The Bottom Line
Note: As of January 2008, Pasta di Mamma on the P.C. Hooftstraat had been renamed Pasta Tricolore.
Hungry after roaming the Rijksmuseum or viewing Van Goghs? Skip the mediocre food stalls and overpriced Cobra Café on Museumplein and walk two blocks west to this Italian trattoria, where you can fill up on a delicious made-to-order sandwich or traditional prepared salads and entrées from the deli case.
Hungry after roaming the Rijksmuseum or viewing Van Goghs? Skip the mediocre food stalls and overpriced Cobra Café on Museumplein and walk two blocks west to this Italian trattoria, where you can fill up on a delicious made-to-order sandwich or traditional prepared salads and entrées from the deli case.
Pros
- Big, delicious Italian sandwiches.
- Convenient location near museums, shopping.
- Good option for take-away (to-go) meals.
- Perfect spot for a true Italian espresso drink.
- Vegetarian-friendly.
Cons
- No outdoor seating.
- Indoor seating area is small.
- Only open until 7 p.m.
- Some prepared foods seem overpriced.
Description
- Address: P.C. Hooftstraat 52, Amsterdam
Phone: +31 (0)20 664 83 14 - Kitchen open:
Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sun. 12 noon - 7 p.m. - Location: Museum Quarter neighborhood.
- Tram lines: 2 or 5 to the Hobbemastraat stop (P.C. Hooftstraat crosses this street).
- Attire: Varied, from casual to "I was just shopping on the P.C. Hooftstraat" posh.
- Scene: Upscale neighborhood deli/espresso bar feel. Family-friendly.
- Drinks: Full espresso bar; Italian wines.
- Good to know: Head straight to the back for the made-to-order panini; order prepared foods from the front case.
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted.
Guide Review - Pasta Tricolore - Amsterdam Restaurant Review
Every time I order my favorite sandwich from Pasta Tricolore (formerly Pasta di Mamma), I vow not to eat the second, overflowing half -- it fills me up to the point of being uncomfortable. But once I start in on the grilled eggplant, spicy sautéed spinach and layers of provolone (this is the "Boxie," in case you're interested), I can't stop. Sometimes I'm feeling healthy and opt for a bruin (brown) roll; other times I'm not, and I add prosciutto. This is by far my favorite quick (and affordable, as most sandwiches are under € 7) lunch in Amsterdam.If you want something warm, opt for homemade lasagna or other pastas and pizzas from the deli case in the front. There's also a full range of true Italian antipasti, a few selctions of which make a perfect take-away picnic in warmer weather. On colder days, sit and enjoy watching the mix of locals and tourists come through as you sip cappuccino.
