Amsterdam Restaurants

Whether it is Argentinean, Indian, Thai or typical Dutch fare you are after, look no further. Amsterdam has over 1000 restaurants catering for the tastes, needs and budgets of even the discerning tourist or Amsterdammer. Unlike in the rest of Europe, vegetarians are well catered for. Dining in this diverse and vibrant city can range from fast food to haute cuisine with every nation faithfully represented. The city boasts stylish and top quality restaurants as well as traditional Amsterdam cafés, Dutch pancake houses, steakhouses and seafood outlets… the list is simply endless. To satisfy the palate, wherever and whenever, try one of the many eateries down Leidseplein, the Spui, Jordaan, Chinatown, the Pijp, IJburg, Haarlemmerstraat, Nieuwmarkt and you will undoubtedly leave Amsterdam saying lekker (Dutch for ‘delicious’).

Most restaurants are open in the morning and breakfast is served in many hotels and other food outlets until 10:00. The Dutch usually eat lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 and dinner around 17:00 to 20:00. Although many restaurants close at 22:00, there is a wide variety of night restaurants, pubs, brown cafés, bars and takeaways that continue to serve selected hot and cold dishes and snacks. For the ultimate in midnight snacking, the falafel is sure to excite the taste buds and leave enough change in your pocket for enjoying the rest of the sights of Amsterdam. There are literally hundreds of these unique Middle-Eastern bars but arguably, the best two are on Reguliersbreesstraat 45, near Rembrandtplein and Muntplein 1.

International cousine in Amsterdam:

• Indian restaurants in Amsterdam
  Special 10 % discount for our visitors in restaurant Vijaya!

Restaurant Greetje Just a few minutes from the Waterlooplein and the Rembrandts House, the Restaurant Greetje combines in an interesting way ideas of the French kitchen with the Dutch culinary traditions. These local meals have been mostly forgotten because of their almost exotic, Northern European taste. Here they have been brought back in a very tasty, modern way. Do you want to taste the Dutch kitchen – at Greetje you may really enjoy it.

Okura hotel restaurant Hotel Okura Amsterdam has been regarded as a culinary temple for ages, thanks to its international oriented restaurants, of which most notable are the Ciel Bleu Restaurant and Yamazato, the japanese restaurant.

Haesje Claes Between two squares on the Spuistraat is restaurant Haesje Claes named after the Lady Haesje Claes, the 16 th Century founder of the orphanage that stands today as a historic museum. The restaurant itself established 31 years ago and remains till now a family business, serving Dutch cuisines.

Restaurant Blue Pepper A short walk from Leidseplein is the elegant restaurant Blue Pepper serving Indonesian cuisines created by their head Chef Sonja. This is not just any Indonesian eatery, Blue Pepper excels in producing a creative menu which much like the interior reflects contemporary ideas as well as traditional.

Steakhouse Piet de Leeuw In the centre of Amsterdam is Steakhouse Piet de Leeuw famed in Europe as one of the first dining restaurants with a brown pub interior. Established 56 years now, Piet de Leeuw was a famous Dutch/European Pool champion. Taken over by his grandson five years now, the restaurant has a traditional Dutch kitchen serving warm lunch and dinner.

Lieve Belgisch Restaurant Just off the Jordaan’s 9 Streets is restaurant Lieve serving Belgian delicacies within three different ambiences. Under new management as of 2005, Lieve welcomes you to the lounge whereby you may decide over a drink which experience you want for the night.

Envy Delicatessen Bar Situated on one of Jordaan’s 9 Streets is restaurant Envy, best described as a ‘delicatessen bar.’ Their spacious open kitchen is designed to serve Italian delicacies as one may in Rome’s traditional butcher’s table. However Envy, representing one of the seven deadly sins, is far from any walk in shop.

Me Naam Naan Close to Nieuwemarkt is restaurant Me Naam Naan serving Thai specialties five years running. Much like its sister restaurant Song Kwae, Me Naam Naan uses fresh ingredients with authentic spices and curry imported from Thailand. With its intimate ambience, Me Naam Naan is designed so you may dine at ease, making a night of your visit.

Dine with the Dutch Think you know what real Dutch food is? ‘Dine with the Dutch’ is a private organization that offers you the exclusive opportunity to dine with a real Dutch family on your visit to Amsterdam. Established by Wendy Veenhoven in February 2005, there are 45 host families registered with her. All locations have good surroundings and are either central or in the south and easily reached.

Rose’s Cantina In the heart of Amsterdam’s famous gay district stands Rose’s Cantina, a restaurant and bar not far from Rembrandtplein. Established since 1980, their kitchen serves up classy New Mexican delicacies, using hormone free, free range meat and poultry.

Rosarium Located within the natural beauties of Amstelpark, is restaurant and wine bar Rosarium. Established six years now, the eatery open for lunch and dinner has a French kitchen run by Chef Jaap Wiebenga.

Sie-Joe Indonesian Restaurant In a small street behind the Damrak is Sie-Joe, an Indonesian restaurant open for lunch and an early dinner. Though their kitchen is traditional Indonesian cooking, they have a Dutch name which when translated means ‘See-You!’

De Herengracht: Food, Drinks & Art A few minutes walk from Leidseplein is De Herengracht, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner within an eclectic interior. De Herengracht’s International kitchen caters mouthwatering delicacies served to you at your choice of dining table.

Tricky Theater Restaurant Close by Centraal Station is Tricky Theater Restaurant easily reached on foot along the silver pier above the Amstel. Primarily a theater restaurant, their kitchen is best described as French Italian, for you to relish whilst continually entertained.

Le Hollandais On the edge of the Pijp in town is restaurant Le Hollandais. Established in 1996, the owner, chef and your host, Adrian named the diner Le Hollandais, which means ‘The Dutchman’ after Peter Greenway’s film ‘The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and her Lover.’ Adrian works with a team in his kitchen to serve up French Bourgeois cuisines to your delight.

Restaurant Gespot A few minutes walk from Leidseplein is Restaurant Gespot, pronounced ‘hespot.’ Established since 2004, Gespot literally means ‘I’ve spotted you,’ has an International kitchen serving lunch and dinner. The kitchen is also very particular about creating meals that are healthy by either roasting or grilling the meats.

Restaurant Moeders A few minutes walk from the Westerkerk at the edge of the Jordaan is restaurant Moeders, or Mothers in English. Established since 1980, Moeders have a traditional Dutch kitchen, that takes on International ‘Mother’s’ recipes to create their menu.

Ship Chandler's Warehouse Between two canals in the centre of town is Ship Chandler's Warehouse, a seventeenth century shop where ships came to stock up on provisions. Standing vacant for many years, it has now been restored by its owners Kyra and Menco ten Cate, and is available for private dinner parties. Their French kitchen is run by renown chef Dave Viersma, who will cater your exquisite five-course meal.

Resto-Bar Knus In the heart of Amsterdam's famous gay street is Resto-Bar Knus. The embodiment of everything that is cosy, Knus established since 2004 is situated between major touristic areas Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Their Internationally fused kitchen prepares fresh food daily and are open from 6pm.

Van Harte, Amsterdam Located in the Jordaan on the street of hearts is Van Harte, serving food and drinks made from the heart as the name suggests. Established in May 2004, their French Mediterranean kitchen is open from 11am for lunch, soon followed by their dinner menu from 6pm.

Sampurna - Indonesian restaurant In the heart of Amsterdam at the foot of the flower market at Muntplein is Sampurna, an Indonesian restaurant established over 20 years ago. Sampurna, meaning the best imaginable creation, has many local and international regular customers returning for many enjoyable lunches and dinners.

Restaurant Tante Agaath Nearby popular markets Noordermarkt and Westermarkt in the Jordaan is Restaurant Tante Agaath. The kitchen is a fusion that is predominantly French and Mediterranean with slight Oriental influences. Under new management of one year, the restaurant is run by the chef and host Robert.

Frenzi Restaurant Nearby Waterlooplein flea market is restaurant Frenzi serving fresh Mediterranean food cooked simply and honestly. Frenzi invite you in to treat you as they would their friends.

Restaurant d’theeboom A few minutes from Dam Square and Westerkerk is Restaurant d’theeboom, a good sized eatery serving French cuisines with a Mediterranean influence. The restaurant carries on the name given to the building when it was once a Cheese Warehouse. Established twenty years now, the chef and owner Georges welcomes you into his fine diner for an exquisite meal.

Restaurant Claes Claesz Amsterdam Long established restaurant Claes Claesz stands in the heart of the Jordaan. What was once a seventeenth century orphanage is today Claes Claesz the name that has stayed with the 400 year-old building since its original owners. Piet Parijs, current owner and Chef serves up International Dutch cuisines.

Cafe Restaurant Stout! On the culinary street Haarlemmerstraat stands Cafe Restaurant Stout! Established two years ago, Stout meaning naughty, serves delicious cuisines from all over the globe. Its fusion of French, Spanish and Japanese defines its naughty but nice kitchen.

Heerlijk! Private Dining In the Jordaan you can reach Heerlijk Private Dining by boat. A former restaurant, Heerlijk! meaning delicious opened their doors 4 years ago, only establishing their private dining business in early 2005.

Japanese Pancake World In a small street near the famous Westerkerk in the Jordaan is Japanese Pancake World. This quaint restaurant serves the 13th century traditional pancakes known as 'Okonomiyaki'. These pancakes derived as a result of rationings in Japan and are therefore regarded as common people food.

Bar-ca (bar-restaurant) Just behind the Heineken Brewery on Marie Heinekenplein is bar-restaurant Bar-ca. Established early 2005, Bar-ca is playfully named after Barcelona, serving Spanish and International cuisines. The concept behind the name reflects their attempt to recreate the atmosphere one may experience on a visit to Spain.

Bar Restaurant Simpel A few seconds walk from Heineken Brewery is Bar Restaurant Simpel, specialising in French and Mediterranean cuisine.

Restaurant Damsteeg Amsterdam Found in the heart of the Jordaan, in one of the '9 streets, Damsteeg's kitchen prepares International European cuisine.

Restaurant Fifteen Amsterdam Located in east Amsterdam near club Panama, Fifteen opened its doors in December 2004. Much like its London branch, Fifteen has a Jamie Oliver style kitchen, which is predominantly Italian with English and Dutch flavours.

Pasta e Basta Amsterdam Just two minutes from Leidseplein is Pasta e Basta, a grand Italian restaurant which as its name suggests serves pasta, full stop. Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8

Nana Gentile Amsterdam A fine Italian restaurant a few minutes from Dam Square, Nana Gentile invites you into their cosy diner for an intimate meal.

Bonnes Choses Amsterdam This French European eatery is located on the Amstelveenseweg close by the Vondelpark. Its name Bonnes Choses expresses that they serve you with 'delicious things.'

Restaurant De Kas, Amsterdam Off the main streets of Amsterdam inside Frankendael Park is restaurant De Kas. Literally meaning The Greenhouse, De Kas has a Mediterranean kitchen that prepares a daily menu based on their harvest that morning.

Restaurant The Pantry Amsterdam The Pantry is a restaurant around the corner from Leidseplein and its local bars. Serving traditional Dutch food, its kitchen as well as location, attracts many Dutch and international regulars. Address: Leidsekruisstraat 21

Supper club Amsterdam This club restaurant is located in a small street off Dam Square. Split in two, the lower part of the establishment houses the club, whereas the first floor upon entrance is the designated 'supper' area. Reservations recommended.

Suite Rest-o-Bar Amsterdam A bar, restaurant and lounge, Suite is a hidden retreat in an alley behind the Damrak. Specialising in foods of a Mediterranean and Asian influence, they offer a wide range of places to dine in.

Thais Eethuis Song Kwae Located in the heart of Nieuwmarkt, Song Kwae specialise in traditional Thai food you can enjoy in their culturally rich interior. Established 10 years ago, Song Kwae takes its name from an 800 year old Thai river.

Nomads restaurant An Arabian restaurant with a difference, Nomads can be found in the heart of Jordaan. Established in 2001, their kitchen, music and decor can be described as a fusion where east meets west. Dine in style lying down at Nomads, Rozengracht 133.

Eetcafé De Ridder, Amsterdam A typical old style restaurant bar, just a short walk from Leidseplein and Vondelpark. Nassaukade 379

De Witte Uyl A grand restaurant 5 minutes from the Heineken Brewery and Museumplein. De Witte Uyl is an atmospheric restaurant, offering you food and service fit for a king. It's best to dine with company to fully enjoy your experience.

Tjing Tjing A bar/restaurant, Tjing Tjing is described like a communal house, inviting their customers to stay as one big happy family. The bar/restaurant is 5 minutes from the Heineken Brewery and Museumplein, specialising in South African Dutch food.

De Kelderhof Amsterdam Restaurant De Kelderhof, founded in 1973, stands on Prinsengracht, one side of the canal. Their doors push open inviting you to a world that specialises in Southern European food.

Cook Kai Amsterdam Cook Kai is a quaint Thai Kitchen in Jordaan, 5 minutes from Dam Square. 'Kai,' a small Chicken, is the logo synonymous with the Eat In/Take Away. Consequently, it is also the name of their head Chef.

Letting Restaurant Amsterdam Letting is a quaint eatery, that serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner all day long. 5 minutes from Dam Square and Anne Frank House, it attracts many English customers, yet it is far from the usual tourist hangout.

Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam The first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London in 1971. Boasting more than 104 restaurants in over 36 countries, Hard Rock Cafe has become a classic. Now the chain is world-famous for its traditional American food menu and American style service, but also for its display of rock and roll memorabilia. Located at Max Euweplein 57-61 (off Leidseplein, between Vondelpark and Paradiso) Phone: 020-523 7625

Raïnaraï, Algerian restaurant and delicatessen North African global cuisine comes to Amsterdam. On the corner of Prinsengracht and Lauriergracht is a new and unique establishment - an Algerian 'traiteur' , with a diverse and mouthwatering selection of freshly prepared delicacies. Delicatessen and special catering for celebrations - 7 to 777 guests. Address: Prinsengracht 252, Amsterdam Phone: 020-624 9791 Open daily from 10.00 to 22.00

Cafe Diner De Munck If you are searching for a local taste, look no further. This lovely little cafe has just want you want. Nestled in the streets of the Jordaan, warm friendly service and a lovely time awaits you. Lindengracht 95, Amsterdam Phone: 020-6222716 (For reservations up to 20 people please call). Diner Hours: 18.00-22.00 all week

Tarifa - Bar Restaurante de Tapas If you are looking for a little touch of Spain you only need to walk two minutes from Dam square. There you can easily lose track of time. Que Aproveche! Address: Raadhuisstraat 17 Phone: +31-(0)20-6227157 Open: 13.00 - 01.00

Bep Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, 260 Phone: 020-626 56 49 Bep offers reasonably priced and delicious food until 10.00pm Open Monday-Friday at noon-1pm (3am weekends). No reservations necessary.

Noa Leidsegracht 84 (626 08 02) NOA is the place to unwind and let the excellent service come to you. Choose from a tasty menu of noodles, soups & salads. Open daily 12am-12pm [1am weekends]. No reservations necessary.

Le Delizie Italian delicatessen, take out, very good authentic Italian food. Vijzelgracht 17, 1017 AH Amsterdam, Tel/fax: 020-6226871 Catering and present baskets can be ordered online: www.ledelizie.nl

Royal Thai The Royal Thai Restaurant near Leidseplein is specialized in traditional Thai seafood Also provides catering and take-out, to order please call 020-6267261 Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 94

For smaller budgets, look out for a special 'dish of the day', 'meal of the week', or 'menu of the month.’ These cheap meals which feature on the menu like this, 'dagschotel' or 'daghap', 'weekmenu', 'maandaanbieding,' are just as tasty as other dishes, if not better.

Ordering in a Restaurant
Although the Dutch have an excellent command of English, here are a few Dutch key phrases that will help you get by as well as impress the waitress/waitress.

• Hallo/Dag – Hello/Hi
• Goedemorgen – Good morning
• Goedenacht - Goodnight
• Dankje Wel/Bedankt – Thank you/Thanks
• Graag/Alstublieft - Please
• Ja/Ne – Yes/No
  

ORDERING IN A RESTAURANT

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