If you've ever sat down at a restaurant on Rembrandtplein, you already know the drill: overpriced dishes, mediocre quality, and menus designed to separate tourists from their money as quickly as possible. But here's the insider tip that Amsterdammers know: the best restaurants aren't on the square itself. They're a short walk away, tucked into the quieter streets. And the very best of them is Café Restaurant De Bazel.
Why Locals Avoid Rembrandtplein Restaurants
Rembrandtplein is one of Amsterdam's liveliest squares — street performers, bars, nightlife, and endless crowds. But this popularity comes at a cost: most restaurants on and around the square cater exclusively to tourists who won't return. There's little incentive to offer quality food at fair prices. The result is overpriced pasta, disappointing burgers, and service that's more transactional than welcoming.
Café Restaurant De Bazel at Vijzelstraat 30, just 5 minutes on foot from Rembrandtplein, is the opposite. Located inside the City Archives building (Stadsarchief Amsterdam), it's a place where locals come for business lunches, friends meet for weekend brunches, and architecture enthusiasts admire the stunning Art Deco interiors from 1926. The atmosphere is relaxed and refined — a world away from the noise of the square.
The Lunch Menu: Quality Without the Tourist Markup
The lunch menu at De Bazel focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients with both Dutch and international flavours. Here are some highlights:
- Caesar Salad — €18. Crisp romaine, aged parmesan, crunchy croutons and anchovy dressing. Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Smoked Salmon — €15. Delicately smoked, served with cream cheese, capers and toast. A classic Dutch lunch choice.
- Amsterdam Reuben — €16. De Bazel's take on the classic Reuben sandwich, made with Amsterdam pastrami, sauerkraut and house-made Russian dressing.
- Soup of the Day — €8.50. Always made fresh, always seasonal. A warming choice on Amsterdam's frequent rainy days.
Dinner Dishes Available from 12:00
One of De Bazel's great advantages is flexibility. If you're visiting around lunchtime but want something more substantial, dinner dishes from the dinner menu are available from 12:00 onwards. Whether you're craving a juicy steak, fresh fish, or a classic Dutch jachtschotel, you don't have to wait until evening.
"After three disappointing meals on Rembrandtplein, a local friend brought us here. The difference was night and day. Beautiful building, delicious food, and prices that actually make sense. We came back twice during our trip."
The Art Deco Setting
Part of what makes De Bazel special is the building itself. Designed by architect K.P.C. de Bazel and completed in 1926, the building was originally the headquarters of the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (Netherlands Trading Society). The interior features original mosaic floors, stained glass windows, marble columns, and intricate ironwork — all meticulously preserved. It's the kind of place where you'll want to linger over your coffee just to soak in the details.
The Terrace
When the weather is fine, De Bazel's terrace on Vijzelstraat is a lovely spot for an outdoor lunch. Unlike the cramped, noisy terraces on Rembrandtplein, this one faces a quieter street and offers plenty of space. It seats up to 60 guests and is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail from the drinks & bites menu in the afternoon sun.
Groups Welcome
Travelling with a group? De Bazel is one of the best options near Rembrandtplein for group dining. With spaces ranging from the intimate Private Dining room (up to 40 guests) to the Grand Café (up to 100 guests), the restaurant can accommodate groups of 10 to 150. View all group dining options and request a custom menu.
Practical Information
Address: Vijzelstraat 30, 1017 HL Amsterdam (inside the City Archives)
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 09:00-22:00, Mon 09:00-17:00
Phone: 020-3376589
Getting there: Metro 52 Vijzelgracht stop, Tram 4/14/24 Muntplein stop
Walking distances: Rembrandtplein 5 min, Bloemenmarkt 3 min, Muntplein 2 min, Hermitage 8 min
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is De Bazel from Rembrandtplein?
Café Restaurant De Bazel is just a 5-minute walk from Rembrandtplein. Walk west along Reguliersbreestraat towards Muntplein, then turn left onto Vijzelstraat. You'll find us at number 30, inside the City Archives building. It's an easy, flat walk that takes you away from the busy square into a much quieter part of the city centre.
Is De Bazel a tourist restaurant?
No, Café Restaurant De Bazel is a local favorite, popular with Amsterdam residents, business professionals, and visitors to the City Archives. Unlike the tourist-focused restaurants on Rembrandtplein, De Bazel offers authentic Dutch and international cuisine at fair prices, served in the stunning Art Deco interior of a 1926 national monument.
Can I have dinner at lunchtime?
Yes! At Café Restaurant De Bazel, dinner dishes are available from 12:00 onwards. So if you're craving a steak or a more substantial meal at lunchtime, you can order from both the lunch and dinner menus. This makes De Bazel a flexible choice whether you want a light salad or a full three-course meal in the middle of the day.