Ponte Arcari

More like 4.75 stars for this hidden gem of Italian restaurants in Amsterdam. We were staying at a hotel right down the block and passed this cute little bistro on the corner, several times. So we decided to give it a try. It’s very small, maybe 12 tables? Two guys waiting and serving, and one chef in the kitchen. It’s ran by a real Italian and they are funny and friendly, adding to the whole experience. I had the Gorgonzola and mushroom veal and it was AMAZING. I was craving it the next day. Everything is authentic Italian recipes that the owner (who was our waiter) brought with him from Italy.

This restaurant has one Chef, and I guarantee, if you are patient, you will love this place. On a corner between canals, it does not get any better than this in Amsterdam. The owners and servers work their butts off to take care of you, and they know how to cook! Enjoy, be patient, don’t think like an American.

I visit this restaurant every time I’m in Amsterdam. It’s a great family owned spot in city center. The space is small but comfortable. The menu is somewhat limited but the food is delicious. Don’t miss the ravioli, but you can’t go wrong with any of it.

Cosy and delicious food but very unfriendly personal. The owner is very arrogant and there was no good atmosphere. We asked jokingly our digestive and the ober started yelling very aggressive. Nice start but very non professional end.

Very romantic place with very friendly staff.
They like to treat you to something special if they see the love in the air.
One of the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam, not serving pizza but true biological and fresh food!
Want to go there more often!!!
Try the specials, they really go out of their way on them!

Wonderful setting right on a canal, especially at sunset. It is small and charming, and you can see the cooks chopping and mincing away from a window right outside the kitchen. The food was delicious and abundant. I ordered the chicken pesto dish and it was luxurious. The portion was very large, which is a negative for me but might not be for others. However, my abortive part is still the restaurant itself — you cannot walk into this place and not feel like you’re not in an old, small town Italy fairytale.

Very cute little place on a canal! I bike by this place everyday and it couldn’t be in a better spot. I like the vibe, the décor, and the few tables they put next to the canal when it’s warm out. The food was pretty decent, but could use more flavor and creativity, so that’s why the 3 stars! It’s the kind of place I’d go back to for a casual dinner, but not the kind of place I dream of when I’m starving :)

Lovely night at Ponte Arcari! I’m so happy I found a true Italian place in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s nicely located along Herengracht, right in front of a typical Amsterdam bridge — so romantic! I’ve been there several times so I am ready to provide a review.
There are two rooms, a small one on the main floor, and a bigger one in the basement, but I would recommend staying on the first floor, it’s much nicer with its pretty little white window frames. The staff was really nice although one of them tended to overplay the «italian stereotype card» (a little bit too flirtatious with basically all women!).
But let’s talk about the reason why we came here: the food. Mmmmm, those pasta! simply delicious. The truffle ravioli were delicious (the right amount of creaminess, and a strong truffle taste, not just the already decadent smell of it), and the mozzarella and tomate pasta roll were just heaven… I believe Italian cuisine is at its best with simple dishes, basic ingredients, turned into awesomeness with a great product and a lot of savoir-​faire. That’s what this dish was. We also tried the saltimbocca alla romana (veal with ham) which was also good. Oh, and the misto antipasti had some really good meat (the cheeses and vegetables were not really interesting though).
When we mentioned that we were having dinner there for the third time, we got offered a tiramisu! such a nice gesture. and although we were full from our meal, we enjoyed it very much: it was really light and delicate, lemon flavored.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant as the best Italian I’ve had in Amsterdam. It should be noted though that they don’t have pizza — if that’s what you’re looking for, then this is not the place. But if you’re looking for everything else that Italian food has to offer, then Ponte Arcari won’t disappoint you!

I’m writing an overdue review. I came here two months ago, in May on vacation in Amsterdam. Came upon this place by accident and decided to try it out. We sat on the bottom floor, and it was a dark cozy small dining room. The waiter was hilarious throughout the night, and he was very nice and attentive to us. The pasta was homemade and the ingredients were fresh and made very well. They serve pretty big portions of pasta, and I was able to finish the entire plate because it was that good. The white wine pairings our waiter recommended were perfect with our meal. Lastly, to top off our great meal, we had tiramisu for dessert. It was just pure heaven! Overall, great experience and not too pricey. I think our bill came out to be 60 €. I would definitely recommend this place if you happen to visit Amsterdam!

Delicious little pasta place in central Amsterdam. On our last trip to AMS we ate here several times was excellent. I am pretty sure all pasta is made in house with daily special and a creative flavorful menu. The home made ravioi were delicious.
I would recommend this gem to anyone and everyone.

Great little Italian place, very small and intimate. Run by actual Italians who care about food and wine. Genuine and high quality Italian food — simple, made fresh from fresh ingredients. Service is slow, though no slower than most Amsterdam restaurants, and very attentive, so don’t guess, just ask and they are very happy to tell you what something is or how it is prepared, or what goes with what.
If its crowded, and it usually is, and if you are impatient, then eat somewhere else. If you don’t mind waiting, or if you have someone charming to talk to (or just stare into the eyes of), and you like good food, this is worth the wait.

Would be almost 4 stars for the food but is less than 2 for the service hence the average… lowered to 2 because it was upsetting.
We sat outside, nice evening, great weather, the location is very nice and very Amsterdam picture perfect.
We waited for everything… from the menu to the drinks, to the the food and also for the bill.
I ate a nice linguine dish with gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms and nuts. It was well done and the portion was abundant. My friends has another pasta, also very yummy and fillet was nicely done with a good truffle sauce.
They have Moretti beer which is very nice… pity only the small bottle. House white wine was a nice dry one from Marche… it matched nicely the evening warmth.
One of the waiters was apologetic about the waiting but it did not fix the sloppy and bully behavior of his colleague.
I will probably try again in winter time, inside, when they have less crowd and probably service will be acceptable.

We had two pastas, two beers and a glass of white wine. The second beer was ordered because the white wine was horrible. The waiters think they are very funny, but actually they’re rude. At the end they tried to charge us one glass of wine too many. Pitty we were locals and not tourists… This used to be a good Italian restaurant but there’s a new owner and it’s really a waste of time and money.

Charming Italian restaurant in the center of Amsterdam along Herengracht. While we were waiting for a table, we just strolled along the canal just outside the restaurant and watched the sunset.
This was one of my favorite meals during my visit to Amsterdam. The seating is cozy and it feels like a neighborhood Italian bistro. This neighborhood just happens to be something out of a dream. Completely lovely place.