We had been immersed in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam since 9:30 AM. By lunchtime, we realized that even a whole day wouldn’t be enough to see everything. In our case, we were so captivated by the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt, and the Dutch genre paintings that we spent almost the entire morning in just one room: the Gallery of Honour. (,,>᎑<,,)
We had arrived in Amsterdam at 5:30 AM after a 13-hour flight. Our legs felt like lead. That’s when we decided to have lunch at the museum’s café without even stepping outside.
The Museum Café: The Ultimate Pit Stop
The Rijksmuseum Café is located on the “0th floor.” In Europe, this is the ground floor, but in this museum, you actually find it after descending the stairs from the entrance.
The lobby is a stunning, glass-roofed atrium that feels incredibly bright and open, despite being below street level. Looking up at the glass ceiling, you’ll see the “Akari” lamps by artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988). It’s fascinating how these traditional Japanese lamps, made of washi paper and bamboo, blend so seamlessly into this modern Western space. They feel remarkably contemporary.
The café sits in a corner of this airy lobby. It’s not only beautiful but also incredibly convenient since you don’t have to leave the building or search for a restaurant nearby. (Note: There is also a formal restaurant, but its entrance is on the outside of the building.)
Surprising Quality of Museum Food
The menu is accessed via a QR code on your phone. We struggled a bit to decide, but the food exceeded our expectations.
- Fresh Juice & Dutch Milk: The local milk was light and delicious.
- The “Mystery” Soup: I ordered a brown spiced soup. It was savory, aromatic, and comforting, though I was so tired I can’t recall the exact name!
- Dutch Croquettes (Kroket): My wife ordered a platter with fish croquettes, mustard, and plenty of cheese. The croquettes were incredible—creamy on the inside with a rich, savory-sweet flavor. It might have been the best croquette we had on this trip. (My wife said it wasn’t fish! but anyway ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ)
Price & Value
For a museum café, the prices are reasonable for Amsterdam. Our total was €44.50.
- Lunch for two: Around €13–€18 per person.
- Drinks: Around €4–€5. While the current exchange rate makes it feel expensive for Japanese travelers, in terms of local value and the time saved by staying inside the museum, it’s a fair price.
Summary: Is it worth it?
- Atmosphere: Excellent, open, and stylish.
- Food: Generous portions and very tasty.
- Crowd: Expect a short wait during peak hours, but it moves quickly.
- Verdict: ★★★ (Highly Recommended)
If you want to maximize your time with the masterpieces, this café is your best bet. Budget Tip: If you’re looking to save, there is a designated “Picnic Zone” on the 0th floor where you can eat your own food!
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