After the metamorphosis of Stadionplein and the area around the Olympic Stadium, the renovation of the two monumental Citroën buildings and the opening of a large number of restaurants, bars and stores, The Olympic, as the Stadionbuurt is now unofficially called, has become a vibrant neighborhood where various cultural and sports events are organized throughout the year.
A major asset of The Olympic is the neighborhood's culinary offerings. Well-known chefs like Joris Bijdendijk and Michiel van der Eerde opened their restaurants Wils and Bar Baut there, the former of which was awarded a Michelin star not long after its opening. The best sushi in Amsterdam also eats in the Stadionbuurt. Restaurant Umeno has been known for years for its outstanding sushi. Without a doubt, the most popular restaurant in Mokum is NENI in the former Citroën garage. Famed for its Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful interior, it is crowded for a table here every day of the week. And those searching on Instagram for an Instagram-worthy restaurant soon end up at Mama Kelly. In the completely pink-styled restaurant you eat chicken or lobster and look out on the field where Ajax has experienced many an international success.
With plenty of restaurants, stores, sports activities, entertainment and the Saturday market, the historic area around the Olympic Stadium is a fine place to relax, store and play sports.
Wils & Wils Bakery
Joris Bijdendijk, who doesn't know him? The well-known chef of Bridges and Rijks, among others, seems to make it a habit that wherever he cooks, he is awarded a Michelin star. For the new restaurant Wils on the top floor of the former Citroën garage, Bijdendijk and colleagues Erwin Oudijk and Friso van Amerongen were awarded a Michelin star within a year. Restaurant Wils is a restaurant where all dishes are prepared on fire according to the pillars of pure, unique, quality and simplicity. The chefs cook refined seasonal dishes from the open kitchen. - Stadionplein 26
NENI Amsterdam
NENI Amsterdam is a sensation when it comes to Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Think mezze, hummus, falafel, shawarma, babaganoush, various richly filled focaccia and lots of charcoal-grilled vegetables and fish. The raw industrial characteristics of the monumental former Citroën garage combined with warm Eastern Mediterranean elements create a modern, warm atmosphere. Fig trees, hanging lanterns and louvered shutters give guests an outdoor dining feel in the restaurant. NENI Amsterdam occupies several floors and is divided into a restaurant, a deli with the most delicious sweets, the cocktail bar called Lemonman and a cozy terrace. Eaten out? At The Lemonman, you can stay up late for drinks and enjoy the view of Stadionplein. - Stadionplein 8
Bar Baut
Michiel van der Eerde is one of Amsterdam's most striking hospitality entrepreneurs. The well-known chef owns Baut, the traveling pop-up restaurant. After a culinary tour of 6 locations in Amsterdam (Wibautstraat, Stadionplein, Prinses Irenestraat, Rokin, Paradijsplein and Spaarndammerstraat), the Michiel van der Eerde settled on a permanent spot on Stadionweg last year. "In Zuid there is a need for a good bar where you can have drinks combined with tasty, small bar snacks. With Bar Baut we are responding to this. The menu is a collection of the best dishes from the 6 editions of Baut," said Van der Eerde. - Stadionweg 320
Mr. Sam Asian Bistro
The surprise of the Stadium Neighborhood is definitely Mr. Sam Asian Bistro. What a treat to dine here in style. The menu is all about fusion. Think yellowfin tuna tartare with cassava chips, prawn tempura rolls with kimchi mayo, grilled miso lobster and a variation of the most delicious sushi. At Mr. Sam's, you really are in for a night out. In addition to great Asian food, they also shake and stir the best cocktail classics here. - Amstelveenseweg 344
MaMa Kelly
MaMa Kelly belongs in the list of "Amsterdam's most Instagram-worthy restaurants. Everything in the restaurant is pink. But don't think that's why the menu is full of airy, sweet bites. Here you eat juicy chicken and delicious lobster prepared in different ways. Whether you like a little garlic, nice and spicy or with an Asian twist; MaMa Kelly makes sure you get your favorite flavor on your plate. MaMa Kelly is the perfect place to spice up your Instagram feed. - Olympic Stadium 35
Vlaamsch Broodhuys
Vlaamsch Broodhuys bakes like top chefs cook; with high-quality ingredients, culinary inspiration and years of experience. Since 1996, Dimitri Roels and his bakers have been baking nutritious and flavorful sourdough bread. With success, because anyone who smells the aroma of this special bread really can't go back. At Stadionplein you will find a branch of Vlaamsch Broodhuys, for many the living room of Zuid. - Stadionplein 113
Two Chefs Brewing Foodbar
After the success of Two Chefs FoodBar on Hugo de Grootplein, Two Chefs Brewing recently opened a second branch on Stadionplein. On the spot where Bar Alt used to be you will now find a restaurant, bar and tasting room in one. Here you can enjoy daily freshly tapped beers from Two Chefs Brewing, combined with delicious dishes made with ingredients from artisanal, local producers. Two Chefs FoodBar features a huge sun terrace, which is heated in bad weather, so you can always join friends. - Stadionplein 103
Vascobelo
Just steps away from the Olympic Stadium you will find Vascobelo, a great coffee bar and restaurant all in one. Famous for its coffee, breakfast and lunch, and the perfect place for an aperitif or drinks. Unique to this V-bar are its high ceilings and beautiful open kitchen. The venue has an intimate and warm atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy a drink with friends. Vascobelo has a lovely south-facing terrace where you can enjoy all the goodies they prepare there in the sun. - Stadionplein 100
Umeno
South's best-kept secret is Umeno. No place in Amsterdam where you can eat better than here in the small restaurant on Agamemnonstraat. Umeno opened its doors in 1978 as the first Japanese restaurant in the Netherlands. In the authentic interior, sushi is made the traditional and artisanal way and guests imagine themselves in Japan. Gourmets enjoy the best that Japanese cuisine has to offer at Umeno in peace and quiet. - Agamemnon Street 27
Cucina Casalinga
Cucina Casalinga is an intimate restaurant that breathes the atmosphere of Italy. Known for its hospitality, you will eat refined Italian dishes here. The chefs here cook with fresh ingredients from the Mezzogiorno, the culinary rich south of Italy. For example, the vegetables, herbs and fruits come from Sicily, the olive oils and pastas from Benedetto Cavalieri and the sausages, hams and cheeses from the island of Lipari. Fish and meat are bought locally from Jan van As and Lindenhoff. - Stadionweg 271
Stadium Square Market
The Stadionpleinmarkt is the Saturday outing for many an Amsterdammer. The lively market with its cozy stalls and bustling terraces all around is ideal for fresh shopping and a drink afterwards. - Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.