Caldi E Freddi, the best sandwich for under a tenner.

If you’ve ever walked around the beautiful streets of Amsterdam, you’ve probably already noticed the copious amounts of Italian spots scattered across the city: pizzas, pasta, and everything in between. Don’t get me wrong, some of these places are amazing and I’d highly recommend trying a couple. But, the real underdog here, the unsung heroes of the Italian food scene of Amsterdam, are the Italian delis.

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Stick with me here. Imagine a ciabatta, warm and fresh out of the oven—the crust crackling under the pressure of your fingers. A soft pillowy interior opens up with the slice of a knife, ready to become the foundation of an epic sandwich. Now for the toppings, the infrastructure of greatness. Italian cold cuts, fresh vegetables, creamy cheeses, and sauces that’ll make you giddy after the first bite. Have I piqued your curiosity? Are you intrigued? Good, let’s get into it!

If you’re a foodie or simply looking for a good lunch, this is the spot for you. Finding that perfect sandwich shop is like finding the perfect song; once you’ve found it, it’ll stick with you forever. You look forward to that sandwich you always order, you get on a first-name basis with the staff, and it becomes part of your routine. If you dive deeper into this guide, you’ll find a few more Italian delis in Amsterdam that are worth visiting, but this one is perfect for a budget-friendly meal. Italian delis are the heart and soul of authentic Italian bites in Amsterdam. But even among these, Caldi E Freddi, just minutes away from the central station, stands out for its incredible and affordable menu.

Under a tenner

Caldi E Freddi is a little spot serving sandwiches, calzones, takeaway meals, and desserts, all under ten euros. You should be able to find the deli simply by seeing the long line outside waiting for their turn to order. You’ll hear the Italians in the back, yelling orders and fucking around. As soon you walk in, you’re met with a display of all the cold cuts and cheeses lying in wait, ready-made dishes and desserts neatly packed on the other side. Trolleys of fresh bread that you can’t help but stare at, and the sandwiches being made across. You’ll fall in love with the place before you’ve even tried the food.

The best part? It’s affordable. You can get away with getting a sandwich for less than six euros, which is rare in Amsterdam. And this isn’t just a plain sandwich. No, a sandwich from Caldi E Freddi is filled to the brim, bursting with flavor, and will fill you up for the rest of the afternoon. It’s all fresh, made to order, and it’s made with that Italian love that’s simply unparalleled.

The Final bite

Visit the shop, pick a sandwich, be adventurous, get an espresso, and order a tiramisu to finish. Treat yourself! I can guarantee that once you do, you’ll go back again and again.

Zero Zero, Italian at its best.

If you’ve been in Amsterdam for a while or are taking your first stroll, you’ll notice that this place is crawling with restaurants from every corner of the world. From Chinese to Irish, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings. As a foodie, this is like heaven to me. But throughout most of 2024, I found myself indulging in Italian deli sandwiches. I get it, Italian is the cliché food option in any city across the world. Pizzas, pastas, wine. But hear me out. The Italian Deli is a different beast entirely, and even though there are a few around, I believe that this might be the best one. Let’s get into it.

Glorious Simplicity

Italian is known for one thing; simplicity. The best Italian dishes are usually created from only a handful of ingredients, and it is delicious. These sandwiches are no different. Focaccia made in-house that cracks and crunches under the weight of your fingers with the scent of rosemary and olive oil hovering around. Fresh burrata that oozes over your sandwich and makes it go from amazing to legendary. Layers upon layers of cold cuts provide an essential meatiness you simply can’t do without. And finally, to brighten it all up, veggies, fresh and pickled, adding all the essential sour and salty awesomeness. But simplicity and quality come at a price, and that’s where some people might pause

Size matters, sometimes

Some might feel that the price doesn’t match the value—and that’s a fair concern. Amsterdam is an expensive city, and it’s easy to overspend on food that doesn’t deliver. But in my experience, Zero Zero is worth every euro. This Italian deli on the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat has been taking the city by storm with its play on the Italian style mixed with a fresh minimalistic aesthetic, and I’m here for it. Not only does everything taste as amazing as it looks, but the sandwiches are huge, and one will be enough to fill you up for the afternoon.

Having said that, for me, Zero Zero is not a spot I’d frequent for a quick lunch. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to make it my usual spot, but as a waiter paying more than half my salary in rent, I simply can’t afford a sixteen-euro sandwich every day or a couple of times a week. If I’m going to spend that kind of money on one sandwich, it better be good, and it better make me feel all the things I want a sandwich to make me feel.

The Final Bite

Do I think Zero Zero has the chops to be one of, if not the best sandwiches in Amsterdam? Absolutely. Flavor and quality are their priority, and they show in every part of their process. From the baking of the bread to the carefully placing of the grilled peppers. There is something for everyone and you’ll most likely want to come back for more. Is it the cheapest option? No. If budget is an obstacle, there are tons of budget-friendly options on this list that’ll satisfy your craving for a good sandwich. But, having said that, paying for quality is something we should all be doing once in a while, right?