Café Loetje in Museumkwartier

Delicious food, beautiful place, great company, and friendly staff. Highly recommended!

The food was so good, I forgot to get a picture! This was the best meal I’ve had in Europe! I ordered the sole fish and my husband got the famous steak and fries! I highly recommend reservations.

A lovely place to eat in Amsterdam. We were welcomed with our dog, and the staff was very helpful. We even got some water for the dog and a biscuit. Both the main course and dessert were excellent. Definitely recommended for a bite to eat or a drink.

We've never had this experience at any other Loetje branch. Service at this branch is seriously lacking. Orders were mixed up, service was rude, and instead of helping the customer, they left the responsibility on us. Furthermore, despite all the negative experiences we've had, demanding an additional tip was completely unprofessional. This is the first time we've left this brand so disappointed. I don't recommend it.

Food was good, table was a little small for all the plates and side dishes. Service was quick (maybe a little too quick).

Nice atmosphere, had a great meal with old friends. Famous for steak

The waiter refused to seat us, saying another table was clear. Then he angrily took the plates away, as if cursing. He needs psychiatric treatment.

The steak was excellent as usual, and the location is fantastic, but it would be really nice if Loetje had properly functioning heating, both in the restaurant and the conservatory. The drafty and leaky conservatory was supposed to be renovated, but that hasn't happened yet either. It's a shame, because these days you pay a hefty price for a simple steak, fries, and salad in the cold! Because of that, I no longer recommend it in winter, even though I've been a customer since Loetje opened!

We popped in spontaneously on Saturday evening and were given a great spot in the restaurant. We had a wonderful meal! The service was quick and friendly. We were delighted with the steak, of course, but also with the dessert. We were amazed by the beautiful ceiling light. In short, thank you!

The restaurant was bustling with activity around 7 pm on Saturday. Despite having made a reservation, we had to wait about half an hour to reach the reception desk. However, the wait was definitely worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed the steak and its special sauce. The desserts were equally delicious.

We managed to get a table for 11 people at the last minute on a Saturday—a miracle! We did have to wait almost an hour, though. The service at the bar wasn't great, but the waitstaff was much better, and the guy who handles reservations was lovely. The food was generally good, although their star dish, the steak, came with an excessively oily sauce; the salads and desserts were also good. The Primitivo red wine was also good. A pleasant place in a very nice neighborhood.

We made a reservation at 8 pm, they let us wait for 45 minutes without any communication. Same for other groups with a reservation. We don’t mind waiting a little longer, but at least make an effort to inform and update us when you let so many people wait.

Loetje is almost always good. This is a beautiful location and also has a lovely conservatory-like atmosphere where we sat. The food was delicious and the service was great.

Don’t let the picture fool you. It’s very dark in the restaurant. Two excellent steaks - soft and tasty. A salad with delicious bacon. Good dessert. *Great service.* The steak sauce was a bit salty. The bread they served for dipping in the steak sauce was very simple (a slice); better bread would have upgraded everything. Prices aren’t cheap, but not expensive either…

Very good food. Reasonable prices.

We had a delicious tenderloin steak, which we ordered separately with mushrooms and fries. Definitely worth repeating.

I will never again eat a steak that does the backstroke in the gravy for the same price as 1.5 grams of pure gold 😜

This is the best steak I've ever had.

Had a wonderful meal with friends. Steak and bread, of course, but the fries were delicious. Friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere. Reservations are recommended.

The atmosphere is nice but the place is expensive for the taste.

Atmosphere, service, quality, quantity, choice, price. It's all there!! We had a perfect evening in this place, a huge thank you! We will definitely be back :-)

Faded glory, truly a shame. Steak is truly inedible.

Top class steak, everything was absolutely delicious

Great classic Dutch spot. Very good meat, great sauce. A lovely place to end a quiet, rainy Sunday. Just like home.

Really good experience. The gravy was so special and the steak was something else… wow

The food was delicious and there's a great vibe. This is where all Loetjes originated, and honestly, I think it's the tastiest of all.

Visited on a local's recommendation. The staff kept coughing while serving. They pretended to be friendly, but their eyes clearly showed their displeasure. While many people frequent this place, they lacked basic service.

Very tasty and cheap compared to Israel.

Delicious steak with matching gravy. To die for.

Great spot for drinks and a light mid afternoon snack. Their sweet potato fries with garlic aioli are the best we’ve ever had and trust me. We’ve eaten lots over the years in many states and countries. The only knock is the service is extremely slow and the staff was pretty good at avoiding all customers. Quite a few tables had to go hunt them down to get anything.

Reliably great steaks…a favorite among flight crew staying nearby. The “Bali” sauce is a favorite.

Juiciest steak and delishes side dishes, highly recommend... spoiler, Bali is extra hot

Two stars for the nice food, but seriously lacking in customer service. Great location but let down by the customer service. The staff were brisk and unwelcoming. The man that delivered the side salad to the table, dumped it down on his way past without saying a word or making eye contact. The two waitresses were rushing by and we couldn't get their attention when two of our meals were incorrect. Food (mains) was nice enough but the sides felt like something you'd get in McDonald's for fraction of the cost. Our second round of drinks didn't arrive but were still added to the bill. When we flagged this, the waitress just took them off, no apologies or acknowledgement. Our table was pushed in a corner, too small for 4 adults to eat comfortably. Its such a shame as we have found most restaurants and the dutch people to be polite, friendly and welcoming. Wouldn't recommend this place, they obviously don't need the business.

More like a glorified food shack than a good meal at Loetje. We weren't asked how we wanted our steak, and it was quite tough (you'd think you'd get it medium). The salad was forgotten. The staff shouted across our table several times to communicate, and it was all just slapped onto the table. We didn't make a big deal about it because we'd already eaten and just wanted something to eat, but this is definitely not a recommended Loetje experience.

A pitiful little piece of steak for way too much money. The sauce was too watery. No choice of pepper sauce. Not recommended. Better go to an Argentinian restaurant; they at least know how steak should be. You also have to pay extra for fries and vegetables. Never again for me.

Best meal we at in Amsterdam all week.

The best fillet steak of my life! We went with friends to this restaurant, frequented mostly by Dutch people, based on the excellent reviews. The restaurant is located quite close to the museum district, but not exactly close to the city center. We had some really good shrimp croquettes, but the real highlight is definitely the fillet steak! There are three types, but I personally recommend the classic one, without any added ingredients. Try it and you'll be amazed. I recommend not arriving too late, as it's not very popular with tourists, so it closes quite early in the evening.

The staff was friendly and the food was amazing.

Decent steak. The "gravy" is a pool of butter which tastes nice (it's melted butter), but the steak itself was rather average. Staff was unremarkable. Location is nice.

The food was delicious. The steak was excellent. Tender, with a delicious gravy and a slice of white bread. You have to order the garnishes separately. Everything tasted great. Five of the six people working there were pleasant and helpful. We were served quickly because we had to go to the theater afterward. We were well taken into account. Not five stars because a staff member wrongly told us that other people had arrived earlier than us and were waiting longer, and then it took quite a while before we were seated. It really felt like a second-rate meal.

Went with an acquaintance and really enjoyed the food. I’ll post pictures because my Dutch is lacking. We ordered a few drink, Moscow Mule and a Pornstar Martini, lovey by anyone’s standards.The croquettes were a beautiful way to start the evening off. All texture components were spot on, crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside. Then we moved along to our main courses. The star of the show on both plates was the garlic gravy. 10 out of 10 will come again. The service was exceptional. The only blights were sitting under the skylight that was open and getting drizzled on by rain.Also the space was tight and there was a lot of movement that was not ideal near and by the table but still this is an absolute gem when visiting Amsterdam.

Delicious steak and a cozy atmosphere. Always busy but worth it. Friendly service and typically Amsterdam!

I had the Loetje tenderloin with sautéed onions. Wonderful meal that felt like comfort food. Have the churros with lemon curd if it's still on the menu, great way to finish the meal.

Comimos aquí como una familia de cuatro y nos encantó. El ambiente es animado y auténticamente Holandés, y los filetes son simplemente fantásticos. Servicio era amable, porciones generosas, y todo probado en el lugar. Recomiendo encarecidamente si estás en la zona - asegúrese de revisarlo!

Waardeloze bediening, zeker de mevrouw met de blonde haren. Lang wachten en desinteresse, totaal onnodig aangezien er genoeg personeel was op dat moment Shame on you

It was my first time trying Loetje, I was impressed by the quality of the meat they use, it was super tender and the gravy sauce was full of flavor.

While passing through, we wanted to taste the specialties, and that's what we did in this restaurant: delicious, served with a smile and quickly.

Loetje is famous for one thing: steak. Not just any steak, but steak unapologetically drowned in buttery gravy, the kind that makes you wonder if you should just skip the fries and drink it straight. You can order it in three sizes, depending on your appetite—or your ambition. Naturally, it comes with fries (golden, not soggy) and that unmistakably Dutch mayo, which basically means it’s socially acceptable to eat an entire jar of it as long as you call it a condiment. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of wine and you’ll suddenly forget all about that overpriced sandwich you had earlier at the museum café. Speaking of which: this is the original Loetje, the very first one, which automatically makes it the oldest of several others in the country. (you’re welcome for the history lesson). Prices are fair, the atmosphere is classic, and the waitstaff serve it all up with a healthy dose of Amsterdam wit—which is free, but may sting a little. Visiting the Van Gogh or Rijksmuseum? Loetje is just a short walk away. Reservations aren’t always necessary, but unless you enjoy waiting and watching other people eat steak while you question your life choices, you might want to book ahead.

This restaurant is located in a residential area a little ways from the city center. I was impressed by the quiet atmosphere and the friendly service of the staff. I chose the smallest steak, but it was so refreshing that I regret not ordering a larger one. The restaurant has an open space and is spread throughout the building. I would love to go again.

Ottimo locale con un’atmosfera piacevolissima. Servizio cordiale. Abbiamo mangiato benissimo, soprattutto la carne. Consigliato.

Excellent restaurant. Very conveniently located, elegant yet simple decor, and quick, courteous service. The food is absolutely authentic. The menu is good, the meat is good, and the appetizers are well-prepared. They also offer vegan options. The prices are absolutely reasonable. Not touristy.

Great options, find myself coming back here often

We ordered the traditional steak plate but it was extremely salty and came with stale bread. If you are here for that kind of experience then you might like it. If you want more options and healthier varieties, then it's better to look elsewhere.

Delicious meat at Café Loetje, located near Museumplein. We ordered the Biefstuk Ossenhaas with fries and croquettes. Everything was delicious. The desserts were also excellent. We will definitely return.

The service was so poor. They were too noisy and aggressive when servicing!

The small steak was truly delicious. The larger ones were cold inside, a shame.

Hicimos una reserva en Café Loetje en nuestra primera noche en Amsterdam y IT no decepcionó. Mi marido ha estado viniendo aquí durante años y no podía esperar a volver, pero para mí y nuestros amigos Holandeses IT era nuestra primera visita. ¡Qué deliciosa cena y agradable velada tuvimos! Todos excepto yo pedimos los famosos filetes que son realmente suntuosos y vienen con su elección de un lado. Pedí el pollo satay que era increíble, con una salsa llena de especias y sabores que eran nuevos para mí. Esta no era la salsa de maní sosa que se asocia con el satay. Decidimos pedir patatas para compartir y todos creemos que la mayonesa se hizo desde cero. ¡Qué decadente! Tomamos colectivamente vino tinto, cerveza, café expreso, café irlandés y un licor de cereza que se llama « Hemel op Aarde (fijne jordaansche likeur) » que fue extraordinario. Más tarde intentamos encontrar IT pero no tuvimos éxito. En general, el Servicio fue cálido y rápido y atento. La comida fue inolvidable. Por último, el ambiente exterior en la terraza cubierta era acogedor, con los calentadores funcionando ya que teníamos episodios de lluvia y las temperaturas estaban en los 60 s. Una nota rápida sobre el Nivel de ruido... no había de qué preocuparse. Nuestro amigo no puede hablar alto y siempre está preocupado cuando salimos a comer. No puede esperar a volver. ¡Nosotros tampoco! Gracias Café Loetje por una memorable primera noche en Amsterdam!

That Bali steak is not from this world ❤️

We came across a waiter who was a bit of a hothead, but he was a really smart guy, the kind who understands roasted chickpeas without even mentioning them. Their meat was delicious, too.

Eating on the express train, hold on tight to your card! Eating here feels like being on the intercity: finished your starter? The main course is already honking on the platform. You'll be outside within 45 minutes, whether you want it or not. The steak was fine, the chicken livers dry. But you don't get time to think about it. And be careful when paying: our bill was higher than the amount shown on the receipt. Apparently, this happens often. In short: a quick bite, but check your receipt and card before the train departs!

Food is tasty, a bit expensive but pretty much Amsterdam prices.

The best restaurant we've been to in the Netherlands. The food is delicious. The burger was fantastic. Booked a table in advance.

Best steak we have ever eaten!!!!! Fantastic

An insider tip for tourists and highly recommended.

Typical Dutch restaurant where you can taste the most typical dishes. Good atmosphere and friendly staff. Beautiful place. Nice terrace.

Delicious!! Best place for food and drinks on Haarlemerstraat!

Since its establishment (2025), it has been nearly 50 years old and is very popular among locals. Currently, it has opened dozens of branches in the Netherlands, with nearly ten branches in Amsterdam alone. The branch by the water next to the central station must have a good environment. This time we visited the main store that was first established in 1977. It is only a walking distance from Museumplein and the Van Gogh Museum. The dining environment is also very good. It is divided into three areas: indoor, outdoor, and semi-outdoor. This time we sat in the semi-outdoor glass space that I like best. In addition to not being affected by the changeable weather, the lighting and atmosphere are excellent. For the meal, I ordered Loetje's classic original steak. When it was served, I saw that there was only steak and sauce on the plate, nothing else. The store advertised that it was "no nonsense". Although the tone might be a bit strong, I also appreciate this straightforward style. The biggest highlight of this tenderloin steak is the taste. After eating it, "juicy" and "homogeneous" are the most distinctive features. This "juicy" feeling is not just juicy, as if the surrounding sauce has also penetrated into it. The store said that it was cooked with medium rare, but I think there should be other techniques to achieve this somewhat special juicy taste and flavor; "homogeneous" is reflected in the fact that the taste of the whole piece of meat from the part below the skin to the bottom is almost uniformly juicy and tender. Overall, it is a very impressive steak. If there is a small pity, it is probably that it lacks fragrance compared to some other delicious steaks I have tasted. This should be due to the selected meat part and cooking method. For me, the flaws do not outweigh the merits. The side dishes were also very good. The salad was fresh and refreshing, which contrasted sharply with the flavor of the steak, and the two formed an excellent match. The sweet potato fries I ordered were a little surprising (I was also glad that I didn't order ordinary fries). The sweet potato fries themselves were fragrant and sweet, with a crispy texture. If you dip the sweet potato fries in the steak sauce, it will produce another interesting and beautiful flavor. It is recommended as a must-order. Overall recommended Ps. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment

¡Muy grosero servicio! El lugar no estaba ocupado, pero dijo que esperara una hora para ser servido. Se nota por los sirvientes, y la falta de sonrisa en su cara, IT es miserable estar allí. Como turista, no puedes evitar IT para comprobar el lugar!

I really enjoyed the meat at this place, which they serve with its own juices or with a spicy sauce. Add some fries and croquettes and it's glorious. It's close to the museums, so it's a great option to go for lunch after visiting a museum. I'll definitely come back again and again!

As we've come to expect from Loetje, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal here. We'd made a reservation in advance, which was a good thing, as you want to be sure of a spot when dining here on a Friday afternoon/evening. We'd let them know in advance that we had another appointment nearby. This wasn't a problem at all, and they were very accommodating. The staff was friendly and helpful; an extra slice of bread wasn't a problem, as using the gravy with your bare hands isn't recommended. We had a delicious, well-cooked steak. We ordered the Bali steak ourselves, and it was a real treat. Our experience was good, and we definitely recommend it. I'm a big eater and think I'll order the large next time; I'd chosen the medium this time. But it was a pleasantly busy and atmospheric place. From a hospitality perspective, it was also great to see the bar license on the wall. Authentic. At one point, it was so busy that there were no more seats. I think it says enough about Loetje's preparation method, atmosphere and taste.

The food is very good, but the portions are small and expensive. Service was mediocre. In particular, you sometimes had to request something several times before it was served, and the wait time was a bit long.

Good thick cut medium rare steak. You'll be given some bread to eat with the sauce on the plate. I tried the option with the added chicken livers, ham and onions. The chicken livers are slightly crispy on the outside which give a good bite and are tasty. Ham is too salty though. If I go back the next time I'll go just for the steak on the plate alone and order the chicken livers on the side to share. The steak is quite pricey though at almost 30 euro for the medium size.

Not the most welcoming. Staff are not attentive or personable but not sure if it's their custom or language issues or just general unfriendliness. Food was mid. Atmosphere was OK. There are better restaurants with better energy. Not worth it to experience the food. You can try steak and bitterballen anywhere to be honest.

Meat specialty. They cook the meat deliciously and perfectly, although they present it with a generous amount of beef blood sauce and butter (something very Dutch, I understand). It's very tasty, although very different from grilled meat. The service is impersonal (typical Dutch), but there's a lovely patio and conservatory.

Family recipes-mainly featuring steak and sides. A nice wine list and good cocktails. Would recommend for a steakhouse in Amsterdam

Try the Bitterballen. You will thank me!

The most delicious steak I’ve ever had! My mouth was watering! I wish I lived near here so I could go every day.

Un filete en Loetje's estaba en nuestra lista de cosas que hacer mientras estaba en Amsterdam basado en una recomendación de un amigo holandés. Entramos, esperamos a sentarnos mientras otros entraban. Nos ofrecieron mesas específicas, y cuando preguntamos si podíamos sentarnos en una mesa específica cerca del agua, ¡bruscamente nos dijeron que no! Nos sentamos en nuestra mesa asignada y esperamos, y esperamos. Finalmente después de 20 minutos la camarera vino a tomar nuestro pedido solo para ser informado de que nos equivocamos de menú. Era el menú del almuerzo. Deberíamos tener el menú de la cena. Tenemos un menú para la cena. Después de 30 minutos una camarera nos pregunta cuáles serán nuestras bebidas. Pedimos dos Cav Sav. Tratamos de hacer nuestro pedido de comida al mismo tiempo. Ella sólo acepta el pedido de bebidas que llegan muy rápido. Y esperamos. Hemos terminado el vino cuando la camarera finalmente decide tomar nuestro pedido de comida. Ya hemos tenido suficiente. Pagamos el vino y nos vamos. Este es el peor servicio que hemos experimentado en este viaje que incluye Hungría, Suiza, Alemania y Holanda. Ahora estamos sentados en un restaurante llamado Gauchos. Excelentes filetes y excelente servicio.

Hungry after the Rijksmuseum, I wanted something Dutch, so we came here. When arriving the conservatorium (with the glass roof) was packed, and we opted for the bar instead of the back room, which was a little stuffy, but it is a fine room for small kids for parents to be able to keep an eye on them. We sat at the bar. The bar was empty but soon filled up when a line formed for tables. Of the 4 or 5 places where we ordered bitterballen on our holiday, this place had my favorite. They were crisp outside, gooey in the middle, and so, so lekker! There were vegetarian options also. I had the beets and loaded sweet potato fries. My dining partner had the steak and green beans. The steak was cooked perfectly. The only issue was that the place seemed understaffed. They really need someone else to clear the tables and help the bar person. The servers busted their asses doing everything. Give them a raise! And sitting next to dirty glasses was not pleasant, but that spot at the bar had the best view.

Lovely cafe, busy so reservations are recommended. Delicious fried liver eaten and my friend/colleague their famous steak. Everything was deliciously prepared and portion was more than enough. Top service with a lovely atmosphere.

Buena ubicación, aunque un comedor al aire libre sucio. El servicio era mixto - un camarero era acogedor y atento; los otros dos nos trataron como un inconveniente. O tal vez no les gusta la gente española. La comida era normal.

Steak was good but service average.

Simply the most delicious steak, with friendly service!

First night in Amsterdam, made reservations ahead of time!!! Recommended by a friend who lived in Amsterdam. Food was fabulous, fresh and delicious! A must if you are in Amsterdam!!! Maker a res. If going for dinner!

Steak was good. Stack of white bread and a ladle of gravy complete the party. Reservation did not go completely smoothly, but the experienced service made up for it.

Het eten was voortreffelijk. Heel vriendelijke bediening. En vele groetjes aan medewerker Mark die in verlof was, groetjes Astrid Janssens en Ingrid Vagenende uit Wetteren (België).

Café Loetje is highly recommended! This is the original Loetje, the very first location where it all started. We have been there several times and will definitely come back. The steak is always cooked perfectly and the gravy is really great – full of flavour and just right. All the variations are delicious, whether you go for the spicy Bali, the classic Original or the garlic variation. It is always cosy and comfortable. Good atmosphere, friendly staff and consistently high quality. In short: a top address for a wonderful evening out!

Lousy service. Reserved & on time. Full house. We had to wait at the bar until a table became available (there were already at least 10 people waiting). Waiting time at least 20 minutes. Making a reservation is pointless. Left without eating. Never again this Loetje!!!! This is how Loetje is ruined by its own success.

A top-notch restaurant, a pleasant discovery. Very good meat, cooked to perfection. Friendly service. A stone's throw from the museums but away from the crowds.

Gezellige Loetje, hier gegeten na bezoek Concertgebouw. Ik neem altijd hetzelfde : biefstuk Bali met brood, friet en salade. En zo’n heerlijke Loetje Blond erbij. Heerlijk gegeten! Tafel vooraf reserveren is slim!

The place is nice and the people who serve are very friendly.

The taste is so-so, but after paying the first time, they said the payment didn't go through and asked me to do it again, so I paid twice. I checked my card details and went back two hours later, but they said I couldn't cancel the card or get a cash refund, and told me to email the head office and contact them. When I emailed them, they said they'd process it if I gave them my account number, but where can tourists use their account in the Netherlands? It's ridiculous. I still haven't received a refund. Don't go. Sigh It's so frustrating. I wonder if they habitually do this to tourists.

Nice place with a nice atmosphere. Very good meat. I would gladly go back.

The food was delicious, we asked for the Loetje filet and fries and the blondes of the house. Everything tasted just as we imagined, the waiter was nice but you cannot have 3 waiters for the whole place. So we have to wait for 20 minutes between first and main and we left the dessert because we have to leave. :/

Food is great. But be mindful that It's not possible to get a good seat without reservation. The head waitress asked me to get up from the window seat and move to another table which was kind of a rude experience.

At the time of arrival it was quite busy. After waiting for some time we asked the waiter if we order with him or the counter. He replied with him but was busy at that moment. I replied that’s fine. Downhill from there. The restaurant was emptying, customers paying and tables cleaned. We tried to make eye contact with anyone, held our menus in view but none of the staff were checking the room. Needless to say we decided not to give this restaurant our business which was disappointing as it was beautiful. I did make eye contact with the waiter who I spoke to who seemed unfazed. Maybe he just couldn’t remember??? Recommend an update on customer service to improve. I assume they would not really care about my review because the restaurant must serve many every day but I feel the owner should be aware of negative feedback.

Excellent food and very quiet, to relax and eat at ease

Marvelous meat covered in onion

Return customer? Never. The food was average. The service was utterly poor. Low appetite value for the price. The attitudes and manners demonstrated by the staff (especially one of the male with tattoo) were not appreciated. First, we were asked if we want still or sparkling water. We understand that business aims to maximise profit hence the upselling. Since the attitude was not pleasant, we asked for tap water instead (common for restaurants to provide tap water). So don’t fall for this trick, unless €€€ is not an issue and you genuinely prefer still or sparkling water. Some other examples were poor courtesy(e.g. no thank you, bye etc), straight black face, zero recommendations (did not even ask for the doneness of the steaks), requested to clear our plates when we were not even done. Hey perhaps, it was a bad day - but it wasn’t. We observed that the staff does not treat the same to the locals and perhaps, some tables had more generous orders. Further, the menu caught our attention. If you expect a €20 - €30 steak with the usual sides (fries, veg etc), you may forget it. All sides require additional €€€. Otherwise, it’ll just be the plain steak. Overall, it was an unpleasant dinner. Will not recommend to head back to this particular outlet, maybe other outlets are better.

It was an easy late afternoon for a simple lunch and steak was good with a reasonable price.