Canals – Local tips (restaurants)

This is really is the place to be for a great juicy burger, forget about Mcdonalds or Burger King. This type of ’slow fastfood’ is becoming more and more popular as this is not the only burgerbar of this kind in Amsterdam, but I do think its the best.

You get to choose between different sizes of burgers, different kinds of bread, and all the toppings you could want. This does get a bit pricey if you don’t know when to stop so choose your toppings wisely. If you really want to go for the best of the best get the Kobe Beef Burger. The farmers that used to produce this beef in Japan are known to have hired geisha’s to massage the animals. Or so I heard. So you should definetely give this one a try!

Don’t come here for the atmosphere, as its quite light and the music isn’t that great either. But…. The burgers really are to die for. I promise!

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Burgerbar | Snacks, Restaurants (Snack bar) | Burger € 8.00
Reguliersbreestraat 9 | Canals | +310203305968
Sun – Thu 09:00 – 03:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 04:00

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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Incanto | Restaurants (Italian) | Fixed menu from € 41.00
Amstel 2 | Canals | +31204233681
11:00 – 23:00 daily

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!

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

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.

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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!

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

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!

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Portare Via | Snacks, Restaurants (Pizza) | Pizza € 5.50
Leliegracht 34 | Canals
17:00 – 22:00 daily

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!

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Prego | Restaurants (Mediterranean) | 3 course menu € 37.50
Herenstraat 25 | Canals | +31206380148
18:00 – 00:00 daily

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!

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RED Tournedos en Kreeft | Restaurants (International) | Tournedos € 16.50
Keizersgracht 594 | Canals | +31203201824
18:00 – 00:00 daily

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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

The 9 straatjes (see the 9 straatjes article) is like a labyrinth. You will always get lost if you want to find a place to eat. After 6 years I still have trouble finding the places I want to go to. Of course it is not a problem, because there are plenty of nice places to go for lunch and many are great.

One particular lunch room I like very much is Van Harte. They bake the bread themselves and the ingredients are all very fresh. I can recommend the omelet. The staff is nice and always willing to help.

It is a quiet place to eat where you can chat or reading a newspaper with having a great lunch at the same time.

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Van Harte | Restaurants (Intern.) | Sandwich from € 6
Hartenstraat 24 | Canals | +31203206817
11:00 – 23:00 daily

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!

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Waldorf | Bars, Restaurants (Italian ) | Pasta (main) € 12.00
Elandsgracht 2 | Canals | +310207787564
17:00 – 01:00 daily

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!

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

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!

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Wolvenstraat | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants | 3 course menu € 17.00
Wolvenstraat 23 | Canals | +31203200843
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 01:00, Fri 08:00 – 02:00, Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 01:00