In the peacefully vibrant city of Amsterdam, bicyclists hum along canals, baristas serve copious cups of coffee morning to night, locals sip glasses of milk while munching on sandwiches, Heinken pours over alongside beef-filled bitterballen and cheese piles high at farmers markets and in shop windows. Yet, like the tide of the city’s Amstel river, a new movement is washing in. A new level of consciousness about meat, eggs and yes, even milk, is undoubtedly underway.

Having lived in Amsterdam for nearly two years (beginning in December 2015), and having just returned from a holiday in this magical place, I’ve witnessed new plant-based and vegan spots opening at a brisk pace—averaging close to one locale every two months, it seems. Which, is cause to celebrate for a city just shy of 850,000 residents, amidst a country deeply steeped in agricultural and farm animal tradition.

Ready to eat? You can get satiated and support these 7 top (and slightly off the beaten path) local vegan food experiences, assured to keep you in the full and fun from Monday to Sunday.

Mediamatic ETEN | Central-North Amsterdam

Just to the east—and within walking distance—of Centraal Station lies this urban, industrial and cozy waterfront gem along the Amstel River. Don’t be fooled (as I first was) by their mantra “Eat or be eaten”. Everything on the menu, with the exception of mussels, is vegan. If it’s your first time visiting, I suggest trying the tasting menu. A four-course plethora of chef’s choices made for the sharing, and just €29 last I visited, it includes staples from the menu like hummus, babaganoush, fresh bread, papadams if you’re gluten free, the classic Dutch bitterballen, and if you’re lucky like us a tasting of Indian-style curries, followed by a meringue made from aquafaba, a coconut brulee or a chocolate ganache cake.

Should you need a gluten free menu or have other allergy concerns, they are open to the accommodating.

Vegabond | De Jordaan Amsterdam

If you’re vegan (or even dabbling in vegetarianism) in Amsterdam, this vegan grocery story-meets-café is an absolute essential visit. Owned by Babet—who defines Dutch Courage, sans the gin—has curated the best in local and international vegan options—including my brand of vegan and gluten free “c.cookies” when I lived in Amsterdam and my favorite vegan cheese on the planet from Vegusto, made in Switzerland. You can sip a cappuccino or kombucha while you shop, and munch on sandwiches, donuts or the raw Snickers Bar—dreamed up by Yael, the shop’s soulful manager—all while you mentally concoct your next home cooked meal with the assortment of staples lining the shop’s shelves.

Mastino V | Oud-West Amsterdam

While living in Amsterdam, I saw the birth of Amsterdam’s first gluten free and (mostly) vegan pizza shop in the Oud-West neighborhood. Crowd-funded by rapturous vegans (and gluten freers) like me, its lively owner Novella—hailing from Italy—has delivered what can only be described as the best vegan and gluten free pizza you’ll have tasted. While on the pricey side for pizza in Amsterdam (about €18 on average for a personal pizza), it’s worth the experience—notably when every dining companion I’ve visited with has commented that they’d never guess it’s gluten free or vegan—sans traditional cheese.

Pizzas to try include the New Vegan, Love and Full Moon. Visit with friends and try them all.

H/Eart.h | De Pijp Amsterdam

The fused brainchild of two lively Italians in Amsterdam, Marco and Valentino, H/Eart.h is named to represent heart, earth and art—the elements cleverly combined in this unique restaurant and concept shop—replete with swings for the bravest of diners. The ambiance is matched in creativity by the ecclectic and beautifully presented menu—from housemade vegan pastas (the Japanese “flags” ravioli is served with a paintbrush for applying the accompanying teriyaki sauce), to delicate sushi, a falafel waffel (read: falafel pressed in a waffle iron) and decadent vegan and gluten free tiramisu served in a coconut shell. From food, to service to experience, H/Eart.h offers the savory, the sweet and the souful, in one.

Spirit Amsterdam | Oost Amsterdam

Originally hailing from the green shopping area of Rotterdam, this chic vegetarian buffet restaurant is perfect after a visit to the famous Dutch windmill brewery, Brouwerij (fair warning: they are not officially listed as a vegan brewery) and for those craving choice. With options ranging from salads, to soups to specialty hot bar fare and vegan ice cream to boot, there’s something for everyone. Although careful. Portions (and prices) add up fast.

De Ceuvel | Noord Amsterdam

Craving a bike excursion outside of the city’s bustling grachts? You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to another place and time in this circular economy haven, located in the Noord of Amsterdam—just a short ferry and bike ride from Centraal Station. Located on the water, with casual picnic-style dining options amidst floating docks or the occasional bonfire, you can enjoy a drink and snacks like hummus and vegan bitterballen (of course) while admiring the surrounding wetlands and the ingenious, fully renewable sustainability of this special spot.

Oproer Brouwerij | Utrecht

When we first visited this brewery off the beaten path outside of the quaint city of Utrecht (yes, you must leave Amsterdam to get here), I felt strangely at home—as if in Portland, OR where I grew up. Come to discover, it was one of nearly a dozen other Dutch breweries who traversed halfway across the world to Portland to sharpen their skills in micro-brewing, and it now has a home in Portland, alongside Utrecht. Yet, it also feels quite Dutch. Industrial. Thoughtful. And, down to earth. Drinking one of its craft brews, or a natural cider from Spain, alongside a distillery carafe, while munching on bread made from grains left over from the brewing process and fried Japanese onigiti rice balls made in a small cooking cabin situated in the same expansive space, oddly seems as local as one can get.

While simply a sampling of the ever-abounding vegan spots of Amsterdam, visit one—or all—of these locales and you’ll find yourself satiated all week long with good eats, great people and a kind of down to earth chic that Amsterdam and its nearby cities bring best.

Hungry for more? If you discover a new vegan gem or love one of these recommendations, please let us know. Our community will thank you!

Eet smaakelijke & happy vegan hunting—Dutch style!