Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Some of the city's most expensive and elegant restaurants are in this ultraposh area, where diners go to see and be seen before or after a concert or museum visit. The food tends to be as good as the people-watching.
If you've forgotten to make a dining reservation somewhere (and even if you haven't), this walk-in only eetcafé (café serving food) is a solid bet. The regularly changing menu draws inspiration from international cuisine and while options are limited there is always something tasty for fans of fish, meat or vegetables.
Amsterdam's famed Rijksmuseum displays a dazzling collection of Dutch masterpieces, and the adjacent restaurant, with an understated Japandi-style decor, shares a similar lofty goal: to create edible art using as many Dutch-produced or -influenced products as possible. This means the vegetable-heavy menu of mainly small plates may feature such delights as red cabbage gazpacho, celeriac with hazelnut miso, and the signature mille-feuille of beetroot with soy-infused beurre blanc and parsley oil. Order à la carte or go for one of the Chef's Menus (the latter is compulsory on busy Friday and Saturday night) but well worth it.
This isn't your average sushi joint; in fact, sushi is just one of the choices on the sophisticated Asian fusion menu—which straddles Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Thai flavors—at the Conservatorium Hotel's signature restaurant. Chef Schilo Van Coevorden has built a reputation for bringing exciting flavors to Amsterdam's Asian palette. The atmosphere is urban chic, with exposed brick, industrial lighting, and a glass-box kitchen, and the stylish diners are likely enjoying Gunma Wagyu chuck rib or foie gras gyoza (dumpling) alongside standout sushi and sashimi.
In the shadow of the golden lyre that tops the Concertgebouw (Concert Building), this culinary institution has been serving musicians and concertgoers for over a century. The classical, dimly lighted Old Dutch interior has dark-wood paneling and giant bouquets of fresh flowers. The menu leans toward tradition, with classic escargot and bisque, and asparagus flamande, when in season. Regulars appreciate the friendly and efficient service.
During the week, the sleek, modern furnishings and professional yet personal service attract a lunchtime business crowd, who enjoy the set three-course Bib Gourmand menu, as well as late-night diners, who come here after attending a performance at the nearby Concertgebouw. The French-influenced menu includes oysters, spinach soufflé, steak frites, and crème brûlée. There's outdoor dining on the street terrace or garden patio when the weather cooperates.
A wide variety of locals love this bustling bistro-like Dutch institution, where the prime attraction is the beef fillet or a spicier "Bali" version for an extra €2 (extra-large versions cost a little bit more). All steaks are served rare—you can't get them any other way. If you're not in the mood, you can order the hamburger, the veal liver, or, for the non–meat eater, several types of fish and vegetarian dishes—there's even a convincing plant-based "steak" created on a 3D printer (yes, really!). The best dessert on the menu is the sticky toffee cake. There are five more locations in Amsterdam (check the website for details).
This busy but relaxed neighborhood restaurant serves as a gentle introduction to Indonesian cuisine. Since 1969, Sama Sebo has gained nearly institution status by dishing out rijsttafel (Indonesian small plates) in an atmosphere enhanced by bamboo walls, miniature wood "spirit houses," and 19th-century-style lamps. At lunch the dishes are simpler: in addition to various chicken specialties, there's bami goreng (spicy fried noodles with vegetables or meat) and nasi goreng (the same, with rice instead of noodles). You can wait for your table in the friendly bar area.
