Restaurant Olijfje is a relaxed Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant at Valkenburgerstraat 223D, 1011 MJ Amsterdam, in the eastern edge of the city centre near Waterlooplein and the Jewish Cultural Quarter, Netherlands. Its core identity is generous, shareable Mediterranean cooking: cold and hot starters, casseroles, fish and grilled meats paired with wine. Travelers come for an unhurried dinner that is close to major central Amsterdam sights while feeling more like a neighborhood meal than a canal-side tourist stop.
What to Expect at Restaurant Olijfje
The experience here is built around the table rather than a fixed tasting-menu format. Start with a selection of cold and warm mezze-style dishes to share, then move to the restaurant’s Mediterranean main-course range. Grilled meat is a central reason to visit, while fish, vegetable dishes and oven-prepared casseroles give mixed groups meaningful choice. The kitchen’s Turkish influence comes through in the seasoning, grilled preparations and starter-led way of eating.
Olijfje works especially well for a long early-evening meal after museums or a day around Nieuwmarkt. The dining room is an indoor restaurant setting on the broad Valkenburgerstraat corridor, rather than a destination with galleries, trails or timed exhibits; the signature experience is choosing a spread of dishes and lingering over wine. Reservations are available through the restaurant’s online booking page and are sensible for dinner, particularly on Friday and Saturday.
- Turkish-Mediterranean menu: Expect a broad mix of mezze-style starters, grilled dishes, fish and casseroles.
- Grilled meats: Meat-focused mains are a principal draw for diners looking beyond Amsterdam’s casual cafés.
- Shareable starters: Cold and hot small dishes make it easy for couples and groups to sample across the menu.
- Wine with dinner: The restaurant pairs its food offering with wine for a full sit-down evening meal.
- Central-east location: It is close to Waterlooplein, Nieuwmarkt and the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Restaurant Olijfje at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Valkenburgerstraat 223D, 1011 MJ Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Waterlooplein / eastern Amsterdam city centre, near Nieuwmarkt and the Jewish Cultural Quarter |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday 3pm–10pm; Sunday closed |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission charge; pay for food and drinks. See the official website for current menu details. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours for dinner; allow longer for several shared starters and dessert. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Waterlooplein Metro station is the closest major stop; paid parking is available at nearby Parking Markenhoven. |
| Official Website / Phone | restaurantolijfje.nl / +31 20 330 4444 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Plan to arrive soon after the 3pm opening for the calmest start, or reserve ahead for prime dinner hours. There is no ticket to buy: use the restaurant’s online reservation page to secure a table, and include party size, dietary needs and any stroller or mobility requirements in your request. Waterlooplein is served by Metro 51, 53 and 54; from the station, the restaurant is a short walk east along Valkenburgerstraat. Drivers should use a paid garage such as Parking Markenhoven rather than expect easy street parking in the centre.
Valkenburgerstraat has paved city sidewalks, making the approach manageable with a stroller or wheelchair, but Amsterdam pavements can be uneven at crossings. Contact Olijfje before booking to confirm step-free entrance arrangements, table spacing and accessible toilet availability for your visit. Within a 5–15 minute walk, pair dinner with the historic Jewish Cultural Quarter, including the Portuguese Synagogue and Jewish Museum, browse the Waterlooplein flea market, or continue to Nieuwmarkt and the Waag for bars and late-evening atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Restaurant Olijfje’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Restaurant Olijfje is open Monday through Saturday from 3pm to 10pm and is closed Sunday. For a quieter meal, book close to opening; for dinner on Friday or Saturday, reserve in advance.
Does Restaurant Olijfje charge admission, and do I need a reservation?
There is no admission fee because Olijfje is a restaurant; guests pay for their food and drinks. Reservations are recommended for evening dining and can be made through the official online booking page.
How much time should I budget for a meal at Restaurant Olijfje?
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable dinner. Budget extra time if your table is sharing multiple hot and cold starters before grilled meats, fish or casserole-style mains.
Is Restaurant Olijfje suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can order shareable starters and choose from a varied Mediterranean menu. The route from Waterlooplein uses paved sidewalks, but guests needing step-free entry, an accessible toilet or space for a stroller should call ahead to confirm the restaurant’s current arrangements.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and mediterranean restaurant in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including Wereldmuseum, O'reillys Irish Pub, Wandu Amsterdam, and Bike Rent Amsterdam (nearby).
