6 Wheelchair-friendly waterfront restaurants in Amsterdam
From its picturesque canals to the Amstel and IJ rivers, Amsterdam is a city with lots of waterways. With that comes the opportunity for some great waterfront dining. Read on to discover Amsterdam’s best wheelchair-friendly restaurants with a waterfront view:
1. THT
THT’s terrace
THT is a lively restaurant overlooking the IJ river. The restaurant is connected to Tolhuistuin, a popular venue that hosts cultural events, concerts, small scale festivals and much more. THT’s internationally-inspired menu includes lunch, dinner and snacks. It’s also a great place to enjoy a late night cocktail.
Accessibility
THT has a number of different entrances, each with manual doors. Inside there are low tables and chairs. Down the hall you’ll find a spacious accessible toilet with grab rails. The outdoor terrace is accessible, both on the ground floor and upstairs. Potential challenges include a 1 cm threshold at each entrance.
2. Riva (now called Ode aan de Amstel)
Riva’s terrace
Riva is a waterfront restaurant located in Amsterdam’s Amstel business district. Its outdoor terrace makes it a wonderful place for lunch or dinner on a sunny summer’s day. Riva’s menu includes a range of dishes — Caesar salad, oysters, ravioli, and beef burgers to name a few.
Accessibility
Riva has two manual entrance doors (both are quite heavy). Inside there are low tables and a variety of sofas and chairs. There is an accessible toilet with grab rails (has a heavy manual door). The outdoor terrace has a portable ramp (80 cm wide) that can be brought out when needed. However, this ramp is incredibly steep. Anyone using the ramp will need assistance to get up and down. Please note the upper floor is only accessible via a staircase.
3. EYE
EYE
If you’re looking for a stunning view of Amsterdam’s IJ river, EYE is a must. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows you’ve got equally beautiful views both indoors and out on the terrace. EYE serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. While you’re here, make sure to check out the EYE Film Museum.
Accessibility
EYE can be accessed both via the EYE Film Museum and via a side entrance with a (rather steep) slope. Inside the restaurant has a variety of low tables and chairs. A small part of the restaurant is only accessible via a staircase, with seating on different plateau levels. There are several accessible toilets with grab rails in the EYE Film Museum. EYE’s outdoor terrace (see photo above) is also accessible for wheelchair users.
4. Strandzuid
A burger at Strandzuid
Open in spring and summer, Strandzuid is a little beach getaway in the middle of the city. It’s the perfect place for a daycation. There’s a small (manmade) beach and a lovely accessible outdoor terrace. Strandzuid is surrounded by greenery and overlooks a waterway connected to Amsterdam’s Beatrix Park.
Accessibility
Strandzuid has manual entrance doors which are kept open in good weather. Both indoors and out there are various low tables and chairs. There is a mobile payment terminal and an accessible toilet with grab rails. Potential challenges include a 2 cm threshold at the entrance and tight manoeuvring space when the restaurant is busy. The outdoor terrace is accessible, however, the (manmade) beach area is covered in sand.
5. Stork
Stork
Stork is a seafood-lover’s paradise. Smoked salmon, Canadian lobster, snow crab, grilled sea bass, swordfish fillet — the list goes on! There are also a few meat and vegetarian options available. As a member of Stichting Vis & Seizoen, Stork’s menu strives to be sustainable by offering seasonal fish.
Accessibility
Stork is a spacious restaurant. While the main entrance has a high threshold, there is a second entrance door a few metres away at the restaurant terrace. Wheelchair users can enter this doorway by using a portable ramp (70 cm wide). A member of staff will need to bring out the ramp and hold the entrance door open. Inside there are low tables and chairs. There is also a bar area with higher seating options. The accessible toilet is spacious and has grab rails.
2023 Update: Please note Stork has closed permanently.
6. Delirium Cafe
Delirium Cafe’s waterfront tables.
Delirium Cafe specialises in craft beers and has over 500 different types on offer. To go with your beer, you can order fish & chips, (veggie) burgers, spare ribs, and other classic pub-style food. Delirium Cafe Amsterdam also hosts beer tasting events, brewing workshops and quiz nights.
Accessibility
Delirium Cafe is down at the waterfront — a lower level than the main road. The restaurant can be accessed via a lift from the street above. There is a 1 cm threshold at the restaurant entrance. Inside there are various low tables and chairs. The accessible toilet has grab rails but is not very spacious. It may be a tight squeeze for some mobility aids to turn in the space. The restaurant’s waterfront terrace can be easily reached via a wide downward slope.
