Back in the day when Amsterdam was low on good Italian restaurants, Mappa was one of the few exceptions. Located on Nes, which runs parallel to Rokin, the interior is light and airy, with white walls and tables – a nice contrast to the rather dingy alley outside.

Restaurant Mappa’s menu is not extensive, but does include plenty of Italian classics such as ravioli, spaghetti bolognaise, risotto and a few fish, meat and salad dishes. Desserts are along the lines of tiramisu, gelato and pannacotta.

Portions are generous and while the menu is not ground-breaking, there is an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. In fact, the menu is changed four times a year to reflect the availability of certain fruits, vegetables and meats.

Particularly recommended is the antipasti per due, a plate for two filled with different sliced hams and salamis, fig and goat’s cheese bruschetta, olives and fried ravioli.

Service at this Amsterdam restaurant is friendly but not always focused – we had to remind our waiter several times that we had ordered drinks. This isn’t very helpful if you are on your way to a show at one of the five or so theatres on Nes, and rather flies in the face of the website’s assertion that this is the place to go for a quick pre-theatre pasta.

Restaurant info

Opening hours:
Daily 18.00 to 22.00; Thur-Sat until 23.00

Price indication:

Our rating:

Address: Nes 59
City: Amsterdam
Telephone: 020 528 9170
Web: go directly to homepage

eat amsterdam