Which restaurant with a terrace in Amsterdam serves share plates?

A restaurant with outdoor seating in Amsterdam that serves share plates is The Traveller Amsterdam. This international restaurant concept combines adventurous world cuisine in share plate style with a welcoming outdoor space, both in Zuidoost in Amsterdam Zuidoost and in the Rivierenbuurt near the RAI. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about share plates on a terrace in Amsterdam, from what it actually involves to how to make a reservation.

What are share plates and how does a share plate dinner work?

Share plates are smaller dishes that the whole table enjoys together, similar to tapas or mezze. Instead of each person ordering their own main course, you collectively choose several dishes that are placed in the center of the table. This gives everyone the chance to sample different flavors and turns the meal into a shared experience.

The style of eating is informal and social. Typically, you order three to five dishes for every two people, depending on the size of the dishes and how hungry everyone is. The dishes come out of the kitchen at their own pace, creating a relaxed rhythm. You don’t work your way through a menu from start to finish — instead, you discover the flavors in an order dictated by the kitchen. That’s exactly what makes share plates so enjoyable: it’s an adventure, not a routine.

Which restaurants in Amsterdam serve share plates with outdoor seating?

Amsterdam has a handful of restaurants where you can enjoy share plates with a great outdoor seating area. The options range from small neighborhood restaurants to larger concepts with a distinct identity. Here is an overview of the best-known choices:

The Traveller Amsterdam Zuidoost in Zuidoost: a spacious, green terrace surrounded by nature, with a world cuisine menu built around share plates.
The Traveller Zuid on Europaplein in the Rivierenbuurt: a lively urban terrace right next to the RAI, ideal for coffee, lunch, drinks, or dinner.
Various tapas restaurants in the Jordaan and De Pijp offer similar concepts, though the international variety is often more limited.
Pop-up restaurants and food halls such as the Foodhallen sometimes serve share-style dishes, but without a fixed terrace or a cohesive menu.

For those specifically looking for a combination of a green or urban terrace with an extensive international share plates menu, both locations of The Traveller are the most distinctive choice in Amsterdam.

What makes a terrace in Amsterdam well suited for share plates?

A good terrace for share plates requires space, a relaxed atmosphere, and staff who understand how the concept works. Tables need to be large enough to accommodate several dishes side by side, and the service team must time the dishes well to match the pace at the table.

Beyond the practical aspects, the surroundings play a major role. Share plates invite long, leisurely meals, good conversation, and enjoyment. A terrace suited to this has plenty of space between tables, pleasant lighting in the evening, and ideally greenery or a lively urban environment to take in. A busy terrace along a congested road works less well, as it disrupts the relaxed atmosphere that this style of dining calls for. Terraces in park-like settings or on quiet squares generally offer the best backdrop.

Which world cuisines feature in a share plates menu?

A share plates menu with an international focus draws from cuisines around the globe. Think flavors from Asia, the Middle East, South America, North Africa, and Europe, brought together in a menu with travel as its common thread.

Typical dishes you might find on such a menu include roasted vegetables with tahini and pomegranate, bao buns with slow-cooked meat, ceviche with citrus dressing, or grilled meat dishes with chimichurri. The strength of a well-crafted international share plates menu lies in its balance: lighter and heartier dishes alternate, and the flavors complement rather than clash with each other. Modern cooking techniques are used to give traditional recipes a contemporary twist without losing their authenticity.

What occasions is a share plates terrace suited for?

A share plates terrace in Amsterdam is suitable for almost any social occasion, from an informal lunch with colleagues to a full birthday dinner. The concept is inherently flexible: you can keep it short and light, or linger for hours.

Coffee or drinks: A few small dishes and a drink on the terrace — ideal for a quick break or a spontaneous get-together after work.
Dinner with friends or family: Share plates work best with a group of four to eight people. The more people, the more variety you can order.
Business lunch or networking drinks: The informal atmosphere of share plates makes conversation easier, without the stiffness of a formal dinner.
Group outings or birthday celebrations: The communal nature of the concept makes it a festive choice for special occasions.
Conference or event visits: Locations near the RAI or other event venues are popular with visitors looking to unwind after a full day of meetings.

How do you reserve a table on a terrace in Amsterdam?

It’s best to book a table at a popular terrace in Amsterdam in advance, especially during the summer months and on Friday and Saturday evenings. Most restaurants offer online reservations through their website or via booking platforms such as OpenTable or IENS.

When making a reservation, it’s a good idea to specify that you’d like to sit outside so the restaurant can accommodate your preference. Keep in mind that terraces may not be available in bad weather, and if you’re unsure, ask whether a covered option is available. For large groups, always book by phone or email so you can discuss any menu preferences or seating arrangements ahead of time.

How The Traveller Amsterdam completes your share plates experience

At The Traveller Amsterdam, share plates are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you choose our terrace in Zuidoost in Amsterdam Zuidoost or our location in the Rivierenbuurt, you’ll find:

An adventurous menu featuring dishes from world cuisines, prepared with modern techniques
An international drinks list with beers and wines from every corner of the globe
A welcoming outdoor space that invites you to linger and explore
A team that understands the share plates rhythm and serves each dish at just the right moment
Two central locations in Amsterdam, easily accessible for locals, professionals, and visitors to the RAI or Zuidoost

From a relaxed coffee or lunch to an extensive group dinner: we create an experience that goes beyond an ordinary meal. Make a reservation via The Traveller Zuid and discover for yourself what makes a share plates dinner on our Amsterdam terrace so special.

Veelgestelde vragen

How many dishes should I order for a full meal?

A good rule of thumb is three to four dishes per two people for a comfortable meal, though this depends on the size of the dishes and your own appetite. With larger groups, you can add more variety by ordering six to eight dishes for four people. Feel free to ask the staff for advice — they know the menu and can gauge how many dishes are right for your group.

What if someone at the table has an allergy or dietary requirement?

Always mention allergies or dietary requirements when making your reservation and again when you arrive at the restaurant. Most share plates restaurants, including The Traveller Amsterdam, can adapt dishes or offer alternatives for common allergies such as gluten, nuts, or lactose. For larger groups, it’s especially helpful to discuss this in advance by phone or email so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.

Is a share plates dinner suitable for children?

Yes, share plates can work very well with children, as you can choose dishes based on what the whole table enjoys. Opt for a mix of milder and more adventurous flavors so that even the youngest guests find something they like. Ask the restaurant whether a child-friendly selection is available, or let the staff help put together a varied combination that works for everyone.

How far in advance should I reserve a terrace in Amsterdam in summer?

During the summer months (June through August) and on popular evenings such as Fridays and Saturdays, it’s advisable to book at least three to five days in advance. For larger groups of six or more, it’s better to plan a week or more ahead. If you have a specific date for a birthday or group outing, reserve as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

What happens if it rains — can I switch my terrace reservation to inside?

Most restaurants do their best to find a solution in bad weather, but this depends on available indoor capacity. Always ask when booking whether a covered or indoor space is available as an alternative. At The Traveller Amsterdam, it’s best to check this in advance so you’re not caught off guard on the day.

Can you order à la carte, or are you required to order share plates?

At restaurants where share plates are the core concept, such as The Traveller Amsterdam, the menu is specifically built around sharing dishes. There is generally no classic à la carte structure with separate starters and main courses. The share plates approach is designed to offer flexibility: you and your fellow diners decide which dishes to order and in what quantity.

Is there parking available, or is the terrace easily accessible by public transport?

Both locations of The Traveller Amsterdam are easily accessible by public transport as well as by car. The Zuidoost location in Amsterdam Zuidoost is served by metro and bus connections and has parking options nearby. The Europaplein location in the Rivierenbuurt is right next to the RAI, which is excellently connected by tram, metro, and train, and has a large parking garage nearby.