British newspaper The Telegraph has recently published a list of the world’s most beautiful cafés. And Amsterdam’s Café Américain took the top spot! Nestled in the vibrant Leidseplein area, this iconic establishment has been enchanting visitors with its timeless charm and artistic ambiance since 1902. Here’s everything you need to know.
Café Américain: the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s café scene
Located in the southwest of Amsterdam, Café Américain became a favorite haunt for artists and art enthusiasts during the 1950s and 1960s. Today, it continues to captivate with its stunning views over Leidseplein. It’s one of the city’s most bustling squares, filled with bars, restaurants, and theaters, including the grand neo-Renaissance Municipal Theatre built in 1894.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
What sets Café Américain apart is its Art Deco-styled restaurant, featuring original Tiffany lamps and stained glass windows preserved through a 2017 renovation. The black-and-white arches add a distinctive graphic touch. Additionally, the walls adorned with vintage photos of the café celebrate 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 setting with golden light filtering through stained glass, kitschy frescoes, and the already mentionned Tiffany chandeliers. The menu boasts classic brasserie dishes like steak and croque-monsieur. And for a truly memorable 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 placing two establishments in the top 10. In Paris, noteworthy recommendations include Breizh Café, renowned for its unique crêpes and galettes with Japanese influences, and the iconic Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, once the hangout of literary giants like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
For those planning a visit to these iconic cities, these cafés are must-visit destinations for a refined coffee break!
Here are The Telegraph’s 10 most beautiful cafés in the world:
- 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