Meet the People of Amsterdam. Here we will showcase a different Amsterdam native every week. Every Amsterdam native will share a little about their lives, their favorite spots, and what makes Amsterdam so special to them. Take it all in. After all, the People of Amsterdam know Amsterdam best. This week: Giovanni Turnu, owner food stalls in Amsterdam.
What’s your favorite spot in Amsterdam?
I have my own food stall at the Westermarkt, itâs been there every winter for the last 10 years. Since last year, I can also be found there in the summer. It only makes sense this is my favorite place! I also love the Jordaan. My friends are from that neighborhood so I grew up there too.
Where can you find the best coffee in town?
I get the best coffee from de Koffiesalon in the Spuistraat. Every morning I drive past it and always order a latte. Nice and old-fashioned without all the soy and oat stuff. Simply whole milk. In addition to being a great place to start the day, I also like to come here because the coffee beans come from Italy (Buscaglione). My roots are there. đ
Where to go for a Sunday brunch?
On Sundays I like to visit the Oosterpark. Getting a breath of fresh air together with my wife. For a nice piece of carrot cake I like to go to Louie Louie, located on the corner, across from the Tropenmuseum.
Where to go to dancing all night long?
I don’t go for a dance often, but when I do I prefer to go to Cafe Nol. Very âAmsterdamâ, not too much fuss and no young people, haha.
Whatâs your guilty pleasure when youâre hungover?
For 40 years I have been coming here with a bit too much to drink or with a hangover; Dizinghof on Hoofddorpplein. The tastiest shawarma sandwiches in Amsterdam can be found here, in my opinion. You can sit comfortably or take it with you. Tip: the red sauce with onions!
Where do you go for your favorite dessert?
Hmm. This is a hard question, but I think Iâll go for the cheesecake at Cafe Carbòn. They are located in de Pijp, Westerstraat and Amstelveenseweg. Nice spots!
What’s your favorite store to go shopping?
I prefer to buy my clothes at Cavallaro. A nice men’s store (not too expensive and Italian of course). They are in the Magna Plaza and in the Utrechtsestraat.
Where to go to find the best Dutch local treat?
For an authentic Amsterdam treat, I like to visit “Van Stapele for the well-known chocolate cookie. Thereâs always a row at the door. The stroopwafels are also quite good. It is located in a side street of the Spuistraat. I like to enjoy it with a coffee. In the summer I like to visit Van der Linde which is an ice cream parlor. They have the best whipped ice cream. My daughter likes it too, that’s why we often go here together. You can also get other delicacies there.
Where to go to spot some art or culture?
For art I often go to the Westergas. They have so much art / culture on their property every week, fantastic! These exhibitions can often be visited for free. Great on a hungover Sunday!
Where can you get the best cocktails in town?
You can get the best cocktails in Amsterdam at Feijoa. They are located on Vijzelstraat, close to Rembrandtplein. Tip: Pornstar Martini or the cocktail of the week. Go and sit down at the bar!
Favorite neighbourhood to stroll around the whole day?
The Jordaan. I mentioned it before, but I love the Jordaan. The people, the shops and last but not least the weekly markets on Saturday and Monday. Amazing. My best friend, Rik Honing, makes the coffee for the market people. At the end of the day I often stop by to get a coke and then we chat about the day and how busy it was. We used to work together, 20 years ago. We often recall memories đ
Where do we get the best rooftop view of Amsterdam? Whatâs special about that spot?
For the best view of Amsterdam I often go to Volkshotel on the Wibautstraat. Great for a cup of coffee or a beer. In the weekend they have parties for the youth. Iâm not allowed to join my kids anymore, but I always hear how much fun it was.
Letâs talk self care. Whatâs your favorite spot?
I actually go to the hairdresser in Amsterdam East. I have no special spot, because all hairdressers there meet my requirements. In the Javastraat you have around 10 hairdressers for ten euros! How amazing is that?