside [often ambient music is provided by a live DJ] or outside, viewing the Amstedam city center over the water. Prices are modest, people are relaxed and the food is good. But only tell nice & interesting people, please :D
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May B.

Yelp
OK, this is the hipster place par excellence in Amsterdam. You take the ferry behind central station to NDSM warf, which by itself is a treat. Lovely, lovely views of the harbor and you get a 10 minute ride for free. The neighborhood is industrial, old Amsterdammers will still remember when the warf closed in the 1980s, with disasterous results for the neighborhood. After decennia of neglect, this area is being promoted as a hotbed for young artists. There is a bakery, an icecream store,, a fleamarket, numerous artist workshops you can visi, and then there is Noorderlicht, Northern Light in Dutch, a 5 minute walk from the ferry. The place is on top of a grassy hill, well, for Dutch standards, and has amazing views. Lots of glass, 2 floors, so you are also comfortable if it rains. BBQ, wooden picnic tables, the whole feelings is more of a camping site than of an innercity neighborhood. Service is slow but sweet, you can have drinks or a dinner. And make some new friends and sing songs aroun the campfire. What's not to love?
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Mari L.

Yelp
We hoped on the ferry on a whim because one of the locals we met at a restaurant told is to venture out to Amsterdam Noord. So we get off the ferry and wind up in a what looked like an abandoned shipyard. We start following the other people that got off and realize that is a more residential area and we start to head back towards the ferry. However, we decided to be adventurous and decide to walk around the shipyard, which was cover in awesome graffiti. Then we saw this magical place and it turned out to be a restaurant. There was a community sauna next door! This rating is solely based in atmosphere because I really didn't like the food. They had a uber chic outdoor area that over looks the water, beautiful at sunset. It was pretty busy but service was decent. They also have live music. While we were there, it turned out to be a band from Seattle. Absolutely worth the ferry ride!