3 Best Restaurants in Canal Rings, Amsterdam

On the edge of the Canal District, this classic Amsterdam restaurant is blessed with gorgeous Art Nouveau detailing and wallpaper, as well as views of the Herengracht. The romantic atmosphere combined with attentive and friendly service create the perfect setting for enjoying the French- and Italian-inspired menu. In winter, hearty game dishes such as venison with a red wine and shallot sauce are the focal point of the menu; in summer, the fare is lighter, and can be enjoyed on the terrace. The signature Entrecote Belhamel dish of sliced sirloin with mushrooms, green beans, and fondant potatoes in a creamy sauce is always an excellent choice.

The menu at this popular, well-established spot highlights typical café items, from pasta to fish to grilled steak, with a local and organic slant, but the loyal crowd of regulars who frequent it know to check the daily specials (perhaps herb-crusted salmon) before they order. Inside, the space is casually inviting, with dark wood-panel walls and blue velvet upholstery. The main dining room can get boisterous, so if you're looking for a quieter meal, ask for a table in the more secluded and intimate mezzanine or, in the summer, on the terrace.

The decor of this stylish Pulitzer Hotel restaurant is an updated take on old-world elegance, featuring green velvet banquettes, white marble tables, beamed ceilings, and Dutch Masters–style portraits. It echoes the contemporary classics on offer, like rack of lamb, steak frites, and fish of the day; while not overly imaginative, the food is prepared with a sure hand and a light touch. Ask for a table with windows overlooking the pretty Keizersgracht canal or the Reestraat shopping street for prime people-watching while you dine.