Located on Nieuwezijds Kolk, just a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station and the historic…read moreheart of the city, Mortimer occupies a convenient position between the canal district and Amsterdam's main transportation hub. The exterior blends naturally into the surrounding streetscape of traditional Dutch buildings to the point that we almost missed it - it's a cozy, townhouse-feel, with large front windows allowing plenty of daylight into the restaurant. Inside, the space feels cramped yet cozy, with a bright, café-style design that prioritizes natural light but preserves old furnishings. It's a two-story setup with closely-packed tables, crafting an intimate atmosphere.
At around noon on a Friday, the restaurant was full, so my walk-in party of three waited around fifteen minutes before a table opened up. The menu is firmly centered around breakfast and brunch, with a selection of egg dishes, pancakes, sandwiches, pastries, specialty coffee, and lighter lunch fare. The offerings lean contemporary and international rather than traditionally Dutch, and portions are substantial without being excessive (not an American diner by any means), and the menu balances healthier options with more indulgent brunch classics. It's the sort of place where nearly every table seems to have a combination of coffee, eggs, and something sweet.
One friend ordered their Dutch Caesar Sandwich (€16.75), which was a gargantuan sandwich atop hearty toasted sourdough, crisp Romaine lettuce, chicken salad, and a tangy 48-month aged Parmesan cheese. She enjoyed the variety of textures and flavors in the sandwich, and it was a great portion for the price. My other friend opted for the Eggs Benedict (€17), which was two perfectly-poached eggs served atop a golden-brown toasted fluffy bun, country ham, and a rich, decadent hollandaise sauce. This was a truly photogenic dish with some excellent flavors to back it up.
Lastly, I ordered their French Toast & Stroopwafel (€15.5), which was a thick slice of brioche french toast with a whipped vanilla cream, fresh apple compote (with a lovely flavor of cinnamon), stroopwafel caramel, and a light dusting of stroopwafel crumble. Between the soft, custardy french toast, the light cream, the slightly tart apple compote, and the crunchy stroopwafel, this was a truly playful dish, and I've never had one quite like it.
The overall atmosphere strikes a balance between modern brunch spot and neighborhood café, making it an appealing option for breakfast or lunch before a day of exploring the city center. Service is so friendly and helpful, and pricing falls comfortably within Amsterdam's mid-range café market, with most guests spending approximately €15-30 per person. If you're looking for a great brunch in the city before a day of exploring, I highly recommend Mortimer!