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Some of Amsterdam's most interesting and creative chefs can be found beyond the traditional tourist destinations in the Old-Zuid neighborhood.
It's become a bit of a tourist favorite, but many Amsterdammers still believe that this is the best Indonesian rijsttafel in town—so if you're looking for the ultimate Amsterdam dining experience, this is the place to go. Menu choices include fish, meat, and vegetarian rijsttafels; all are fresh, well spiced, and full of authentic flavors. The design is ultramodern, with lacquered red walls that set off giant vintage family photos from the era of the Dutch East Indies.
For innovative "New Amsterdam" cuisine, head to this Michelin-starred restaurant in sleek Zuidas. The design is Scandinavian-inspired lacquered wood and angular chairs, but the set six-course menu is hyperlocal, and everything is beautifully presented; many of their vegetables and herbs come from the on-site kitchen garden, one of the largest in Amsterdam. Expect creative vegetable-led dishes like "risotto" of cauliflower and ricotta, topped with herring roe, or 30-day dry-aged beef with parsnip and apple. There is also a fully plant-based menu.
Next to the 1920s Olympic Stadium (and named after its architect) is a fire-focused restaurant that earned a Michelin star within its first year of opening. The brainchild of chef Joris Bijdendijk (RIJKS), this is not a barbecue joint but instead a fine-dining restaurant where open fire is used to perfect everything from charred crusty bread to refined plates of internationally influenced food. If you love the smoky taste only flame cooking can bring, this is the place for you.
Well-known Dutch chef Ron Blaauw lends star power to this casual, stripped-down space, where each small plate costs a modest sum (dry-aged steaks are the sole exceptions). The creative, globally inspired, locally sourced preparations are beautifully presented and full of interesting flavors, such as celeriac dim sum with mushroom XO sauce and pandan leaf dressing, and crispy sweetbreads with Indian butter chicken-style lentils. Two to three dishes make a lovely meal, especially when accompanied with a glass of wine or two from their thoughtfully chosen list.
