Wine & Dine in Amsterdam

World Cuisine

Amsterdam is well known for its overwhelming variety of culture & taste. Japanese or Ethiopian restaurants, and traditional Dutch eetcafés. Hearty pea soup, dinner pancakes, meat croquettes, thick fries with real mayo and wholesome variations of meat and potato dishes are just a few examples of a limited though satisfying Dutch cuisine. Fresh seafood, such as herring, mussels and shrimp are available all year round. There is also a strong Indonesian influence in Dutch kitchens, with Nasi Goreng and peanut sauce as common as the Dutch kibbeling (deep-fried cod) and poffertjes (mini-pancakes).

Dinner on the river IJ

Moored at the eastern docks of Amsterdam, the former merchant ship De Odessa is the perfect location for a cosy dinner for two. Afterwards, lounge in the café and enjoy the night vistas of Holland’s capital or go dancing on the lower deck. For more information and bookings see www.de-odessa.nl 

Or try the IJ-kantine on the Northern NDSM harbour, which is a striking industrial brasserie with a fabulous terrace on the water. The free ferry trip by itself makes the IJ-kantine worth a visit. The ferries leave from the north side of Amsterdam Centraal station. For more information see www.iamsterdam.com

Food from a wall

The Dutch also have their fair share of fast food. Apart from the international chains, there are plenty of deep-fried products to be found in ‘snack bars’ throughout the city. There are also ‘Febo’ snack bars where, after inserting some change, you can get your treat right out of the wall. Brown cafés and pubs normally serve up great sampling plates with bitterballen (mini meat-croquettes), or cubed Dutch cheese and liverwurst served with a strong mustard. All are best complimented with a pint of Dutch beer. 

Dinner Cruise

Gliding through the Amsterdam canals at night is, in itself, a unique experience. If you can also dine in style as you soak up the atmosphere, the picture’s complete! For more information see www.canal.nl

Restaurant De Kas

Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE Amsterdam

Planted between greenhouses and kitchen gardens, restaurant De Kas is really in a unique spot. At De Kas pure ingredients are sacred- and many are from their own vegetable plots. In a gorgeous building with airy high ceilings and vast windows (a former greenhouse), one eats fresh produce that hasn’t been fussed over so that the original taste can be identified. When the weather permits, there is outside dining in the herb garden.

MOMO

Hobbemastraat 1, 1071 XZ Amsterdam

MOMO, Restaurant, Bar & Lounge blends the flavors and colors of the Far East with the style and sophistication of the West, bringing an exciting new concept to Amsterdam. After a day of shopping at the nearby Leidsestraat or P.C. Hooftstraat (with luxury boutiques and designer stores) this is the perfect place to enjoy delicious dishes, many designed for sharing, beautifully presented and served within a glamorous and vibrant setting. MOMO, Restaurant, Bar & Lounge is located on the ground floor of the magnificent Park Hotel.

For more ideas on where to eat in Amsterdam visit www.iamsterdam.com