Restaurants & dining – All our local tips

this is one of the most talked about Italians in Amsterdam. It’s located near the Entrepotdok, a small residential area. In this small Italian restaurant the staff knows the clients, and they serve mostly the daily specials.

We were definitely not their regular customers, so we had to wait, and to wait, and wait. The food was lovely, they were nice and friendly, but for me this isn’t the restaurant which will be on my top 10 list.

But when it comes to Italian restaurants, it’s definitely one of the small and charming Italian’s in town. It’s close to the NEMO museum, and pretty close to Artis Zoo… and in an utterly charming part of Amsterdam, so worth looking around.

Ask the staff to inform you about their daily dishes and take something of their specialties, which makes this restaurant different from the most known Italians.

Details about this spot
A Tavola | Restaurants (Italian) | Average menu price € 31.50
Kadijksplein 9 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31206254994
18:00 – 22:30 daily

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This quite bright and clean looking restaurant masters a wide variety of cuisines. The food you order can be Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian or something in between.

The restaurant is located close to Nieuwmarkt, on the lively Zeedijk. This area on the border of Chinatown and the red light district is worth visiting, especially around the evening when the pubs and the restaurants are filling up.

There are plenty affordable restaurants on this street that serve kinds of food from all around the globe. You can try any one of them, but A-fusion is certainly an excellent choice. The restaurant has a very favorable review from Amsterdam’s biggest restaurant expert, Johannes van Dam, to prove it.

The service is efficient, but the waitresses are nevertheless friendly and more straightforward than I’m used to in other Asian restaurants. The huge meals are served attractively in two connected black bowls.

I am renowned for my ability to gulf up incredible amounts of foods, but a dinner at this place takes all the strength out of me, and when I finished my plate I am truly exhausted and satisfied.

Details about this spot
A-Fusion | Restaurants (Asian) | Main course from € 10.00
Zeedijk 130 | Old center (area map) | +31203304068
12:00 – 23:00 daily

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Altmann is a stylish up market restaurant on the outskirts of “The Pijp”, the famous quarter where also our Albert Cuyp Market is located. Altmann has had a change in the kitchen, which changed the menu in a positive way. The menu is original and the dishes are nice.

The staff is extremely well mannered, the wine list is good and large. They have valet parking, which is an extreme asset in the area. But overall I think the restaurant is a bit stiff, and a little bit too pretentious.

What probably didn’t help was the fact, that we were almost the only guests in the restaurant. I have had dinners there twice before when it was packed with guests, which made the ambiance much more loose and happening. For business travelers, it’s a recommendation!

Details about this spot
Altmann | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French) | 4 course menu € 50.00
Amsteldijk 25 | De Pijp (area map) | +31206627777
Mon – Sat 18:00 – 00:00 (Bar Fri – Sat till 03.00)

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The Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam, everyone has heart for this famous hotel!

This hotel holds a special place in Dutch history and hearts. Since first opening its doors to guests in 1867, this gracious Amsterdam city centre hotel has come to be renowned as the most prestigious address in The Netherlands. The hotel is located directly at the Amstel River extends a gracious blend of classic elegance and modern luxury. It gives magnificence and residential warmth; step into the grand lobby and the effect is immediate and inspiring.

Doctor Samuel Sarphati took the initiative to build the first grand hotel in Amsterdam in 1863. The intial plan was to build a hotel with four wings, actually only one was build. Although business was slow at first, this changed when Doctor Mezger began to run the hotel. He treated people from all classes of society, but was mainly known for the many eminencies he treated.

For already a long time, the Amstel became famous for hosting royal figures and highly regarded nobles. Throughout the years, the Amstel has welcomed a diverse cast: the Tsar and Tsarina of Russia, England’s Queen Elizabeth, Henry Kissinger, Gustav Eiffel, Walt Disney, Audrey Hepburn, Steven Spielberg, the Rolling Stones, U2 and Robbie Williams etc. EVen our Crown Prince WIllem-Alexander and Maxima held their marriage here.

I used to work here and I know that it is scary to enter the hotel. It is such an overwhelming and prestigious hotel, that every time I only passed by my heart was beating faster. However, I also have learned that persons that want to be treated as human beings come here too!

So, please do not judge too fast, just go there for a coffee or tea. Lunch or high tea in the closed veranda is a spectacular happening. Prices for high tea are from 35 euros; it is expensive, but really worth it.

NB: If you want to book this hotel, you can do this via this link (we get a small commission via our partner. Thank you!)

Details about this spot
Amstel Hotel | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French) | Lunch € 12.00
Professor Tulpplein 1 | Canals (area map) | +31206226060
24 hours daily

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If it wasn’t for the modern environment you would expect “la mama” in this restaurant annex Wine bar, with great dishes, and nice open bottles of great Italian Wines for reasonable prices.

No Pizza, but antipasti, primi and secondi, I love it! To start with a dish Assagi…ami, a lovers dish, with small bites like, grilled zucchini, vitello tomato, bresaola with parmigiano, mozzarella di buffalo. Served with delicious home made tomato bread.

Afterwards classic pasta, “pappardelle primavera, “Tomato Sauce”, like it should be. I have been practising at home for years, and I’ll never manage to get it like this. To finish off steamed Sea bass with herbs: absolutely Yummy.

The Staff speaks Italian by heart, and they make a great effort to speak English, but Dutch is apparently too much to ask.

It’s part of the Show, and it is a great Show. This is quite an insider tip, but I need to share it, because it’s a worth the visit. Bueno Appetito!

Details about this spot
Assaggi | Restaurants (Italian) | Main course € 21.50
Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 6 | Jordaan (area map) | +31204205589
17:30 – 23:00 daily & lunch on Saturday

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This former blacksmiths workshop is now Balthazar’s Keuken, a contemporary place, with open kitchen.

I experience the absence of a menu card as the best choice ever made. De 3-course dinner menu exists of a platter with small tasty bites, tapas and mezzos (very international).

Karin and Alain are the passionate chefs of this very Amsterdam place. The place for foodies and lovers. In the summer with nice weather there is a small terrace on the pavement in front of the Balthazar Kitchen. And continuously keeping up their level of good cooking and nice service!!!

Details about this spot
Balthazar’s Keuken | Restaurants (Mediterranean) | Three courses € 27.50
Elandsgracht 108 | Jordaan (area map) | +31204202114
Wed – Fri 18:00 – 01:00 (Other days by request for 25-35 persons)

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One of the Albert Cuyp gems as it comes to exceptional venues and restaurants. Step into the magical world of the Middle-East.

Bazar is known for its beautiful interior, fine and warm atmosphere, and delightful kitchen. The colourful tables, prominent lamps, and happy music make you believe to be in a country far away from cheesy Holland. The only feeling that it may correspond to is that of the ‘cosy market atmosphere’ of the Albert Cuyp.

The dishes are originated from the North of Africa and the Middle East. Combined with a glass of wine or biological apple juice you’ll find yourself enjoying the overall atmosphere quite soon.

Whether you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner, the taste explosions are something special. Furthermore, vegetarians will be very satisfied with this menu. Think of couscous with dried fruits and raisins, steamed pumpkin and saffron sauce or the roasted Portobello mushroom filled with falafel and other special ingredients. Besides, all the meat is halal (ritually slaughtered).

An absolute recommendation is the shared (with two or more) large lunch. Ideal to try whatever they serve in small portions with bread, a combination of food of different cultures. And last but not least, don’t skip on the desserts as the cheesecake with dates and nuts leaves you begging for more.. Otherwise, a cup of fresh mint tea with traditional baklava will do just fine too.

The staff is polite and also apologizes when the food takes longer than expected.
Good quality for reasonable prices.
It is recommended to make reservations.

Don’t forget, this is not the kind of place to go for a quick bite…more an extended night full of experiences, taste explosions and that very unique atmosphere.

Details about this spot
Bazar | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Middle east) | Main dishes from € 8.50
Albert Cuypstraat 182 | De Pijp (area map) | +31206750544
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri 10:00 – 02:00, Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 09:00 – 00:00

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The menu here isn’t big. And it doesn’t need to be. The only thing you need to order is cheese fondue, entrecote, salad, and finally chocolatemousse as a dessert. I’m a great lover of cheese so this place is really one of my favorites.

The cheese fondue is great and you get plenty of bread to go with it. Any of the different salads will do great for a bit of a fresh taste cause the fondue is quite heavy and obviously cheesy!

The entrecôte comes on a plate which is on a flame where you can further fry the meat in a very tasty sauce. Maybe this is not the place for a romantic first date though. All of the cheese and garlic doesn’t leave your mouth smelling very fresh…

It is busy here every night and this is probably why they have squeezed a lot of tables into the space. You will probably sit close to the other guests but I usually only concentrate on the cheese so it doesn’t bother me!

It is important to know that a reservation is required if you don’t want to eat too late. As soon as your there you will find it easy to spend the rest of the evening there with your cheese fondue and a nice bottle of wine. I can’t wait till the next time!

Details about this spot
Bern | Bars, Restaurants | Main meal € 15.00
Nieuwmarkt 9 | Old center (area map) | +31206220034
15:00 – 01:00 daily

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I must say this is one of my favourite restaurants. I just had dinner here and I still love this place at the water. You come here to sit for a drink on the terrace, relax or to have dinner. They have a large terrace with lots of sun (when the sun shines of course) in a very nice neighborhood. It is in directly located at the water next to a small harbour. There are all cozy apartments and houses with small bridges and a perfect view over the water. Take a long walk before or after diner, and you will be surprised that this is a part of Amsterdam. I really love it here!

The restaurant is located in a cozy basement, but with more than enough daylight. It has a natural look with wooden tables and chairs. In the back they have tables with bar stools.

The open kitchen is in the middle of the restaurant and is in charge of the owner. His wife is the host of the restaurant. She is a very pleasant woman with knowledge about the food and wines. They both are exited to work there every day; they really have heart for their business.

The food is great, some common things on the menu like spare ribs and satay, but also more uncommon things as stingray and rabbit. The salad with beef is perfect, never had a dish which was so perfectly made and tasteful. All dishes are created with care and creativity.  Every dish is accompanied by a specifically chosen wine. A real must have are the desserts, especially the ice truffles are delicious.

I would say a great place with lovely staff and tasty food!

Details about this spot
Bickers aan de Werf | Snacks, Restaurants | Main course € 14.00
Bickerswerf 2 | Waterfront/North (area map) | +31203202951
Wed – Sun 12:00 – 22:30

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An excellent place if you just went to the KIT/Tropenmuseum (see this article), Artis or the Hortus Botanicus. It is very bright inside and they only have tables at the window and of course one main table to read a newspaper or a glossy magazine.

The restaurant has a very calm but warm interior with nice items, such as a handwritten blackboard with the menu on it, shaky chairs at the main table and wines in small bowls.

The food is not expensive and they have nice combinations. Most of the time, the special of the day is typically Dutch, like “stamppot” (different Dutch stew). I enjoy the food here every time.

You have a quick bite, but it is also a place to enjoy with your friends. The staff does not give you the feeling to hurry up, they are very friendly and will do anything for you. Please do not forget to make a reservation during the weekend, because Boom does not have a lot of tables and is a popular place to dine.

Details about this spot
Boom | Restaurants | Bite of the day € 10.00
Linnaeusstraat 63 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31206655224
Mon 17:00 – 01:00, Tue -Sun 12:00 – 01:00

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Bordewijk has for many, many years, been one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. Although never honored with a Michelin star, they do cook on star level.

The restaurant is fashionable and at the same time totally unfashionable. The design of the restaurant is absolutely 70’s. Sometimes when you enter the restaurant, it can catch you by surprise as a little “chilly”. But the warm staff of Chef Wil Demandt and his excellent food, made with passion, and served in a professional way, makes up for everything else.

Bordewijk serves traditional French cuisine. It’s rich, with great flavour, and lots of young and fresh herbs and vegetables. If you are a cheese lover, you will definitely love this place. They have the best cheese trolley in Amsterdam.

The restaurant is located on one of the most beautiful spots in the city, just in the back light of the Noorder church on the Noordermarkt.

Bordewijk is a nice evening out in charming Amsterdam. I advise you to make a reservation before you want to go!

Details about this spot
Bordewijk | Restaurants (French traditional) | 3 courses € 42,50
Noordermarkt 6-8 | Jordaan (area map) | +31206243899
Tue – Sat 18:30 – 22:30

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Brasserie Harkema is situated in the Nes – a very narrow street, more of a alleyway, with lots of restaurants, café’s and theatres. The kitchen is open till 23:00 so it is a great place to get something to eat even after you’ve been to the theatre, or the cinema.

If you walk past the outside of the restaurant you wouldn’t imagine the space on the inside to be so big! Harkema is situated in a building that used to be a factory but now is done up very nicely into a brasserie style restaurant.  The place is enormous and very impressive. On one side the wall is made out of wine bottles stuck into the wall. This is also where you can see people working in the open kitchen.  The other side of the restaurant has a wall full of coloured stripes and a broad narrow window.

I really like it here because of the atmosphere. Because the area is big you feel anonymous but at the same time the service is good and almost always quick. The restaurant is formal and informal at the same time. It is informal because it attracts a crowd of different people who all seem to feel at home and you don’t need to dress up. The people who work here are mostly young people and students, and you could just walk in without a reservation that is usually no problem. But it is also formal because the quality of the food and the wine is good and you get served quickly. Also the interior is very nice.

I know I should try different things, but when I come here I almost always order the same thing: Caesar salad to start and the grilled tuna as a main course. You can also order oysters which I have never done but still intend to do because it looks so interesting! They also serve delicious bread with great olive oil and the homemade fries and mustard mayonnaise is absolutely delicious!

Details about this spot
Brasserie Harkema | Restaurants (European) | main meal € 18.00
Nes 67 | Old center (area map) | +314282222
17:30 – 23:00 daily

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Café Crea is located on the grounds of some of the most beautiful buildings of the University of Amsterdam, and it is a haven for students looking for a break. As the place is divided into three smaller parts, the conversations of the guests do not bounce around against the walls, but fill the rooms with a pleasant humming.

Crea is one of my favorite places to go to when I need to study or write, want to drink coffee and read a newspaper, or drink a beer with fellow students. Located in a quieter part, but right the middle of the centre, it is a perfect base of operations to plan your explorations in.

In the meantime you can enjoy a delicious coffee, French toast, a sandwich or a bowl of soup, or even a decent and decently priced dinner between five and eight-thirty. With a different atmosphere in each of the rooms and a small patio on the canal side, you can be sure to find a spot that fits your mood.

The view from the patio is picturesque in a way that is typical for Amsterdam. Since I have been studying at the UvA, I have found the surroundings of Crea very inspiring. You feel very close to the history of the city and the university. When you are there, take the time to enjoy the atmosphere and stroll around between the university-buildings.

Details about this spot
Café Crea | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Theaters, Restaurants (intern.) | Beer € 2.00
Turfdraagsterpad 17 | Old center (area map) | +31205251423
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 01:00, Sun 11:00 – 19:00

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For years Café Loetje is known for its steak. No, let me rephrase that: the best steak of Amsterdam. Famous with the locals; Amsterdammers and Loetje can not been seen apart from each other.

The old fashioned brown-café interior shows that Loetje has truly kept its authenticity. During the week, especially in weekends, the place gets packed with a varied crowd. Here the atmosphere always feels lively (high noise level) with a local vibe.

Don’t expect an extensive menu. Loetje has basics like steak, sate, hamburger, tuna and schnitzel to offer. Great quality and therefore the menu hasn’t changed in years. That’s all part of Loetje’s successful formula.

The famous (200gr.) steak comes with salad and French fries, for a decent price.

Some of the staff has worked here for years, and that is special because Loetje will celebrate its 33rd year of existence this coming year. The service is friendly, relaxed and efficient. If you’re with a group, make reservations because waiting times up to an hour are no exception.

In summer it’s great to spend some time on the patio and large terrace while enjoying a cold beer. Besides Dutch beers, they have an extended offer of Belgian brews.

Despite the fact Loetje is located near the Museum area, you won’t find too many tourists around here. Blend in with the locals and enjoy the best steak of Amsterdam!

Details about this spot
Cafe Loetje | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (International) | Steak € 16.00
Johannes Vermeerstraat 52 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206628173
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 00:00, Sat 17:30 – 00:00

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The east of Amsterdam is an area which has become very popular in the last while. More and more students (including myself) and young professionals are moving into this area. And it is noticeable!

There used to be nothing much around here but now more and more nice bars and restaurants are opening their doors. Maxwell is one of them. It is close to the Oosterpark (see this article) and the OLVG hospital and a great place for lunch and a drink during the day, or dinner during the evening. I love to go there for lunch and coffee on a lazy Saturday or Sunday  afternoon.

In the corner of the smallish place are a comfortable sofa and two very comfortable seats. This is definitely the best place to sit down and not get up soon!

Maxwell serves hot and cold drinks and also different lovely sandwiches. For dinnertime they offer a great hamburger ‘To the Max’ amongst other things. In the evening time they also serve snacks to accompany your drinks.

They make great coffee which they also serve to go, although this isn’t something for the early birds because the opening time is 12 o’clock.

The place is small on the inside but there are lots of places to sit and when the weather is good there is quite a big terrace to enjoy. Because the terrace sits on a corner there is sun all day long.

For the smokers they have the terrace heated and they also offer blankets to make sure a smoker doesn’t catch a cold.

Every once in a while they also do live music and different other performances. (Check programming on their website)

Details about this spot
Cafe Maxwell | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Varies) | Main meal € 12.50
Beukenplein 27 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31207726748
Sun – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 02:00/03:00

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The cosy Café Proust is located on the charming Noordermarkt, right in the middle of the great atmosphere of the Jordaan and it’s many daily markets.

The interior can be described as no-nonsense, modern and cosy. In fact, Proust recently got a huge makeover! The greens are turned into cosy reds! 
Tourists, locals, students and market visitors drop by to have lunch, dinner, relax for a nice cup of coffee or some beers. On market days the café gets really packed, although the atmosphere remains laid-back.

The menu changes every now and then. The quality is definitely above the average café-level. The Proust Hamburger is a recommendation, and so is the salad/pasta/soup of the day. Something what also should not be forgotten: the quality-price ratio is great! The new chef offers you a superb variety of dishes…even cheese-fondue!

The absolute eye-catcher of Proust is the gigantic pistol-lamp (designed by Hans van Bentem ) above the bar. Madonna has one as well!

In summer you are lucky if you can find yourself a seat outside as the terrace is, unfortunately, quite small. On the other hand, this preserves the intimate atmosphere.

Details about this spot
Café Proust | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (International) | Beer € 2.20
Noordermarkt 4 | Canals (area map) | +31206239145
Mon 09:00 – 01:00, Tue – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sun 12:00 – 03:00

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This modern, classy restaurant has despite it’s high ceilings a very pleasant atmosphere. It may be a bit further away from the city centre, but Amsterdam’s new upcoming Westergas-area is definitely worth visiting nowadays.

Café Restaurant Amsterdam is situated in an old engine room. Old control panels and engines needed to make place for some parts of the restaurant but everything else is still there, for example an enormous engine.

The combination of good quality food, reasonable prices and the original setting is the most appealing factor. Service is very friendly and helpful.

The crowd is very diverse, varying from families with kids, large groups, celebs, and expats; a great atmosphere no doubt! Although, for a nice and quiet romantic diner…this may not be the place to be.

Here you probably won’t find students or tourists, but it has been a great success among locals.  In summer you can sit outside on the terrace, in winter it’s overwhelming enough to eat inside, due to the great design of the main room.

Note: It’s smart to make reservations in the weekend!

Details about this spot
Café Restaurant Amsterdam | Restaurants (French) | Main from € 11.00
Watertorenplein 6 | Westerpark (area map) | +31206822666
Sun – Thu 10:30 – 24:00, Fri – Sat 10:30 – 01:00

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Black lacquer work, rooms where you have something to look, great art, nice and warm staff. You feel welcome in this hip and trendy restaurant in Amsterdam-Zuid, just behind the Concert Gebouw. The restaurant is part of an little-known hotel.

The interior decoration is done by Eric Kuster Design. Eric has quite a recognizable signature; he also designed our famous night club the Jimmy Woo. He likes Asian influences and mixes modern design with tradition. This is also the keyword for the menu. The menu has influences from all over Asia but the main inspiration is from China. The red country, where they have so many cuisines, that you hardly ever will be bored by the variations they offer you.

I have been at Chang-I four times in quite a short period. Every time I was surprised by the nice and delicious and tasteful dishes as well as by the way they make you feel comfortable. So put on a nice dress, because this is an elegant way of fine China dining!

Details about this spot
Chang-I | Restaurants (Innovative Chinese) | 3 courses € 42.50
Jan-Willem Brouwersstraat 7 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31204701700
Mon – Sat 17:30 – 23:00

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Club 8 is a great venue for a fully filled, entertaining night! With more than 24 pool tables there’s always space to start your game! Feeling hungry?
The restaurant menu offers burgers, soups, pasta and typically Dutch snacks like ‘bitterballen’ en ‘kaassouffle’.

The restaurant area might not be a picture perfect place for going out for dinner, but for a quick bite it’s just fine.

At night, Club 8’s nightclub plays funky sounds: electro, pop, indie, house….name it, they have it! Check out the program on the website, just to be sure you like what’s on that particular night!

The audience is very diverse: students, tourists, expats, and locals… everybody likes Club 8!

Details about this spot
Club 8 | Bars, Music, Restaurants (international) | One hour pool € 9.50
Admiraal de Ruyterweg 56B | Oud-West (area map) | +31206851703
Mon – Thu 14:00 – 03:00, Fri 14:00 – 04:00, Sat 12:00 – 04:00, Sun 12:00 – 03:00

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De Ysbreker is a bar and a restaurant and also a great place to sit during the day. It used to be a theatre as well but those activities had to be moved elsewhere. The Ysbreker is situated at the Amstel River, which must be one of the most beautiful places of Amsterdam. In the summertime the big terrace in the front is great to sit by the water and to watch all the people cycling by…

The café has a vast history. The building used to be a guesthouse where in wintertime the people who broke the ice of the frozen Amstel River used to stay. That building burnt down but the new building kept the original name and is now a place where people go for a drink or something to eat while enjoying the great view of the Amstel River which in present times isn’t frozen over as often as it used to be a couple of hundred years ago.

If the weather isn’t that great it is also very nice to sit inside. I love to sit in the part at the front with the big windows. The view here is as good as when you’re sitting outside. During the day the place is very peaceful with people reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee. Later on it gets a bit more buzzing. When you come in the place doesn’t seem that big bit there is also a large area in the back where you can sit. As I said they have a lot of newspapers to read which is a great way to spend a couple of hours of spare time during the week or on a Sunday afternoon.

Details about this spot
De Ysbreker | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants
Weesperzijde 23 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +310204681808
Sun – Thu 09:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 09:00 – 02:00

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This brown colored pub on the Kloveniersburgwal was here when my father was studying in Amsterdam. It is supposed to be a literary café, a place where you can read a book or newspaper in peace, but I usually find it quite lively.

It has a layout that is typical for Amsterdam: quite narrow and deep. There is only sunlight in the front, but bars like these are not supposed to be bathing in light. The crowd is usually positioned in the narrow space in front of the bar, in the smoke free area back you can sit down in relative peace; take a look at the photos that are exhibited, or play a board game.

This place has an atmosphere that you will not find in newer bars, but what is more, they serve beers that you will not find anywhere else in Amsterdam. It is not a beer café per se, but the beers they have on tap are exquisite. I would not know where to find a tastier beer in this city.

During the day you can have a tasty lunch, served on proper, thick slices of bread. After five in the afternoon you can pick your dinner from the small menu written on a chalkboard in front of the bar. The food is tasty and far from expensive; the meal of the day will set you back about Euro 8.50. It is no haute cuisine, but it is good and healthy and you can flush it away with a delicious drink.

Details about this spot
Engelbewaarder | Bars, Restaurants (Lunch and dinner) | Beer € 2.20
Kloveniersburgwal 59 | Old center (area map) | +31206253772
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 02:00, Sun 14:00 – 01:00

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Envy is stylish and designed by the successful Concrete Design Group, like their baby sister the wine bar Vyne (check the bar Vyne article; Nice wordplay). It’s slick, elegant and the atmosphere is nice.

Whether you are here on a romantic trip or for business, this place fits everyone. Except those who like bright restaurants… they will moan that it is so dark… Like my father in law did (”I can not see what is on my plate……”). And that is definitely not true, because of the subtle and very effective light above the tables as well as above the long communal bar, where you have dinner as well.

The food is served in small and shareable portions, so you share and dare. The dishes are very original; however they do serve also quite a few classic dishes.

You can start of your evening with Envy bread and dipping and nice small plate with pata negra

. I would recommend ordering 3 or 4 plates per person to share. They change the menu quite often, which makes it a place that won’t bore you. Envy has been keeping up her performance for 3 years in a row; well done!

Details about this spot
Envy | Restaurants (Fusion) | Dish € 7.00
Prinsengracht 381 | Canals (area map) | +31203446407
Dinner 18:00 – 01:00 daily | Lunch Fri – Sun 12:00 – 15:00

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The lunch is fantastic over here. This restaurant has a tratorria on the Overtoom as well, so you can imagine that the food is of high quality.

It is a Italian restaurant with home made soups, sandwiches like goat cheese, vitello tonato and spicy chicken. They always have fresh fruit juices.

On Sundays there is life jazz music with singers. The place is a little bit small for a band, so it sounds loud, but still it is very nice. The view is great, you overlook the canals and the Waterlooplein. And when it is cold outside and you are done shopping and visiting musea, this is an excellent place to have a tea, coffee or an alcoholic beverage. It is a cosy place to go to.

Details about this spot
Frenzi | Coffee & tea, Restaurants | Sandwich € 8.00
Zwanenburgwal 232 | Old center (area map) | +31204235112
10:00 – 00:00 daily

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Right at the canals on the Singel you will have to look carefully not to miss this lovely breakfast & lunch spot. You will recognize it by the little white tables and chairs that stand outside which give you a lovely view of one of the most beautiful parts of the city centre.

Greenwoods is a tiny place is and is owned by an English woman. This woman among other thins surely knows how to bake! The carrot cake, lemon meringue pie and cheesecake are absolutely delicious. I really couldn’t believe it. At one point my boyfriend got so addicted to the carrot cake that he got a slice almost daily. He went out of his way for it, you could say he was out of control!

If you’re not in a hurry you can also try the high tea. You will be spoiled with Great tea and lots of little sandwiches and scones with fresh cream and jam will keep you busy for hours.

Besides for the cakes this is also a great place for a savoury lunch or breakfast. The homemade soda bread is heavy but delicious. The club sandwiches are also a meal in itself. Accompany your food by a big cup of coffee and some fresh orange juice and there is no better way to start of your day.

Details about this spot
Greenwoods | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (breakfast) | Sandwich € 6.00
Singel 103 | Canals (area map) | +31206237071
09:30 – 19:00 daily

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There are a lot of restaurants in this street, but this one really is the best!

They have the best spare ribs in town and they are famous for their 300gr beef sate. I never had better ones. It is always busy, but the staff works hard and never loses their enthusiasm. It really is an upper-class café. You will also find tourists here, since ‘t Vliegertje is located next to the international trade fair RAI. But there are also a lot of locals.

The interior is loaded with airplanes. I never understood if this has to do with the history of the owner, the restaurant or someone really loving airplanes, but I will figure that out. Ok folks, I finally did! The owner is simply into airplanes and flying. It is his hobby and he just loves it.

The place is often fully booked; but sit at the bar, drink something and a table will be ready for you before you finished your glass. I can sit here all evening enjoying the wine and food.

Details about this spot
Het Vliegertje | Restaurants | Saté or spare ribs € 18.00
Scheldestraat 79 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206798480
Kitchen open 17:00 – 22:00 daily

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Besides the Amstel Hotel, this is one of the most beautiful and prestigious hotels in Amsterdam!

The Grand is filled with heritage listed examples of the city’s history dating back to 1578. In its origin this building was a monastery. Napoleon directed the City Hall on Dam Square in 1808 to Hotel The Grand, because he needed the building to become The Royal Palace.

Created in 1926 by Chris Lebeau, the First Class Marriage Chamber of Amsterdam’s City Hall is a work of art, with its figures and scenes depicting married life. The hotel is centered around the former council chamber, in which Her Majesty Queen Beatrix was married.

The council chamber is the largest convention room in the hotel itself. Robust wooden furniture, carpets, chandeleers all handmade. Bear in mind that the entire building is a historical monument and can not be changed without a legislation.

A small detail is the painting in the restaurant of Karel Appel, a famous painter in the Netherlands. The story about this painting is that after a previous renovation a wall was broken down and this painted wall was behind. After taxation it happened to be of great value.

Right now a part of the hotel is being renovated, but still open.

Details about this spot
Hotel The Grand | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French)
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197 | Old center (area map) | +31205553111
24 hours daily

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Opposite the landmark Hotel de L’Europe and the Munt Tower, on the first floor on the Amstel you can find this nice and cosy restaurant with a breathtaking view: Italian nouvelle cuisine, on the first floor in central Amsterdam.

The first time I had dinner at this place they were painting the surface: a disappointment. But the nice and friendly scenery made it a great experience.

No pizza´s, no pasta, but real Italian food, with antipasti, primi and secondi, served with contorno (known as vegetables or side dishes in general).

They have an interesting wine list with really famous & expensive wines like Amarone, but also unknown wines from small vineyards, where they have met the landlady (70 years old). After a sizzling glass of Prosecco, served with an amuse and great home made bread with olive oil, it is up to you.

They serve a tasting and inspirational menu daily. But also the daily changing risotto is extremely recommendable. The warm melting chocolate cake and the original Zabaglione as dessert, makes a dinner remarkable, and something to remember.

Details about this spot
Incanto | Restaurants (Italian) | Fixed menu from € 41.00
Amstel 2 | Canals (area map) | +31204233681
11:00 – 23:00 daily

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Segugio Italian restaurant is a hidden Gem for many.

The chef and his staff work only with the freshest ingredients, on a daily base. What at first seems te be very expensive, is after the first tasting and bites very worthwhile.

My favourite this time was the Seafood Rissotto and so very well prepared! The menu changes every month and the service staff is not only professional but also very nice and elegant. Worthwhile your visit!

Details about this spot
Italian Restaurant Segugio | Restaurants (Italian) | 3 course menu € 48.50
Utrechtsestraat 96a | Canals (area map) | +310203301503
Mon – Sat 18:00 – 23:00

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A Kantjil is a small deer, and the Tiger, yeah that’s the tiger, but the fairytale tells about this small but extremely smart deer, which remains alive after all.

This Indonesian restaurant is located on a busy spot in heart of the city. They serve traditional good Indonesian food. Recommendable is the “Rijsttafel” Kantjil, with several small dishes. Rijsttafel is actually a Dutch phenomenon: we introduced this way of having & sharing dinner during the time Indonesia was a Dutch colony.

They serve great Lumpia Semarang. The Kredok, which is salad but than Indonesian style & the Peteh Oedang are among my favourite dishes in this busy and popular restaurant. Just around the corner, they opened an easy take away for one plate mixed rice or mie dishes. Good food & value for money.

Details about this spot
Kantjil & de Tijger | Restaurants (Indonesian) | Rijsttafel + drinks p.p. € 35.00
Spuistraat 291-293 | Old center (area map) | +31206200994
Mon – Fri 16:30 – 23:00, Sat – Sun 12:00 – 23:00

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NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, a five star hotel located right at Dam Square, is a famous building which dates back to 1865. The original owner was Adolph Wilhelm Krasnapolsky, who bought a Polnish coffee location and rebuilded it into a popular restaurant. In 1879 he bought the buildings next door and turned them into hotel rooms. He is the one who invented the Winter Garden (Wintertuin) in the back yard, a hot-house with a glasdome and palms. The architect is G.B. Salm. Glas, iron and electricity were not very common at that time, so the Wintertuin is extraordinary.

The NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has a Summer Garden and a monumental Winter Garden where you can enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast in the morning. In the a-la-carte restaurant Reflet, a varied selection of French style cuisine belle époque is served and in Shibli Bedouin an oriental cuisine. Lunch and high tea are served in the lounge overlooking the Dam, people really love it!

Book a room this website!

Details about this spot
Krasnapolsky Hotel | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (French & Oriental)
Dam 9-15 | Old center (area map) | +31205549111
24 hours daily

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In one of our up & coming neighborhoods, The Pijp, where restaurants come & go, one is still going strong for many many years.

Tucked away at the end of the Pijp. You´ll find an authentic Italian trattoria with honest & good food: no fancy stuff. The owner and cook has his days and has his moods, but ignore that and you will enjoy the place.

A tip: ask for the dishes of the day, and what they serve besides what’s on the menu. They are quite famous for their Salsiches: small hotdogs Italian style served with fresh spaghetti, alio/oglio and some vegetables. But also the antipasti della casa and the grilled spada, are delicious.

The Red Housewine from the tap, is OK, and dinner for 2 including two pichets of red wine is around € 85.00, which is a nice bonus in Amsterdam.

So don´t tell everybody about this little gem, keep it to yourself, and enjoy!

(Minor detail, the ventilator doesn’t work that good, so you have to wear a different outfit the day after…)

Details about this spot
L’Angoletto | Restaurants (Italian) | Dinner & wine for two € 37.50
Hemonystraat 18 | De Pijp (area map) | +31206764182
Sun – Fri 18:00 – 23:30

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I’ve discovered this place a short while a go and I must say I won’t have pizza anywhere else. The pizza they bake here is absolutely delicious.

La Perla is situated on a corner in the area called The Jordaan. The Jordaan is a great place for restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a nice place to eat you should definitely find it here. And if you by any chance feel like having pizza La Perla is the place to be!

The shop is quite small. There are a couple of seats at the window but you can also sit on one of the benches outside where you can enjoy your pizza while watching people walking and cycling by. The Jordaan seems to be an area full of interesting people so there is always something or somebody to see.

All the pizza’s are made freshly in front of you and baked in a wood fueled brick oven. This makes the thin pizza base nice and crispy. The ingredients are all imported from Italy and especially the buffalo mozzarella is extremely mouthwatering. As I said and as you can now probably imagine I really won’t go anywhere else to have pizza…

Details about this spot
La Perla | Restaurants (Pizza) | Pizza (average price) € 11.00
Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 14 | Jordaan (area map)
17:00 – 22:00 daily

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The unusual, unpretentious coffeehouse Latei is one of Amsterdam’s special gems. What makes Latei so special is that everything in it is for sale (the chairs, tables, cups, walldecoration etc.)!!

The second-hand 60/70s style furniture and other kitsch stuff give Latei its uniqueness. Old-fashioned but of good quality, messy but cosy.
On the background there’s always good music, mostly oldies / classics.

Visit Latei for a tasty nutritious (inexpensive) sandwich (the one with hummus and grilled eggplant is suberb!), a great cup of coffee (with organic milk), a healthy fresh juice or one of the delicious homemade cakes (the apple pie is to die for)!

In addition, you can also have a bowl of soup and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Latei serves Indian food. Three tasty versions (also a vegetarian option) for a very affordable price! They use fresh ingredients with great spices.

Haven’t seen enough vintage? Latei has a small shop just around the corner packed with old dolls, clothing, furniture etc. (Geldersekade 60-62).

Another plus is the free wireless Internet access.

Want to know about a fairly well kept secret of Amsterdam? This is it.

Details about this spot
Latei | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (Intern.) | Indian dish € 8.00
Zeedijk 143 | Old center (area map) | +31206257485
Mon – Wed 08:00 – 18:00, Thu – Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat 09:00 – 22:00, Sun 11:00 – 18:00

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On the top level in Amsterdam rated with Michelin stars, and a room with a view!

In the Okura Hotel, there are two famous restaurants, with stars! Japanese and French with a twist. The service and staff is good, attentive and well trained but not to formal.

Although the Japanese girl who had to explain the cheese trolley was hardly understandable (due to her Japanenglish J). The wine list is for lovers, but as to be expected, mostly very expensive. We took a menu, which was reasonably priced and looked great. The price was 55 euro, which is ususally the price of a main course…..

The maitre suggested a small appetizer in between, spaghetti with truffle, (of course with a small supplement, as he called it) The spaghetti was GREAT! And the rest of the food also, it was really food for thought. But a

t the end of the evening we received our bill, and were surprised by the fact that the supplementary appetizer with truffle was more expensive than the menu we ordered. Just a little detail, but shoot for the moon and you land among the stars.

We enjoyed the evening, although we both think you have to inform your guests about the prices accordingly, which is just something to remember for a following visit! JUST ASK.

Details about this spot
Le Ciel Bleu | Restaurants (French) | Main Course € 75.00
Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206787450
18:30 – 22:30 daily

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A downside of living in the district De Baarsjes is that good bars or restaurants are almost non-existent in this part of the city. Fortunately, in 2005 Louter was opened. It has been very popular ever since, because of its excellent location at the border of De Baarsjes.

It is quite a hip place, with a mixed crowd. The interior is nice, although you could have your own opinion about the lamps above the bar. It is excellent for a morning cup of coffee (with homemade coco-cookies) or a drink. The food is nice and of good value. The assortment of sandwiches is quite ordinary, but the taste is surprisingly good.

In the weekend they have a hearty breakfast, with croissant, egg and bacon, fresh orange juice and coffee from 10:00 to 12:00. A really pleasant place to sit down and relax (even when you are having a hangover).

The Amsterdam community council is very strict concerning licenses. You are not allowed to stand and drink or drink and smoke on the terrace, everybody should be in at 01.00 hours, otherwise neighbours will complain and the police is on your doormat. However, here it is friendlier, you can sit here on the terrace and drink your wine or beer without any problem. Perfect spot!

Details about this spot
Louter | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (international) | Sandwich € 8.00
De Clerqstraat 82 | Oud-West (area map) | +31203892623
Sun – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 02:00

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This restaurant was opened in October 2008, so it’s pretty new. The neighbourhood is in a multicultural community in Bos en Lommer. Great to see more trendy restaurants coming up here!

They have small tables with a bar in the middle. Every first Wednesday of the month they have a new menu.

The staff is great and the food is fine. We had salmon and Boeuff Bourgignon, both dishes were prepared well. The carrot soup did not taste like carrots, but was nice as well.

The entire atmosphere is relaxed and you feel welcome here!

Details about this spot
Luim | Bars, Restaurants (French) | Main course from € 10.50
Admiraal de Ruyterweg 404 | Westerpark (area map) | +31206889986
Sun – Thu 11:30 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 11:30 – 02:00

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This restaurant is newly opened, but still as good as before!!

Since it is a little more expensive and classier looking than all the other cafés and restaurants in De Pijp, you will not find many tourists or students here. It is a very romantic place with real candles on the table, a nice smell of insence and a great Middle-East atmosphere.

The waiters are charming and offering the best service as possible. They help you choosing your dish if you do not understand the Moroccan menu and they select a perfect wine for you. Also the open kitchen gives a coming home feeling!

For people who do not want to try something new, this is not the right place to go, but for all other people this is a great place. The first time when I was there, I knew the ingredients, but that was basically all I knew.

They make very nice combinations and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. This is really the most romantic restaurant I have ever been to in Amsterdam!

Details about this spot
Mamouche | Restaurants (Middle-East) | Main € 19.50
Quellijnstraat 104 | De Pijp (area map) | +31206700736
18:30 – 23:00 daily

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MOMO brings the mystic from the far East and the sophisticated West together, from a bento box for lunch to a Seared Mabel Beef for dinner. It is an experience!

The bar serves a wide range of cocktails and mixes, classical, traditional to new, not yet discovered, taste explosions.

A trendy, new hot spot to be seen and to have been!

Details about this spot
MOMO | Bars, Restaurants (Asian-Western fusion) | Main course € 32.50
Hobbemastraat 1 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206717474
Bar & Lounge: 10:30 – 01:00 | Restaurant 12:30 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 22:30

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You might not have had Malaysian food before, I had never had it cause I’ve never been to Malaysia and there aren’t many Malaysian restaurants in Amsterdam. But now that I’ve tried it I know it’s really good! And its something different than the same old Chinese take-away.

You will find this restaurant close to the Nieuwmarkt and the Zeedijk – both full of Chinese and other Asian restaurants and eateries. The restaurant is small and quiet and the people who work there are very friendly and helpful. The menu is quite extensive so you will definitely find something you like. The soup is really good (and spicy!).

They don’t serve alcohol which shouldn’t be a problem as there are plenty of nice bars in the neighbourhood where you can go afterwards and while you’re eating you should just be paying full attention to your delicious plate of great smelling and even better tasting food!

Details about this spot
Nyonya Malaysia Express | Restaurants (Malaysian) | main meal € 10.00
Kloveniersburgwal 38 | Old center (area map) | +310204222447
13:00 – 21:30 daily

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Saturday and Sunday you are standing in line, and get a number. You will be called when a table is ready. But stay put: No time to go to the Bijenkorf in the meantime.

Oriental City is one of my favorites in Chinese place. Usually I go there on Sunday mornings for dim sum, and we just order every dim sum they have and extra the broccoli, which is delicious.

Pots of Jasmine tea accompany the spectacle of good food in great surroundings, on the first and second floor in the old heart of Amsterdam, corner Damstraat and Oude Hoogstraat.

It’s having lunch or dinner with a view. But also on Saturday for lunch you have to stand in line, actually the line is having fun, with all the Chinese fans.

Details about this spot
Oriental City | Restaurants (Dim Sum) | Dim Sum from € 4,00
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 177 – 179 | Old center (area map) | +31206268352
12:00 – 00:00 daily

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P.King used to be a Chinese restaurant but as you walk by there is not much that will remind you of that except the name and the dinner menu. For the rest the style is quite different. It has a sixties style retro feel to it, especially the dining room upstairs which you should really take a look at if you get the chance.

The cafe is open the whole day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. No matter what time I go, I always enjoy the laid back chill vibe. The menu during the day is quite standard but with a couple of real good choices like for instance the typical Dutch bread with ‘kroketten’.

At dinnertime the menu is Cantonese with lots of different kinds of rice and noodles with chicken and meat to choose from. I really like the sweet and sour chicken. You can choose to have small portions so you can share and try different things.

I like to go here before or after I go to the cinema, for instance the Tuschinski Movie Theatre is really close.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
P.King | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Cantonese) | Main meal € 10,00
Herengracht 515 | Canals | +310203208175
Sun – Thu 09:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 09:00 – 03:00

In my opinion this is one of the best and most authentic Spanish tapas places in Amsterdam.

They have have Boquerones (anchovies), Jambon Iberico Pata Negra, Albondigas, Croquetes, and Escalibad, and they are all delicious!

The atmosphere is simple: wooden tables, running waiters, sharing tables. In short a real eclectic, Spanish treat.

The service is quick and good. Last time I had to wait 15 minutes for my table, I was told by the waiter, but within 7 minutes my table was ready and I was ready to order. I love it!

Details about this spot
Pata Negra | Restaurants (Tapas) | Tapas from € 4.00
Utrechtsestraat 124 | Canals (area map) | +31204226250
Sun – Thu 12:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat. 12:00 – 01:00

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Pompstation a new place in town, New York industrial style, great food and wines. Fridays and Saturdays after dinner dance. Live music of young up coming jazzy performers and bands. I had a excellent food and wine experience on a casual Tuesday evening.

I choose the salad of green aspargus, confit of tomatoes and smoked sliced eggplant with a great vinaigrette. My main course was a ‘aged’ ribeye from the Creekstone Prime Black Angus USA Corn Fed. Very tasty and tender, this can becoming their best seller.

The winelist has a width range of beautiful offerings, from easy and nice prices up to the the famous and starred, and from France to the New World. For everybody there’s something to choose.

The interior is industrial, with the use of pure and original materials, impressive. Service is very nice, helpful and professional but still has to get used to their own restaurant setting, it has only to be fine-tuned!

The only thing is t

he location, which is a bit out of centre, but with tram 14 (stop at  ’Borneostraat 1 – terras’) you will overcome that problem. I say have fun and enjoy!

Details about this spot
Pompstation Bar & Grill | Bars, Music, Restaurants (BBQ & grill) | Main course € 28.50
Zeeburgerdijk 52 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31020692288
Restaurant Tue – Thu 18:00 – 22:30, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 22:30
Bar Tue – Thu 16:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 16:00 – 03:00

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THIS IS A SECRET, and you are not allowed to tell everybody!

You can have take away, but not order by phone; you have to go there yourself. You can sit on a small and simple table, where you get your own plates and glasses, and than when it is ready, you get your ultimate thin crusted pizza!!!!!!!

They are heaven and more, they are all good and delicious, simple choices with good and fresh ingredients, for the fish, veggie, meet and hot and spicy lover, this is really FINE DINING for little money!

Details about this spot
Portare Via | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizza) | Pizza € 5.50
Leliegracht 34 | Canals (area map)
17:00 – 22:00 daily

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The name is Italian, the food is a mix of Mediterranean influences: French, Italian, Greek and Spanish. The dishes are fresh, light and tasteful.

The restaurant is casual; the Prego lovers are mostly locals from the neighbourhood, which makes a nice mix & match of the guests.

Prego is one these places that is easily accessible when you are staying downtown, and every walk is a nice one. I love the great grilled lamb racks with nicely roasted vegetables and oven roast potatoes in rosemary and sea salt. MMMM, very tasty!

Details about this spot
Prego | Restaurants (Mediterranean) | 3 course menu € 37.50
Herenstraat 25 | Canals (area map) | +31206380148
18:00 – 00:00 daily

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A restaurant with a concept and therefore still going strong! With limited options, and chairs to stay in for a long, long time. The location is great. The restaurant is stylish and the food is good. RED, is one of those upcoming Amsterdam restaurants. After opening in 2007, it became an instant hit!

They serve just two dishes, no appetizers, a few desserts, and a great French cheese trolley. Lobster or Steak, or for the die hard, “surf & turf”, with great French fries, home made mayonnaise and a salad.

The wine list is entertaining and promising, but the staff is focused on selling champagne. Chilled and sizzling, looks nice, and fits RED. One of my monthly favourites!

Details about this spot
RED Tournedos en Kreeft | Restaurants (International) | Tournedos € 16.50
Keizersgracht 594 | Canals (area map) | +31203201824
18:00 – 00:00 daily

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The first time I visited AS was last summer for lunch and we ordered a big wooden plate with French and Italian cold cuts and sausages, with Dutch cheeses and pickled vegetables. A big piece of ‘Bauer’ bread was there to go with it. One word: delicious!

The second time was for dinner in the winter time. I was surprised by the simpleness and the tastiness of the dishes. Most of the products are biological and from fare trade. AS is a beautiful place with many seats outside.

The kitchen is situated in an outside tent, due to the fact the place is a designers venue. Amazing to see the activities in that kitchen.

Details about this spot
Restaurant AS | Art & culture, Restaurants (Ecofood) | Charcuterie plate € 12.00
Prinses Irenestraat 19 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206440100
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 23:00

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A small and hidden diamond, known by the families and locals from Amsterdam South. A stunning and modern design is what I experienced the first time I visited Spring.

Chef Ralph Woerde has a broad experience cooking in top restaurants. In Spring he cooks with what is available ’selon le marché’ (season bound products). What I like the most in the menu is the fusion combination of the products used for the cooking of the dishes. I had had the pheasant with a slice of goose liver and a game sauce: again it was delicious!

I always make a reservation before I decide to lunch or dine out in Spring. It is a very busy place!

Spring is an average priced restaurant, with a superb wine list. Spring was the winner in a competition of house wines in 2008. I found the service informal – informal and extremely friendly.

Chef Ralph changes his menu just very regular and he changed it just again, it is a winner!

Details about this spot
Restaurant Spring | Restaurants (International) | 3 courses € 35.00
Willemsparkweg 177 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206754421
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 14:00, Mon – Sat 18:00 – 22:00

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D’Antica, just newly renovated, with a modern twist, intimate & stylish. It’s a landmark Italian restaurant in Down Town Amsterdam, located in the gay district of Amsterdam, just a few steps away from the busy Rembrandtplein.

The restaurant serves classic Italian food, served with a smile and charm. The owner is the ultimately attractive Cami D’Antuono. He also owns the much more modest and less intimate Cinema Paradiso in the Westerstraat (Jordaan area). The staff is Italian, they speak Italian, and they behave Italian. You need a reservation! This is not a restaurant to go to spontaneously J.

On Friday night the restaurant is packed with regulars which gives the restaurant a bit of an intimate touch. The food is great, and one of my personal favorites is the “Pasta Parmigiano”, it’s a spinach spaghetti with tomato sauce and mushrooms, a veggie delight! As a starter, their Antipasto D’Antica is great and sumptuous. But one of the more subtle delights is the Sauté Vongolé. Vongolé is known as an Aphrodisiac, so be prepared J J J.

Details about this spot
Ristorante d’Antica | Restaurants (Italian) | Mains € 28.50
Reguliersdwarsstraat 80-82 | Canals (area map) | +31206233862
Mon – Thu 18:00 – 23:00, Fri – Sat 18:00 – 00:00

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On the busy Zeedijk in the middle of Amsterdam and the red light district are many Asian restaurants. This is the China Town of Amsterdam and worth a look because of all its eateries and Chinese supermarkets.

By far the best place to eat here is Snack bar Bird. This tiny place serves the best Thai food one can imagine. The food is freshly made and served very quickly. Unfortunately the place is also very small and cramped, so often you have to wait outside before there is a table available. But luckily they are really quick so the wait is never too long.

The most interesting place to sit must be at the window where you can watch everyone that comes past. Surely you’ll see some interesting people… Once you’ve managed to squeeze yourself into a seat you wonder how you will ever get out. Don’t worry, you’ll manage. Its small and almost always you’ll have to join people at a table. Because everything is so small you might get to know people, if you want to or not. But as I said the food is great.

I always have the beef in oyster sauce and I’ve never tasted it better than here! To get you started the spring rolls are delicious too. This is really the place for a quick bite that isn’t junk food. The portions are big and will keep you going for the rest of the evening.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed dinner there is also the option of Bird restaurant just across the street. It has the same owner as the snack bar but it is a real restaurant with more tables and more space.

For any group bigger then 4 people it’s a better option than the snack bar. Unfortunately it does lack the snack bars atmosphere. So if it’s in anyway possible, go for the snack bar!

Details about this spot
Snack Bar Bird | Restaurants (Thai) | Main meal € 12.50
Zeedijk 77 | Old center (area map)
14:00 – 22:00 daily

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Our best restaurant review journalist is Johannes ten Dam. You better be good to score a rating like this. This tells a lot about the restaurant.

This Italian restaurant has pure Italian food and waiters, so do not expect them to understand Dutch fluently. The dishes are very well prepared in a nice surrounding with perfect wines. The staff does make you feel welcome and are proud of their restaurant.

Some of the visitors think it is a hotel restaurant and touristic, however, there are many foreigners in the restaurant, but most of them are not tourists. This is a chain, formerly called Bice, and very known in Italy and other countries which attracts locals and business people because of the excellent food.

Details about this spot
Sogno | Restaurants (Italian) | 3-course menu € 37.50
Stadhouderskade 7-9 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31205898870
Tue – Sat 18:00 – 22:00

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Sophia is part of a very ambitious small Restaurant Group. They own restaurant Ron Blaauw in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel as well – a two Michelin star restaurant. And Ron Blaauw is advising the Chef at Sophia!

Sophia has a sharing concept, you order about 4 to 5 dishes per person, and you share them all, which is great for all your taste-buds. The interior is slick and high profile. The staff is over-educated and well mannered.

Sophia is back on the food track! It’s entertaining, with Sunday brunches with live music. The food is delicious and by that I really mean delicious.

They change the menu extremely often, which makes it difficult to recommend dishes, but actually everything I have tasted in the 6 times I had dinner, was great. When you are having drinks at the bar and can’t wait, order the black plate to start and share, and you’ll smile immediately.

Details about this spot
Sophia | Bars, Restaurants (Fushion) | Evening menu € 55.00
Sophialaan 55 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31203052760
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 01:00, Fri 12:00 – 02:00, Sat 15:00 – 01:00

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I really love the Javanese Surinamese cuisine. This is why I love the Pijp so much. This area is filled with these kinds of restaurants. Most of them don’t look very nice on the inside. It’s all about the food and not about atmosphere. Usually it is not the ideal place for a romantic evening out. But in the case of Spang Makandra it is slightly different.

In a little street just a couple of minutes away from the famous Albert Cuijp Market you will find a little restaurant called Spang Makandra. This place is different than your usual Surinamese restaurant and this is mostly thanks to the interior of the restaurant and the presentation of the food. Now it would be too much to say that the restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening out. This is due to the giant television screen that fills one entire wall of the restaurant. This isn’t exactly romantic but it is nice for people that are waiting for their take out or for the people that are eating alone. But still despite the television the place has quite a nice atmosphere. The lights are dimmed and the interior looks really nice and is very comfortable.

The guy that owns the place is really friendly ans all in all the atmosphere is very relaxed. And I haven’t even mentioned the food! This is in one word DELICIOUS! The menu is big and you can choose from lots of different main meals with rice or noodles, snacks, and sandwiches. The food is served nicely on big plates which makes the presentation much nicer than in most of the other Surinamese restaurants.

Last but not least: the portions are big so don’t order too much. Even if it is very tempting…

Details about this spot
Spang Makandra | Snacks, Restaurants (Javanese/Surinamese) | Main meal € 8.00
Gerard Doustraat 39 | De Pijp (area map) | +310206705081
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 22:00, Sun 13:00 – 22:00

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The moment IJscuypje opened its doors it has been a great success and popular even since. The stall is located next to the Albert Cuyp market, and this is also where it gets its name from.

IJscuypje is the place to be for your ideal summer desert: Icecream! Home made, natural ingredients, real cream instead of butter, no colourings and artificial preservatives and daily made!
Also, it’s sold in a perfect balance: good prices for great quality!
Don’t expect hundreds sorts of flavours. A set of 8 flavours is what you see and get. And that is absolutely not disappointing.

Mostly when you think of good icecream, you think: Italian icecream. But here’s something new: IJscuypje makes its icecream according to an old Dutch pastrycook’s shop recipe.

Actually, this may have been the first time I thought eating icecream was healthy! The yogurt ice tastes like fresh creamy yoghurt and the raspberry ice is refreshing and still holds its pure vitamin seeds. Basically: the sorbet ice is solely made of fresh fruit and juice, without the use of milk products.

A surprising fact:
In winters (November – April), ‘IJscuypje’ is transformed into ‘Stamppotje’. This name refers to a typically Dutch winterly potatodish with vegetables served with meat and gravy on the side. The most traditional are ‘Boerenkool’ with coal, ‘Hutspot’ with carrots or ask for their specials.

Above all, a very friendly service will welcome you and always let you (ask them!) try some if you can’t make your decision.

Do be aware of the fact that IJscuypje / Stamppotje has no seating area. Just take place on one of the wooden benches nearby or take away.

Enjoy!

Details about this spot
Stamppotje | Snacks, Restaurants (Dutch) | Winterpotato dish € 7.00
1e van der Helststraat 27 | De Pijp (area map) | +31204795565
11:00 – 23:00 daily

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A “Stientje” is old-fashioned Dutch for a fussy lady who’s always trying to find the best bakery, butcher or cheese shop. This is a typical Dutch lunchroom, a really nostalgic place which really honors the name with their careful selections. Between the prints of Vermeer’s milkmaid and other old Dutch forgeries it is always overcrowded. All items on the tasteful menu are freshly prepared made and there are a lot…

If you come to Holland and you visit Friesland, you have to taste the famous “suikerbrood”. This is sweet bread with sugarcones. No need to go to Friesland for the bread, you can have it here. Please order it, you will be surprised.

I like it here, I can not describe it very clearly, but it is a combination of the menu and the surrounding. It is very relaxing, even though it is crowded. You can have high-tea here as well (little bit too romantic I think). The girls working here are very busy, but they do the best they can, they are very friendly and let you sit as long as you want.

Details about this spot
Stientjes | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Lunch room) | Sandwich € 4.50
Bilderdijkstraat 140 | Oud-West (area map) | +31206185151
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 17:30

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STOUT = Naughty! Because rules are there to be broken. Because risky business, the sin and sense go frequently nicely together. Giving meaning to enjoyment, is what restaurant STOUT does! Therefore every guest is a welcome challenge, every product, selected carefully by the Chef, prepared in a stimulating way, every wine a sunny holiday and every employee an individual with a refined feeling for your wishes. Thus it is the challenge, which seduces us and seduction, which we defy.

The kitchen staff is inspired by the international kitchens and trends and is very familiar with the metropolitan and most recent developments, tendencies and developments of high-quality food & beverage products, concepts and formulas. Purely to keep informed; Naughty! He does not obey to fashionable one day trends. We are naughty! , a little bit wrong, a source, to enjoy!
© Website Stout, free translation by author of this article.

Stout is one of my favourites for lunch and I love to go there for a coffee when I finished my shopping in the Haarlemmerstraat.

I like the ‘broodje ½ OM’ in particular, a nice roll with thinly sliced pastrami and cooked calfs liver slices: very Amsterdam! The fresh fruit juices are also very good. The focaccio STOUT, is a cheese melted tuna sandwich is also very good! Coffee’s and espresso’s are of very good quality and delicious.

The service I experienced as personal and friendly, and they changed chefs I will see what happens in the future?

They now have a menu for autum en winter!

Details about this spot
Stout | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (international) | Broodje ½ OM € 7.00
Haarlemmerstraat 73 | Canals (area map) | +31206163664
11:00 – 01:00 daily

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Quite far in the eastern part of the city you find a cinema/club/pub/restaurant rolled into one. Studio K is located prominently on the Timorplein, in a building that used to be a school for craftsmanship. The building has been beautifully renovated and it looks airy and fresh. The large building houses a budget hotel, and a number of offices for small companies.

Studio K is an ambitious project, meant to create a cultural and creative center in a neighborhood that has otherwise very little to offer. It is located in a part of the Zeeburg quarter that was already quite decent, but in my opinion this little oasis is working its magic on the rest of the district.

Young, creative entrepreneurs were drawn to the dynamic environment of Studio K, and the offices were quickly rented out. Inhabitants of Zeeburg now have a place to go to in their own neighborhood for a coffee or a beer.

I would not know another place in Zeeburg that is as suitable as Studio K to have a drink or enjoy a movie, but, from another perspective I would actually take the effort to make the trip to this part of the town to enjoy a beer or a proper meal in a beautiful bar, served by a friendly staff, and to watch a movie if I feel li

ke it.

Their selection of films is usually good, although it often includes some reruns of films that have been already been in other cinemas for a few months. I do not always feel like being in the midst of the rumor of the city and Studio K has all the atmosphere that you need in a quieter part of town.

Details about this spot
Studio K | Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Festivals & events, Restaurants (International) | Coffee € 1.70
Timorplein 62 | Plantage/Oost (area map) | +31206920422
Check programming

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Siempre is a really cosy, Spanish tapas restaurant, just in between the Albert Cuyp market and the Sarphatipark.

The tapas they offer are diverse (meat, fish and vegetarian meals) and change every season. This is the current menu.

The (mostly served warm) bread with aioli mayonnaise is very tasteful, and the meatballs in spicy tomato sauce are another absolute recommendation.
The Spanish music (gypsy kings etc.) accentuates the ambiance, completed with small classic wooden tables, ornated tiles and well-fitting wall colours.

In summer you can sit outside till late and enjoy your coffee or fresh mint tea with the cake of the day on the side.

This restaurant is located at the not so busy part of ‘De Pijp’, but do make reservations in the weekend (note: not more than 11 persons!)

Note > From the same owners: Mas Tapas, another tapas restaurant, only a few streets away (Saenredamstraat 37). Smaller on the inside, but in summer they have a bigger terrace than Siempre.

Details about this spot
Tapas Café Siempre | Restaurants (Tapas, Mediterranean) | 5 tapas € 17.50
1e Sweelinckstraat 23 | De Pijp (area map) | +31206718616
16:00 – 00:00 daily

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I love burritos and usually make them myself. It has actually become one of my cooking specialities. So who would have thought that one day I would find a place where they make such tasty burritos that are maybe even better than my own!!??

The first time me and my friends visited the taco shop we didn’t know what to choose, we asked which burrito was the best and got served the smothered beef and beans burrito which was absolutely heavenly and a gigantic portion too. Guacamole, nacho’s, salad, a really nice red sauce on the side and to finish it off lots of melted cheese. Wow!! I’m a cheese lover but the other day I decided to try my favorite without the cheese and this was also great! And a healthier choice I suppose…

You will find the Taco shop beside the Amstel river. There are a couple of places to sit but you can also take your food out. The small shop is owned by a very friendly guy who spends a lot of time in the shop. The other people working in the shop are also very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed and pleasant. You will find me there almost once a week!

Details about this spot
The Taco Shop | Snacks, Restaurants (Mexican) | main meal € 8.00
Tolstraat 200 | De Pijp (area map) | +310204703657
12:00 – 22:00 daily

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In the centre of Amsterdam on the Spui the Tokyo Café is situated.  But don’t be mislead by the name. It’s more about eating than about drinking in this place.

And if you’re looking for a relaxed evening out you’re in the wrong place too. Eating sushi at the Tokyo café can be quite hectic, but that’s part of the fun if you ask me!

The building looks very nice from the outside, and if you would walk past during the day you wouldn’t immediately take it to be a busy sushi restaurant. But at evening time people stand in line outside to get a table.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday they serve all you can eat sushi for only 19,80€ (the drinks are a bit expensive by the way) On Thursdays it’s also all you can eat but the menu is bigger and it costs a bit more (Euro 22.80). The rest of the week they serve from an a la carte menu.

Back to the ‘all you can eat’. This is how it works: Every round each person can pick five choices from the menu and when it’s all eaten it’s time for the next round! When you start, you feel like you can go on forever but don’t fool yourself. I’m sure that after four or five rounds you will be near exploding. So prepare yourself. Another tip is to take it easy with the ordering. Usually you do have plenty of time and the restaurant doesn’t like to waste any food. If you do manage to leave food you will have to pay for it!

You can have sushi for lunch as well but at dinner time the restaurant works with shifts. The first shift is from six till eight and the second from eight till ten. I would recommend you to take the second shift because it’s slightly more relaxing. With the first shift you have to be up and gone by eight cause there will be new people waiting to be seated. Also important: make a reservation. And for the rest, enjoy!

Details about this spot
Tokyo Cafe | Restaurants | All you can eat € 19.80
Spui 15 | Old center (area map)
12:00 – 22:30 daily

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A stylish spacious restaurant with great light, and a lot to see. Attentive staff, and nice appetizers to feel welcomed. Italian Food, which is very tasteful and original Italian.

I love this place, I could easily eat there every week. The menu has great variety, they have good specialties and it’s a bit hassle and dazzle which makes it also an entertaining place.

An extra reason to visit: it is on the Lindengracht, just around the corner from the Noordermarkt, in a nice and cosy area, with lots of nice bars around to have a drink before or afterwards (Papeneiland, Finch, de Kat en de Wijngaard).

Go to Toscanini, but you have to make reservations, because it is packed every night.

Details about this spot
Toscanini | Restaurants (Italian) | Main € 22.50
Lindengracht 75 | Jordaan (area map) | +31206232813
Mon – Fri 18:00 – 22:30

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There are certain periods in your life, when you just fancy a restaurant!

A small Indonesian restaurant in the Utrechtsestraat (check the Utrechtsestraat article), it’s next door to the famous Tempo Doeloe, so actually, I walked by many, many times, and didn’t find it “appealing”. But after trying it on a credit crunch budget, I was lost!

Lost at Tujuh Maret, since I have visited the place almost every week, and try to eat as many different dishes as possible. The small eaters plate called Makanan Kecil is really a delight, (Martabak, Lumpia, Sateh, Lumpur and other small bites).

But the Gado Gado, and the Ikan Pepesan are also a delight!

It’s small, the staff is friendly, it’s an all in the family place, hot spot and really great food with exquisite taste for a friendly budget. Th simple red, rosé and white wine are a good deal and are going nice with the Indonesian dishes.

Details about this spot
Tujuh Maret, “Makanan Kencil” | Restaurants (Indonesian) | Soto Ajam € 4.50
Utrechtsestraat 73 | Canals (area map) | +31204279865
12:00 – 15:30 & 16:30 – 22:00 daily

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Approximately 50 meters from the “Nederlandsche Bank” and the attractive “Utrechtsestraat” (check the Utrechtsestraat article) you will find the Weteringschans, where also the just newly opened Hotel V is located. This place is located in a bit of a deserted location, as far as you can talk about a deserted location in energetic Amsterdam…

Here you’ll find a very charming spot called Uliveto. It’s an Italian franchise concept, which is hardly known. Fresh ingredients & good looking food is the credo here. Recently two staff members took over the place from the first owner Conny. It is even better than before, opening times changed and longer.

For lunch I would recommend to ask her to make your choice: probably a great plate with antipasti and a nice salad, and maybe just a small warm dish on the side for mouth-watering moments. Served with nice wine or delicious water, a very healthy utterly light sparkling water from the Uliveto brand.

Her pasta with Ragu, is also not to miss. The place is nice, clean & in a way industrial. A real fat cat to accessorize and take care of the mice ? Enjoy Uliveto! Great place!

Details about this spot
Uliveto | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Italian panini´s, meals and take away) | Italian panini € 5,00
Weteringschans 118 | Canals (area map) | +31204230099
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 20:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

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Making a reservation is not an option. Just enter the restaurant, see how busy it is, find a place to sit or stand between all other waiting people at the bar or on the stairs and order a drink because it can take a while. This is an impression of a regular evening in this restaurant.

The staff is friendly (adroit) and working like crazy. When your time has come and you finally get a table, the waiter will come and sit next to you. They don’t have a menu; every day they serve slightly different meals. So, you better listen carefully, because they will only tell you the menu once…

The food is terrific, especially when you see the one square meter kitchen of the Chef, applause for him!

Details about this spot
Van Kerkwijk | Restaurants (French) | Main course € 15.00
Nes 41 | Old center (area map) | +310206203316
12:00 – 22:00 daily

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The last time I was on my way to Waldorf I was in a hurry. I was going for a drink with a friend but left my house later than planned. And as if that wasn’t bad enough it was very very cold and the rain was pouring down. By the time I got there I hoped my friend would be waiting for me inside, warm and dry. But she wasn’t. It turned out the cafe wasn’t open yet and she was waiting in front of the door just as soaked as me… So it turns out Waldorf doesn’t open until five! It used to be open for lunch but I guess it isn’t anymore. But you are still welcome for dinner, and it’s good!

The food Waldorf serves is mainly Italian and very tasty. The thing I like about the place is that you can eat Italian food without being in either a too tacky or too posh Italian restaurant. Simple pasta dishes are served, but you can also order meat or fish.

The restaurant has a very retro feel. All of the furniture looks as if it comes right from the fifties but at the same time it all looks nice and fresh. The carpets on the tables are typical old fashioned dutch style. You will still see those in other real old fashioned Amsterdam bars. I love the picture on the wall of a winter landscape, although looking at it makes me feel cold!

Details about this spot
Waldorf | Bars, Restaurants (Italian ) | Pasta (main) € 10.00
Elandsgracht 2 | Canals (area map) | +310207787564
17:00 – 01:00 daily

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Walem is the place to be, when you are in the mood for great drinks, sandwiches on the canalside with a great terrace. They serve smoothies, but also a good white house wine. The famous dutch bitterballs and the tuna sandwich are also good.

To kick off after a hangover, start the morning with their nice and tasting croques. But best of all is the location and the gorgeous staff. Cute waiters in black, serving with a smile.

In summertime they have a nice terrace next to the canal, so waiters have to cross the road and sometimes that causes a traffic …!

It’s next to the Famous Metz & Co on the corner of the Leidsestraat and the Keizersgracht: hard to miss!

Details about this spot
Walem | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (International) | Lunch € 25.00
Keizersgracht 449 | Canals (area map) | +31206253544
10:00 – 17:00 & 18:00 – 22:30 daily

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It is a (maybe even the most) culinary highlight in this neighbourhood. The clientele here is a little old, but everyone is lovely and so nice. I try to come here every two weeks, because I really love this place.

The entire atmosphere of this small shop/lunch room is great. Lots of wine bottles are stalled in the front of the lunch room. In the back there is the showcase with all kinds of sandwich filling. On the right there are small tables were you can sit nicely. Everybody joins, so if you need privacy, you better go somewhere else. Sometimes you have to shift tables, because the wine cellar is underneath your place.

The staff are the two owners, Hans and Trees, and other great people who really make your lunch unforgettable. They do not only take your order, they make it a pleasant memory. You can order highly qualitative sandwiches like wild salmon, Dutch shrimps, foie gras, paté, different kind of hams (serrano, parma) etc.

Furthermore they sell an excellent selection of wines in different price ranges. And of course, lunch does not come here without a glass of wine.

Were can you still find a perfect spot like this? Last week I was here; and again, perfect!!!

Details about this spot
Warmolts | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Lunch) | Lunch from € 4.00
Maasstraat 72 | Oud-Zuid (area map) | +31206620448
Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00

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In the middle of ‘The Pijp’ you will find Warung Marlon, a little Surinamese restaurant. There are lots of places like this in Amsterdam, and especially a lot in ‘The Pijp’. They cook the same things in almost all of the places but the food tastes slightly different everywhere. And I suppose it all depends on your personal taste which one you find the best.

In any case a lot of Surinamese people do go to Marlon so that must mean something.  Anyway this place is one of my favourites. The people who work here are very friendly and the food is served quickly when you sit in. There are a couple of tables to sit inside and eat which is okay if all you need is a quick meal. But the place does look very clinical with white tiles on the floor and on the wall and very bright lights.

You can sit in to eat but you can also take your food out.  Especially on a Sunday it gets very busy with people taking food. Sometimes you have to wait a while but you can also phone in your order and pick it up later. I often get a soup in the restaurant for lunch or I like to take some of their food home with me for dinner.

The great thing is also that they are not expensive at all. A main meal will cost you about € 7.50 which is very doable. A couple of my favourites are kip sate, saoto soup, ‘teloh bakkeljauw’ and roti. Also the bakabana is known to be great.

I would recommend everyone visiting Amsterdam to try the food from Suriname. It really is delicious and it is becoming such a part of Dutch cuisine that you really can’t do without.

Details about this spot
Warung Marlon | Snacks, Restaurants (Surinam) | Main meal € 7.50
1e Van der Helststraat 55 | De Pijp (area map) | +31206711526
Wed – Mon 11:00 – 20:00

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You can find Wolvenstraat by the address because this bar basically has no name. Locals just refer to the bar as ‘Wolvenstraat 23′, but you won’t miss it as it’s located in the popular 9 street district.

Atmosphere is created by the laidback crowd, art on the walls, furry pillows and blankets, retro-styled interior and the friendly cat who sleeps undisturbed. Comfortable enough to stay lounging till cocktail hour starts or even longer..!

This may not be the place for an extensive diner, but for some high quality bites it’s definitely worth visiting. The Thai salad is suberb and so is the cheesecake.
Service is friendly and polite.

At night, the perfect place to go for a beer, wine or exciting cocktail! The mix of trendy young locals and expats make this bar an absolute ‘place to be’, but then with the lack a ’seen and want to be seen’ atmosphere. Think relaxed and cosy with suitable music.

A reliable place with delicious food and a great atmosphere!

Details about this spot
Wolvenstraat | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants | 3 course menu € 17.00
Wolvenstraat 23 | Canals (area map) | +31203200843
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 01:00, Fri 08:00 – 02:00, Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 01:00

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New interior, with extremely good food. Nice staff, and although a little bit out of the way in the western part of Amsterdam, it´s worth the detour.

The pizza´s are great. One of my favourites is the Pizza YamYam: a thin crusted pizza, with a truffle paste and after baking decorated with fresh ingredients like rocket, tomato, Prosciuto, Artichokes, Mozzarella di Buffalo & Parmigiano.

If you start with some small appetizers, don´t forget the Melanzane, and the fennel salami. But actually all the antipasti are great. Nice part of this dinner is the casual price. So including taxi fare, it´s still a bargain for a nice evening in a Local Amsterdam Trattoria.

Details about this spot
YAM YAM | Restaurants (Italian) | Bottle wine € 12.50
Frederik Hendrikstraat 88-90 | Westerpark (area map) | +31206815097
Tue – Sun 18:00 – 23:30

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