Remember your first visits to the local bakery, when your parents would ask you to buy a loaf of bread? Endless warmth would fill the space, and the most delightful scents and pastries would have your eyes grow wide with wonder.

Now we do the comforting, and we get to spoil ourselves with cruffins, flavorful pains au chocolat, and decadent cakes.

Bakeries in Amsterdam are seemingly on every corner. They range from touristy pancake places to neighborhood Turkish bakeries – which we won’t be exploring in this post.

This list is all about the bakeries that challenge the norm, the ones that stand out from the competition.

There are ingredient combinations you’ve never thought of served by passionate people in all kinds of settings with their unique ambiance.

The food is nurturing and organic, a treat for all the senses, an I-love-you to your body.

Without further ado, the best bakeries in Amsterdam [not counting specialty cake shops, chain bakeries, supermarket goodies, etc.] are:

1. ULMUS BAKKERIJ

Ulmus feels like endless rain outside, and you came into a haven filled with tenderness and oh-so-many pastries. They’re all as seasonal as it gets; think sweet and savory Danishes, a choice of sourdough bread, cakes, and croissants.

This inconspicuous bakery in De Baarsjes in Amsterdam West has more than baked organic goods. There’s coffee, juices, and tea next to a little shop celebrating local artisans and the occasional fresh produce, such as kimchi and organic eggs.

Saturdays are a special day at Ulmus (they’re open Wed-Sun) because of the delightful bomboloni – doughnuts with varying fillings that never fail to delight.

If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss out on the coziest bakery in the city with the sweetest owners and staff imaginable.

2. LE FOURNIL DE Sébastien

Le Fournil puts the F in French bakery. Is there anything better than warm baguettes and buttery croissants?

The bakery is family-owned; Sébastien Roturier wanted to bring the quintessential French baking tradition to Holland, so he opened the first Fournil in Amsterdam Zuid. If you’re around Olympiaplein in the mornings, you will see a line stretching around the block – it’s got everything to do with this gem.

The best thing about Le Fournil de Sebastien is the affordable price of all their goodies without compromising quality.

Besides Amsterdam, there are 2 other locations in North Holland. One is in Amstelveen, just out of Amsterdam Forest – a beautiful place all year round, especially during cherry blossom season. The other is in Hilversum. Choose the one closest to you and awaken your inner Parisian!

3. FORT NEGEN

Fort Negen is a neighborhood bakery in Amsterdam West on the always bustling Jan Evertsenstraat. Sourdough loaves, cheese, chocolate, and almond croissants are on the counter daily, paired with Rum Baba coffee.

Did you know that Fort Negen has the best croissant in Amsterdam? It’s unbelievably flaky and so good on its own, yet it works great with any spread.

You can find familiar treats with a spin at Fort Negen – think oliebollen in the winter and ice cream croissants in the summertime. Getting here early on the weekends and securing your spot on the benches allows for leisurely catch-ups in the heart of De Baarsjes.

4. BAKHUYS

Bakery, cafe, extra goodies, you name it, Bakhuys has it.

One of the best bakeries in Amsterdam is on Weesperplein, next to the tram stop. Not only does it have an overwhelming amount of cookies, cakes, and pastries, there is a pizza oven nestled in the quaint space.

People-watching is the go-to activity on bright days when there’s outdoor seating available. Another option is to share one of the long tables with some great food and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

Dutch delicacies abound in Bakhuys – their version of the ham and cheese croissant is on another level. Another influence is the French – check out the tartelettes to the right of the cash register!

5. BAKING LAB

The Baking Lab is a brilliant bakery in the city’s eastern part. Its cozy space invites everyone to hang out for a coffee and a piece of cake or a sandwich. You can even work here in the laptop-designated area on the bar.

Baking Lab is famous for baking workshops; you can learn how to make bread from scratch, both sourdough, and traditional bread. There are a few different levels – catering to beginners and those more advanced.

Private team buildings are another area of TBL’s specialty, where they teach the students how to make pizza dough and pair it with a glass of good wine. On the weekends, you can stop by for pre-made pizza dough and a sauce for a fair price.

6. HARTOG’S VOLKOREN

Hartog’s has been around for almost 120 years. It’s a baking institution famous for being a bakery with its own mill in the back of the store on Wibautstraat.

All the products are traditional and organic, packing all the nutrients within the grains used. Every day, typical Dutch loaves abound, as well as broodjes (sandwiches), speculaas, and the traditional ontbijtkoek. Most of these also sell online.

Certain shops, such as Sterk sell Hartog’s bread, but a visit to the main location is a must. Simple, healthy food connected to Dutch heritage is something everyone should experience for themselves. Follow the lovely smell coming from the center of the busy Wibautstraat; it will take you straight to one of the best bakeries in Amsterdam.

7. RISE BAKERY

Rise Bakery is a hidden gem in the not-so-hidden Albert Cuypmarkt, the biggest and best outdoor market Amsterdam offers.

At the beginning of the pandemic, a few passionate friends decided to open the bakery. Their offer is varied and ever-growing, covering grounds from countries like Brazil, France, and The Netherlands. You name it – they’ve probably got it!

The specialty coffee in Rise is some of the most nuanced out there, and it goes great with the tosti of the day. There are teas and mocktails, making the indoor area ideal for lounging. The best part, however, is the talented staff that puts so much love into everything they do.

Winter in Amsterdam becomes more bearable with baked goods. Have you visited any bakeries on this list? What is your favorite bakery in Amsterdam? What’s the best food there? Let me know in the comments!