BY KOEN VAN T HOF

Restaurants With The Best Wine Lists in Amsterdam

There are countless top restaurants in Amsterdam with unique wine lists, and their number is only growing. However, for me personally, a select few stand out for their Italian wine selections. This article focuses on these top restaurants in Amsterdam that feature unique wineries from Italy, having unique vintages on their wine lists, including noteworthy wines from lesser-known estates. I have personally visited all the restaurants on this list, and I would not recommend any of them if the food and service were not excellent.

Bosboom Toussainstraat 28-H

Gertrude

Gertrude is undoubtedly one of my top 3 favorite restaurants in the city. Their menu changes every 10 to 12 weeks, featuring seasonal dishes that allow the kitchen’s creativity to shine. Each time, they come up with phenomenal flavor combinations. Located in Oud-West, a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of lively restaurants nearby, Gertrude has the charm of a classic Amsterdam café with a fine dining twist. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, making it an ideal spot to enjoy high-quality food in a relaxed and accessible setting.

And then there's the wine list: as far as I know, Gertrude is one of the few restaurants that offers Elio Altare, one of the best wineries from Barolo, in my opinion. You will also find wines from Simone Santini, Foradori, Boscarelli, Mastrojanni, Montevertine, and Col di Lamo. I particularly appreciate seeing Col di Lamo on the list, as it is a relatively hidden gem from Montalcino with fantastic Brunellos! If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Prinsengracht 422

Sinck Amsterdam

Sinck is a distinctive restaurant located on the Prinsengracht, which has been open for just four years. It was founded by Sabas Joosten, the former sommelier of De Librije, where he worked for nine years. With his experience and expertise, he launched Sinck, so you can expect a truly unique wine list. The atmosphere at Sinck is informal and inviting, with a touch of old-school Dutch charm reflected in the tableware.

Downstairs, there is a wine bar where you can relax and enjoy wines by the glass or choose from the exceptional wine list. While the wine selection prominently features classic French wines, it also includes some remarkable Italian gems. You will find wineries like Biondi Santi, Le Ragnaie, Roagna, Nervi Conterno, Cappellano, Bruno Giacosa, Aldo Conterno, Boscarelli, Montevertine, Mastrojanni, and Foradori. The inclusion of Biondi Santi, Aldo Conterno, Nervi Conterno, and Bruno Giacosa is especially noteworthy and quite rare for an Amsterdam wine list. If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Ferdinand Bolstraat 17

Bar Bellini

Bar Bellini is a cozy spot perfect for both dinner and drinks, located in the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood of Amsterdam. Although it has been open for less than two years, it has already become incredibly popular. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a small bite and a good glass of wine at the bar or on the terrace during the sunny months. As evening falls, it transforms into a charming restaurant with a modern Italian twist. The menu features classic Italian dishes like agnolotti, along with more contemporary options infused with Italian flavors.

The wine list includes some rare gems that you do not often find on Amsterdam wine lists. Think of wineries like Castello dei Rampolla, Alois Lageder, Pieropan, Vietti, Luciano Sandrone, Solaia, Sassicaia, Castello di Monsanto, Siro Pacenti, Terre Nere, and Bibi Graetz. It is a beautiful selection of exclusive wineries from Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily, and Alto Adige, with many available by the glass. If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Lindengracht 75

Toscanini

Toscanini is a trendy and highly popular restaurant located in the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods. This Italian restaurant offers a fantastic menu featuring traditional dishes from all over Italy. The atmosphere is casual, with a canteen-style setting that is elevated to fine dining, creating an inviting and accessible vibe. The food is exceptional, but the wine list is truly outstanding.

You will find wines from renowned producers like Poggio di Sotto, Elio Altare, Mauro Veglio, Le Piane, San Giusto e Rentennano, Il Marroneto, Cavallotto, Bartolo Mascarello, Burlotto, Caiarossa, and Biondi Santi. I am especially thrilled to see Cesare Bussolo on the list, a hidden gem from La Morra that I have written about before. It is great to see his wines available in the Dutch market. I could go on, but the wine list is extensive, so I highly recommend checking it out for yourself. If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 12H

La Fiorita

La Fiorita is another stunning Italian restaurant located in the Jordaan. It offers a fine dining experience with a modern twist, and the young, enthusiastic team creates a lively, informal atmosphere full of energy. The menu is more concise than at other restaurants, but everything is prepared with Italian finesse and class.

When you head downstairs to the restroom, you will find yourself in a cellar where the walls near the tables showcase a lineup of Italy’s finest wineries and vintages. To the left, you will see the wine cellar, which is truly mouthwatering. It features top wineries and outstanding vintages, available in various sizes. Expect to find names like Gaja, Biondi Santi, Giacomo Conterno, Sassicaia, Fontodi, Tua Rita, Solaia, Emidio Pepe, Poggio di Sotto, and Giuseppe Mascarello. Le Piane, a top producer from Piedmont, is also on the list, along with Fratelli Alessandria, Cesare Bussolo, Aldo Conterno, La Spinetta, and Roberto Voerzio.

What stands out to me—and makes me particularly happy—is their impressive selection of Elio Altare crus from various vintages. The wine list is too extensive and impressive to cover fully, so I recommend taking a look for yourself to see which renowned wineries catch your eye. To explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Noordermarkt 7

Domenica

Another gem in the Jordaan is Domenica, and it is certainly not the last restaurant on this list located in the Jordaan. Domenica is Italian for "Sunday," and as their website states, "This is the day to get together and enjoy an extensive meal." And that is exactly what you can do here! It is a lively, vibrant restaurant with a unique menu and a fantastic team. The menu frequently changes, and you can only order the chef's menu, so you’re in for a delightful surprise from the creative kitchen team. The atmosphere is very informal and incredibly cozy.

You would not necessarily expect that, when passing by, you would find one of Amsterdam’s best wine lists here. But once you take a look, you are in for a treat. What stands out is their impressive selection of Champagne houses, but our focus is on the Italian gems—and there are plenty. The wine list features producers like Podere Le Ripi, Ca' del Baio, Radikon, Parusso, Giulia Negri, Casanova di Neri, Le Macchiole, Soldera, Giuseppe Mascarello, Tenuta Argentiera, Michele Satta, Ornellaia, and Emidio Pepe. Cesare Bussolo also makes an appearance on the list.

Michele Satta, in particular, is worth mentioning—a remarkable gem from Bolgheri known for producing fantastic Bordeaux blends with excellent value. The list goes on, so I highly recommend exploring the wine selection yourself and letting the quality surprise you.click the button below.

Stadionplein 26

Restaurant Wils *

Restaurant Wils is located next to the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam Zuid. It boasts an exceptional kitchen, which earned it a Michelin star in 2021, just a year after opening. What sets Wils apart is its focus on fire-based cooking, with many dishes prepared over an open flame. The restaurant features a long chef's table that offers a direct view into the kitchen, allowing diners to witness the spectacle of dishes being cooked over the fire.

The wine list at Wils is broader than that of the previous restaurants, as it does not specialize in Italian cuisine. However, their Italian selection is still impressive. You will find names like Emidio Pepe, Rivetti, Foradori, a wide range from Vie di Romans, Nervi Conterno, Fratelli Alessandria, Luigi Oddero, Aldo Conterno, Giacomo Conterno, Mastrojanni, Il Marronetto, and Biondi Santi. Classics like Tignanello and Sassicaia are also on the list. What stands out to me is their collection of unique vintages, such as 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2006—not just the newer releases. Well done, Sommelier Barbora! If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Beethovenstraat 14

Ferilli's

Ferilli's is a well-known name in Amsterdam, with two locations in the city that are hard to miss. They have a restaurant on Beethovenstraat, in the lively Oud-Zuid area, and another on the Zuidas. Both locations feature timeless Italian decor and offer exceptional quality Italian dishes and products. Ferilli's is a trendy restaurant that has been a staple in the city for some time. A must-try here is their scroppinos—definitely not to be missed! And of course, the wine list is outstanding, with a strong influence from the house of Marchesi Antinori. But who can blame them? Their wines are simply excellent.

They offer a lovely Franciacorta from Tenuta Montenisa, as well as selections from Franz Haas, Allegrini, Elena Walch, Prunotto, Guado al Tasso, Castello Della Sala, Isole e Olena, Vajra, Luigi Einaudi, Gaja, Castello Romitorio, Tua Rita, Le Mortelle, and the renowned Sassicaia. What I especially like is that they have the Cont'Ugo from Guado al Tasso—a fantastic 100% Merlot blend from Bolgheri that I have not seen anywhere else in Amsterdam. It is my top recommendation if you are dining at Ferilli's! If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

IJdok 185

Mos Amsterdam *

Mos is a distinctive fine dining restaurant located by the IJdok, just west of Amsterdam Central Station. It offers a stunning view over the IJ River, which flows through Amsterdam and separates the city center from Amsterdam Noord. Since its opening in August 2015, Mos has been awarded a Michelin star in 2016. They describe their vision as “A home for returning guests, a home for employees, and a new home for every new guest.” This warm and welcoming atmosphere is well achieved, making you eager to return to experience their unique dishes.

The wine list at Mos is extensive, featuring a wide selection of the world's best wines from exceptional vintages. In the Italian section, you will find standout names such as Alois Lageder, Vie di Romans, Isole e Olena, Le Macchiole (including their white Paleo), Luigi Pira, Elvio Cogno, Fratelli Alessandria, Montevertine, and a broad range of Cepparello from various vintages. Also notable are Il Marronetto, Poggio di Sotto, and must-try classics like Tignanello, Sassicaia, and the Italian equivalent of Petrus, Masseto. If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Schollenbrugstraat 8

Troef

Troef is an exceptional restaurant located on the Amstel, just around the corner from Weesperzijde. I highly recommend this place to everyone! It is a superb fine dining spot with brilliantly crafted dishes offered at very fair prices. The interior is modern and sleek yet retains a relaxed and warm atmosphere, making you feel at home as soon as you walk in. The North Sea mackerel and the sirloin steak are must-tries!

The wine list is equally impressive, matching the restaurant's high standards. You will find outstanding selections at honest prices, including a broad range from Cavallotto that caught my eye, despite its slightly higher retail price. The list also features wines from Vietti, Schloss Englar, Le Mortelle, Rivetto, Aldo Conterno, Antinori’s Gran Selezione, Giuseppe Quintarelli, Casanova di Neri, and Sassicaia from top vintages. What makes their Italian selection particularly unique is the inclusion of Matarocchio, a rare offering from Guado al Tasso in Bolgheri. It is the first time I have seen this on a wine list in Amsterdam! If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

Reestraat 28

Bussia

The final restaurant on the list is also located in the Jordaan and is one of my favorite Italian spots in the city. Bussia creates a relaxed atmosphere around fine dining with a modern Italian twist. Named after the 'Bussia' cru in the Barolo region, you might have guessed the connection from the name. The restaurant offers exquisite traditional Italian dishes, with top-notch service that is attentive without being stiff—a real achievement!

The wine list is impressive, spanning over 30 pages of Italian excellence and craftsmanship. Standout names for me include Ridolfo, Antoniolo, Quintarelli, Il Carnasciale (a must-try for any Italian wine enthusiast), Vie di Romans, Pacher Hof, Burlotto, Parusso, Gaja, Roagna, Fabio Molta, a broad selection from Montevertine, Il Marronetto (including their top line, Madonna della Grazie), and Felsina. The list features many big names as well as some gems, and I am thrilled to see them included on the Amsterdam wine scene at Bussia. It is a fantastic selection! If you would like to explore the wine list further, click the button below.

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