9 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).

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 interior at this Asian dining spot is fanciful, with original historical details blurring into a frenzy of rice-paper umbrellas suspended from the ceiling, with colorful art, intricate Oriental furniture, and a gaggle of golden Buddhas. The menu also runs the gamut, with Cantonese, Szechuan, and Thai culinary classics. In the summer, ask for a table on the terrace majestically set in a Golden Age courtyard.

The Kwok family's award-winning Cantonese restaurant is known for its steamy open dim sum kitchen, but the crispy scallion pancakes, beef stir-fry, and siu long bao (soup dumplings) are also really good. The extensive menu also features clay pot specialties and roast meats. Grab a seat by the window for some very satisfying secret people-watching on the street below.

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.

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. 

Not far from the Rijksmuseum but refreshingly removed from the crowds, this Mediterranean restaurant specializes in mezes like hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, and more. A short but appealing list of grilled meats, fish, and a vegetarian dish of the day rounds out the menu. There's a pleasant canalside terrace, from which, on your way out, you can pay your respects to the bustling and friendly kitchen staff.

Inside this Italian temple to the taste buds, cheery palm print wallpaper, wicker lampshades, and hanging plants give the dining room a warm, contemporary feel. Foodies will be tempted by the four-course chef's menu, but the à la carte choices—perhaps the creamy black mushroom and truffle risotto or flank steak with arugula, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan—are always excellent, too. Ask the friendly and knowledgeable Italian owner/sommelier for recommendations about the best wines from their extensive Italian list to pair with your meal.