Blauw aan de WalOne of Amsterdam's delightful secrets, this charming restaurant is an oasis of peace and tranquility in the midst of the bustle of the Red Light District. A narrow alley leads 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
OdeonOnce 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
Website: www.odeontheater.nl
D' Vijff VlieghenThe '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 patronized 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)
Website: www.d-vijffvlieghen.com
Café de JarenContemporary 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
Website: www.cafe-de-jaren.nl
DynastyAmsterdam 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 colorful, 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
Website: www.fer.nl
Pasta E BastaThe 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
Website: www.pastaebasta.com
Rose's CantinaAmsterdam's most popular Mexican-style bar buzzes with warm Latin-American ambience and serves up notoriously potent margaritas along with a number of food specialties. The menu includes regular Mexican favorites 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
Website: www.rosescantina.com
SukasariNo visit to Amsterdam is complete without enjoying an Indonesian 'Rijstafel' at one of any number of Indonesian restaurants. One of the most central and affordable, offering an extensive Rijstafel as well as numerous other specialties, is Sukasari, just off of the Dam Square in the first block east of the Dam Monument. Open daily.
Address: Damstraat 26-28
De Silveren SpiegelThe 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, like baked sole with wild spinach or fillet of venison. The lamb dishes are especially fine. Open for lunch by reservation only.
Address: Kattengat 4-6
Website: www.desilverenspiegel.com
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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