The British newspaper The Telegraph recently published a list of the world’s most beautiful cafés. And Amsterdam’s Café Américain tops the list! This iconic café, located in the bustling neighborhood around Leidseplein, has been enchanting visitors since 1902 with its timeless charm and artistic atmosphere . Here’s everything you need to know.
Café Américain: the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s café scene
Café Américain, located in southwest Amsterdam, became a favorite meeting place for artists and art lovers in the 1950s and 1960s . Today, it continues to enchant with its stunning views of Leidseplein. It is one of the city’s busiest squares, filled with bars, restaurants, and theaters, including the grand Neo-Renaissance Stadsschouwburg from 1894.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
What makes Café Américain so special is its Art Deco-style restaurant, featuring original Tiffany lamps and stained-glass windows that were preserved during a 2017 renovation . The black-and-white arches give it a striking graphic touch . Additionally, vintage photos of the café adorn the walls, showcasing its rich history .
The café is located on the ground floor of the American Hotel, now known as the Clayton Hotel. It offers an authentic Art Deco atmosphere with golden light shining through the stained glass, kitschy frescoes, and the aforementioned Tiffany chandeliers. The menu features classic brasserie dishes such as steak and croque-monsieur. And for a truly unforgettable experience, the luxury high tea with champagne is highly recommended.
The Telegraph’s ranking also highlights other European cafés, with cities like Prague, London, and Paris each having two establishments in the top 10. In Paris, notable recommendations include Breizh Café, known for its unique crêpes and galettes with Japanese influences, and the iconic Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, once the meeting place of literary greats such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
For anyone planning a visit to these iconic cities, these cafés are a must for a sophisticated coffee break!
These are the 10 most beautiful cafés in the world according to The Telegraph:
- Café Américain, Amsterdam
- Pastelaria-Padaria Sao Roque, Lisbon
- Bar Italia, London
- Algerian Coffee Stores, London
- Caffè Gambrinus, Naples
- Breizh Cafe, Paris
- Café de Flore, Paris
- Majestic, Porto
- Café Montmartre, Prague
- Café Savoy, Prague
