Twenty years ago, Noorderlicht settled on a then desolate site. With a temporary permit and a large dose of guts, the café grew into a pioneer that laid the foundation for the transformation of the NDSM wharf. Today, this iconic spot has a permanent permit and it is impossible to imagine Amsterdam North without it. It has become a destination in itself - a place where locals, creatives and curious visitors come together.
What sets Noorderlicht apart is its stated vision of sustainability and community. The restaurant works with a largely plant-based menu, supplemented with residual products from the meat industry. These conscious choices have already earned the café a Gaia Green Award several times. But sustainability isn't just on the plate here: the building and interior are also constructed from natural and recycled materials, keeping the place a raw, honest look.
The atmosphere is at least as decisive as the menu. On sunny days, the terrace fills with people enjoying the view of the IJ, while children play in the grass and dogs lie languidly under the tables. Inside and outside flow effortlessly into one another, just like the functions of Noorderlicht itself: café, restaurant, stage and meeting place.
“Northern Lights is not just about food and drink, but about coming together - sustainable, creative and with room for new ideas.”
The café regularly provides the backdrop for live music, art installations and cultural events. From intimate performances to lively dance evenings - the line between hospitality and culture is deliberately blurred here. The result is a place that not only nourishes, but also inspires and connects.
And perhaps that's Noorderlicht's greatest strength: the feeling that here you are just outside the city, while at the same time you are in the middle of it.
By ferry
If you are coming from the city, you can reach Noorderlicht by ferry from Central Station and the Houthavens. Follow the sign for NDSM.