Staring at Jacob, the best way to start your day.
If there’s one thing that connects us all, it’s food. Amsterdam’s bursting with global flavors — from South America to the Middle East — and for someone like me, who keeps vampire hours, brunch is salvation. The combination of breakfast and lunch, at an hour that’s still considered morning? Perfection. Amsterdam has plenty of options for when you wake up a bit later than you’d hoped but still want to convince yourself that you can make it to breakfast, and staring at Jacob is an absolute must for your list. Let’s get into it.
Best spot in town
Staring at Jacob is a brunch restaurant straying away from the chaos of the city center, while still feeling connected. Settled by the water, this place feels quaint, cozy, and the copious amounts of sunlight coming through the windows make it feel like it’s summer every day. Whether you’re alone and craving a quiet moment with a book or catching up with friends after a long week, this place is perfect for any occasion. It’s a popular spot for good reason, so booking ahead is smart — unless you don’t mind waiting a bit.
Now, the important part: the food. Originally, Staring at Jacob was known for its chicken and waffles. Thick, fluffy, and golden brown waffles are made in-house. A generous serving of succulent chicken thighs, breaded just enough to make it crispy without being heavy. And then, of course, the maple syrup cascading over the dish like sunlight—warm, sweet, and impossible to resist.
Switching It Up
While their chicken and waffles are iconic for good reason, it was a different dish that won my heart: their Eggs Benedict. I am a sucker for a good Eggs Bennie, and this one hits the spot every time. Sourdough toasted to perfection, with just a light crunch. Smoked salmon that freshens up the whole dish (trust me, you’ll need it with what’s to come), and smoked bacon for that perfect level of saltiness to complement the fish. The most important part: the poached egg. Thick, glossy, and creamy on the inside, oozing with a cut of your knife, cascading over the salmon like nobody’s watching. There isn’t anything like a good poached egg. To finish, a slathering of creamy hollandaise to coat that delicious sandwich you have in front of you.
A Parting Gift
We’re not done yet. I have one last thing to get you excited. I don’t mind my coffee sweet, and when I tell you they have a maple syrup iced latté, it is a thing made of dreams. The toasted notes of the coffee are balanced out by the silky sweetness of the syrup, brought together by the milk. It’s truly a beautiful thing.
If I haven’t convinced you that Staring at Jacob should be your next stop, which I doubt, then perhaps it’s just an excuse for you to go and see for yourself. I have only touched on two items on their menu, but there is so much more that even I should go back for. For example, their Monkey Business, banana bread French toast, sounds like heaven on a rustic plate.
The Final Bite
I don’t often discuss breakfast or brunch spots in Amsterdam, simply because I’m not awake yet by that time to fully enjoy them. This is where you can learn from my mistakes and fully indulge in the world of Amsterdam’s early-day experience. Start your day properly, sit down a bit longer than you’d used to. Order that second coffee, bring a book, enjoy yourself, no need to rush.
