At premium steakhouses in Amsterdam, you pay on average 25-40% less during lunch than during dinner for comparable dishes. A ribeye steak that costs €45 in the evening can often be found on the lunch menu for €28-32. This price difference is due to shorter occupancy times, smaller portions, and lower staff costs during the day. Steakhouses use this strategy to attract business lunchers and keep their restaurant profitable during daytime hours.
How much difference is there actually between lunch and dinner?
The price difference between lunch and dinner at Amsterdam steakhouses ranges from €10 to €25 per main course. An entrecôte that you order during dinner for €38 often costs €26-28 during lunch. With more luxurious meat varieties like Wagyu, you can see differences of up to €40 per portion.
Most steakhouses apply fixed percentages for their lunch discounts. Premium establishments usually offer 25-30% discounts, while casual steakhouses can reduce their lunch prices by up to 40%. A three-course menu that costs €75 in the evening is offered by restaurants during the day for €45-55.
This pricing strategy is no coincidence. Restaurants must cover their fixed costs such as rent and staff during the day as well. By charging lower prices, they attract business guests and shoppers who would otherwise opt for a quick sandwich. The alternative is a closed restaurant until 5:00 PM, which means all fixed costs must be borne by dinner service.
Why are lunch prices lower at steakhouses?
Steakhouses charge lower prices during lunch because guests typically stay seated for only 45-60 minutes, compared to 2-3 hours during dinner. This faster turnover means restaurants can serve more guests, but also that they earn less per table on drinks and desserts.
The menu during lunch is often limited to 10-15 dishes, while the dinner menu can contain 30-40 options. This saves on preparation time and inventory costs. Kitchen staff can focus on a smaller number of dishes, which increases efficiency and reduces waste.
Staff costs are lower during the day because restaurants operate with fewer service personnel. Where you see one waiter per four tables in the evening, the same waiter often serves six to eight tables during lunch. There are also fewer cooks working in the kitchen and no sommelier present.
The competition for business lunchers in Amsterdam is enormous. Within a 500-meter radius, you often find dozens of lunch options. Steakhouses must therefore offer competitive prices to entice office workers to abandon their sandwiches for a good steak.
What exactly do you get for your money during lunch vs dinner?
Portions during lunch are usually 20-30% smaller than during dinner. A 300-gram ribeye in the evening is served during the day as a 220-250 gram portion. This difference is especially noticeable with the side dishes: while you get generous portions of fries and salad in the evening, lunch portions are more modest.
During a dinner visit, side dishes are often included in the price or you get at least two with your steak. During lunch, you usually pay for these separately, or you get only one of your choice. A salad that comes standard with your meat in the evening costs an extra €4-6 during the day.
The service level differs noticeably between lunch and dinner. During the day, you receive efficient, friendly service focused on speed. In the evening, waiters take time to explain dishes, give wine advice, and regularly check if everything is to your satisfaction. The ambiance during the day is more business-like with more daylight and less mood lighting.
The quality of the meat remains the same at good steakhouses, regardless of the time. You get the same premium quality, just in a different setting and portion size. However, you do see that exclusive meat varieties like dry-aged beef or A5 Wagyu sometimes only appear on the dinner menu.
How can you save smartly without compromising on quality?
Make reservations between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM for the best deals. Many steakhouses then offer early bird menus with dinner quality at lunch prices. You benefit from the quiet atmosphere before dinner begins and often pay 20-30% less than two hours later.
Choose shared dining with your table companions. Order one large côte de boeuf for two people instead of two separate steaks. This often saves €15-20 in total and you get more meat for your money. Also share appetizers and desserts to keep the bill low without compromising the experience.
Go for less popular but equally tasty cuts of meat. A bavette or flat iron steak tastes delicious but costs half the price of a tournedos. These alternative cuts are often considered even more delicious by connoisseurs due to their more intense flavor and better price-quality ratio.
Plan your steakhouse visit on weekdays. Monday through Wednesday, many restaurants apply lower prices or special promotions. Friday and Saturday evenings you pay top price, while on Tuesday you might get a free bottle of wine or extra side dish.
Which Amsterdam steakhouses offer the best lunch deals?
In Amsterdam, you’ll find different pricing strategies at premium steakhouses. Some offer fixed business lunch formulas starting from €25 for two courses, while others give discounts on the regular menu. The best deals are often found at steakhouses just outside the city center, where rental prices are lower.
Business lunch formulas are popular in the Zuidas and around Central Station. These menus usually offer an appetizer, main course, and coffee for a fixed price. Your choice is limited to 3-4 main courses, but the quality remains high. Early bird discounts between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM can amount to up to 30% on the complete dinner menu.
At our restaurant in Amsterdam-Noord, we maintain transparent prices for both lunch and dinner. We believe you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality to pay a fair price. On our menu, you’ll find clear prices without hidden costs, where we emphasize honest portions of the best meat.
The trend in Amsterdam is moving toward all-inclusive concepts where side dishes and sauces are included in the price. This makes it easier to know in advance what you’ll spend. Steakhouses that adopt this transparent approach attract more regular guests who appreciate not being surprised with additional costs for every extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation for a business lunch or can I just walk in?
For steakhouse lunches in Amsterdam, making a reservation is strongly recommended, especially between 12:30 and 1:30 PM when business guests come for lunch en masse. Many restaurants operate with limited kitchen and service capacity during lunch, so walk-ins are often disappointed. Reserve at least one day in advance, for popular places even 2-3 days ahead.
Can I order à la carte during lunch or only from the lunch menu?
This varies per steakhouse, but approximately 60% of Amsterdam steakhouses allow you to order from the dinner menu at dinner prices during lunch time. Always ask about this when making your reservation, as some kitchens only prepare certain dishes from 5:00 PM onwards. However, the lunch menu usually offers the best price-quality ratio with specially composed combinations.
What's the best time to go if I want peace and quiet during my steakhouse lunch?
Avoid rush hours between 12:30 and 1:30 PM and reserve at 11:45 AM or after 2:00 PM instead. Then you have more peace, better service, and often the cooks are less rushed so your steak is prepared with more attention. Many steakhouses serve lunch until 3:00 PM or even 4:00 PM, so a late lunch can be an excellent option for a quiet experience.
Are doggy bags acceptable at Amsterdam steakhouses?
Yes, most modern steakhouses in Amsterdam have no problem providing leftover food to take away, especially with the more expensive meat varieties. Just ask for a 'doggy bag' or 'to take away' and you'll get proper packaging. This is especially handy if you've ordered a large portion but can't finish everything due to time pressure during a business lunch.
How do I recognize if a steakhouse really serves quality meat or only competes on price?
Look for transparency about the origin of the meat - good steakhouses mention the breed, country of origin, and aging method on their menu. Be alert to extremely low prices (under €20 for a steak lunch), as this often indicates lower quality. Also check online reviews specifically about meat quality and feel free to ask about the difference between their lunch and dinner meat - an honest restaurant will tell you it's the same product.
Can I indicate special dietary requirements like gluten-free or lactose-free during lunch as well?
Absolutely, but preferably mention this when making your reservation so the kitchen can prepare. During lunch time, kitchens work with fewer staff and inventory, so last-minute adjustments are more difficult. Most steakhouses can offer gluten-free and lactose-free options, but the selection may be more limited during lunch than in the evening. Also ask about the preparation method of sauces, as they often contain gluten or lactose.