The Bottom Line
The curiously named cafe Latei, just steps from the Nieuwmarkt, has its specialties emblazoned on its front window: antiques and espresso, olive oil and earthenware, and rock 'n' roll. It makes no false claims: their retro-themed interior is lined with antique curiosities that patrons can take home -- with a bottle or two of artisanal olive oil, of course -- after their coffee run.
Pros
- Short but sweet menu of espresso and espresso-based drinks
- Delectable small bites from apple pie to overstuffed, open-faced sandwiches
- Adorable retro-themed decor
- Centrally located next to the Nieuwe Markt
Cons
- Occasionally difficult to find a seat
- No dairy-free alternatives to coffee milk
Description
- Address: Zeedijk 143, Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 625 7485
Open Mon. - Wed. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thurs. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Location: Amsterdam Center, 200 meters from the Nieuwmarkt.
- Directions: From Amsterdam Central Station, head south onto Damrak; turn left at Prins Hendrikkade, which splits off into the Zeedijk. Continue southward on the Zeedijk until number 143 (on your left).
- Attire: Casual.
- Décor: Wall-to-wall retro.
- Payment: Cash only.
Guide Review - Cafe Latei - Amsterdam Restaurant Review
I shamelessly admit that Latei is one of my favorite finds in Amsterdam. Not that it was much of a "find", as its central location on the Zeedijk makes it all but obscure; nonetheless, I first mistook Latei for just another quirky antique store (or comic store, as the bulbous pink letters of its "rock 'n' roll" evoke), one that serves coffee to rake in those few extra euros.
But no, Latei deals as much in coffee as in retro wares, and the barristas pull a mean espresso. Their limited menu of espresso drinks eschews any sweet, syrup-laden concoctions a la Starbucks, so those who like to combine their sweet tooth with their caffeine fix should order a rich American brownie on the side.
Likewise, Latei's lunch menu is short, to the point, and always the epitome of fresh, artisanal quality. For their handful of sandwich options, bread is sourced from Holtkamp, the celebrated bakery responsible for the queen's favorite pie; choices run from the simple oil-drizzled bread topped with Dutch cheese to a rich hummus spread, piled with rounds of grilled eggplant and sprinkled with rosemary. The soups and pies on offer never disappoint, especially the classic apple pie.
From Thursday to Saturday, Latei doles out Indian curries for dinner. These cheap fixes are an excellent choice for an affordable, convenient supper in central Amsterdam -- and make for another unexpected addition to Latei's already vast repertory.
