One of the great advantages of visiting The Plug Utopia at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 132 is that you’re in the heart of Amsterdam’s city centre and surrounded by fantastic dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack, a full‑fledged meal, or something a bit more elevated, you’ll find great options a short walk away.
Here are the top restaurants near The Plug Utopia that are worth visiting before or after.
The Duchess
If you like old-style fancy dining with a touch of grandeur, The Duchess is one of the most impressive restaurants in town. Set in the former KAS Bank building on Spuistraat, this Michelin‑cringed restaurant provides a decadent menu based on traditional French and Italian food.
The interior is gorgeous — high ceilings, marble floors, delicate gold accents, lending a sense of old‑world glamour. Standout dishes are lightly prepared seafood dishes, long‑cooked meats, and stunning desserts.
Though situated a brief, convenient 7‑minute walk from The Plug Utopia, The Duchess makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. It’s great for a celebratory evening, or for out-of-town guests who want to make an Amsterdam trip memorable with a special culinary experience.
Humphrey’s Restaurant
Not far from The Plug Utopia, Humphrey’s is loved by locals for its cosy vibe and comfort food. It’s especially well known for its three‑course fixed‑price dining, serving up filling, well-presented meals that are a hybrid of Dutch comfort food and international flavours.
It’s a cosy space filled with wood and candlelit tables, ideal for couples, small groups, or solo diners seeking a laid-back sit‑down meal. Just a two-minute walk from The Plug Utopia, you will find the restaurant is ideal if you need something substantial without straying too far.
Restaurant Bougainville
If you’re looking for some of the highest-end dining in Amsterdam, but with a bit of a creative twist, Bougainville is one of the most renowned restaurants in Amsterdam. It has a Michelin star and is located at Dam Square in the Hotel TwentySeven, serving a tasting menu that is an international and Dutch mixture.
The kitchen here is led by innovative chefs who focus on flavour combinations and artful presentation. The menu is seasonal, but there should be no lack of dishes that surprise and delight, among strong seafood and vegetarian options and perfectly cooked meats. The place is dark and plush, with plenty of moody lighting and plush seating. It’s a mere 5‑minute stroll from The Plug Utopia and the perfect spot for a well-earned lunch or dinner of celebration.
Other Nearby Options
Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a quicker or more casual bite, the area around Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal is crammed with cafés, sandwich bars, and international eateries. Magna Plaza Food Court is a short walk from here and includes everything from sushi to burgers in a stunning historic building.
Shops and food, and drink, at both sites are a five-minute-or-less walk from Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, which are lined with cheap eating options, such as Dutch pancake houses and Middle Eastern street food stalls.
Why Combine Dining with The Plug Utopia
Attending The Plug Utopia with a good meal is an easy way to turn a good day in Amsterdam into an even better one. It is so centrally located that you can design a seamless itinerary around it. Enjoy the menu at Utopia, stroll to the surrounding streets, and then belly up to a terrific lunch or dinner without using transport.
Whether you fancy a laid-back bite or a Michelin‑starred experience, there are options for you in here for every taste and budget.
In Summary
The Plug Utopia is located on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal near the center of one of Amsterdam’s more varied dining scenes. There are excellent options right on your doorstep, from the elegance of The Duchess to the cosy setting of Humphrey’s and the culinary brilliance of Bougainville.
The next time you visit Utopia, why not make a day of it and meet up for a meal at one of these top restaurants – a great way to enjoy the best of the city centre that Amsterdam has to offer.