Italian gastronomy has taken flight once again—this time at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Eataly, the globally recognized Italian food marketplace, has officially opened its doors in the Netherlands, offering travelers an immersive culinary experience grounded in authenticity and quality.
The launch marks a significant milestone: it is the first Eataly outlet to open in a Northern European airport. This debut is a result of Eataly’s continued collaboration with Avolta, a global leader in travel retail and food & beverage services. The move builds on the success of their initial airport partnership at Rome Fiumicino, and it reinforces both brands’ ambition to redefine airport dining experiences.
Authentic Italian Dining Meets Airport Convenience
Positioned in Schiphol’s Lounge 1, the new Eataly concept has been carefully designed to balance speed with indulgence. Passengers can expect a welcoming environment characterized by warm wood tones and splashes of vibrant color—a setting that mirrors Eataly’s ethos of celebrating Italian culture through design and hospitality.
Beyond its aesthetics, Eataly’s menu brings Italy’s culinary heritage to the forefront. The offering includes traditional pasta dishes, artisanal pizzas, and freshly prepared paninis—all made using premium ingredients. Whether in transit or preparing for takeoff, travelers can now enjoy a taste of Italy without leaving the terminal.
Avolta and Eataly: A Strategic Alliance
The Schiphol opening is the latest chapter in the evolving relationship between Avolta and Eataly. With operations already established on Italian motorways and in select airports, the partnership continues to expand into key international transit hubs. Both companies are intent on bringing premium dining experiences to global travelers through strategic positioning and a shared vision of excellence.
Walter Seib, CEO Northern, Central and Eastern Europe at Avolta, emphasized the importance of the launch, stating, “We are incredibly proud to bring the authentic Eataly experience to the Netherlands for the first time, right here at Schiphol Airport. This opening underscores Avolta’s commitment to continuously enhance the airport experience by introducing world-class brands that offer quality to passengers.”
Andrea Cipolloni, Group CEO of Eataly, reinforced that sentiment: “Our partnership with Avolta allows us to reach strategic locations around the world, expanding our global presence and international vision… Being present in major airports like Schiphol allows us to engage with a wide and discerning audience.”
What’s on the Menu?
Travelers passing through Schiphol can expect more than a quick bite. Eataly brings with it the full scope of Italian culinary tradition, adapted for the airport environment. Highlights of the experience include:
Freshly made pasta using high-quality Italian flour and seasonal ingredientsAuthentic Neapolitan-style pizzas baked to orderAperitivo options including wines, spritzers, and Italian small platesA full-service coffee bar serving Italian espresso, cappuccino, and pastriesRetail selection of Italian food products for travelers to take home
From the moment they enter, guests can savor a multi-sensory experience that merges food, drink, and culture in one compact, airport-friendly space.
Why Schiphol? Why Now?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport serves more than 70 million passengers annually, making it one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs. Its international and multicultural clientele makes it an ideal venue for premium food experiences. By placing Eataly in such a prominent location, both Avolta and Eataly are responding to a growing demand for quality dining in transit settings.
Arthur Reijnhart, Director Schiphol Commercial, highlighted this strategic fit: “With Eataly, we are bringing an iconic Italian food concept to Schiphol and the Netherlands that perfectly matches our travelers’ desires: quick, fresh, and high quality.”
The addition of Eataly aligns with Schiphol’s broader goal of elevating Lounge 1’s commercial offering. It joins a curated selection of brands aimed at enhancing the passenger experience while delivering fast yet memorable service.
More Than a Meal: Eataly’s Broader Appeal
While Eataly’s immediate draw is its menu, the brand’s impact goes further. The outlet offers a thoughtfully selected range of packaged Italian goods—everything from olive oil and artisanal pasta to biscotti and chocolate—allowing travelers to bring a piece of Italy home with them. This dual role as both a restaurant and a market enhances Eataly’s appeal to both leisure and business travelers alike.
With a growing presence in airports and on highways, Eataly continues to transform how travelers eat on the go. What began as a niche concept in Turin has become a global phenomenon, and its Schiphol opening represents yet another milestone in this culinary journey.
As Avolta and Eataly look to the future, travelers can expect to see more locations in strategic hubs worldwide. For now, however, passengers flying through Amsterdam have a delicious new reason to arrive early—or stay a little longer.