Bacalar in Noordelijke IJ-oevers West

We had an incredibly delicious meal and the service was attentive and cheerful.

I am reminded every time I go back to Bacalar that this place is still one of Amsterdam's best. The quality of the ingredients, the atmosphere, and the service are ace. Wine list is small but well curated and while the cocktails are not cheap they are premium and delicious. You can have a conversation, it's relaxed, and the food just hits.

All the dishes were delicious, especially the tuna and octopus. Furthermore, it had a nice atmosphere with good service. Highly recommended!

I’ve been to Bacalar many, MANY times, and the food, cocktails, and service never disappoint. So good and highly recommended! 🤩🍹

The food here is arguably the best Mexican cuisine in Amsterdam. Great range of ingredients, not only meat but other veggie and pescatarian options. I cannot recommend their food more. The service is great, the waiters are all very friendly and tend to your needs whatever they are. A bit slow at times but that is what happens at busy hip restaurant. The atmosphere is impeccable. They did a great job at creating a space where you can easily talk but still feel like your around people!

I loved it, and I love that the waiters make an effort to pronounce the ingredients perfectly in Spanish! 10/10

Amazing service and atmosphere, the food was beyond expectations, super tasteful. We will be back!

It was an amazing experience. The food and staffs were really nice. Been there multiple times already, and every single time it's an amazing experience

Awesome food! Loved it, great hosts & don't think there are better taco's around Amsterdam.

Amazing food and atmosphere, and a unique spin on the Mexican kitchen! Each dish was even better than the next. My personal favorites are the pork tacos with zesty pineapple, and the octopus on black-shelled potato tacos. Also has a great selection of local drinks from Amsterdam, and Mexican Mezcal.

Had a delicious meal, amazing service from Nanna!!!

This place is a delicious taqueria. I loved that there isn't infinite options, but just a selected list of delicious meals. The timing, quality of the ingredients and flavour was delicious. A lot of contrast between temperature, acidity, consistency. The meat was so tender juicy and crispy. Staff was also really friendly. Maybe the only negative side is that the location is not really nice as it looks like a container, but I guess it's the Noord vibe. Super recommended, almost scared to recommend it too much.

Every single thing was incredibly delicious! The service, the atmosphere and people around made us feel welcome. Thank you, everything was amazing!

Real Mexican taste 💯 (I am Mexican ). The Sonoran waitress guy is great!

Amazing!! Super sweet service, delicious cocktails and all the food was amazing!!!!! A 9/10 and not a 10/10 because I didn't give the crème brûlée-like dessert a 10; a bit too bitter for my taste, but otherwise everything was top-notch!

Is it just me or this is the best place for food in Amsterdam 🫶🏻 also do not go cheap on the cocktails, I’ve never had Mezcal and it’s been my fav ever since.

Plenty of vegetarian options. Accessible for any group in that respect. Friendly service and good product knowledge regarding mezcal. Will definitely come back again.

What a gem! From outside it doesn’t look like anything but come inside there is a cosy Artsy vibe we feel like home and the cuisine is both beautiful and absolutely delicious ! And very friendly staff ! Will come again soon!

So glad we found this restaurant. Some of the best mexican dishes I've ever tasted and our server, Rio, was super passionite and knowledgeable about the food which made the experience so much more enjoyable. You have to go to this place if you're in Amsterdam, it's incredible

It was really delicious! The tostadas and tacos are rich and complex in flavor, as are the cocktails. The atmosphere inside is cozy and homey. I will definitely come back here!

This spot always delivers. The tacos and margaritas are amazing, and the team here is so welcoming.

WOW! I ate way better than in Mexico 🤩 Michelin-star tacos and tostadas, the flavors explode in your mouth. Everything is homemade in an open kitchen. Incredible cocktails. The price is quite high, but it's worth it!

Had a delicious meal! Friendly and welcoming service!

Amazing tacos with lots of interesting flavours and variations. Nice location (quite alternative and very Noord). Friendly and attentive service.

Insanely delicious, friendly and fast service.

Great food and loved the overall experience

By far the best taco place I’ve ever been to!

Amazing food and service. On the more expensive side but definitely worth it for the experience

Loved it, especially the staff ❤️❤️❤️

When it comes to Mexican food, the best place to go to in Amsterdam. My personal favorite - Taco de Pulpo. Cocktails are insane too.

Been a few times, lovely staff AMAZING food

A great place to experience Mexican food. The atmosphere is cool and lively, the cocktails are excellent and properly strong, and there’s plenty to choose from on both the food and drinks menu. The only disappointment for me was one of the beef tacos. It had a much stronger meat smell than I expected, and I couldn’t finish it. Apart from that, everything else made for a very enjoyable evening.

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! The service was incredible and it was one of the best meals of my life. Get as much as possible. This place is also great for people with allergens, I went with my cousin who has celiac disease and is allergic to fish and seafood, and we had the best time. Nothing to worry about. :) Props to Gilberto and his colleagues for being such great servers!

What a special experience! It is more than just going out to eat; it is a complete experience. This is partly due to the friendly staff, the excellent service, and the fantastic atmosphere that has been created. Moreover, the quality of the food is exceptionally high. We look forward to coming back.

Amazing place, very very good tacos, and great service:)

Great service and delicious food!

An incredible restaurant, awarded numerous times by Gault & Millau, and you'll immediately understand why after tasting the food and cocktails. The concept is truly delightful and authentically Mexican. They offer different types of tacos and tostadas. I recommend the tacos de lengua (a type of Mexican taco), which were excellent, but everything was truly delicious. It's a refreshing change from your usual fare. Use the two sauces and the fleur de sel they provide to accompany your tacos and tostadas. You can also ask for refills if needed. It's highly recommended to make a reservation before coming, as the restaurant is so popular that it fills up quickly. Take your time and savor your tacos. You can order small portions to enjoy them with your drinks. The desserts were also excellent; the special Jalisco crème brûlée was truly surprising. The combination of chili, sugar, and kumquat is perfectly executed and will transport you to another world, ending your meal on a high note! If you're ever in Amsterdam, this is definitely a place to visit. It's well worth the detour, and be sure to book well in advance!

Absolutely amazing from start to finish. The food was so flavorful! We are from New York and hands down one of the best meals we have ever had.

10/10. Best Mexican in Amsterdam! We were surprised by every taste explosion. Service was top-notch, music was cool, old-school hip hop for the vibes, and the general atmosphere was good too.

What a lovely place this is. The atmosphere in the restaurant is incredibly pleasant and welcoming. We recently had a fantastic evening here where everything was just right. The octopus taco, in particular, was a real taste sensation; perfectly prepared and beautifully served in a wicker basket. The cocktails, too, with those lovely rims on the glass, tasted exactly as they looked. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a special dining experience. We will certainly be back soon.

I liked the restaurant. It has an atmosphere. The food is good, but I go once every six months. We spent €134 for two. I didn't have dinner after that lunch. Prices are moderate. Very tasty cocktails. Interesting coffee. Reservation - deposit €10 per person.

Terribly delicious food, enjoyed it immensely, definitely recommended

Food was amazing and staff was very well informed about F&B served!

Top experience in Bacalar our waiter Illberto was really great. He made super good recommendations connected to the menu and our choices. He was super friendly and made it such a nice experience a big thank you! The food was flavourful and bursting delicious, and the extensive drink selection means there is a drink for everyone. I 100% recommend a visit.

It was amazing! Flavours like we have never had before. So many flavours to explore and taste in every bite. Completely outstanding. Drinks were also amazing and so so good. Top notch.

Unfortunately, there is very little vegetarian options on the menu. We indicated at the beginning that some of the guests were vegetarians and others meat-eaters, but they brought one vegetarian dish followed by four meat dishes. It also took quite a long time (it was pretty busy, too). When we asked after at least an hour if it was possible to get one of the ordered vegetarian dishes, we received a snap that basically amounted to us needing to make it clearer. Additionally, it was absolutely impossible to change anything at all on the menu, such as removing the coconut water from the margarita or adding tequila to the virgin margarita. Those seem like minor adjustments to me. The portions were small, but very tasty. The space looks cozy, though.

Otherwordly food, wonderful service, authentic atmosphere

Hey, that was flavour Disco with the nicest Service 🥰

Really great food, one of the best Mexican food places I've ever been. Service is kind and fun, fast and very helpful. Atmosphere is great, 90s hip hop, reggaeton, feels like your sitting in a garage and about to see some lowriders bounce 😁😁

Excellent all round. Excellent tacos, an excellent margarita, and excellent service. 100% recommend. I came here as a solo traveller, and they were great. The restaurant was busy, packed, I didn't have a reservation. They found me a table and also let me mix and match from the menu (the tacos usually come in 3s). Awesome food. Probably best tacos I've had. Thanks.

Beautiful place, staff and vibe We ordered 4 options for 2 people which was plenty Roasted pork was amazing, lamb was ok ish, veal tongue was great but a bit heavy Drinks were divine, best margaritas we had in a while

Magic, an absolute 10 !!!! What amazing dishes and flavors I haven't been this surprised in 10 years You have to go here as soon as possible How amazing Hats off

I used to love this place, but its lost a bit of its magic to me. The tacos are nice, though nowadays a bit on the expensive and boring side. The atmosphere is loud, extremely loud. Don’t go here if you expect to have a decent conversation, or if you’re easily overstimulated. Drinks are a bit overpriced also.

I love Mexican food and this place knows how to handle it all too well. My favorites were the Fake oyster tostada and tostada de atun. Deliciously high in acidity, crispy, fresh, and complex in flavor. We had the cider of the day; also particularly fresh and tart, with a lovely aroma. We didn't have a cocktail, but it looked like they knew their stuff there too. The surroundings could be a bit more inspiring, but once inside, you feel like you're somewhere else entirely, Amsterdam!

The food was top-notch, really nothing to complain about. However, the service was unfortunately not at its best. Our questions were answered in a rather condescending manner, which made the overall atmosphere a bit less pleasant.

Incredible restaurant, unbelievable service, awesome food. Recommend: Cauliflower, Veal,Pork, Tuna and Burnt Custard dessert. Thanks for making the birthday special ❤️ Cant wait to go back!

Acting smart when I asked a simple question about what kind of business it was, after standing and waiting for 10 minutes, was reason enough for me to turn my back on this business immediately. Good luck!

Best tacos I have eaten in Amsterdam! Very good quality taqueria with well seasoned and well cooked meat. The atmosphere was a bit industrial which is not to my liking but the taste of the food overweighs that very much. Definitely give it a try

Unique! An explosion of flavors. Warm, comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Excellent cocktails and incredible taco quality! Well done 🇲🇽

A bit too trendy, but delicious food.

Heerlijk gegeten. Goede bediening. Echt Mexicaans.

I have been wanting to go here for while and was a bit disappointed. The food was decent, cocktails not worth the prices but the service was the main issue that we had. The person who seated us came back later and needed to move us, never shared the specials and pretty much disappeared. Personally I think there are better Mexican food spots in Amsterdam so for me it’s not worth the hike to Noord.

By far the best tacos I have had in my life

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The most authentic Mexican experience in Amsterdam I came here on a Sunday night with friends visiting from Prague, New York, and Barcelona and left genuinely impressed. People who eat well across a lot of cities, and every single one of them agreed: this is the best Mexican food in Amsterdam. The octopus ceviche was one of the best things on the table. Bright, precise, the kind of dish that makes you stop mid-conversation. My favourite of the night though were the tuna tacos, which were just excellent from start to finish. And then there were the fake oysters, which I honestly wasn’t expecting much from and ended up being one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole meal. I ordered the veal tongue too, and the beef itself was genuinely well cooked. If that’s your thing you’ll be happy. It only sat lower on my personal list because everything else around it was so strong. I did find myself eyeing my sister’s shredded pork by the end, which I managed to try a bite of and was absolutely stunning. Next time that’s mine. One small note on the octopus tacos: mine felt cooked just a touch too long on this visit. My sister had them on a previous occasion and called them the best thing on the entire menu, so I think it was just an off moment. I’ll absolutely be going back to try them again properly. The service was something else entirely. Our server Gerardo was funny, warm, genuinely passionate about the food, and exactly the kind of person who makes a dinner feel like a real occasion rather than just a transaction. He was a big part of why the night felt so special. The space itself feels authentically Mexican in a way that’s hard to fake. Atmospheric without trying too hard. And the margaritas, almost forgot: a perfect ten. I’ll be back, without question.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The atmosphere, food, and staff are all amazing. When sitting outside, we really appreciated that the staff kept smokers away from us, since smelling smoke while eating is very unpleasant. Try the tuna tostada, and thank me later. The only downside is that it’s very noisy inside, making it almost impossible to chat

Best Mexican food I have ever had

Great place, great staff, amazing food❤️ We keep coming back 😆

Amazing experience, I loved everything! The Palo Santo margarita is truly unique, top notch 🍸 The food is incredibly good, with a balanced and never boring combination of flavors. The atmosphere is street-style, perfectly Mexican, super authentic. Highly recommended, absolutely worth a try!

This was our fourth visit to Bacalar! We always book a table here, before booking flights or accommodation 😂 It's soooo good atmosphere and perfect food! We will come back again..and again...and again 🤩🤤❤️

Open kitchen, dishes prepared and served with true dedication. Wide selection of agave spirits. Welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

We had a really great experience at Taberna Bacalar. We were treated wonderfully from the very beginning, the manager was especially kind, and the overall hospitality was fantastic. It is always a pleasure to find a place that combines genuine warmth, great energy, and a concept that is truly enjoyable. The food was absolutely delicious, and the margaritas were simply perfect. It is clear that there is real care behind what you do, and a strong intention to create a memorable and enjoyable experience. As a small constructive suggestion, the octopus tostada might work even better as an individual portion, so guests do not need to divide it at the table and risk ending up with uneven servings. It is only a small detail, but one that could make the experience even better. And my most important suggestion, without question, would be to find a location in Amsterdam Zuid or Amstelveen one day, so we could have you much closer. Wishing you all the very best, and I hope to return again soon.

We had a great night! The service was 12/10 ❤️❤️

Beest tacos we have had. They have nothing regular, everything was extraordinary and super delicious

I totally understand why this place is so hot and popular: the vintage garage setting has atmosphere and the tacos are undoubtedly tasty. Personally, I thought they were good, but not wow. What didn't work as well for me is how uncomfortable and disorganized the seating is, especially when you have to cram more than four people onto a small 2.5-person table. Additionally, it is so noisy that you can barely hear each other during a conversation, which makes the experience less relaxed. The service is friendly and relaxed. But if you come to really fill your stomach, this isn't the ideal hotspot, unless you go all-in on the tacos.

Had a lovely lunch today! Great grub and a cracking margarita

Amazing place Real mexican food Good service 10/10

Amazing place. The food is perfect, the staff is lovely. I was alone, so they suggested I order smaller portions of the dishes from the menu to explore different tastes. And every dish was just unbelievable. It’s definitely the restaurant to recommend in Amsterdam.

Tasty tostadas. Service quasi-hip. Acoustics terrible

So good! Service was fantastic and the food was brilliant.

Great food!! You can order anything on the menu with peace of mind. The decor is nice and down-to-earth; it's all about good food and drink here, without any fuss. The staff are clearly enjoying their work and are very attentive. The micheladas are delicious too!

If Ula is working, ask for ula‘s special menu! She‘ll give you her favourite dishes and we cab all confirm it all tasted super good. We loved the service and had a good time. Cocktails also a ten out of ten. Coming back soon!

Great place next to a garage. Everything is prepared with passion, from the tacos to the salsa and the cocktails. Every bite and sip is a bomb of flavor. I will definitely be back!!

Delicious tacos and cocktails in a cool atmosphere! The prices are a bit high but it’s definitely worth to try!

Taco lovers, this is your moment! Bacalar is a hidden gem tucked away in the industrial side of Amsterdam Noord, the kind of place you'd never find by accident, but once you do, you'll keep coming back! Sit down, take a breath… and let the taco game begin! The only rule? Order as much as you can and share everything. Trust the process: it's honestly hard to go wrong here. Every taco is crafted with serious attention to detail and flavor. Standouts? The tuna taco, the grilled octopus, and a mind-blowing off-menu veal tongue taco that completely stole the show. The vibe is super laid-back, almost effortlessly cool, yet the food is anything but casual: it's bold, creative, and seriously good. Prices are fair, especially considering the quality. Fun, unexpected, and packed with flavor, Bacalar is one of those spots that turns a simple meal into a full-on experience. Go hungry, bring friends, and thank me later! Taco lovers, this is the place for you! Bacalar is a little gem hidden in the industrial area of ​​Amsterdam Noord, a place that surprises and captivates from the first bite. Once you're seated, the advice is simple: order, share, and let yourself be guided. Here, the taco game is taken very seriously, and every offering is meticulously crafted. It's hard to go wrong, but some stand out more than others: the tuna tacos, the grilled octopus, and an incredible off-menu veal tongue: truly memorable. The atmosphere is informal, relaxed, and very pleasant, a perfect contrast to the quality and sophistication of the dishes. Prices are in line with the offerings. A fun, surprising restaurant, definitely recommended for those seeking a different experience.

Tops. The food. The staff. The vibe. Not central if you are visiting Amsterdam but sooo worth it

A true delight!!! The best tacos in PB, spectacular service, the octopus, carnitas, and shrimp tacos are the best! Congratulations!

Noisy and unexpected in the area, but absolutely excellent food + very friendly staff.

Food was amazing and service was great. Lovely staff and cool interiors. Definitely recommend, one of the best spots in town.

This was our second visit and we're delighted to be back. We noticed once again the authenticity and attention to detail on everything, from the cocktails to the tacos and salsas. The pulpo, al pastor and tinga were our favorites. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. The price is on the higher end, but well worth it 👌🏻

D E L I C I O S O !!! 🌮 I had the pleasure to have dinner in this lovely venue. The food is great, we tried practically all dishes and we loved each dish. What surprised me the most was the kindness and friendly approach of every single waiter who has been attending us at our table. The service is not the one you find in a 5 stars restaurant, nevertheless this is place is a pearl in Amsterdam where owners of other restaurants should have a dinner to learn how to treat a customer. The dishes are very nice, rich of good quality ingredients. Maybe overall a bit pricey but i will certain come back!

Food was top-notch Incredibly tasty combinations, top cocktails and wine Also good vegetarian options Service is attentive and sweet Great for lunch and dinner Lovely atmosphere

Fantastic overall experience, and everything was super tasty. Don't go here, let's keep it to ourselves. The cocktails were truly amazing. Rarely have I met such a nice atmosphere and such fun people. The toilets are bossy, but they do enhance the retro feel.

one of the best dinners ive had in amsterdam. the flavor is so creative, complex but not overwhelming. the vibe is amazing, the staff is super lively and helpful and the service is so fast. love it would totally come back again and again

Good food, great staff, nice atmosphere. It can get a bit too noisy tho

Fantastic food, delicious cocktails, and a great atmosphere!

Best dining experience ever, ate things I will never order, everything was delicious, the atmosphere was perfect, service top-notch.

It doesn't get more Mexican than this. What a lovely atmosphere, the food is so good… Arriba!

Very nice place to eat, high quality ingredients and very good service! Atmosphere is great. Can be a bit loud because it’s so popular. We took the chefs menu and got served great food without having to pick ourselves. Octopus was lovely. I love the cookie they serve with the coffee.

Best tacos in Amsterdam. Delicious cocktails. Upon entering, I heard some good old-school hip-hop. Highly recommended.

Fantastic! Go there. Give Niels my regards.