Bacalar in Noordelijke IJ-oevers West

Why the loud music festival! All we heard was pounding bass and couldn't hear each other!! The food was absolutely delicious, that's what Bacalar is all about. The service was attentive but took a very long time, so after over an hour we only received two dishes, but we were told to leave in 5 minutes! Don't let more than an hour pass between dishes! We arrived well in advance!! We'd eaten at Bacalar before in the summer. This time it was a huge disappointment. We didn't eat much and left half deaf!

Excellent Mexican restaurant bar. We went 2 people without a reservation and were served immediately. Our final orders were taken by Fani, who comes from Greece. A very lively person who raised the atmosphere and her colleagues. She helped us choose the right food and the right wine. Well done, keep up the great work you are doing.

Delicious Mexican food and excellent cocktails (try the mezcal and jalapeño ones!). It feels like being in a warehouse, but it's still cozy, and the staff is always friendly.

I really love the tacos and the tostadas, 5 stars to the Margaritas and to the team. The place ia nice but really really noisy and it is hard to have a nice conversation.

Bacalar in Amsterdam Noord is an absolute must for anyone craving next-level Mexican food. Tucked inside a cool, industrial garage, this spot delivers handmade tortillas, inventive tacos, and a mezcal selection that’ll turn any skeptic into a true believer. Every dish pops with unexpected flavors, think octopus or veal tongue tacos with salsas that bring real heat and freshness. The staff are super friendly and know the menu inside-out, making recommendations if you’re lost among all the delicious options. There’s a fun, laid-back vibe and you can tell everything’s made with real passion. Highly recommended for sharing plates, strong drinks, and a little taste adventure!

Tuna toast and river prawn toast, both delicious! The place is very nice and the staff is great too!

The tacos are amazing. Whilst the menu didn’t have a lot of options, everything they did offer was amazing. The pork and beef tacos were succulent and tasty. The prices weren’t bad either. I would recommend sharing a variety of dishes and experience them all.

Delicious food and excellent service; I've recommended it to all my friends. Keep it up, we'll be back!

+ tasty food. Kudos to chef. - Noisy, overcrowded, poor service, uncomfortable and small seats

Attentive service, delicious food, and surprising cocktails. Just what you'd hope for.

Truly one of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam! The atmosphere is fantastic, the food is delicious, and the cocktails are fantastic. They truly elevate Mexican food. Everything feels sophisticated yet incredibly relaxed. A place with a great vibe that I love coming back to again and again!

Very good tacos and very good service! They explained all the options to us and helped us choose. The cocktails are also great. I would definitely go again!

Great atmosphere and even greater food!!! Super chill, lots of chillies ahah

Great food, great service and great atmosphere. It is not the food that will make you full but it the food to say "hmm thats nice!"

Super delicious tacos. Nice and juicy just like in CDMX. Excellent mescal selection as well. Only note that is missing like in mexico is that they dont serve mexican beer like corona or modelo.. only local hipster craft beer.

Mindblowing!😍 Can't wait to come back! Amazing hospitality from the whole staff, they all made us feel so welcome, they were super friendly and kind, especially the Gree girl was rocking it! We had the chance to meet the Greek sous-chef as well, that her touxhes on the dishes were crazy tasty! Exceptional hospitality, I totally recommend it!

Heerlijk gegeten. Goede bediening. Echt Mexicaans.

Amazing tacos in a buzzing environment, with nice people working there.

The food is delicious with great vegan options. When I have gone they had a vegan habanero squash taco which wasn’t listed on the menu, plus all of the vegetarian options can be made vegan if you ask, even though this isn’t explained on the menu. The Tinga Tinga is my favourite but the pumpkin is also amazing! Of the tostadas I prefer the ceviche to the fake oyster, though both are really nice.

Flawless. First rate food: meaty taqueria stalwarts such as lengua and carnitas were pitch perfect, while novel vegan options such as the cauliflower 'ceviche' were very clever indeed. Charming service, morish (and giant!) cocktails, great atmosphere. We were a party of 4, and they happily adjusted tacos that came as a plate of three, which some other taco joints won't do.

Bacalar became my favorite restaurant in Amsterdam! The food and the service were incredible! My favorite dish was the Marinated Octopus Torta - truly unbelievable how good it was! The Tongue Tacos were also my favorites but everything we tried was AMAZING! For what you pay you truly get the value! We left the place really full and happy! Also our waiter was lovely and the cocktails super good!

food is next level, drinks are next level, service is next level!

Celebrated a birthday with 8 people. Full restaurant, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff.

We had a delicious meal, and we'll definitely be back. Favorites: pulpo taco, pork belly, veal tongue, and tuna tostadas.

Truly one of the best restaurants I’ve been to recently. From the engaged an attentive service (getting us some tea because I wa cold) and the amazing and well-timed food (still waiting for the secret recipe of the fake oyster tostada). It was amazing! Higly recommended, can’t wait to come back!

Amazing food, great vibe and service. Will definetely come back.

WOW! I feel in love again. I absolutely loved this restaurant. The most delicious food but more importantly, the sweetest staff!!! Such a cozy atmosphere with lots of lit candles, nice music and drinks that make you wanna stay a bit longer ;) Highly recommend 🥰🌯🍸🕯️💟

Just genuine great food and vegan options. Love love love

It was delicious again! The dishes arrived so quickly this time that we'd already finished three after half an hour... from now on, we'll just order in pairs to give ourselves a little breathing room. Nothing but praise for the variety, taste, experience, and hospitality. Fantastic!

A cosy restaurant with delicious food and great service! Would definitely recommend

Exceptional taco spot with creative vegetarian options that go well beyond typical cactus fillings. We sampled most of their vegetarian selection plus the veal tongue tacos - though the latter was quite rich, with the large meat portion dominating the flavour profile. The standout was definitely the fake oyster tostadas, which had an incredible smoky depth that made it memorable. Their cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and pair beautifully with the tacos. What impressed us most was how they adjust taco quantities based on your group size - a small but brilliant touch that made sharing effortless. Don't skip the spicy dessert if you're feeling adventurous; it's a clever Mexican twist on crème brûlée that caps off the meal perfectly.

We were a family of four... They served us in Spanish super well... The food was all good... We ordered quesadillas, carnitas, octopus tacos and gizzards... Delicious.

The food was truly excellent; the flavors were refined and unique. We chose six dishes, and they were all top-notch, with two dishes that truly stood out. Definitely recommended if you're looking for an authentic and unique take on Mexican food. The service was also very enthusiastic and the quality was excellent. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of places you might find in New York—hip but not too forced.

Limited but great food. Service not too quick on a Saturday but who cares if you have good company. Will definitely go again.

Super tasty tacos and nice options for meat lovers but also vegan options 👌🏼 The vibe and the staff were amazing 🤩

Amazing!!! The best Mexican restaurant ever!!

This place is fantastic - from the food, to the ambiance, to the staff! It will always be a 5 star, have been coming here for 2 years frequently! Only unfortunate point is that they have removed the favorite dish… the baja fish tacos! Pls bring it back asap

My go-to Mexican place the NL. The carnitas taco tastes just like home 🇲🇽🫶🏼. Plus, the service is spot on!

The food is truly ridiculously delicious. It takes a while, but then you get a work of art. And the flavor... Truly fantastic! Highly recommended. Cocktails too!

What a fantastic kitchen! Surprising dishes that were finger-licking good! And you did, because everything was eaten with your hands. The staff clearly enjoyed working there; they were super enthusiastic and friendly. The cocktails were also delicious, just a little bit different! Highly recommended.

I visited Bacalar for the second time. The menu seemed to have been updated. The tuna and octopus tostadas, the carnitas, and the lengua tacos were all a feast for the eyes and tastes: beautiful garnishes, authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and surprising combinations. And all of that with fantastic service and a reasonable price: I'll be back!

You'll definitely want to go here and come back once you've been. The food, the atmosphere, and the delicious cocktails!

Great atmosphere and the staff is incredible. Very friendly and attentive to everything. Delicious plates were quickly collected, and the next round came right away. We tried the vegan dishes. The food was delicious, but expensive… This place is definitely recommended for drinks and snacks.

Food was delicious. Portions are not very big so better to order at least 2-3 per person. Some of the portions have only 1 tortita, some others 3. Better to understand initiallu from the staff. Inside is lovely cozy. Price is acceptable

Cool vibe and great taco's. Beer and cocktails are good too!

The carnitas and slow cooked pork belly tacos are sooo delicious and juicy. Service is also lovely. Will definitely come back some day.

I wanted to try this place since I had heard a lot about it, but unfortunately, the food didn’t meet my expectations. It was okay, but nothing particularly special. The service was quite slow, we had to wave our hands to get the staff’s attention every time we wanted something, then wait a long time for the bill, and again for the pin machine. We payed 130 for two people.

I was excited to try this hype place, unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. I found the tacos all too spicy, the slow beef ones too greasy, the non-alcoholic drinks were underwhelming (kombucha and peach tea). The prices are too high compared to the quality and quantity of food you get.

The food was delicious. We were seated somewhere between "indoors" and "outdoors." The chairs weren't very comfortable for long. The food was truly fantastic! The friendly service provided clear explanations and even asked about any dietary requirements. We chose four different dishes for four people. We ended up ordering a fifth dish because it was so delicious. Highly recommended!

Food was amazing. Very flavorful. By far the best Mexican I’ve had in Amsterdam and will happily go out of my way to go again. Service was a bit hit or miss. Acoustics in the dining room are a bit brutal.

Perfect place for a date! Loved the fake oyster leave tacos. Cocktails are fantastic too. I don’t think walkins are even possible.

Best tacos I have eaten in Europe! Your margaritas are great and strong! Loved it

Check out this restaurant great food and service

Just the way you want dining out to be. Delicious food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere. Reservations are required with a time slot.

The food was incredibly delicious and unique! The service was hospitable, flexible, and friendly.

Amazing food and great staff. The food was delicious. I would 100% recommend.

One of the best tacos I have tried in Amsterdam! They are expensive but worth it. Drinks were also really good. Service is attentive.

El personal era muy amable y dio un montón de recomendaciones sobre eso fue bueno, mi pareja y yo compartimos 4 platos y tuvimos un par de bebidas e IT era un montón de comida volvería a visitar 100%

How can a restaurant that serves one of the best tacos in Amsterdam receive 2 stars? That's a miracle this restaurant managed to find a way to achieve; we had to wait on average 20 minutes between each dish (sharing), and one of the 5 dishes was forgotten by the waiter so we ended giving up on it after a 20 minute clueless wait. Keep in mind the waiter came to clean the table after our 4th dish, and said he'll come back with clean plates for the last dish. After a 20 minute wait we asked him to check with the kitchen, only to find they never received the order in the first place.

Amazing Mexican food. Like no other.

Pretentious food, pretentious attitude of servers. Probably nice for drinks but that's about it. Arrived around which we had no idea their break between service (which isn't on Google maps or wasn't at the time) and they were all pissed off. There wasn't any communication from the host about this or the waitress until they sat us already. Just refuse service next time instead of constantly saying "yeah we've been here all day and we need to eat too". "Hurry up". This is the second Mexican place we have tried in the Amsterdam area and the same experience. Update your hours or politely refuse service...or both

They serve excellence each time I go there. The sweetest people in service and the food is delish af. Go there.

The girl at the reception is just not helpful and willing to work at all. The place was half empty when you came and she was determinate not to give us a table as people with reservation were supposed to come in the next minutes. I believe she could have conveniently seated us at the bar for a quick cocktail + taco bite #dutchservice

Best tacos in Amsterdam, and probably the Netherlands as well.

We had such a wonderful time! We only had an hour before an event, but in that hour we enjoyed several delicious dishes. The chef accidentally gave us the wrong octopus dish, but the mistake tasted delicious! The cocktails were also truly delicious. 🍹 I make my own cocktails and am almost always disappointed when I order them in bars and restaurants, but yours were DELICIOUS! As soon as I'm back in Amsterdam, I'd love to join you for a longer dinner. 😋 Thanks!

Tucked away in the industrial charm of Amsterdam Noord, Bacalar brings the soul of Mexico’s Yucatán to life with bold flavors and a beautifully raw, stylish setting. The menu is packed with standouts, but the Atún is an absolute favorite—fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. Paired with their smoky margarita and warm, handmade tortillas, it’s an unforgettable experience. Bacalar is a must-visit for anyone looking for inventive cuisine in one of the city’s coolest corners.

Bacalar was our choice for Friday evening, and it didn’t disappoint. If you want to find a table or sit outside, make sure to book a reservation—it gets busy! The tacos were absolutely delicious. We tried the blood sausage (morcilla) and sweetbread (mollejas) tacos—even though they weren’t on the menu, I swear they’re a must-try! The octopus and tuna tacos were also fantastic. I had a couple of spicy margaritas, and they were really good. The service was excellent, with everyone being super friendly and attentive. This place is definitely going to be our new favorite taco spot in Amsterdam.

We had the best time at Bacalar last week! My boyfriend and I came in to celebrate our anniversary after hearing great reviews about the place, and we were not disappointed! Everything from the ambiance to the music to the food was wonderful — the fish taco is *insanely* good. Special shoutout to the blonde woman who sat us and recommended her favorite margarita to us. One of the best smokey margaritas I’ve ever had (and this is coming from a Californian.) 😮‍💨 We will definitely be back! Thanks team Bacalar 🫶🏻🌮

Delicious food, very friendly service

The hostess at this place is, without exaggeration, one of the most insufferable individuals I’ve ever encountered in hospitality. Wearing Vibram FiveFingers like a warning sign, she oozed condescension and hostility from between each toe. We walked in (the horror!) hoping for a meal, only to be met with a theatrical display of smug disbelief, as if we had just spat on the floor rather than asked for a table. Instead of simply telling us they were full, she embarked on a bizarre interrogation, seemingly offended by our very presence. The disdain was palpable. I’ve met bouncers at nightclubs with more grace and tact. But here’s the kicker: we returned with a reservation and the tacos were absolutely fire. Spitefully good. It’s almost offensive that a place capable of producing food that delicious would allow such an antagonistic presence at the door. If you can stomach the gatekeeping gauntlet, the kitchen makes it (almost) worth it.

Such a good Time here! True Mexican food it was a great experience. Delicious food.

Super tasty and very hospitable! We accidentally reserved a bar place but quickly got a good table. Food is exceptionally tasty, like in Mexico or San Francisco in original Taco bars. Definitely recommended!

Quality food, good drinks and friendly service. Probably the best tacos I have gotten here since moving from California - and just like there, the best taquerias are always next to a garage!

The food was already phenomenal but the bartender Connor made our experience really excellent.

As a Mexican, I am always overly critical of Mexican joints abroad. I've been to Balacar twice now and on both occasions, we had a mixed experience. Space and noise: The acoustics in the space are really bad. When we arrived, it was terribly noisy and the seating was really uncomfortable. As it got darker, a big lamp next to our table had to be covered with a sweater because it was literally blinding some people in our party. Service: Overall so so. Some of the waitresses looked like they had lost all joy in life. This is a MEXICAN restaurant. People in Mexico are friendly and warm. At the start, the service was as cold as a frozen pizza. Eventually some of the waitresses warmed up and things got better. Connor, the barkeeper, was the best. He came over to our table repeatedly and also offered replacement drinks for cocktails that were simply undrinkable. Food & Drinks: Overall, the food was good albeit crazy expensive. What I didn't like were the tiny metal bowls with drops of salsa. The pico de gallo was so miniscule that it was finished after the second totopo. However, the tacos and tostadas we got were generally very tasty. The drinks on the other hand were a massive fail. The first non-alcoholic margarita I got was so sour it was like battery acid. My friend's spicy margarita was so spicy she was at risk of internal injuries. When the drinks were replaced, they were better but still, the non-alcoholic drinks are really below par. The drinks menu itself is so hard to read you have to bring your own magnifying glass. And what's with the crossed out menu items that are actually printed rather than crossed out with a pen? It would also be nice if they had a more Mexican selection of desserts. The crème brûlée was tasty but apart from a spicy aftertaste, had nothing to do with Mexico. Anyway, with a few tweaks and happier staff, this place would get 5* from me.

My favorite place in Amsterdam. Tuna Tostada and Lengua Tacos are a must have!

🌮 Review of Bacalar – Mexican Restaurant in Amsterdam 🇲🇽 Bacalar in Amsterdam delivers great Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The food is flavorful and well-executed—tacos, tostadas, and cocktails are the highlights, making it a fantastic spot for anyone craving authentic yet contemporary Mexican cuisine. That said, the ambience leans more towards a bar vibe than a cozy restaurant. It’s a lively, casual setting—great for a fun evening out, but not the most intimate or warm for a quiet dinner. 📝 Verdict: • Food: 9/10 – rich flavors, great quality. • Ambience: 7.5/10 – trendy but lacks warmth. • Overall rating: 8.5/10 Perfect if you’re in the mood for amazing food in a buzzing atmosphere, just not your go-to for a romantic or cozy dinner.

A True Mexican Gem Our trip to Bacalar was nothing short of amazing. Bathed in sunshine, the stunning lagoon and peaceful surroundings offered a truly relaxing and refreshing escape. For a moment, it felt like we were transported to another state of mind—calm, carefree, and completely present. It was a beautiful experience we won’t forget. Truly lovely!

Amazing food, and so cozy and shit. It's a great place to spend your night, especially in summer time!

The best authentic Mexican food in Amsterdam. Spanish is spoken here. Try the language.

Nice service and the new pulpo ceviche taco’s are an amazing addition to an already tasty menu. We’re keeping the b’day tradition dinners at Bacalar!

Amazing restaurant, best Mexican food I had in Amsterdam and veryyy friendly and nice staff. Highly recommend!! 😋

Always some of the best and most interesting Mexican combinations in Amsterdam. Great service and great drinks. They have a non-alcoholic margarita which was also great.

A Mexican gem in Amsterdam-Noord. Lively atmosphere and the food…ay ay ay! Super delicious.

Great service, very nice food, cocktails were on point too! Great atmosphere. Recommend booking a table in advance.

The food was amazing,  the staff very lovely and friendly. However, our experience turned into a NIGHTMARE as my wife was drugged in the restaurant. She woke up with a full blackout, convinced that she was going to die. We almost had to take her to a hospital the next day. Very sad and traumatic experience.

Super nice relaxed atmosphere, great service and delicious snacks and cocktails

Very nice eatery in Noord. Just to manage expectations: You mainly eat tacos and tostadas here and no cutlery is used. So maybe not the best place for a charming first date, but in all other cases: definitely go there! The dishes are all delicious and are prepared and served quite quickly (so don't expect a 2-hour dinner). Also an extensive menu of cocktails and mescals. Going by on a whim is a risk: to be sure of a spot, it is better to reserve a table two weeks in advance.

Super nice place, amazing food, interesting tasty drinks and last but not least super friendly, kind and cool folks working there.. Definitively back to try more delicious dishes... and drinks

Great food, no nonsense atmosphere. Great evening!

Mega enjoyed the entourage, cocktails and tacos. Everything was done and told with enthusiasm.

Love this place. Service is great, food is amazing!

Best Mexican ever! Great food, vegetarian options, fun and attentive staff and delicious cocktails!

The food and cocktails were excellent, with rich and fresh flavors. However, the service was chaotic, which is disappointing because I loved the food. It took too long for our orders to arrive, and one dish we ordered never came at all. The waitress didn't even notice this. Although she apologized, she made no effort to offer us a replacement or any other compensation (fortunately, we weren't very hungry) btw you want to have a proper meal, be prepared to overpay because it's pricey. Additionally, they brought us two incorrect orders. The octopus taco was the only dish I enjoyed, as I couldn’t try the other options. As a recommendation, the restaurant should put up some shades to stay outside to block a little bit of the sun to make the experience more pleasant.

What I like the most was the vibe, the staff are very friendly and helpful, specially the Mexican guy, his jokes were funny and he made our visit pleasant

Amazing! Could not get enough of the pork belly tacos. 😍

Not a bargain, but delicious. We like going there. But for two people, the hundred bucks go quickly. Without a reservation, it's usually difficult.

Food was OK, drinks were great. Overall, the menu was insanely priced for the amount of food you get. If you want to actually have a proper meal, you have to be willing to seriously overspend. I feel like Amsterdam does this to Mexican food in general though. Street food concept with high end dining prices.

Cool place to hangout in Amsterdam away from crowd with great food and best cocktails.

Neat and eclectic. Great drinks and food was flavorful!