Noord’s reputation as the neighbourhood for effortlessly cool, quality places to eat and go out only continues to grow, much of it down to places like de zomer bar. An indoor/outdoor pop-up bar focused on wine was dreamt up by natural wine importer Sebonsa and came to life just like many good things do through a community of passionate people (plus plenty of wine).
“It all started after we organised a number of pop-ups around the city,” says Yoeri, one of the team behind De Zomer bar, alongside teammates Duchein and Justin. “We started to gather a community, but this new kind of community who love natural wine. We’d flirted with the idea of a bar but when this location became available, we had to pick it because it’s perfect for the summer.” The bar is named ‘The Summer Bar’ for a reason: an industrial bunker-style hideout that sits along the canal and on the same strip of land you’ll find Café de Ceuval on. Complete with its own personal pier, this a spot made for long, languid summer afternoons and nights with a glass of wine in hand as the shy Amsterdam sun beats down on you.
The location is special, and naturally, the wines are good too (“They’re our babies!”). Carefully selected and curated by the Sebonsa team, you’ll find all manner of whites, reds, rosés and orange wines, mainly from France, on offer – our pick is the orange wine blend with grüner veltliner. There’s food too; de zomer bar works with guest chefs at bigger events, but there’s always bread, cheese, and charcuterie, plus more warm snacks like breaded saltfish, and chicken/veggie balls. There’s a lot of pride and care in the wine here, which Yoeri explains comes from the relationships the team cultivate with the winemakers. It’s this closeness and comfort they want to translate into the atmosphere. “Sometimes you go to a wine bar and it’s not comfortable to ask questions – that’s not how we work. We’re about gezelligheid, an open atmosphere. Come as you are.”
de zomer bar | Thursday-Sunday | Papaverweg 15a, Noord
Korean food has been on the rise for years in Amsterdam so it makes sense that Korean fusion was never far behind. Enter Kim’s So Korean Fusion, the sister restaurant of Kim’s So Korean Food. Perched on the intersection between Oosterpark and the Dappermarkt, this restaurant follows in the footsteps of The BAB and Gangnam Chicken in bringing Korean flavours to Amsterdam-Oost, but with a twist.
“We wanted to try something more creative,” says Li Zimo, the restaurant’s marketing manager. “So there’s fusion food – Korean fried chicken with chips and cheese – but we also provide traditional food like bibimbap (Korean rice bowl) and gimbap (Korean sushi) that people love.”
While fusion is the focus, you’ll still be able to get your fill of japchae and tteokbokki. And the drinks are special too – think pink blueberry gin and tonics and dragon fruit-inspired drinks that look straight out of a Hogwarts potions class. As for the space, in classic Korean restaurant style, there’s a sleek modernity to the whole setup. The interior design takes it inspiration from the moon – all crater walls, orb lighting and neutral stone palettes – in a space that’s already been a hit with creators on Tiktok. It’s whimsical and minimal – and a dreamy canvas for the menu’s many colourful dishes to shine.
Kim's So Korean Fusion | Tuesday-Sunday | Linnaeusstraat 35F, Oost
Sunshine is in – if the newest restaurants in Amsterdam-Noord are anything to go by. Cafe Soleil is one of these spots, a low-key, relaxed eatery that worships at the altar of Helios too. Located in the cavernous building restaurant Taverno once called home, Café Soleil’s washed orange exterior is an immediate and bright departure from its predecessor. Run by Max Schader (who was also part of the Taverno team) Soleil is meant to do something different than what came before; capturing some of the Mediterranean spirit even in this breezy, northern territory.
“My inspiration [for Cafe Soleil] is vacation,” says Max, who is also part of the team at nearby pizzeria Klaproos and restaurant cornerstore. “I love visiting Mediterranean countries, and with this restaurant, I wanted to create a truly easy-going place, which means the food is simple and affordable. The sun means energy, warmth – and that’s what the café is all about.” Warmth is the key word here; the terrace is painted a bright burst of yellow-orange, as well as the restaurant’s facade, all of which help translate the restaurant’s name into action. Inside, it’s all warm woods, exposed beams and simple white tablecloths, which dress up the space without making it feel inaccessible (or too fancy).
Accessibility was a big part of what Max wanted to convey, both in the food and space. “We do a dish of the day, €18-20, and sell halal so everyone can come to eat. It’s a place for everybody, somewhere to remind them of a little holiday.” So far, the cafe’s blend of Italian, Portuguese, Turkish and Lebanese food has been a hit. Grilled chicken, fish and octopus off the barbecue, Greek salad and tagines all combine to sunny and delicious effect and there’s more to come. “I like guests to be the ones to interpret what we do. I had a vision but people are helping me decide what this place should be. We’ve had people come for a meal with their kids or stay for hours with a bottle of wine. So far, everyone seems to like it.”
Cafe Soileil | Wednesday-Sunday, 5pm onwards | Papaverhoek 31, Noord
Food can be a wonderful way to pay homage to someone. That’s part of the idea behind Edita, Anna Meyer's Bos en Lommer-based restaurant, which takes its name from Anna’s grandmother, who was a local in the neighbourhood. She says the name was a moment of serendipity, not just because of what it meant to her but also because of what the name meant itself.
“My grandmother grew up in Bos en Lommer, so [the name] made sense there. But Edita also means ‘the generous one’, and I wanted that [feeling] to come through in the restaurant,” says Anna, who worked at acclaimed Amsterdam eatery De Kas before starting her own venture after much deliberation. “I was tossing and turning about the restaurant, but my [current] chef told me it’s about finding what you’re good at. He said you’re good at making things cosy and people feel comfortable.” So far, most people seem to agree, with reviews all citing Edita’s homeliness and relaxed feel, much of that thanks to the decor – curtains for texture, cushions for comfort and accents of wine-red for warmth.
Of course, it’s the food that keeps people returning. Anna says she took her inspiration from her trips with friends to the Mediterranean,and the food is a reflection of that; a hybrid of French, Italian and Spanish dishes. Think breadcrumbed aubergine, poulet noir with tarragon and beurre blanc (a favourite dish among guests) and kingfish with smoked ponzu. And it wouldn’t be truly Mediterranean without wine and plenty of it here. “Red, white, orange sparkling, we even do orange wine on draught as it’s more sustainable,” explains Anna. “Our house wine is from Portugal, while the rest are from Italy, France and Spain.” The opening has been busy, but the feedback has been positive, and for Anna, it’s the start of something new. “It’s scary how much energy I have. I’m here from morning until night. But it’s my first restaurant, so I’m just excited about everything to come.”
Edita | open Wednesday-Sunday | Jan van Galenstraat 92h, Bos en Lommer
