Posted on: January 11, 2025

Restaurant Los Pilones Amsterdam Nieuwmarkt

Authentic Mexican Cuisine & Specialties

Los Pilones is known for serving authentic Mexican food in the heart of Amsterdam. Unlike many places that mix Tex-Mex flavors, here you’ll find dishes that come straight from traditional Mexican kitchens. Every recipe is prepared with care, giving you the real taste of Mexico.

On the menu, you’ll find classics like:

• Tacos al Pastor – marinated pork with pineapple.

• Enchiladas Verdes – corn tortillas with green tomatillo sauce.

• Burritos and Fajitas – generous portions packed with flavor.

• Homemade Salsas – ranging from mild to spicy.

What makes Los Pilones stand out is their focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Their dishes are not overloaded with cheese, but balanced with spices, herbs, and sauces the way they should be in Mexico.

If you’re looking for something sweet, don’t miss their flan or churros with chocolate sauce. These desserts add the perfect ending to a rich meal.

We visited this Mexican restaurant on New Market Square which is just next to the Red Light District. We had never eaten here before, so we were very curious to know what Los Pilones was all about. It’s located right in the heart of the city center, just 10 minutes away from Amsterdam’s Central Station – in front of the Waag.

First impression of Los Pilones

When we arrived here, we noticed right away that there was this relaxed Mexican vibe: Corona’s and cocktails on the bar, people talking in Spanish, tortilla chips on the tables, etc. Also, restaurant Los Pilones has this awesome bar, filled with all kinds of booze. It looked like the bar was brand new!

The waiter welcomed us and escorted us to our table in the back. We ordered some Corona’s and the Mexican night began.

Our waiter brought us those cervezas, as well as these delicious tortillas! #Yummy

The restaurant area is separated from the bar by a small stairway – which is great because you can oversee everything that’s happening. So, we started off with some Mexican beers and tortillas which came with several fresh dips. We had the guacamole and spicy tuna dip. It was so good that we didn’t leave anything on the plate.

Ambience & Location at Nieuwmarkt

The restaurant sits right by Nieuwmarkt Square, one of the most lively spots in Amsterdam. This makes it a great stop for tourists exploring the city, as well as locals looking for a cozy dinner.

Inside, Los Pilones feels warm and colorful. The walls are decorated with Mexican artwork, bright colors, and small details that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cantina in Mexico City.

The seating is comfortable and works well for:

• Date nights – quiet corners and dim lighting.

• Group dinners – larger tables for friends and family.

• Casual drinks – at the bar with a margarita in hand.

Being so close to the metro and central streets, it’s also easy to reach. After dinner, you can walk around the square or continue to nearby bars.

Menu Restaurant Los Pilones

So what do they have on the menu? Here are a few things:

• Avocado dip with corn chips
• Tortillas filled with shredded lamb, deep fried and served with chipotle & sour cream
• Mixed salad with cactus, tomato, red onion, avocado, goats cheese & dressing.
• Corn tortillas with chicken stewed and onions, oregano, chipotle peppers & chile de arbol
• Tortillas served with beef/ chicken, beans, chipotle sauce, melted cheese, onions & cilantro
• Corn tortillas served with bell peppers, onions, cactus, melted cheese & avocado
• Strawberry cheesecake
• And many other things..

Main dish

We got the Tiras A La Mexicana; sliced beef with cactus & pico de gallo, served with rice, refried beans and flour tortillas. We also had the Tinga; beef stewed with onions, oregano, Chipotle peppers, chile de arbol and corn tortillas.

Our waiter was very friendly and we were served in an instant, which was really great as we were pretty damn hungry.

Sliced beef with cactus & pico de gallo, served with rice, refried beans and flour tortillas.

Food, get over here!

Taco time, baby! 

After our dinner we quickly went outside and enjoyed the lovely view of Amsterdam’s second oldest building – The Waag. It’s located in the middle of New Market Square, just next to the Red Light District. This is what it looks like:

Fun fact: The Waag was built in the 15th century and is the second oldest building in Amsterdam.

Tip: Definitely try their cocktails. They are truly delicious! We had the mango margarita and a mojito.

Our conclusion of Restaurant Los Pilones:

• Ambiance: 8.5/10
• Food: 9/10
• Drinks: 9/10
• Romantic: 7.5/10
• Service: 9/10
• Price/ Quality: 10/10
• Location: 10/10

Yes, we’d definitely recommend restaurant Los Pilonos! We visited some Mexican restaurants in Amsterdam, but this is definitely our favorite!
Tip: Make a reservation as they don’t have that many tables.
Website: http://www.lospilones.com

How to get to Mexican restaurant Los Pilones?

• Metro: Take any metro (50, 51, 53 or 54) from Central Station and get out at Nieuwmarkt (New Market Square). From here it’s a 2 minute walk.
• By foot: Restaurant Los Pilones is just a 10 minute walk from Central Station. Ask someone in Amsterdam how to walk from the station to New Market Square. When you arrive at the square, you’ll see an old building with four towers on it. Walk from here to Los Pilones.
• Tram: There is no tram which makes a stop here.
• Adres: Geldersekade 111
• Phone number: +3120 776 0210
• Map: Use the map below.