Restaurants in Amsterdam
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 Indonesian 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. There you can sample the local
beers alongside staples such as steaks, satay and salads, for a
hearty and cheap dining option. The array of cafés means
travellers can enjoy filling meals on even the tightest budget.
Chinatown (along Zeedijk, close to Nieuwmarkt) also offers a
plethora of reasonably priced Asian restaurants. At the other end
of the scale, there are some seriously fine-dining options where
you'll pay €80-€100 a head.
While in Amsterdam, try some of the local snacks: savoury
pancakes, pickled herring sold at brightly-coloured fish stalls at
canal intersections, frikadel (a snack sausage served with
mayonnaise, ketchup and onions), and small windmill-shaped cookies
called speculaas that are traditionally dipped in coffee. Don't
forget to look for the 'Vlaamse frieten' signs to try chips/fries
the Dutch way: with mayonnaise!
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.
Service is renowned for being poor in Amsterdam, as a gratuity is
often included and waiting staff do not rely on tips for their
salary. If you do receive good service, however, it's customary to
round up the bill to the nearest euro. If you do tip, it is
customary to leave it in cash rather than including it on a credit
card payment.
| Blauw aan de Wal |
$$$$$ | French |
One of Amsterdam's delightful secrets, this charming restaurant
is peaceful and tranquil in the midst of a bustling Red Light
District. An alley leads patrons to the tiny square where Blauw aan
de Wal (Blue on the Quay) is hidden, a modern minimalist restaurant
with a courtyard that was once part of a monastery. The fare is
Mediterranean inspired and the service renowned for its excellence.
Reservations necessary. Closed Sunday. Dinner only.
Address: Oude Zijds, Achterburgwal 99
Telephone: (020) 330 2257
| Odeon |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
Once a rumpled teenage disco but now a revamped chic and
cosmopolitan restaurant, the Odeon attracts the stylish and
sophisticated diners of Amsterdam. A brassiere, restaurant and
nightclub spread over three floors, guests are ensured an
entertaining evening out. The restaurant serves fresh, simple and
contemporary cuisine and has an excellent wine list. The kitchen is
open daily from 11am to 10.30pm.
Address: Singel 460, Rembrandtplein
Telephone: 020 521 855
| D’ Vijff Vlieghen |
$$$$$ | Local |
The 'Five Flies' is one of the world's famous restaurants,
oozing old-world charm with antiques and Rembrandt etchings on the
Spui, and offering New Dutch Cuisine, created using only fresh
Dutch products. Brass plaques on the chairs remind diners of the
famous names like Orson Welles and Walt Disney who have patronised
the rambling establishment that occupies five adjoining historic
houses. D'Vijff Vlieghen also offers an organic five-course
vegetarian meal. Open daily for dinner. Reservations advised.
Address: Spuistraat 294-302 (opposite the Amsterdam Historical Museum)
E-mail: vijffvlieghen@nh-hotels.com
Telephone: (020) 530 4060
| Café de Jaren |
$$$$$ | Gastropubs |
Contemporary and stylish, the chief attraction of the
Café de Jaren is its waterfront terrace overlooking the
Amstel River, in the heart of the city. It makes for a great place
for a pre dinner drink, the sampling of a superb bottle of wine or
enjoying a strong coffee. The menu is varied and attractive, with
fare ranging from soups and sandwiches to steaks and pastas. With a
classic French feel to it, the high ceilings and tiled floors of
the Café de Jaren exude a refined elegance. Open daily for
lunch and dinner.
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22
Telephone: (0)20 625 5771
Amsterdam is well supplied with oriental restaurants
particularly in its rejuvenated Chinatown district. One of the most
popular institutions, serving a mix of Asian cuisine from Chinese,
Thai and Vietnamese, to Malay and Filipino, is Dynasty. The
themed interior is exceedingly colourful, the ceiling adorned with
upturned paper umbrellas. A big attraction is the beautiful
Canalhouse Garden, usually packed out for summer dining.
Reservations essential. Closed Tuesdays.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 30
E-mail: info@fer.nl
Telephone: (0)20 626 8400
| Pasta E Basta |
$$$$$ | Italian |
The lively Pasta E Basta restaurant has hit on a gimmick that
draws customers as much as the delicious plates of pasta it serves:
the waiters and bartenders sing opera arias while they tend the
tables. This makes for a jovial atmosphere, where guests enjoy the
excellent wine list and superb Italian fare in an intriguing
environment. Bookings should be made well in advance. Open daily
from 6pm for dinner.
Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8
E-mail: amsterdam@pastaebasta.nl
Telephone: (020) 422 2222
| Rose’s Cantina |
$$$$$ | Spanish |
Amsterdam's most popular Mexican-style bar buzzes with warm
Latin-American ambience and serves up notoriously potent margaritas
along with a number of food specialities. The menu includes regular
Mexican favourites like burritos, nachos and enchiladas. Fillet
steak and burgers are also available and are well complimented with
Mexican beer. Open daily from 5pm.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40
E-mail: info@RosesCantina.com
Telephone: (0)20 625 9797
| De Silveren Spiegel |
$$$$$ | Local |
The elegant Silveren Spiegel (Silver Mirror) is one of
Amsterdam's best known traditional restaurants, featuring a
romantic atmosphere enhanced by beautifully decorated candlelit
rooms in two historic houses. Highlights on the menu include
seafood and meat dishes both of which are cooked in traditional
Dutch manner.
Address: Kattengat 4-6
E-mail: restaurant@desilverenspiegel.com
Telephone: (0)20 624 6589
| De Witte Uyl |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
A simple Amsterdam restaurant that serves delicious food in a
laid back yet sophisticated environment, De Witte Uyl is a popular
choice with locals and foreigners looking for a pleasurable night
out. While the soft rhythms of jazz music flow through the
restaurant, patrons can indulge in the flavours of the diverse
contemporary menu that offers dishes like steak of veal filled with
sage and pastrami, served with mashed sweet potato, brussel sprouts
and parmesan or warm crème of garden peas with mint, with
home smoked oysters and steamed wonton filled with chévre,
crème fraiche and chives. Order two dishes and a desert for
a fixed price and scan the international winelist, which
compliments the intricate menu. Open for dinner, Tuesday to
Saturday.
Address: Frans Halsstraat 26
E-mail: info@witteuyl.com
Telephone: +31 (0)20 6700458
| Café Luxembourg |
$$$$$ | Gastropubs |
A large established eatery, Café Luxembourg's affordable
prices, traditional atmosphere and superb food continue to draw
crowds throughout the year. With heavily wooded tables, a long,
well stocked bar, soft lighting and a pleasant atmosphere,
Café Luxembourg is the ideal place for a lunchtime salad or
sandwich, evening drink accompanied by a mouth-watering array of
snacks or a laid back wholesome evening meal. In summer patrons can
people-watch from the bustling sidewalks and in winter friends and
couples can cosy up with a nice bottle of red or a crisp pint. If
you looking for a great meal at an affordable price, Café
Luxembourg is the ticket. Open daily from 9am for lunch and
dinner.
Address: Spuistraat 24
E-mail: cafe@luxembourg.nl
Telephone: (020) 620 6264
The place to go for authentic Dutch food. Greetje is located in
a district that includes many beautiful old buildings, and has a
great view of Montelbaanse Tower. It's known for having some of the
best service in Amsterdam, and offers up traditional Dutch recipes
with a modern flair. Try the taster platters for a sampling of many
different dishes. Greetje is open for dinner only, Tuesday through
Sunday from 6pm to 10pm.
Address: Peperstraat 23-25
Post code: 1011 TJ
Telephone: (020) 779 7450
| Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs |
$$$$$ | Local |
At the top of a precipitous staircase, hungry visitors can pack
into this tiny pancake house for tea and sustenance. This one-man
operation serves up savoury and sweet pancakes at reasonable
prices. The service can be slow, but locals swear it's worth the
wait.
Address: Grimburgwal 2, Medieval Centre
Post code: 1012 GA
Telephone: (020) 626 5603
