Amsterdam

While it´s not renowned as a hallowed gastronomic destination, fear not, Amsterdam is raising its game.

Well-travelled chefs are returning with heads full of new ideas eager to try them out on sophisticated, enthusiastic natives eager to develop their palates beyond local staples and the occasional Indonesian rijstaffel. A new, outward-looking local cuisine is on the rise, and authentic Asian eats abound, thanks to Holland´s colonial links, along with a smattering of superlative French restaurants. Equally enjoyable is a sunny canal-side bench for a snack of kroketten with a beer.

Price guide for three courses with a glass of wine: € €1-19, €€20-34, €€€35-89,
€€€€ 90+

Restaurants

Contemporary Cuisine & Fine Dining

CHEZ GEORGES

Herenstraat 3 / 626 33 32

Amsterdam´s finest French restaurant. Belgian chef Georges Roorda´s exquisite Burgundian cuisine consistently garners great reviews, while regular customers keep coming back for the exemplary service, romantic atmosphere, and refined food. Guaranteed to be a highlight of your stay. Dinner Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat. €€€

CHRISTOPHE

Leliegracht 46 / 625 08 07 / www.restaurantchristophe.nl

While revered Michelin-star chef Christophe Royer has left and his classical French restaurant has had a refreshing makeover, new owners Ellen Mansfield, long-time sommelier at Christophe, and French-born Jean-Joel, a protégé of Paul Bocuse, have retained many of the elements that made Christophe so popular, while simultaneously putting their own stamp on the place. Expect a Mediterranean-influenced French menu, based on fresh seasonal produce, featuring inventive dishes such as wrapped fillet of cod with merguez sausage, preserved Cevennes onions, a salad of tomatoes, and a red wine reduction. Dinner Tue to Sat; €€€.

BORDEWIJK

Noordermarkt 7 / 624 38 99 / www.bordewijk.nl

Another exceptional French restaurant, stylish canal-side Bordewijk has an innovative and refined cuisine based on hearty farmhouse cooking, and an unerring attention to detail. The self-taught chef manages to pull off salads such as fresh shrimps with homemade merguez sausage, green beans, and sweet peppers with aplomb. Save room for lemon meringue pie and crème brulée or opt for one of the great value set menus. Dinner Tue to Sun; €€€€.

Bistros & International Food

BAZAR

Albert Cuypstraat 182 / 675 05 44 / www.bazaramsterdam.nl

Fantastically situated in a former church on bustling Albert Cuypstraat – home to a busy market – this funky Middle Eastern restaurant, with a playful Arabesque interior, buzzes day and night. Dishes are ideal for sharing. Sample the Uitgebreide lunch, an enormous mezze platter of salads and dips, such as hommous and baba ganoush, and Dutch breads, for just €10. Washes down wonderfully with a glass of Turkish or Israeli wine. No, really. Open daily; €.

BLUE PEPPER

Nassaukade 366 / 489 70 39

The elegant decor is perfectly matched to Chef Sonja Pereira´s creative Indonesian-cum-Pacific Rim cuisine. Follow the recommendations of the friendly, knowledgeable waiting staff or choose one of her adventurous themed set menus, well accompanied with one of the carefully selected wines. Open daily for dinner; €€.

BRASSERIE HARKEMA

Nes 67 / 428 22 22 / brasserieharkema.nl

Stunningly situated in the former Harkema tobacco factory, this brasserie is an ideal spot for a casual lunch or slightly more formal dinner. The short lunch menu features beautifully presented soups and sandwiches, while the dinner menu sees classics such as entrecôte steak in béarnaise sauce served alongside a grilled tuna with wasabi mayonnaise. Open for lunch and dinner daily; € €

Cafés, Afternoon Tea & All-day Eating

´T BUFFET VAN YVETTE & ODETTE

Herengracht 309 / 423 60 34 / www.buffet-amsterdam.nl

While locals love hogging the window seats to read the newspaper over a leisurely breakfast at this canal-side café, we´re happy to wait our turn for the scrumptious carrot cake and sticky toffee pudding. Open daily; €.

CAFÉ DE JAREN

Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20 / 625 57 71

In the university area, this airy, light-filled café hums with locals and an easygoing atmosphere. Serves hearty soups and pastas. In summer, snag a waterside table outside to enjoy the canal action over a glass of wine; in winter, a hot chocolate by the window will do the trick. Open daily; € €.

CAFÉ HET PALEIS

Paleisstraat 16 / 626 06 00

Atmosphetic interior and sunny canal-side location; delicious daily special, so-so sandwiches. In summer, a glass of wine overlooking the water is a daily ritual for many locals. Open daily; € €.