RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Amsterdam boasts a variety for travellers looking to spice up their taste adventure. The options, spread out over more than 1,000 restaurants, range from French cuisine to Chinese take away and, naturally, there are plenty of authentic Dutch alternatives (characterised by the use of smaller meats such as sausage and an abundance of vegetables). Amsterdam has a very strong tradition of cafeteria dining and 'brown cafés', so named because of the dark, nicotine stained walls and wooden fittings, which make for a unique, cozy dining experience. The array of cafés means travellers can enjoy filling meals on even the tightest budget.

While breakfast will traditionally be served up until 10am, lunch between 12pm and 2pm and dinner around 5pm to 8pm, the Dutch prove to be versatile in both tastes and preferred eating hours, with several restaurants and cafés operating into the wee hours. This is especially true on the city's vibrant Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein, squares dedicated to late night entertainment.

Blauw aan de Wal

$$$$$ | French

One of Amsterdam's delightful secrets, this charming restaurant is peaceful and tranquil in the midst of a bustling Red Light District. An alley leads patrons to the tiny square where Blauw aan de Wal (Blue on the Quay) is hidden, a modern minimalist restaurant with a courtyard that was once part of a monastery. The fare is Mediterranean inspired and the service renowned for its excellence. Reservations necessary. Closed Sunday. Dinner only.

Address: Oude Zijds, Achterburgwal 99; Telephone: (020) 330 2257

Odeon

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

Once a rumpled teenage disco but now a revamped chic and cosmopolitan restaurant, the Odeon attracts the stylish and sophisticated diners of Amsterdam. A brassiere, restaurant and nightclub spread over three floors, guests are ensured an entertaining evening out. The restaurant serves fresh, simple and contemporary cuisine and has an excellent wine list. The kitchen is open daily from 11am to 10.30pm.

Address: Singel 460, Rembrandtplein; Telephone: 020 521 855

D� Vijff Vlieghen

$$$$$ | Local

The 'Five Flies' is one of the world's famous restaurants, oozing old-world charm with antiques and Rembrandt etchings on the Spui, and offering New Dutch Cuisine, created using only fresh Dutch products. Brass plaques on the chairs remind diners of the famous names like Orson Welles and Walt Disney who have patronised the rambling establishment that occupies five adjoining historic houses. D'Vijff Vlieghen also offers an organic five-course vegetarian meal. Open daily for dinner. Reservations advised.

Address: Spuistraat 294-302 (opposite the Amsterdam Historical Museum); E-mail: vijffvlieghen@nh-hotels.com; Telephone: (020) 530 4060

Caf� de Jaren

$$$$$ | Gastropubs

Contemporary and stylish, the chief attraction of the Café de Jaren is its waterfront terrace overlooking the Amstel River, in the heart of the city. It makes for a great place for a pre dinner drink, the sampling of a superb bottle of wine or enjoying a strong coffee. The menu is varied and attractive, with fare ranging from soups and sandwiches to steaks and pastas. With a classic French feel to it, the high ceilings and tiled floors of the Café de Jaren exude a refined elegance. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22; Telephone: (0)20 625 5771

Dynasty

$$$$$ | Oriental

Amsterdam is well supplied with oriental restaurants particularly in its rejuvenated Chinatown district. One of the most popular institutions, serving a mix of Asian cuisine from Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese, to Malay and Filipino, is Dynasty. The themed interior is exceedingly colourful, the ceiling adorned with upturned paper umbrellas. A big attraction is the beautiful Canalhouse Garden, usually packed out for summer dining. Reservations essential. Closed Tuesdays.

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 30; E-mail: info@fer.nl; Telephone: (0)20 626 8400

Pasta E Basta

$$$$$ | Italian

The lively Pasta E Basta restaurant has hit on a gimmick that draws customers as much as the delicious plates of pasta it serves: the waiters and bartenders sing opera arias while they tend the tables. This makes for a jovial atmosphere, where guests enjoy the excellent wine list and superb Italian fare in an intriguing environment. Bookings should be made well in advance. Open daily from 6pm for dinner.

Address: Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8; E-mail: amsterdam@pastaebasta.nl; Telephone: (020) 422 2222

Rose�s Cantina

$$$$$ | Spanish

Amsterdam's most popular Mexican-style bar buzzes with warm Latin-American ambience and serves up notoriously potent margaritas along with a number of food specialities. The menu includes regular Mexican favourites like burritos, nachos and enchiladas. Fillet steak and burgers are also available and are well complimented with Mexican beer. Open daily from 5pm.

Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40; E-mail: info@RosesCantina.com; Telephone: (0)20 625 9797

De Silveren Spiegel

$$$$$ | Local

The elegant Silveren Spiegel (Silver Mirror) is one of Amsterdam's best known traditional restaurants, featuring a romantic atmosphere enhanced by beautifully decorated candlelit rooms in two historic houses. Highlights on the menu include seafood and meat dishes both of which are cooked in traditional Dutch manner.

Address: Kattengat 4-6; E-mail: restaurant@desilverenspiegel.com; Telephone: (0)20 624 6589

De Witte Uyl

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

A simple Amsterdam restaurant that serves delicious food in a laid back yet sophisticated environment, De Witte Uyl is a popular choice with locals and foreigners looking for a pleasurable night out. While the soft rhythms of jazz music flow through the restaurant, patrons can indulge in the flavours of the diverse contemporary menu that offers dishes like steak of veal filled with sage and pastrami, served with mashed sweet potato, brussel sprouts and parmesan or warm crème of garden peas with mint, with home smoked oysters and steamed wonton filled with chévre, crème fraiche and chives. Order two dishes and a desert for a fixed price and scan the international winelist, which compliments the intricate menu. Open for dinner, Tuesday to Saturday.

Address: Frans Halsstraat 26; E-mail: info@witteuyl.com; Telephone: +31 (0)20 6700458

Caf� Luxembourg

$$$$$ | Gastropubs

A large established eatery, Café Luxembourg's affordable prices, traditional atmosphere and superb food continue to draw crowds throughout the year. With heavily wooded tables, a long, well stocked bar, soft lighting and a pleasant atmosphere, Café Luxembourg is the ideal place for a lunchtime salad or sandwich, evening drink accompanied by a mouth-watering array of snacks or a laid back wholesome evening meal. In summer patrons can people-watch from the bustling sidewalks and in winter friends and couples can cosy up with a nice bottle of red or a crisp pint. If you looking for a great meal at an affordable price, Café Luxembourg is the ticket. Open daily from 9am for lunch and dinner.

Address: Spuistraat 24; E-mail: cafe@luxembourg.nl; Telephone: (020) 620 6264