Tucked away in a charming 16th-century house, this cozy café delights with unique, fluffy pancakes and a friendly vibe—just don’t forget to reserve!
"Open for: Lunch Price range: $$ Upstairs claims to be Europe’s smallest pancake restaurant; with only four tables, that’s believable. You have to clamber up a narrow flight of stairs to get in, but it’s charming enough to make up for the inconvenience. The building dates to 1539, the decor leans Dutch historical, and owners Arno Jakobs and Ali Sadikin will often fry up your meal themselves. Dutch pancakes are somewhere between crepes and fluffy American pancakes, and come with sweet and savory toppings. In the summer, fresh berries and whipped cream is the way to go, while bacon and cheese (with the strips of meat embedded in the pancake) is always good. If you’re looking for something a little wilder, Upstairs also offers combos like cheese with candied ginger or salami with cheese and pineapple. Know before you go: Call, no more than a week ahead (no WhatsApp or email), to make a (probably necessary) reservation." - Katharine Khamhaengwong
"Dutch directness is epitomized at the aptly named Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs. What do they serve? Pannenkoeken. Where do they serve it? Upstairs, in a snug, 4-table space surrounded by old-timey photos under a canopy of suspended tea pots. If you’re new to the thinner, crepe-like Dutch pancake, go for the classic King with strawberries and whipped cream, or go savory with bacon and cheese. Call and make reservations up to a week in advance if you don’t want to be among those who gingerly descend the flight of narrow stairs empty-stomached." - paolo espanola
"Dutch directness is epitomized at the aptly named Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs. What do they serve? Pannenkoeken. Where do they serve it? Upstairs, in a snug, 4-table space surrounded by old-timey photos under a canopy of suspended tea pots. If you’re new to the thinner, crepe-like Dutch pancake, go for the classic King with strawberries and whipped cream, or go savory with bacon and cheese. Call and make reservations up to a week in advance if you don’t want to be among those who gingerly descend the flight of narrow stairs empty-stomached." - Paolo Española
"Everything about this tiny, four-table café is quintessential Amsterdam: It's set in a 16th-century house on the edge of the Red Light District , you can only access the dining room via a narrow staircase, there are quirky teapots hanging from the ceiling, and the menu consists of pancakes, only pancakes. That is, the Dutch variety served with savory, and sometimes sweet, toppings. For a traditional order, try the sweet-and-savory combination of bacon, cheese, and apple. Dessert might be the Indonesian-influenced "Bali" pancake topped with bananas, coconut, cream, and Pisang Ambon Dutch liqueur." - Meredith Bethune
"Once in the canal city, that means visits to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the EYE Film Institute, and meals at Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs, Le Restaurant, and Yamazato."
