About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

There are several reasons to love this place. You can stop by after an hour at nearby busy Waterlooplein flea market for a relaxing, tasty and reasonably priced meal. People-watch from the big windows or the sidewalk terrace as bikers and walkers whiz and wander by. When you leave, pass by the idyllic Groenburgwal canal for a postcard-worthy picture. You'll leave Puccini full, in more than one way.

Pros

• Delicious egg breakfasts, sandwiches, pastries.
• Quaint location on quiet corner of cobbled street.
• Convenient to sights in central Amsterdam, like Waterlooplein market.
• Reasonable prices.

Cons

• Small space, so sometimes full.
• Credit cards not accepted.

Description

• Address: Staalstraat 21, Amsterdam
  Phone: +31 (0)20 620 84 58
  
  
• Kitchen open:
  M-F 8.30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  Sat & Sun from 10 a.m.
  
  
• Location: Old Centrum neighborhood, near Waterlooplein flea market.
  
  
• Tram lines: 9 or 14 to the Waterlooplein stop (walk around Muziektheater building, then across bridge over Zwanenburgwal).
  
  
• Attire: Casual.
  
  
• Scene: Locals, mostly in singles or small numbers, as space is small.
  
  
• Good to know: Dinner available until 8 p.m. when a performance at De Kleine Komedie or Muziekgebouw is scheduled.
  
  
• Payment: Cash or European PIN card only.
  
  

Guide Review - Puccini - Amsterdam Restaurant Review

The first time I came across this place I was seeking shelter from a summer morning rain. What a find. I planted myself at one of the small round tables on the sidewalk, where an awning stretched out just enough to cover me.

One look at the menu and I knew I'd be having the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and whole-wheat toast (€ 12), a cappuccino (€ 3.50) and a sparkling water (€ 2). Even once the sun appeared and I'd finished my meal, I was content to stay tucked in my cozy nook on this cobblestone corner. The people-watching and quiet street in an otherwise bustling area of the city made it hard to get up.

For a lighter breakfast, try the delicious house-made pastries. Or choose from a small-but-solid assortment of soups and sandwiches that includes the typical ham-and-cheese and a more exciting grilled-vegetable creation than most places offer non-meat-eaters.

It's important to note that while Puccini is an ideal place for breakfast, lunch, a light snack or a leisurely coffee, it is not the place to nosh on the delectable chocolates you may have bought at Puccini Bomboni, a chocolate shop just two doors down. When I asked if the similarly named shops are related, the café server replied, "Not anymore." Hmmm...I don't care about the drama between the two, as long as they both keep focused on what they do well.