Amsterdam restaurants will definitely give you the pleasurable agony to choose only one or two or three from their numbers each day. The Dutch capital is full of superb eateries – cozy canalside bistros, to outlandish Indonesian rooms with turbaned waiters, to stylish 17th century dining rooms to noisy taverns with high-spirited Greek waitstaff.
Budget dining
Everything is possible in Amsterdam, even eating cheaply. In many cases you can eat on budget in style, with relaxing music in the air, flowers in the window, and candles on the table. Of course, there is free lunch. But take heart, there might be a plate or menu of the day at a bargain price. Dutch are a practical bunch who do not like spending unnecessary euros. This explains the modestly priced restaurants in every neighborhood. In fact, new budget eateries are popping up all over the city.
Late-night restaurants
Since most restaurant kitchens in the Dutch capital are closed by 10:30 in the evening, it is always a good idea to keep late-night addresses handy. You will need the following when the munchies strike: Sluizer, Fifteen and Pier 10, De Knijp, and Bojo.
Reservations
Unless you eat very early or late, we suggest you make reservations at top restaurants on weekends as they can get very crowded with neighborhood patrons. Note that eateries that have outside terraces are very popular on summer evenings and they fill up fast. So if the restaurant has a reservation system, make a reservation. If not, make sure to get there early and beat the crowd.
Dining hours
Most eateries are open 12 noon to 2:30 in the afternoon for lunch, and 6 to 10 in the evening for dinner. We suggest you make reservations earlier than 8 pm if you prefer a relaxed and unhurried meal. Recently, restaurants in the city have been staying open until 11 in the evening or later.
Tipping
Tipping is a custom in Amsterdam. While virtually all establishments in the city include a service surcharge, it is common to leave a tip. Tipping is not obligatory and the people will not recriminate you for not tipping.
Your best dining Bets
Best Value – De Prins, Prinsengracht 124 (020/624-9382)
Best Traditional Dutch – D’Vijff Vlieghen, Spuistraat 294-302 (020/530-4060)
Best for Luxury – La Rive, in the InterContinental Amstel Hotel, Professor Tulpplein 1 (020/520-3264)
Best Mexican – Rose’s Cantina, Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40 (020/625-9797)
Best Indonesian – Kantjil & de Tijger, Spuistraat 291-293 (020/620-0994)
Best Grand Café – Café Luxembourg, Spuistraat 24 (020/620-6264)
Best Sandwich – Sal Meijer, Scheldestraat 45 (020/673-1313)
Best Vegetarian – Bolhoed, Prinsengracht 60-62 (020/626-1803)
Best Kids’ Spot – Kinderkookkafé, Vondelpark 6B (020/625-3257)
Best Business Lunch – Mangerie de Kersentuin, in the Bilderberg Garden Hotel, Dijsselhofplantsoen 7 (020/570-5600)
Best Brunch – Café Luxembourg, Spuistraat 24 (020/620-6264)
