Eetsalon Van Dobben in Grachtengordel-Zuid

Treated very poorly and a completely different order arrived as well, and it was even unhygienic. Very disappointing, not recommended!!

⚠️ If you buy something here, be aware that you may be supporting a company whose owner is accused of serious misconduct. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the way au pairs are treated, with allegations that they are used as cheap labor and forced to work under conditions bordering on exploitation. Therefore, do thorough research before supporting this cause.

The sandwiches aren't for everyone. It's just a nice tourist spot to pop in. The minced meat sandwich is excellent, but I wouldn't recommend the croquette sandwich. It's cheap, but not very good.

This place is….not good. Look, I get it. It’s a Dutch staple. Sadly that doesn’t make this slop taste any better. The condescending attitude of the staff doesn’t help. By FAR my worst meal in an otherwise delicious tour of the city.

Amazing food and very kind waitresses

For over 75 years, exactly what you would expect from it. It’s nice that you can still get a simple sandwich somewhere in Amsterdam.

“Broodje kroket” is the must-have item from the menu. All cold cuts are excellent, and very fresh as they have massive turnover. For the true experience, add a glass of milk (either full fat or 2%).

They were incredibly rude and snapped at me really hard, in front of a packed place, for no reason whatsoever. It is humiliating to be spoken to like a child just because you are trying to pay your bill. Go spend your money somewhere else.

The herring sandwich was delicious, and so was the fried cod.

Worst espresso I’ve had, but the croquets were delicious, also nice prices

Traditional Dutch croquette sandwich. Very tasty and good service. Always very busy though!

Had a Dobben sandwich, just like in the old days. Delicious!

Best filet american in the Netherlands.

Really great food! I found it a bit chaotic at first, but after asking about the menu, everything became much easier. The food was amazing, really authentic, typical, and fresh. I’d also say the prices are very fair and honest.

Best croquette and bitterballen in town!!

This is really always good. I love coming here and the food never disappoints. Everything is so delicious.

Love this place! Old school Dutch sandwiches and snacks

Not super special or anything, just fine, don't really get the hype.

I always come back here when I'm in Amsterdam.

Highly overrated place. As soon as they see you're not a local, they'll treat you with their fists and no qualms. The food is quite good, but it's absolutely not worth the money, and especially the service. The two owners are extremely rude and irritable. Not recommended for any tourist.

I have never been treated as poorly or as disrespectful as I had by the female server at this place. I tried to open the front door with my shirt covering my hand bc I didn’t want to touch a handle that ton of people have touched and then eat (something I always do to avoid getting sick). When I struggled with the door, the female worker literally yelled at me in front of all the customers saying, “What is wrong with you? Huh? What is wrong with you? You have to open a door with your shirt? Maybe you shouldn’t come to Amsterdam if you have to do that.” It was like an annoyed parent yelling at kid at a party in front of people. And as a grown adult that is very respectful of Amsterdam culture and its people it was shocking to see how belittling and rude this woman was. They also overcharged us for the sandwich and waters. Very scammy. I wish I would have read the poor reviews before deciding to go. I would have saved myself from getting yelled at and money. Worst place ever. Worst customer service. They are clearly annoyed by tourists and are not shy about communicating it. Very disappointing. That woman acted like a petulant child and should be embarrassed about her actions.

Absolutely top-notch. The best of the best. We’ve been coming here for years. It’s always a pleasure to come here for a nice sandwich. Good old-fashioned "old school" way. We don't live in the neighborhood anymore, but that makes it a lot more special now.

Perfect if you're looking for a simple, delicious, affordable meal

Food was great. A great mix of tastes! I love eating it with the mustard so much. The ladies there was very nice too :)

Very typical and top-notch service!

This place really felt authentic and was worth every cent as we kept ordering and trying different things. Incredibly good prices and very good quality of ingredients and execution. We loved the corned beef and the stuffed croquettes, the buns were so soft and fresh and the service very fast and polite!

Great place. Lovely, pleasant chats

It's pretty amazing to still be able to have shops like this, existing in the 21st century. Don't expect anything complicated or fancy, but it's worth going and having a meal.

This place was very delicious! I highly recommend going there. Some of the staffs were nice but some were a little moody. Overall i would come back here again.

Highly recommended. Delicious sandwiches and has been around for ages. A well-known phenomenon in Amsterdam.

This is the must-visit local diner if you are in Amsterdam. You take a seat and order what you like to eat and the food will come out in less than a few minutes. Very fresh ingredients for the rolls for the price. Much satisfying than most of franchised fast food restaurants. Even when it’s full inside, it won’t take much time to wait since everyone can finish eating fairly quickly and most of people there would not overstay. It’s worth trying if you are in the town.

Van Dobben was one of those places I wanted to try for a classic Dutch food experience, and it delivered. I went for the broodje kroket—a crispy croquette on a simple white roll with plenty of mustard—along with bitterballen and more mustard for dipping. There’s nothing fancy about it, and that’s exactly the point. Van Dobben has been an Amsterdam institution since 1945, known for its croquettes and traditional sandwiches, and the old-school, no-frills atmosphere makes the experience feel distinctly local. The kroket was crispy on the outside with that hot, rich filling inside, and the mustard is a must. The bitterballen were just as good and perfect for sharing. If you’re visiting Amsterdam and want to try traditional Dutch snack food somewhere with real history behind it, this is an easy recommendation.

I had a very good breakfast, also if I'm not used to drink milk and eat raw meat. The quality of food is very good. I'll return as long as I'll be back in Amsterdam. Not cheap... But it's worth It.

Super delicious bitterballen and brodjes

I visited for the first time over twenty years ago, thanks to my father. Over the years, I’ve visited this delightful classic Amsterdam eatery every now and then during a visit to Amsterdam. It remains fun, and tasty. Order here: - croquette sandwich (veal or beef) - other classic Dutch sandwiches such as: half-and-half, hot meat, pickled meat, etc. - a glass of milk And you feel like you’re back in the founding period (I think).

A vintage-style diner near the Amsterdam flower market. The atmosphere inside is transported back 50 years. The staff is very friendly and polite: the women behind the counter are always ready to help and explain everything. The menu features classic Dutch dishes and appetizers, mostly sandwiches and soups. We had asparagus soup, an eel sandwich, and a sandwich with roast pork and satay sauce. Please note that not all prices are listed on the menu. The prices are generally quite reasonable, but some items, such as the eel, may be unexpectedly expensive. Check these points in advance. A 10% service charge will also be added to your total. The food is excellent: the soup, the tender lightly smoked eel, and the pork with sauce. It's filling, delicious, and unique. There is a restroom behind the counter; ask the staff, and they'll show you where it is.

This was a recommended stop on a walking tour - it did not disappoint. - provides an experience that has not changed over the years - since 1945. Marble table tops, open mustard pots on the table. It feels like an experience from before regulations controlled food establishments. Charming staff serving up a range of sandwiches on what I would describe as Scottish morning rolls - if you know you know.

Rustic setup from a different time, churning out fresh batches of bitterballen.

The best food we ate in Amsterdam so far. And get the milk with your food, really.

It was fine, not tasty but not gross either. A bit expensive for what you get.

Bad experience, at 8.30PM they ask us to leave, because their closing time is 9:00PM. Very rude with tourists.

This place hates tourists. I walked in and was treated terribly for no reason. The lady was rude and did everything she could to send me away. When I left, she wiped her hands with satisfaction. Worst experience of hatred I've ever had in all my travels.

Croquette is my favourite food now

Excellent snack bar. A bit hidden away, but definitely worth the trip. A quaint little place and the food was simply delicious.

Got a croquet in a roll and it was fantastic

Apart from this woman who was rude to the customer, that's all I remember here

The pork roll with satay sauce and the croquettes were delicious!!

Arrogant service by so-called ‘friendly, genuine Amsterdammers’… a croquette sandwich is tastier (and cheaper) almost everywhere than this ‘salon’ 😂

A true Amsterdam institution and one of the city’s great lunch spots for traditional Dutch fare. The signature halfom sandwich is a must-order, combining thinly sliced liver and ham on a soft white roll—a classic Dutch combination that’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Pair it with one of Van Dobben’s famous croquettes or bitterballen, and you’ll understand why this place has been a local favorite for generations. Authentic, unpretentious, and well worth a visit.

Authentique experience....very tasty.

If you’re looking for white tablecloths and hushed tones, keep walking. This is a glorious, honest-to-god hole in the wall tucked down an alley. It’s the kind of place that smells like tradition and frying oil. The ham sandwich was a masterclass in minimalism—thinly sliced, yielding, no nonsense. But the **Broodje Kroket**? That was the star. Crisp, golden armor protecting a molten, savory center, slapped onto a soft bun with a hit of sharp mustard. It was cheap, it was fast, and it was perfect.

Enjoyed trying the local Dutch snack Bitterballen….basically a meatball filled with a rich creamy sauce. Beware though, they are very hot so allow time for them to cool down before eating them

Go here for a traditional Dutch sandwich!

The service was very slow, but otherwise the food was excellent.

The staff is not keeping the place clean. Very uncoordinated witb ordering and paying. They could do a better job.

Perfect place for a sandwich. I've been coming here since I was 4 years old to grab a sandwich every now and then. No-nonsense, fast service, delicious sandwiches, and not yet overrun by expats and tourists. A croquette sandwich with a glass of milk is the classic combo.

Fantastic sandwitches, friendly staff and a really authentic local vibe. Must see when in Amsterdam.

The waitress added a bunch of hidden fees and was rude. Food was basic, nothing to write home about.

Typical place, very good service and everything was good.

Yes, still the best sandwich shop in Amsterdam. I've been going there since 1970, ever since I went out.

That was really excellent, everything we tried really good and service sooo kind. I hardly recommend this place.

We went on the recommendation of a local; we'd asked for a place to eat that wasn't too touristy and where locals would hang out. This place was definitely the perfect fit for us! It almost feels like a family-run restaurant, very informal and welcoming overall. The food was served promptly, hot, and with plenty of sauce on the side. We even half-listened to the conversation of two couples in their 100s nearby. Recommended.

We choose most plates from the “recommended” menu and we were very satisfied with the quality and freshness of the food. The service was outstanding! We will be back. They also offer take out!

We absolutely adore Eetsalon Van Dobben! We love the atmosphere, the service, the simplicity of the menu! We actually went twice cause we love the food so much!!! Please don’t be scared and try the speciaal roll it was so so delicious! Our favourite is for sure the courgette and speciaal roll with milk aha!!! We cannot wait to come back 💙💙💙

Truly old school place that has kept its soul through generations. And the food? Dutch classics with good quality ingredients. The bread is melt in the mouth!

Came to try the “local eats” and it was just as good as everyone said. The service is so warm and friendly. Everyone was so nice.

Great Food! Pickup two Broodjes and they were both really good! The only thing that was lacking was the price. 11€ for 2 small broodjes is insane. The atmosphere and taste kind of levels it out.

Very Dutch breakfast and lunch restaurant, come here since my dad brought me here as a child... like 40+ years.. still the same & good

It's a genuine experience of dutch snacks and light meals.

Just the perfect Amsterdam-style snack, a family-friendly bistro atmosphere, and excellent customer service! We felt right at home 🫶🏻 Thanks again for the discovery and the warm welcome!!!

The croquettes are delicious but expensive; we ordered one croquette and one small one for 16 euros.

In Amsterdam, I always make a stop at Van Dobben. It's hard to choose what you want, because everything is delicious!

Always delicious! The half-and-half sandwich is always the best. And a glass of milk. The service is fast and straightforward Amsterdam style.

I feel it’s overpriced. But good quality.

Amazing place in the center of Amsterdam where you can eat really good local food. It reminded me a lot of Spanish tapas bars. We tried a roast beef sandwich, a croquette sandwich, the special (raw beef and egg), and the bitterballen. The only negative is the bill. I'd read in reviews that some don't include this on the receipt. The reason is that they charge tourists without asking for a tip. We noticed this after paying and didn't want to say anything because we had a really good experience, but it's truly unfair and dishonest (hence the service rating).

Legendary spot in Amsterdam, very authentic, great menu.

Being a customer for more than 20 years, this place continues to age well! Food is amazing and recipes copied by other restaurants. VanDobben is the “classic OG” amsterdam food!

Very nice and friendly staff, good food, AMAZING MUSTARD. Dfinitely recommend.

Tasty, typical croquette sandwich and other charcuterie! The gorgeous blonde behind the counter was definitely the biggest eye-catcher, wowww

Vegan croquet was wonderful. Croquet is very crunchy outside but soft inside. Soft bread and the mustard on table compliments it very well. But the place is very small and crowded. You have to get the staff’s attention to give an order and they are not so nice.

This spot is legit- super easy going and calm diner with great options on bread- had the roast beef (fantastic) and the croquette- super delicious, just wish they weren’t blasting the radio but again, super legit..

The service is incredibly rude, and the locals aren't any friendlier. The food is bland, and the dishes aren't clearly labeled if you're not a local. The wait is much longer for tourists than for locals.

The service is very rude. There were people waiting in line, and they preferred to listen to the locals. I understand it's a "local" thing, but there's a big difference between being direct, rude, and practical. If you want to try typical food, this isn't the best place.

Absolute must visit in Amsterdam! Great family style service, a lot of nostalgia and very tasty cold cuts. We will be back for sure.

Nice place to try authentic Dutch-style sandwiches.

An Amsterdam staple, known for typical Dutch snacks. Van Dobben is a Amsterdam based producer and distributor of Dutch snacks and This is their special cafe where you can enjoy their snacks straight from the source. They offer many different kinds of old school Dutch sandwiches (Broodjes), I went for a broodje kroket. The atmosphere and staff are all typically Amsterdams. It made me feel welcome and at home. Although you pay a bit of a premium here, it is 100% worth it. It's one of the essentials if you want to truly experience the traditional Amsterdam food scene.

Cozy spot for a delicious sandwich! Highly recommended and good price

The tartar sandwich and roast beef sandwich were tasteless (no sauce, no salty seasoning). The female staff member was rude. The tables were dirty. I wasted precious travel time at this restaurant and regretted not checking other people's reviews beforehand.

Wierd atmosphere. The food tastes better than it looks, roast beef is bery good but expensive

Very high prices for the quality of the product.

Had a great King's Day, and it was absolutely beautiful to look at from above 🙌

Horrible food, anyone who knows real Dutch food knows that this is nothing more than a bad experience. People handle bread without gloves, using the same hands they use to handle money and other people's hands. Terrible place, there are more hygienic Dutch places. I will never go back and I don't recommend it. We paid over €40, they charge for things that are out of the ordinary without informing people, and service is charged separately, so if you want a fried snack you'll have to pay for it 😂

Found this through a tiktok recommendation. The croquette was outstanding! We had to order another one!! The bread was the softest airiest dinner roll & the croquette was crunchy and with warm filling inside. The mustard they had to pair was so good as well, perfect tart. The locals seem to love it here, we sat for a while and as we enjoyed our meal & the locals were in & out in the middle of the day (3pm). They would get the sandwich in the photo or the croquette & a glass of milk! Recommend trying this stop for Dutch food in Amsterdam

When I ordered the new vegan croquette, they initially acted as if I were an alien. When it turned out that it actually existed and was even in stock, I was asked in a surprised manner why I ordered it. Never again! 👋🏻🎉

Thank you for the great food, and service !!

Horrible experience. Counter women mocked me to everyone seated at the counter for saying I "Needed" a kroketten when I ordered. As Dutch women from America I did not appreciate her abuse. It was rude and because she assumed I was just a stupid America she treated me that way. I went there thinking I would have a authentic meal and was truly disappointed in the food. I do not recommend this place .

Typically Amsterdam, real croquette sandwiches served by lovely Amsterdam ladies. You can also get other things besides croquette sandwiches there. Nice quotes on the wall.

Awesome experience! We loved it! Very good and authentic experience

A step back in time: a place straight out of the 70s. Ordering was tricky because I didn't know where to queue. The food is typical of the region and definitely an acquired taste. It must be a local secret.

Upon entering, it was immediately clear that this was a place frequented mainly by locals, so anyone looking for something authentic will find it here! We're not from the area and don't speak Dutch, so we were a little overwhelmed at first, as the menu wasn't translated into English. However, the staff was very friendly despite the busy atmosphere, and we ordered on a whim to try a few things. The bitterballen, the roll with egg salad, and the sausages were all delicious, and we'll definitely be back for more tasty, authentic Dutch classics!