It seems a tough gig these days. There are some great, superb and fun places, that are too often converted into Insta/ TikTok and tourists queues leaving little room for locals to enjoy them.
So while we want to go all out supporting these wonderful local businesses, it’s hard not to feel if you spread the word to widely, your local foodie go-to, hot spot will quickly convert into some flash mob where the staff no longer know your name.
For those of us who’ve called Amsterdam home for more than 15 years, the food scene has undergone a quiet revolution - and for the better. From diverse flavours to an impressive focus on quality, the city is brimming with passionate culinary entrepreneurs delivering creative and innovative dining experiences - yet very few know, that the food scene really is under extreme financial pressure. They're juggling post-pandemic debts, the energy crisis (that pushed their bills up x4!), higher wages, higher costs for ingredients, tougher competition and a squeeze on space... Plus at a time, when we're all consciously thinking about how much spare cash we have to go out and enjoy the scene.
"But here’s the catch - great food / beverage businesses need support to thrive, and it starts with us. By rallying behind these establishments in a way that encourages community rather than overcrowded fads, we can ensure their long-term success..." states Share-A-Table, Founder, Georgina Smith

Here are 5 ways you can be a true foodie in Amsterdam while championing local businesses:
1. Ditch the Insta and TikTok queues (and insist your guests do too)
It’s time to skip the overhyped lines and spread the word about alternative, under-the-radar gems in your neighbourhood. Supporting local doesn’t mean following the crowds - it means finding spaces that deserve recognition without getting lost in the hype.
2. Rely on trusted and local recommendations
Friends, colleagues, and communities like Share-A-Table are fantastic resources for discovering new spots to try. What sets Share-A-Table apart? Recommendations are thoughtfully contributed by trusted members, offering authentic, honest suggestions that move beyond generic online reviews. While tastes may vary, these tips come from those who live and breathe Amsterdam’s food scene.
3. Follow local food insiders
Keep your finger on the pulse of Amsterdam’s culinary world by following local food influencers. Accounts like #BartsBoekje, #YourLBBAmsterdam, Amsterdam FoodGuide, #LeFoodWalk, #ShareATableNow are brimming with inspiration for your next food adventure. They celebrate the city’s culinary diversity while keeping it accessible and close to home.
4. Dine early to beat the crowd
Avoid the chaos of peak hours and enjoy a more intimate experience by arriving earlier. You’ll get the chef’s full attention, there’ll be ambience yet a lower dime so you can hear one another - plus a chance to head home early - great for a mid week bite or perfect if you want to follow it up with post dinner something
5. Create your own gathering
There’s no better way to share your favorite foodie finds than hosting a dinner at your go-to spot. Support us and gather your circle - we’ll widen it with new people via the Share-A-Table platform for an evening that highlights “the best of” culinary Amsterdam and introduce your favourites to the community
Start small, make a conscious choice, and celebrate the creativity of local dining - t’s a win for all of us.
Amsterdam’s food scene is constantly evolving, shaped by passionate individuals who put their heart into every plate, cup, and croissant. By focusing on community-driven support and sharing recommendations locally, we can help these businesses thrive and keep our city’s food culture vibrant.
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