Our Story — From Passion to Plate

Founders of Meatless District

Cathalijne Huijben

Hi, I'm Cathalijne — Founder of Meatless District.
When I started Meatless District back in 2016, I had one simple mission: to show the world that plant-based food can be exciting, bold, and freaking delicious.

At that time most plant-based restaurants mainly turned to healthy food. But let's face it: Sometimes you just want to enjoy really good food, without just being healthy. I missed a place where you could go out with friends, drink a cocktail, share different dishes, and go home feeling satisfied. — Without missing meat for a moment.

Along with my co-founder I decided to create that place myself. A restaurant where vegetable food plays the leading role, where taste is always number one and where everyone is welcome — Whether you're vegan, curious, or just looking forward to a good night.

Everything we serve is made from scratch in our kitchen — from our sauces to our desserts. Always 100% plant-based, but above all: packed with flavor. Because good food should never be a compromise.

So if you're looking for bold flavors, creative dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, you've come to the right place at Meatless District. Order a cocktail, share a few dishes and be surprised.

Cil Vermolen

Hello, I’m Cil, co-founder of Meatless District. With a background in nutrition, I’m continually amazed by how our food choices can impact our emotional state and overall well-being. Food should nourish, energize, and, most importantly, bring joy to our lives.

When we started Meatless District in 2016, I wanted to help create a place where plant-based food wasn’t just an option—it was the star of the show. A place that proves you don’t need animal products to enjoy good flavors, satisfying textures, and a memorable dining experience.

For me, good food is about balance. It starts with good ingredients, everything fresh and handmade, and the focus is always on taste. No labels, no restrictions – just delicious food that happens to be 100% vegetable.

Whether you're plant based, a curious foodie, or just someone who loves a great meal, I hope you feel at home at Meatless District.

Want to come over?

Visited by Woody Harrelson

In October 2024 we welcomed none other than Hollywood legend and vegan champion Woody Harrelson at Meatless District.

"He's been vegan for 30 years, so we're a match," Het Parool wrote.

Read the article in Het Parool

"Because good food should never be a compromise."

Turns out, plants can blow your mind

Rave Reviews. Zero Meat

Meatless District

4.5

Based on 1743 reviews

Rate us on

Shiva Thorsell

05:15 09 Apr 25

Best vegan in Amsterdam!

Catalina Tejada

11:55 06 Apr 25

D Westover

13:27 05 Apr 25

We decided to eat outside and enjoy the Amsterdam atmosphere while we ate. The vegan food was delicious a was the dessert and the service. If you are vegan it's definitely worth the trip!

Hazel Doyland

17:06 01 Apr 25

Delicious food with friendly helpful staff and great atmosphere!

Andreas S

11:04 30 Mar 25

Good food! Lots of choice to share and try together. Doing!!

Kirsten Branks

16:22 23 Mar 25

Some of the best vegetarian food we were ever had, sponsored by delicious cocktails. Would highly recommend and only wish I had a restaurant like this where I live! !

13:55 10 Mar 25

10:16 09 Mar 25

10:05 09 Mar 25

21:49 08 Mar 25

11:06 02 Mar 25

Delicious vegan food, creative, nice service

Subhas Ganguli

18:27 27 Feb 25

We had a lovely, whole-food, plant-based (vegan) meal here in February 2025. The scallops made from King Oyster mushrooms were excellent as was the sashimi (made from watermelon !). I enjoyed my Lion's mane steak and my wife had a different meatless steak which was also very good. For dessert we enjoyed cheesecake and chocolate cake. The flames are distinctive and enjoyable; service was great; and atmosphere very relaxing.

Fruzsi Pecznyik-Fekszi

11:24 02 Feb 25

By far the best vegan place I've ever been to! Inventive menu that uses veggies in a creative way so they are not only delish but also have good nutritional values. My meat eater husband was also very happy - taste is top💯 Go for plate sharing to get the most out of it. The place is spacious which is a strange find in Ams, and the music is not too loud so we could talk through the evening without shouting, again, strange in the city:) Defo recommend for any vegan-nonvegan for an outing with friends! - and go for the Lions Mane! !

Fruzsina Pecznyik-Fekszi

11:10 02 Feb 25

By far the best vegan place I've ever been to. Inventive menu using veggies in a real creative way - the dishes are not only delish, but have good nutritional values & looks awsome. Plate sharing highly encouraged to get the most out of it! The interior is nice and spacious (unlike most places in Ams), the music is not too loud so perfect for talking with friends. Order the lions mane if you can!🔥

Torkerz

20:58 03 Jan 25

Wow! Food was amazing. Staff were friendly and made us feel welcome. The restaurant had a nice vibe to it and was nice and clean.We ordered 6 places with 1 side. This was a decent amount of food. All courses were fantastic. The mac and cheese was amazing and we also had the special, which was available.We had the Creme Bruleé for dessert. It was amazing. Overall, if you're vegan, 100% come here. The staff also knew how to make a mean Old Fashioned too!

StrenFormula

20:16 20 Dec 24

Vegan/ planted based cuisine. Indoor and outdoor 15+ tables. Modern decor, and shock vibes. The food was great, visited on several occasions and the flavour and spices and harmony of the food remains consistent. Complains to the chief and more importantly the staff. We give this experience a 5 out of 5. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday Monday	17.30 – 22.00