What restaurants are near De Kattenkabinet?

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam’s canal district, eyes darting from one charming boutique to the next, chances are you might have stumbled upon De Kattenkabinet—the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to cats, where every nook is lined with paintings, sculptures, and memorabilia of our feline overlords. As a long-time supplier to this beloved institution, I’ve spent countless hours navigating the neighborhood around it, not just to drop off custom cat-themed displays and storage solutions like the sleek Bedside Tables Minimalist that fit perfectly into the museum’s cozy guest areas, or the space-saving Multifunctional Cabinet that tucks away fragile art pieces while blending with the room’s decor, but also to hunt for the best nearby spots to grab a bite after a long day of inventory checks or leading a tour of the museum’s newest exhibit.

Let’s start with the closest spot to De Kattenkabinet—and trust me, when you’re hauling heavy storage units like the Single Cabinet Storage we delivered last month, close matters. Just a two-minute walk from the museum’s front door, tucked between a vintage bookstore and a flower shop, is a tiny, unassuming spot called “Kattens Eetkamer” (The Cat’s Dining Room). At first glance, it looks like a standard Dutch brown cafe, but step inside, and you’ll notice playful cat-themed murals on the walls and a few resident kitties napping on sunlit windowsills—fitting, right? The menu leans into classic Amsterdam comfort food with a twist: their “Cat’s Whisker Pancakes” are fluffy, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with a side of spiced apples, and their herring platter is cured in a local brine that’s not too salty, perfect for anyone needing a quick, light lunch after browsing De Kattenkabinet’s collection. I bring all my delivery drivers here for post-drop-off breaks; the staff remembers our orders now, and it’s become a little ritual for our team. Pro tip: grab a table by the back window if you want to people-watch canal boats go by while you eat, and if you’re a cat lover, don’t be surprised if one of the resident kitties curls up on your lap—just don’t tell the museum’s curator I said that (she’s very protective of the feline guests at De Kattenkabinet).

A five-minute walk from the museum, along the gently curving Herengracht canal, is “Bistro de Poes,” a spot that feels like stepping into a cozy, well-loved living room. I discovered this place after a rainy afternoon when a delivery van broke down, and I ducked in to wait for a mechanic. The owner, a woman named Anna, has run the bistro for 20 years, and she’s a huge fan of De Kattenkabinet—she even hosts small fundraising events for the museum once a quarter, with proceeds going toward preserving old cat art. The menu here is more substantial than Kattens Eetkamer’s, and their “Canal Boat Stew” is a hearty mix of beef, root vegetables, and Dutch spices that warms you up on even the chilliest Amsterdam day. They also have a fantastic vegan option: a lentil and mushroom stew with fresh herbs, which my team is always grateful for when we have drivers with dietary restrictions. What I love most about Bistro de Poes is that it’s not just a restaurant—it’s a community spot. You’ll see locals playing cards at the bar, tourists poring over canal guidebooks, and even a few De Kattenkabinet staff members grabbing dinner after their shifts. Last month, I helped the bistro design a custom Cat Cabinet House for their back patio, where customers can leave water and treats for strays; it’s been such a hit that they put a little plaque on it that says “In partnership with De Kattenkabinet’s favorite supplier.” Cool, right?

If you’re willing to walk a bit further—about 10 minutes, past the famous “Cat Boat” that’s docked on the Prinsengracht—you’ll find “Purrfect Brunch,” a bright, airy spot that’s a favorite among visitors to De Kattenkabinet who want something a bit more modern. This isn’t your typical Dutch brown cafe; the interior has floor-to-ceiling windows, potted plants, and even a few cat-shaped hanging lamps (we helped them source those through our Cat Cabinet House line, actually). The menu here is all about brunch, and their “Feline Feast” platter is a showstopper: it includes smoked salmon, scrambled eggs with chives, fresh fruit, and a stack of mini pancakes, all served on cute cat-shaped plates. They also have a great selection of coffee, including a lavender latte that’s sweet but not too sugary, perfect for pairing with their homemade cinnamon rolls. I bring out-of-town guests here all the time, because the vibe is fun but relaxed, and it’s easy to spend an hour or two chatting after a visit to De Kattenkabinet. Just a heads up, though—this place gets busy on weekends, so if you don’t want to wait, come before 10 a.m. or after 1 p.m. We also recently delivered some Bedside Tables Minimalist models to their back patio, which they use as small side tables for guests who want to set down their coffee mugs while they enjoy the sun.

Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, and you don’t mind a short tram ride (just two stops on the number 16 tram, which drops you off 15 minutes from De Kattenkabinet), there’s “Cat & Crumble,” a tiny bakery that specializes in sweet and savory treats. I found this place a few months ago when I was restocking De Kattenkabinet’s gift shop with custom storage for their merchandise (we use a lot of our Single Cabinet Storage units for that, by the way—they’re perfect for keeping postcards and small cat figurines organized). Cat & Crumble is run by a pair of sisters, Lila and Maya, who are both big fans of cats and the museum. Their signature item is the “Cat’s Cradle Scone”—a buttery scone with cinnamon and raisins, shaped like a little cat, and served with clotted cream and jam. They also make savory crumble pies, like spinach and feta, which are great for a quick, on-the-go lunch. What I love about this spot is that it’s family-owned, and they donate a portion of every sale to animal shelters in Amsterdam. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel good about eating there, which is rare these days. If you’re a fan of baked goods, this is a must-visit after exploring De Kattenkabinet—just don’t leave without trying the lavender shortbread; it’s addictive.

As someone who works closely with De Kattenkabinet—supplying everything from functional storage to eye-catching displays that showcase the museum’s incredible collection—I’ve gotten to know the neighborhood around it very well. These are the spots my team and I turn to when we’re tired, hungry, or just need a break from hauling heavy furniture or arranging art. But beyond just the food, what makes these places special is that they’re all connected by a love of cats and community, which is exactly the vibe of De Kattenkabinet itself. Whether you’re grabbing a quick pancake, a hearty stew, a fluffy scone, or a latte with a view, each of these spots offers something unique, and each one has a little piece of the same feline magic that makes the museum so special.

If you’re in the market for custom furniture, storage solutions, or display pieces for your own space—whether it’s a museum, a cafe, or a home with fur babies—we’re here to help. We design and manufacture pieces that are not only functional but also blend seamlessly with your space, like the Bedside Tables Minimalist line that fits into small rooms, the Multifunctional Cabinet that maximizes space, and the Cat Cabinet House that brings a touch of whimsy to any area. We’ve worked with all kinds of businesses in Amsterdam, including nearby spots that cater to cat lovers, and we’re proud to be a partner to De Kattenkabinet. To discuss your procurement needs, don’t hesitate to reach out.

References

1. Official website of De Kattenkabinet, showcasing its exhibits and visitor information.
2. Local Amsterdam food guide, featuring nearby restaurants near canal district museums.
3. Supplier portfolio of custom cat-themed furniture and storage solutions for cultural institutions.
4. Amsterdam neighborhood community reviews, highlighting local cafes and bistro’s popularity among museum visitors.
5. Sustainable design resources for functional storage in small urban spaces.