Where Can You Enjoy Sunny Drinks With Good Wine?

Posted by: Anne de Boer
17 jul 2026

The best spot for a sunny drinks session with good wine is a terrace with a view of the water, a great atmosphere, and a wine list that truly delivers. Fortunately, Amsterdam has some wonderful options for this, especially in Amsterdam-Zuid, where things feel calmer and greener than in the city centre. This article answers the most frequently asked questions about enjoying drinks and wine on a terrace.

What makes a terrace suitable for drinks with wine?

A great drinks terrace in Amsterdam combines three things: a pleasant setting with sun or shelter, a wine list with sufficient choice, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger. Without those three elements, a terrace quickly becomes a pass-through spot rather than a real drinks destination.

Location is perhaps the most important factor. A terrace by the water or with greenery nearby instantly creates a sense of relaxation. But the layout matters too: comfortable chairs, enough space between tables, and a good balance between sun and shade make all the difference. Nobody wants to drink their wine in the blazing midday sun without a screen or tree nearby.

As for the wine list: a terrace that takes drinks with wine seriously offers at least a few wines by the glass per grape variety, including a crisp white or rosé for the warmer months. A knowledgeable host or hostess who can offer wine advice also makes the choice considerably easier and more enjoyable.

Which wines pair best with drinks?

For a drinks session, wines that are fresh, light, and easy to drink work best. Think of a dry white wine such as a Muscadet, Albariño, or a classic Sauvignon Blanc. Rosé from Provence is a timeless choice for outdoors, and a light red wine such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais works surprisingly well when it’s a little cooler.

The difference from a wine dinner is that a drinks wine should not be too dominant. You want a wine that works well with snacks, not one that demands all the attention. Acidity is your friend here: crisp wines cut through fatty snacks and prepare your palate for the next glass.

White wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Muscadet
Rosé: Dry Provençal rosé, rosé from Spain or Italy
Red wine: Light Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Zweigelt
Bubbles: Crémant or Cava as a crisp alternative to Champagne

For a summer drinks session on a terrace, a chilled white wine or rosé is almost always the best choice. Ask the restaurant staff for advice, as they know the wine list and can tell you exactly which bottle is at its best at that moment.

Where can you enjoy outdoor drinks in Amsterdam-Zuid?

Amsterdam-Zuid offers a number of great options for drinks on a terrace. The Rivierenbuurt, the area around the Amstelkanaal, and the neighbourhood around the RAI convention centre have restaurants and cafés with outdoor space that are perfect for a relaxed drinks moment. It’s considerably quieter than the city centre, which adds to the atmosphere.

Those who want to enjoy drinks with wine at a restaurant that also serves serious snacks would do well to choose a place with a full kitchen. That way, the drinks can seamlessly flow into dinner if the evening calls for it. In Amsterdam-Zuid there are plenty of addresses that offer that combination, from traditional brown cafés to brasseries.

When making your choice, pay attention to the orientation of the terrace. A south-west-facing terrace catches the sun the longest on a summer evening. Also check whether table reservations are available for terrace spots, as popular places fill up quickly on warm evenings.

What do you eat with drinks and wine by the water?

With drinks and wine by the water, light, tasty snacks that are easy to share work perfectly. Think olives, cheese boards, bread with dips, and especially fish and seafood bites such as prawns, smoked salmon, or oysters. These pair excellently with a crisp white wine or bubbles.

Fish and seafood are particularly well suited to drinks by the water. They are light to digest, pair with virtually any crisp wine, and give the moment a summery, Mediterranean feel. A plate of fruits de mer or a prawn cocktail is therefore not only delicious, but also a visually beautiful part of your drinks moment.

Want to make the drinks session a little more elaborate? Then choose a restaurant that offers a full menu alongside drinks snacks. That way you can start with snacks and wine and then move on to a proper dinner without changing venue.

When is the best time to book for a summer drinks session?

For a summer drinks session on a popular terrace in Amsterdam, it’s best to book at least a week in advance, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. During peak season, from June through August, the most sought-after spots are sometimes fully booked days or even weeks ahead.

A handy rule of thumb: the better the weather, the fuller the terraces. As soon as the weekend forecast looks positive, the number of reservations rises quickly. So don’t wait until you can already feel the sun — plan ahead. Many restaurants offer online reservations, making it easy to secure a table quickly.

Want to plan a midweek drinks session? You’ll have more flexibility, but even then popular spots fill up quickly on warm summer evenings. A reservation gives you peace of mind and ensures you get the best spot on the terrace, rather than having to make do with whatever is left.

How Visaandeschelde helps you have an unforgettable summer drinks session

Visaandeschelde is the go-to address in Amsterdam-Zuid for anyone who wants to combine drinks and wine with fresh fish and a charming outdoor space. The restaurant on Scheldeplein has a terrace where you can enjoy sitting outside, right by the water and in a quiet, green neighbourhood. Here is what Visaandeschelde specifically has to offer for your drinks moment:

Atmospheric terrace: An outdoor space with a maritime character, perfect for a sunny drinks session in Amsterdam-Zuid
Extensive wine list: A carefully curated selection of wines, including advice from the staff on the best pairings
Fresh fish snacks: Think oysters, fruits de mer, and other seasonal seafood bites that pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or bubbles
Transition to dinner: The drinks session can seamlessly flow into an à-la-carte meal or a multi-course menu with optional wine pairing
Experienced team: More than 25 years of experience welcoming guests who choose quality and freshness

Want to know more about who is behind Visaandeschelde? Read the background of the restaurant and discover the passion behind every dish. Ready for a sunny drinks session? Reserve your spot on the terrace well in advance, as Visaandeschelde is a popular address that fills up quickly.

Veelgestelde vragen

Can I visit Visaandeschelde just for drinks without dining?

Yes, you can visit Visaandeschelde just for drinks without being obliged to order a full dinner. You can enjoy a glass of wine with matching snacks such as oysters or fruits de mer. If you later decide to move on to dinner, that is of course also possible without having to change tables.

How do I choose the right wine if I don't know much about wine?

Simply ask the restaurant staff for advice — that is exactly what they are there for. Tell them what you enjoy (crisp, fruity, dry) and let them know what you are eating, and they can guide you to the right choice. As a rule of thumb: for a summer drinks session on a terrace, you can almost never go wrong with a dry white wine or a Provençal rosé.

What is the difference between having drinks at a fish restaurant versus a regular café?

At a fish restaurant like Visaandeschelde you benefit from a wine list specifically curated to pair with fish and seafood, which considerably enhances the quality of your drinks experience. Moreover, the snacks here are fresh, high-quality products such as oysters and prawns rather than standard deep-fried snacks. The overall package — atmosphere, wine, and food — is therefore a cut above a typical café.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my reservation — can I still cancel or reschedule?

Most restaurants in Amsterdam, including Visaandeschelde, have a cancellation or amendment policy that allows you to cancel or reschedule free of charge up to a certain time. If in doubt, contact the restaurant in good time so they can also accommodate other guests. Bear in mind that popular spots fill up quickly on warm days, so if you reschedule, a new date during peak season may not always be immediately available.

Are there options for people who don't drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a drinks moment?

Absolutely — a drinks session is about the atmosphere, the company, and the snacks, not just the wine. Many restaurants now also offer non-alcoholic alternatives such as alcohol-free bubbles, mocktails, or special soft drinks that feel just as festive. Ask when making your reservation or upon arrival about the options, so that non-drinkers can fully enjoy the drinks moment too.

How early in the evening should you ideally start a summer drinks session on a terrace in Amsterdam?

For a summer drinks session on a terrace, the ideal starting time is somewhere between 5:00 and 6:00 PM — the so-called happy hour when the working day is over but the evening sun is still shining in full. On a south-west-facing terrace, such as that of Visaandeschelde, you catch the most beautiful evening sun at that time. If you start later, you may miss the best light and the prime terrace spots may already be taken.

Which drinks snacks pair worst with wine, and what should I avoid?

Strongly seasoned or very fatty snacks such as crisps with artificial flavour enhancers or deep-fried snacks with a lot of salt can completely overshadow the flavour of a delicate wine. Overly sweet snacks also do not pair well with dry wines, as they make the wine taste more acidic and harsh. Opt instead for neutral, fresh snacks such as cheese, olives, bread, or fish — these allow the wine to shine and ensure a balanced drinks experience.