Can you also go to an Amsterdam restaurant terrace for a late lunch?

A late lunch is the perfect midday break for many people — a welcome pause between a busy morning and a long afternoon. Especially in Amsterdam, where life so often unfolds outdoors, a terrace is the ideal spot to unwind with a good plate of food and a cold drink. Whether you’ve just attended a conference at the RAI, spent the day exploring the city on foot, or simply have a free afternoon: a restaurant with a terrace in Amsterdam offers exactly the relaxed atmosphere that makes a late lunch so enjoyable.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about having a late lunch on a terrace in Amsterdam. From the best times to the most delicious dishes — everything you want to know is right here, clearly laid out.

What is a late lunch and what time is it served?

A late lunch is a meal served later than the traditional lunch hour, typically between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. It’s a relaxed dining moment that falls somewhere between lunch and dinner — ideal for those who worked through the morning or left home later than usual.

Unlike a standard lunch, which usually falls between noon and 1:30 PM, a late lunch offers more space and calm. The midday rush is over, so you can sit more comfortably and take your time. Many restaurants in Amsterdam serve lunch until 4:00 or even 5:00 PM, depending on their hours and kitchen policy. It’s always a good idea to check in advance what time the kitchen closes.

Can you get a late lunch at a restaurant with a terrace in Amsterdam?

Yes, many restaurants with a terrace in Amsterdam are happy to serve you a late lunch. More and more restaurants in the city keep their kitchens open well into the afternoon, so guests can eat outside the traditional lunch window. A terrace makes that experience even more enjoyable, especially on a sunny day.

There’s no shortage of restaurants with terraces in Amsterdam, but not every terrace is equally well suited for a late lunch. When making your choice, keep the following in mind:

How late the kitchen stays open
Whether a full lunch menu is available outside of peak hours
Whether the terrace is covered or heated for overcast days
How easy the restaurant is to reach, especially if you’re traveling by public transport

Amsterdam South has several pleasant terrace spots that maintain a great atmosphere well into the afternoon. Away from the city center, things tend to be quieter, giving you more space to truly enjoy your meal.

What dishes work well for a late lunch on a terrace?

For a late lunch on a terrace, the best dishes are light yet satisfying — think Mediterranean small plates, fresh salads, bread boards, soups, or light hot dishes. The focus is on flavorful, approachable food that won’t weigh you down for the rest of the afternoon.

Mediterranean cuisine lends itself beautifully to a late lunch. The flavors are fresh and aromatic, the portions are flexible, and the dishes pair well together. Popular choices include:

Tapas and small sharing plates
Fresh salads with grilled vegetables or fish
Bread boards with dips, cheese, and charcuterie
Soups or light pasta dishes
A glass of wine or a cold beer on the side

A terrace also calls for dishes that don’t cool down too quickly and are easy to eat. Sharing platters are popular at late lunches because of their convivial, informal feel — perfect for a relaxed afternoon with friends or colleagues.

Why is a terrace in Amsterdam South ideal for a late lunch?

A terrace in Amsterdam South is ideal for a late lunch thanks to its calm, neighborhood atmosphere, excellent accessibility, and the presence of quality restaurants that stay open well into the afternoon. The area has a laid-back character that lends itself perfectly to a slow, leisurely meal.

Amsterdam South sets itself apart from the busy city center by remaining relatively quiet even on hectic days. That makes it ideal for anyone looking to escape the tourist crowds without leaving the city. The neighborhood is also very easy to reach: the North/South Line (Metro 52) gets you to Europaplein station quickly, right in the heart of the area.

Around Scheldeplein, you’ll find terrace spots in both sun and shade depending on the time of day. That makes a late lunch here especially pleasant — in the early afternoon the sun is often still shining brightly, while later in the day it becomes comfortably cooler.

What time does the kitchen close at a restaurant with a terrace in Amsterdam?

At most restaurants with a terrace in Amsterdam, the kitchen closes between 9:00 and 10:30 PM. For a late lunch, that’s more than sufficient — but it’s worth checking whether the lunch menu is still available in the afternoon, as some restaurants switch to their dinner menu relatively early.

There are roughly three categories of restaurants when it comes to kitchen hours:

All-day kitchen: the full menu is available throughout the day, from opening to closing
Split kitchen: separate lunch and dinner menus with a break in between, sometimes from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Flexible kitchen: a core menu available all day, with more extensive options in the evening

If in doubt, always ask what time the kitchen closes and whether you can still order from the lunch menu. Many restaurants are flexible about this, especially outside of peak hours when the terrace isn’t too busy.

When is the best time for a late lunch on an Amsterdam terrace?

The best time for a late lunch on an Amsterdam terrace is between 2:00 and 3:30 PM. By then, the regular lunch rush is over, more seats are available, the staff is less stretched, and you have all the time in the world to enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Early in the afternoon, around 1:00 PM, popular terrace spots are still busy. After 2:00 PM, the crowds noticeably thin out. At the same time, the kitchen is still in full swing and the menu is complete. If you wait too long — past 4:00 PM — you risk finding that some lunch dishes are no longer available.

Also keep an eye on the weather and the orientation of the terrace. On a sunny day in Amsterdam South, a southwest-facing terrace is especially pleasant in the afternoon, as you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine. A covered or heated terrace also gives you the option of sitting outside on cooler days.

How Cantina L’Esquina helps you enjoy your late lunch on a terrace

Cantina L’Esquina is the perfect spot for a late lunch on a terrace in Amsterdam South. Our restaurant at Scheldeplein 2 is open daily from noon, with kitchen service until 10:00 PM. That means you have plenty of time to enjoy fresh Mediterranean dishes well into the afternoon.

What we offer for your late lunch:

A sunny terrace on the lively Scheldeplein, perfect for the afternoon
An extensive menu of Mediterranean small plates, salads, and hot dishes
An all-day kitchen until 10:00 PM — you’re never too late
Estrella Galicia on tap and a wide selection of wines
Easy access via Metro 52, Europaplein station
A warm and colorful interior as an alternative on overcast days

Whether you’re stopping by on your own, meeting up with friends, or unwinding after an event at the RAI — you’re always welcome for a relaxed late lunch. Get in touch or simply drop by at Scheldeplein 2 in Amsterdam South.

Veelgestelde vragen

Do I need to make a reservation for a late lunch on a terrace in Amsterdam?

For a late lunch between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, a reservation is often not strictly necessary, as the peak rush has passed by then. That said, it's wise to book a table in advance on beautiful summer days or around major events such as trade fairs at the RAI, as popular terrace spots can fill up quickly even in the afternoon. Give the restaurant a call or book online to avoid disappointment.

What is the difference between a late lunch and brunch?

Brunch combines breakfast and lunch and is typically served between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, whereas a late lunch is a proper midday meal that takes place between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. Brunch centers around breakfast classics such as eggs, croissants, and granola, while a late lunch focuses more on savory dishes, salads, tapas, and hot meals. If you're arriving in the early afternoon and want a full meal, a late lunch is the right choice.

Can I come with a large group for a late lunch on a terrace in Amsterdam?

Yes, many restaurants with a terrace in Amsterdam can accommodate large groups, but this almost always requires a reservation in advance. Contact the restaurant in good time to ask about group options, set menus or sharing platters, and whether the terrace has enough space. Shared Mediterranean platters and tapas are, incidentally, an excellent choice for groups, as they create a convivial and informal dining experience.

What drinks go well with a late lunch on a terrace?

Light, refreshing drinks work best with a late lunch on a terrace — think a glass of rosé or white wine, a cold draft beer, a freshly squeezed juice, or sparkling water with lemon. For those who don't drink alcohol, mocktails, iced tea, or a good glass of lemonade are great alternatives. The choice also depends on the food: with Mediterranean tapas, a glass of Spanish wine or a cold Estrella Galicia pairs particularly well.

What should I do if the terrace is full when I arrive for my late lunch?

If the terrace is full, always ask the staff how long the expected wait is — after the lunch rush, spots tend to open up quickly. Many restaurants also offer indoor seating with a comparable atmosphere, which can actually be more comfortable on overcast or cooler days. To avoid this situation in the future, it's always a good idea to reserve in advance or arrive a little later, around 3:00 PM, when most terraces are noticeably quieter.

Is a late lunch cheaper than dinner in Amsterdam?

In most cases, a late lunch is indeed more affordable than an evening dinner, as lunch menus typically feature smaller portions and lower prices than the dinner menu. Some restaurants also offer special daily menus or lunch deals that apply outside of evening hours. Do keep in mind that if you eat after 4:00 PM and the restaurant has already switched to its dinner menu, you may end up paying dinner prices — even if you're eating relatively early.

What is the easiest way to reach a terrace restaurant in Amsterdam South by public transport?

Amsterdam South is excellently served by public transport, particularly via the North/South Line (Metro 52), which takes you from the city center to Europaplein station in just a few minutes. From Central Station, you can reach Europaplein in around ten minutes — it's within walking distance of Scheldeplein and the surrounding terrace restaurants. Tram and bus connections via Parnassusweg and Beethovenstraat offer additional options from other parts of the city.