Posted on: January 1, 2025

Restaurant Mata Hari in Amsterdam Red Light District

Setting & Atmosphere

Restaurant Mata Hari offers one of the most inviting and eclectic dining environments in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Situated right on the picturesque Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal, the venue blends an old-world charm with a relaxed, bohemian vibe.

Plush velvet seating, warm lighting, and rustic wooden accents create a cozy living-room feel, perfect for both intimate dinners and laid-back drinks with friends. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the mix of locals and travelers, all drawn by the welcoming energy.

One of Mata Hari’s standout features is its beautiful canal-side terrace. On warmer days, guests can sit outdoors and enjoy the view of passing boats while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of one of Amsterdam’s most historic neighborhoods.

Inside, the open layout flows from the casual bar area to the dining space, making it equally ideal for a quick cocktail or a long, leisurely meal. It’s a spot where comfort and style meet effortlessly, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Historical & Cultural Context

Mata Hari is not just a restaurant—it’s a place with a fascinating backstory. The building itself has lived many lives, from an illegal gambling house frequented by infamous figures like mobster Frits van de Wereld, to its current incarnation as a trendy dining spot. This layered history adds a touch of intrigue for guests who appreciate places with a past. In a city like Amsterdam, where every building seems to have a story, Mata Hari’s is particularly captivating.

The restaurant’s name pays homage to the legendary Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and accused spy during World War I. Known for her mystery, allure, and tragic fate, Mata Hari embodies a spirit of glamour and intrigue—which is subtly echoed in the restaurant’s design and mood. Dining here feels like stepping into a living piece of Amsterdam’s cultural tapestry, making it a must-visit for travelers looking to experience both the flavors and the stories of the city.

Cuisine & Drinks

The menu at Mata Hari is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Dutch-European influences, with dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can indulge in specialties such as monkfish tail served with lemon beurre blanc, rich and creamy gnocchi, or freshly shucked oysters. Other popular choices include steak tartare, Nordic cod, shrimp kroket, and a perfectly grilled rib-eye steak. The variety ensures there’s something to suit every palate, whether you’re after seafood, meat, or vegetarian options.

Complementing the food is an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails. The bar staff are known for their skill in mixing drinks that match both the flavors of the menu and the mood of the evening. Whether you’re savoring a full multi-course dinner or just stopping in for a drink and a snack, Mata Hari offers a well-rounded gastronomic experience that keeps visitors coming back.

Special Experiences & Events

Mata Hari doesn’t just serve food—it offers experiences. Over the years, the restaurant has hosted special events such as jazz brunches, intimate live music nights, and cultural gatherings that reflect the neighborhood’s artistic and bohemian character. These events turn a simple meal into an immersive outing, giving guests another reason to linger and enjoy the space.

Even on a regular evening, Mata Hari feels special. The ambiance changes subtly from day to night, with afternoons being more laid-back and evenings buzzing with a lively, yet still intimate, energy. For those looking to celebrate a special occasion or host a private gathering, the restaurant’s layout and service make it an excellent choice. This focus on creating memorable moments sets it apart from many other dining options in Amsterdam.

Logistics & Practical Info

Restaurant Mata Hari is located at Oudezijds Achterburgwal 22, right in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. It’s easily accessible on foot, by bike, or via public transport, and its canal-side location makes it easy to spot. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, but open for lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks the rest of the week—often staying open past midnight. This makes it a convenient choice for both early diners and night owls exploring the city.

While walk-ins are welcome, it’s recommended to book a table in advance, especially on weekends or during special events. Mata Hari also caters to group bookings, making it suitable for birthdays, business dinners, and other gatherings. With its combination of rich history, distinctive style, and excellent food, it’s a dining destination that perfectly captures the essence of Amsterdam.

The building of Mata Hari is an old one. We just recently founded some great historical pictures of this building. In picture below you can see that it’s named with “Confectie Fabriek – R. Determeyer”, which means garment factory and the owner was R. Determeyer.

When you’d compare these pictures with each other, you can see that the building itself hasn’t changed so much.

Some decades later this building got a new owner and it was changed into a gambling house. It was actually an (illegal) gambling house of an infamous godfather of the Red Light District (“Frits van de Wereld”). This is how it used look like, when it was owned by kingpin Frits van de Wereld:

Same building, different company.

Nowadays, restaurant Mata Hari is  place for the cool cats! It’s hip and a bit classy. Drinks and dinner for two persons will cost you around  52 Euros. The interior gives you a good feeling, with its open stairs and new 19th century paintings. It just looks like a living room, an elegant one.

Get a local brewed beer at Restaurant Mata Hari

Sit at your lowest vertebrae in the wide leather arm chairs and peek outside to the funny and happy people that stroll by. Or hang at the bar, which is really amazing. You know what’s a must for every bar?  One that shows all the drinks available and Mata Hari did just that.

This makes it so much easier in choosing the right drinks. Restaurant Mata Hari offers a lot of beers too, which includes a nice beer that is not served in every bar. It’s called “Brouwerij ‘t IJ“. Beers from this brand are brewed in Amsterdam and have so much taste.

Oh, and the cocktails at Restaurant Mata Hari are ridiculous good!

The service is quite different when sitting at the bar or in the restaurant. At the bar, the service is really great. You’ll get full glasses in a split second. But when you’re seated somewhere in restaurant, it can take a bit longer before you’ll get your drinks or dinner. Although this might be different during your visit. Nevertheless, the personal at Restaurant Mata Hari is really friendly!
They accept both cash as card.

Mata Hari Terrace

Restaurant Mata Hari has got a great terrace with wooden pick nick tables, just next to the canals of the Red Light District. The view is great, especially during the evenings, when the streets are covered in red lights. People who visit Mata Hari are mostly between the age of 25 and 40.

If you’re into good beers, then try a beer which is called ‘t IJ beer. Very tasty, better than Heineken or Amstel beer! Or go for the Belgium beer Maes, which is a less strong than ‘t IJ beer. Very good beer indeed!

Mata Hari also offers a lot of boardgames and an old piano. So for those who would like to entertain or be entertained, Restaurant Mata Hari seems to have it all.

Amsterdam Mata Hari Review

Ambiance: 9
Food: 8
Drinks: 10
Service: 6.5
Price/Quality: 8

Great view during the night!

After enjoying a memorable dinner at Restaurant Mata Hari, you might be in the mood to extend your evening with more of Amsterdam’s unique entertainment. Just a short stroll away, you can experience the bold and playful side of the city at the Moulin Rouge Amsterdam. This iconic venue offers an exciting mix of comedy, erotic performance, and adult entertainment, making it the perfect follow-up to Mata Hari’s captivating atmosphere.