Restaurants
Amsterdam boasts a variety for travellers looking to spice up
their taste adventure. The options, spread out over more than 1,000
restaurants, range from French cuisine to Chinese take away and,
naturally, there are plenty of authentic Dutch alternatives
(characterised by the use of smaller meats such as sausage and an
abundance of vegetables). Amsterdam has a very strong tradition of
cafeteria dining and 'brown cafés', so named because of the
dark, nicotine stained walls and wooden fittings, which make for a
unique, cozy dining experience. The array of cafés means
travellers can enjoy filling meals on even the tightest budget.
While breakfast will traditionally be served up until 10am,
lunch between 12pm and 2pm and dinner around 5pm to 8pm, the Dutch
prove to be versatile in both tastes and preferred eating hours,
with several restaurants and cafés operating into the wee
hours. This is especially true on the city's vibrant Leidseplein
and Rembrandtsplein, squares dedicated to late night
entertainment.
Blauw aan de Wal |
$$$$$ | French |
One of Amsterdam's delightful secrets, this charming restaurant
is an oasis of peace and tranquillity in the midst of the bustle of
the Red Light District. A narrow alley leads to the tiny square
where Blauw aan de Wal (Blue on the Quay) is hidden, a modern
minimalist restaurant with a courtyard that was once part of a
monastery. The fare is Mediterranean inspired and the service
renowned for its excellence. Reservations necessary. Closed Sunday.
Dinner only.
Address: Oude Zijds, Achterburgwal 99
Telephone: (020) 330 2257
Odeon |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
Once a rumpled teenage disco but now a revamped chic and
cosmopolitan restaurant, the Odeon attracts the stylish and
sophisticated diners of Amsterdam. A brassiere, restaurant and
nightclub spread over three floors, guests are ensured an
entertaining evening out. The restaurant serves fresh, simple and
contemporary cuisine and has an excellent wine list. The kitchen is
open daily from 11am to 10.30pm.
Address: Singel 460, Rembrandtplein
Telephone: 020 521 855
D’ Vijff Vlieghen |
$$$$$ | Local |
The 'Five Flies' is one of the world's famous restaurants,
oozing old-world charm with antiques and Rembrandt etchings on the
Spui, and offering New Dutch Cuisine, created using only fresh
Dutch products. Brass plaques on the chairs remind diners of the
famous names like Orson Welles and Walt Disney who have patronised
the rambling establishment that occupies five adjoining historic
houses. D'Vijff Vlieghen also offers an organic five-course
vegetarian meal. Open daily for dinner. Reservations advised.
Address: Spuistraat 294-302 (opposite the Amsterdam Historical Museum)
E-mail: vijffvlieghen@nh-hotels.com
Telephone: (020) 530 4060
Café de Jaren |
$$$$$ | Gastropubs |
Contemporary and stylish, the chief attraction of the
Café de Jaren is its waterfront terrace overlooking the
Amstel River, in the heart of the city. It makes for a great place
for a pre dinner drink, the sampling of a superb bottle of wine or
enjoying a strong coffee. The menu is varied and attractive, with
fare ranging from soups and sandwiches to steaks and pastas. With a
classic French feel to it, the high ceilings and tiled floors of
the Café de Jaren exude a refined elegance. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22
Telephone: (0)20 625 5771
Amsterdam is well supplied with oriental restaurants
particularly in its rejuvenated Chinatown district. One of the most
popular institutions, serving a mix of Asian cuisine from Chinese,
Thai and Vietnamese, to Malay and Filipino, is Dynasty. The
themed interior is exceedingly colourful, the ceiling adorned with
upturned paper umbrellas. A big attraction is the beautiful
Canalhouse Garden, usually packed out for summer dining.
Reservations essential. Closed Tuesdays.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 30
E-mail: info@fer.nl
Telephone: (0)20 626 8400
Pasta E Basta |
$$$$$ | Italian |
The lively Pasta E Basta restaurant has hit on a gimmick that
draws customers as much as the delicious plates of pasta it serves:
the waiters and bartenders sing opera arias while they tend the
tables. This makes for a jovial atmosphere, where guests enjoy the
excellent wine list and superb Italian fare in an intriguing
environment. Bookings should be made well in advance. Open daily
from 6pm for dinner.
Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8
E-mail: amsterdam@pastaebasta.nl
Telephone: (020) 422 2222
Rose’s Cantina |
$$$$$ | Spanish |
Amsterdam's most popular Mexican-style bar buzzes with warm
Latin-American ambience and serves up notoriously potent margaritas
along with a number of food specialities. The menu includes regular
Mexican favourites like burritos, nachos and enchiladas. Fillet
steak and burgers are also available and are well complimented with
Mexican beer. Open daily from 5pm.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40
E-mail: info@RosesCantina.com
Telephone: (0)20 625 9797
Sukasari |
$$$$$ | Oriental |
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without enjoying an Indonesian
'Rijstafel' at one of any number of Indonesian restaurants. One of
the most central and affordable, offering an extensive Rijstafel as
well as numerous other specialities, is Sukasari, just off of the
Dam Square in the first block east of the Dam Monument. Open
daily.
Address: Damstraat 26-28
Telephone: (020) 624 0092
De Silveren Spiegel |
$$$$$ | Local |
The elegant Silveren Spiegel (Silver Mirror) is one of
Amsterdam's best known traditional restaurants, featuring a
romantic atmosphere enhanced by beautifully decorated candlelit
rooms in two historic houses. Highlights on the menu include
seafood and meat dishes, like baked sole with wild spinach or
fillet of venison. The lamb dishes are especially fine. Open for
lunch by reservation only.
Address: Kattengat 4-6
E-mail: restaurant@desilverenspiegel.com
Telephone: (0)20 624 6589
De Witte Uyl |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
A simple Amsterdam restaurant that serves delicious food in a
laid back yet sophisticated environment, De Witte Uyl is a popular
choice with locals and foreigners looking for a pleasurable night
out. While the soft rhythms of jazz music flow through the
restaurant, patrons can indulge in the flavours of the diverse
contemporary menu that offers dishes like steak of veal filled with
sage and pastrami, served with mashed sweet potato, brussel sprouts
and parmesan or warm crème of garden peas with mint, with
home smoked oysters and steamed wonton filled with chévre,
crème fraiche and chives. Order two dishes and a desert for
a fixed price and scan the international winelist, which
compliments the intricate menu. Open for dinner, Tuesday to
Saturday.
Address: Frans Halsstraat 26
E-mail: info@witteuyl.com
Telephone: +31 (0)20 6700458
De Eetkamer van de Jordaan |
$$$$$ | Local |
A lovely Dutch restaurant serving a combination of local and
international fare, De Eetkamer van de Jordaan is ideal for friends
and couples looking for a special night out in an intimate and
unpretentious environment. With a fantastic menu that has a variety
of enticing cold and hot starters, mains that get the salivary
glands flowing and ten different deserts to wind down with, there
is a little bit of culinary genius for everyone. Some of the mains
include fresh fried Halibut with a Dutch shrimp sauce and Lamb
fillet with honey poffertjes (small pancakes) and a sauce of honey
and thyme. Make your booking today. Open daily for dinner.
Address: Westerstraat 76
E-mail: eetkamer@diningcity.com
Telephone: +31 (0)20 6250746
Café Luxembourg |
$$$$$ | Gastropubs |
A large established eatery, Café Luxembourg's affordable
prices, traditional atmosphere and superb food continue to draw
crowds throughout the year. With heavily wooded tables, a long,
well stocked bar, soft lighting and a pleasant atmosphere,
Café Luxembourg is the ideal place for a lunchtime salad or
sandwich, evening drink accompanied by a mouth-watering array of
snacks or a laid back wholesome evening meal. In summer patrons can
people-watch from the bustling sidewalks and in winter friends and
couples can cosy up with a nice bottle of red or a crisp pint. If
you looking for a great meal at an affordable price, Café
Luxembourg is the ticket. Open daily from 9am for lunch and
dinner.
Address: Spuistraat 24
E-mail: cafe@luxembourg.nl
Telephone: (020) 620 6264
