4 Best Restaurants in Canal Rings, Amsterdam

Considering its Northern European location, it is, of course, entirely possible to encounter miserable weather in Amsterdam any time of the year. Therefore, should cold weather cravings hit, Bistrot des Alpes is the perfect place to go for comforting Savoyard cuisine: Think raclette bubbling over coal-fired ovens, cheesy trays of tartiflette (rich potato gratin), generous mounds of mountain cheese and charcuterie, and the city's finest fondue. With its retro wood paneling complete with dangling copper utensils, the restaurant would fit right into a French mountain village (there's even an original ski-lift).

Next to the same-named hotel, this landmark has an authentic Art Deco interior, wood paneling, and a cozy atmosphere that makes it especially inviting when it's cold and wet outside. Expect a satisfying mix of French classics such as steak tartare and escargots along with a few Dutch stalwarts like bitterballen and appeltaart.

The Dutch-French recipes at this cozy, moodily lit spot are far from nouvelle cuisine; rather, they lean heavily on butter and meat, with dishes such as tête de porc (pork head) baked in brioche and roasted veal kidney with sea lavender, paired with equally traditional wines, with an emphasis on Burgundy. To see the young chefs in action in the open kitchen, ask for a seat at the counter or on the second floor with a counter view.

Tasting menus are an enduring trend in Amsterdam, and this intimate 15-table eatery in a historic canal house with a minimalist decor—wood-beam ceilings and white walls spruced up with black-and-white portraits—ups the ante by keeping the monthly menu a surprise (à la carte plates are also available). You can be assured, however, of beautifully presented dishes that blend a light French cooking style with international ingredients and flavors. The only decision you'll need to make is whether to pair your four-, five-, six, or seven-course menu with their delicious selection of wines.