IJssalon Tofani is a long-running Italian-style gelato, coffee and light-lunch stop at Kloveniersburgwal 16, 1012 CT Amsterdam, just off Nieuwmarkt in the Centrum/De Wallen area. With a history reaching back to 1928, it draws travelers for creamy artisanal ice cream, fruit-forward sorbets, espresso, panini and fresh juice—an easy pause between the medieval center’s markets, canals and landmark churches.
What to Expect at IJssalon Tofani
Tofani is geared to the simple, immediate pleasure of a gelato break rather than a drawn-out formal meal. The core attraction is its range of classic and inventive ice-cream flavors, with rich dark chocolate for traditionalists and bright citrus sorbet when a lighter, sharper finish suits the day. The Italian café identity continues with coffee, making it useful in the morning as well as after dinner; its unusually late hours also make it a practical dessert stop after an evening around Nieuwmarkt.
For something more substantial, the shop also prepares panini and pours fresh juice. That combination makes Tofani a flexible stop: have espresso and a pastry-style sweet pause before sightseeing, pick up a panino for a quick central-Amsterdam lunch, or choose gelato after exploring the lanes around the Waag. The appeal is its continuity as a neighborhood institution in one of the city’s busiest historic quarters, where a short walk connects canal-side streets, the market square and major sights.
- Italian gelato tradition: A neighborhood ice-cream address with roots dating to 1928.
- Classic and inventive flavors: Choose familiar creamy scoops or branch out with changing, more unusual combinations.
- Dark chocolate and citrus sorbet: Two contrasting choices for decadent cocoa depth or a clean, refreshing fruit finish.
- Panini and fresh juice: Light savory food and freshly squeezed drinks extend the visit beyond dessert.
- Late-night stop: Open until after midnight every day, including 1am on Friday and Saturday.
IJssalon Tofani at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Kloveniersburgwal 16, 1012 CT Amsterdam |
| Neighborhood / Area | Nieuwmarkt, Centrum / De Wallen |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 9:30am–12:30am; Fri–Sat 9:30am–1am; Sun 10am–12:30am |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $ price level for gelato, coffee, fresh juice and panini |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes; allow longer for a light lunch |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Nieuwmarkt Metro station, served by lines 51, 53 and 54, is about a 3-minute walk; central garages are preferable to limited street parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | +31 20 624 3073 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for coffee and a quieter start, or make Tofani a late dessert call after dinner; the Friday and Saturday 1am close is especially useful when the center is active at night. This is best treated as a walk-in counter stop. For a panino at the usual lunch peak or ice cream on a warm afternoon, build in a little flexibility rather than scheduling a tightly timed visit. There is no admission, and the low-cost format makes it easy to share several flavors or add a drink.
From Nieuwmarkt station, walk west along Sint Antoniesbreestraat and turn toward Kloveniersburgwal. Drivers should use a central parking garage and approach on foot; the immediate historic-center streets are narrow and parking is scarce. Kloveniersburgwal and the surrounding lanes have old paving that can be uneven, so wheelchair users and travelers with strollers should call ahead about step-free entry and available interior turning space. Pair the stop with the 15th-century Waag on Nieuwmarkt, the Zuiderkerk and its tower a few minutes south, or a waterside stroll along the Groenburgwal, all within roughly 5 to 10 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are IJssalon Tofani’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Tofani opens at 9:30am Monday through Saturday and 10am Sunday. It closes at 12:30am Sunday through Thursday and 1am Friday and Saturday; mornings are the calmest time, while warm afternoons and late evenings are livelier.
How much does a visit to IJssalon Tofani cost, and do I need a reservation?
There is no entry charge, and the shop sits in the $ price category for gelato, coffee, juice and panini. It works as a casual walk-in stop rather than a reservation-led restaurant; phone ahead for current availability if visiting with a large group.
How long should I budget for gelato or lunch?
Allow 20 to 40 minutes for ordering and enjoying a scoop, sorbet or coffee. Plan closer to 45 minutes if you are stopping for a panino and fresh juice before continuing around Nieuwmarkt.
Is IJssalon Tofani suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
Families can keep the stop short and tailor it around familiar ice-cream flavors, fruit sorbet and drinks. The route from Nieuwmarkt is short, but historic paving can be uneven; call before arrival to confirm step-free access and room for a wheelchair or stroller inside.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or comparing verified ice cream shop and espresso bar in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including The English Bookshop, Vesper, Bredero-monument (by Piet Esser, 1968), and Rosalia's Menagerie (nearby).
