Restaurants

Whether it is Argentinean, Indian, Thai or typical Dutch fare you are after, look no further. Amsterdam has over 1000 restaurants catering for the tastes, needs and budgets of even the discerning tourist or Amsterdammer. Unlike in the rest of Europe, vegetarians are well catered for. Dining in this diverse and vibrant city can range from fast food to haute cuisine with every nation faithfully represented. The city boasts stylish and top quality restaurants as well as traditional Amsterdam cafés, Dutch pancake houses, steakhouses and seafood outlets… the list is simply endless. To satisfy the palate, wherever and whenever, try one of the many eateries down Leidseplein, the Spui, Jordaan, Chinatown, the Pijp, IJburg, Haarlemmerstraat, Nieuwmarkt and you will undoubtedly leave Amsterdam saying lekker (Dutch for ‘delicious’).

Most restaurants are open in the morning and breakfast is served in many hotels and other food outlets until 10:00. The Dutch usually eat lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 and dinner around 17:00 to 20:00. Although many restaurants close at 22:00, there is a wide variety of night restaurants, pubs, brown cafés, bars and takeaways that continue to serve selected hot and cold dishes and snacks. For the ultimate in midnight snacking, the falafel is sure to excite the taste buds and leave enough change in your pocket for enjoying the rest of the sights of Amsterdam.

Cafes and bars

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 through satisfying 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 goring and peanut sauce as common as the Dutch kibbeling (deep-fried cod) and poffertjes (mini-pancakes).

The Dutch also have their fair share of fast food. Apart from international chains, there are plenty of deep-fried products to be found in ‘snackbars’ throughout the city. Brown café’s and bars normally serve up great sampling plates with bitterballen (mini meat-croquettes), or cubed Dutch cheese and liverwurst served with strong mustard. Both are best complimented with a pint of Dutch beer (with two fingers of foam). If it’s not Dutch fare you’re after, there are enough alternative. Amsterdam is a cultural and consequently, a culinary melting pot. There are of restaurants and cafes specializing in every cuisine you can think of.