One of the restaurants in East that I visit often? On the lively Javastraat, where I often do my grocery shopping, Le French Café is my go-to spot for lunch, drinks, or a bite to eat with friends. Here, the dynamism of Amsterdam and the ambiance of Paris come together. This bistro is a must-visit for anyone who loves French food, served in an accessible way that perfectly fits with Amsterdam East. No-nonsense, yet really cozy, and one of those places you keep coming back to.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic croque monsieur during lunch, want to have an extensive drink with a delicious French charcuterie board, or enjoy a glass of wine… at Le French Café, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll tell you why this hotspot should definitely be on your list!
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The Atmosphere: A Touch of Paris in Amsterdam
Let me start with the lovely terrace. Here, you can enjoy a drink outside all year round. But especially in the summer, with the bistro chairs and tables, you’ll feel like you’re at a hotspot in Le Marais.
And as soon as you step inside Le French Café? You’ll truly feel like you’ve entered a Parisian bistro. A warm interior, as if the place has always looked this way. Wooden tables, various corners, leather bistro seats, mirrors with smoked glass, curtains, and French posters on the walls.
There’s even a Chef’s Bar where you can watch the station where the fruits de mer is prepared. Do you have a date? This is a perfect spot to reserve! You really feel like you’re in another world, right in the heart of East.
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French Classics on the Menu
At Le French Café, it’s all about French cuisine. They open just before lunch, and you can settle in for coffee with a Madeleine. On the lunch menu, you’ll find classic dishes with a French twist, from steak tartare to brunch dishes like oeufs Benedict. This is the kind of place where you go for lunch and end up staying for an extended meal with a drink.
By the way, their drink menu gets a big thumbs up from the YLBB team. Le French Café is perfect for drinks with friends, as they have both a cozy restaurant area and high tables overlooking the bar. On the menu, you’ll find lots of French wines and delicious snacks like charcuterie, all available throughout the day.
In the evening, it’s great to reserve early for a meal with the kids, then as the lighting dims, the place fills with groups of friends, date-night tables, or parents enjoying a meal with their adult children. It’s that perfect mix of tables, making you feel welcome no matter who you’re with.
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What (currently) are the must-try dishes? I’ve listed them below. And yes, we tried them all!
These are the favorites you definitely want to try:
- Crevettes – shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon.
- Rillettes de Canard – duck rillettes with cornichons and toast.
- Escargots Gratinés – 6 gratinated snails with garlic butter.
- Coquillages Sauté – sautéed shellfish with lemon and butter.
- Steak Tartare – perfectly seasoned tartare served with crispy bread.
- Poussin – poussin with chicken jus and French fries.
- Rib-eye – to share with the whole table.
- Crème Brûlée – with a perfectly crispy caramelized sugar layer.
| TIP: These dishes are perfect for sharing, so opt for a full table so you can try everything.
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Great All-Day Spot on Javastraat
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch with friends or fancy a cozy drink after work or on the weekend, Le French Café is one to remember. With its spacious terrace on Javastraat, you can also enjoy sitting outside here when the weather is nice. Great for people-watching while sipping a good glass of French wine and enjoying a delicious oeuf mayo ;-)!
And did you know that Le French Café also has a location in Amsterdam West and Utrecht?
Enjoy!
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| PS: Curious how the cozy terrace of Le French Café in East looks in the warmer months? I’m sharing it below!
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