I can’t stop raving about The Seafood Bar — and if you love fresh fish and shellfish, it’s easily one of the best places to eat in Amsterdam.
I first noticed one of their branches near Museumplein after visiting the Moco Museum, and it’s been on my radar ever since. We finally got to check it out after taking a boat cruise during SAIL Amsterdam 2025’s SAIL-Out, and it was every bit as good as I’d hoped. So much so that it’s now one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
If you’re wondering whether eating at The Seafood Bar in Amsterdam is worth it, here’s everything you need to know — from what to expect and what to order to a few tips for planning your visit.
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About The Seafood Bar
The Seafood Bar is a Dutch restaurant group founded in 2012 by former fishmonger Fons de Visscher. What started as a small, family-run restaurant near Museumplein has since grown into four branches across Amsterdam, with additional branches in Utrecht and even in London.
What I love about The Seafood Bar is that they focus on sustainably sourced, high-quality seafood served in a bright, modern setting that doesn’t feel stiff or pretentious.
Locations in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has four branches of The Seafood Bar. You’ll find the same menu everywhere, but each branch is in a different neighborhood with its own vibe. If you’ve only got a few days in the city, it’s worth choosing the location that fits best with the rest of your itinerary.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
Oud-Zuid (Van Baerlestraat)
Oud-Zuid is home to the original Seafood Bar, which opened in 2012. If you plan to spend the day around Museumplein to check out some of the city’s top museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Moco, this is the one I’d suggest.
It’s cozy but bright, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to grab a table outside in the sun. Just a heads-up — there are only a few.
De Pijp (Ferdinand Bolstraat)
De Pijp is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Amsterdam — it’s packed with cafés and pretty boutiques, making it perfect for café hopping and shopping.
The Seafood Bar branch here is just a few steps from Kaasbar (highly recommended) and a short walk from Albert Cuyp Market and the Heineken Experience. But if you want to eat at this branch, I suggest making a reservation in advance. We once showed up without one and got turned away, which was pretty disappointing.
Spui
I’ve walked past the Spui branch quite a few times, and it always looks inviting with its large outdoor terrace. It’s just around the corner from Begijnhof, and Amsterdam’s famous flower market is only a five-minute walk away. If you like browsing bookstores, the American Book Center is also nearby.
Damrak
This is the branch we tried, and it’s located right on Damrak — the main street that runs from Centraal Station to Dam Square. It’s tucked inside the Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam’s old stock exchange, and is easy to reach if you’re coming from Centraal or spending time in the city center. You’re also close to major sights like Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, and Oude Kerk.
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Opening Hours & Reservations
Most branches are open daily from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, but check the official website for up-to-date hours and to make a reservation.
The Menu
The Seafood Bar focuses on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, served simply and beautifully. If it’s your first visit, the standouts are the seafood platters, which come in both a cold and a warm version.
We’re not big fans of cold seafood (unless it’s nigiri or sashimi), but we saw plenty of people ordering the Fruits de Mer platter. It’s loaded with shellfish and crustaceans like mussels, clams, razor clams, crab, shrimp, crayfish, oysters, and sometimes even half a lobster, depending on the size you choose. Everything is served on crushed ice and presented beautifully. Prices start around €34.50 for one or €65 for two, with the larger “Seafood Bar” platter closer to €55 per person or €105 for two. You can also add extras like oysters or lobster.
If you prefer your seafood warm, like us, the mixed grill is a solid choice. It includes shrimp, squid, salmon, sea bass fillet, and mussels in tomato sauce. Prices are about €36 per person or €68 for two, with the option to add half a lobster. There’s also a deluxe crustacean grill with lobster, langoustines, snow crab, and prawns for about €135–€145 for two.
The platters are a bit pricey, though, so if you’d prefer something a bit cheaper, there’s still plenty to choose from, including fresh oysters, grilled salmon or tuna steak, classic fish and chips, seafood pasta, or daily specials featuring local fish. Vegetarian options are limited to a few sides and salads, and the menu isn’t geared toward vegans — but if you’re here for seafood, you’ll have no shortage of options.
The wine list is also worth mentioning. There’s a good selection of crisp whites, rosés, and bubbly options designed to pair perfectly with the dishes.
Our Experience at The Seafood Bar’s Damrak Branch
We dined at the Damrak branch, and even though we’d actually booked the wrong location, the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. They canceled the other reservation right away and gave us a sunny window seat, which was a huge bonus.
Once we settled in, we started with fresh oysters, which were a real highlight for me — fresh, briny, and honestly even tastier than the oysters we love back home in Knysna. We were lucky enough to visit during Happy Oyster Hour (daily from 3 to 5 pm), when they’re only €1.50 each. If you’re an oyster fan, plan your visit around this deal — it’s the perfect excuse to order a few extras.
Naturally, we couldn’t resist the mixed grill seafood platter for two. We also added half a crayfish — a rare treat since it’s on SASSI’s Red List in South Africa and not something we get back home anymore.
The platter was generous, beautifully cooked, and more than enough for two. On the side, we added green asparagus with parmesan and a fresh green salad.
For dessert, we had the chocolate bavarois with chocolate ice cream, which was rich and chocolatey but not overly sweet. Everything paired perfectly with a bottle of Whispering Angel rosé — one of my go-to favorites.
We loved dining at the Damrak branch and wouldn’t hesitate to go back. The setting felt bright and airy, with marble tables, high ceilings, and big windows that made it a great spot for people-watching. Even though it was busy, the service was quick and friendly, and the atmosphere stayed relaxed and welcoming.
Final Thoughts: Is The Seafood Bar Worth It?
After finally getting to try it, eating at The Seafood Bar in Amsterdam is absolutely worth it. The seafood is fresh, the portions are generous, and the oysters were some of the best I’ve had in the Netherlands. Add in great wine, friendly service, and a stylish yet laid-back vibe, and it’s an easy yes.
It’s not the cheapest spot, though, expect to spend around €40–€70 per person — but for the quality, portion sizes, and setting, I’d say it’s worth every euro.
To get the most out of your visit, just remember to book ahead (dinner fills up fast) and, if you’re an oyster fan, try to time it with Happy Oyster Hour (daily from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm) when oysters are only €1.50 each.
And if you’re curious about Dutch food beyond seafood, check out my Dutch food guide — it includes must-try dishes, snacks, and the best places to find them.
So, what’s on your list to try at The Seafood Bar Amsterdam? If you’ve already been, I’d love to hear what you thought — drop your favorites in the comments.
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