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$$ | Oosterdok |
This relaxed and friendly restaurant serves dishes from all over the African continent, but focuses on the food of Ethiopia, which is eaten with injera, a spongy type of sourdough bread. The interior is well worn but enlivened by charming touches like zebra-stripe tablecloths and carved animal napkin holders.
Rapenburgerplein 6, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1011VB, Netherlands
Known For
- Fresh-ground Ethiopian coffee
- Charming, lively atmosphere
- Good prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch, No credit cards
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$$ | Leidseplein |
In 2001, three Mexican brothers put down roots in Amsterdam and introduced their authentic cuisine to the city. Today, they run three colorful restaurants serving popular dishes like huevos rancheros (a brunch classic), enchiladas with mole (a spicy chocolate-chile sauce), and tacos al pastor (marinated pulled pork). Also on hand, fresh guacamole, a selection of over 200 types of tequilas, and margaritas that pack a punch. In the Nieuwmarket neighborhood? Check out their quaint taquería, too.
Kerkstraat 59-63, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017 GC, Netherlands
Known For
- Mexican food
- Tequila
- Fun atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.-Tues. No lunch Wed.-Fri., Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Jordaan |
Traditional Dutch home cooking is just what to expect at a place called Mothers. Outside there's a sunny terrace, and the kitsch interior feels like a living room, full of antiques and photos of mothers (to which you can contribute your own snapshot). Guests are treated to simple dishes prepared with a refined gusto, including erwtensoep (split pea soup) and stamppot (mashed potatoes with sausage). Vegetarians be warned: pickings are slim but they do offer two main courses.
Rozengracht 251, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1016SX, Netherlands
Known For
- Traditional Dutch meals
- Outdoor seating
- Kitschy decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$ | Oud-West |
The name says it all: fresh steamed mussels paired with gin and tonics, with a handful of other seafood snacks (shrimp bitterballen, grilled octopus) for variety. This hip spot in Westerpark is at its best on a sunny (or at least mild) day, when you can sit outside at the picnic tables while enjoying one of their signature cocktails, some of which are infused with fruit and flower flavors. The mussels, served in flat pans, come in several tasty preparations, all accompanied by fries and salad to make a filling meal.
Gosschalklaan 12, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1014DC, Netherlands
Known For
- Heaping pans of mussels
- Unique gin and tonic flavors
- Outdoor seating in lovely Westerpark
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.-Thurs.
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$$ | Red Light District |
There's almost always a line out the door at this modern-looking Chinese eatery, where the only concession to tradition is the roast ducks hanging in the window. The food is fast, fresh, and inexpensive, and the menu doesn't offer many surprises, but the crowds of locals and tourists keep coming back for sweet-and-sour chicken, noodle soup with shrimp dumplings and beef balls, and spareribs in black bean sauce.
Zeedijk 115-117, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1012 AV, Netherlands
Known For
- Tasty Mandarin dishes
- Fairly cheap prices
- Generous portions, meant for sharing
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Western Islands |
A meal at this former offshore TV tower transported from the North Sea—and perched (thankfully not precariously) out on the IJ River—is one of the most unique dining experiences you can have in Amsterdam. The food does take a bit of a backseat to the location, but bistro-style offerings like burger and fries are good; and at dinner, you can't go wrong with the sea bass.
Haparandadam 45-2, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1013AK, Netherlands
Known For
- Phenomenal views
- Unique dining venue
- Rooftop bar
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$$ | Nieuwmarkt |
The lofty wood-beam interior of the 15th-century Waag (weigh house), converted into a café and restaurant, is lighted by hundreds of candles that nicely help maintain the building's medieval majesty. The seasonal, international menu uses mainly Dutch (and mainly organic) products, and a spacious terrace is open when the weather permits. Appetizers will likely include North Sea shrimp and steak tartare, while you can't go wrong with entrées like rib-eye of Dutch beef. Breakfast is served starting at 9 am, and lunch items include salads and sandwiches.
Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1012 CR, Netherlands
Known For
- Authentic historic atmosphere
- Slow service
- Lovely outdoor terrace on a square
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Oud-Zuid |
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 and garam masala. Two to three dishes make a lovely meal, especially when accompanied with a glass of wine or two from their thoughtfully chosen list.
Sophialaan 55, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1075 BP, Netherlands
Known For
- Uncomplicated cuisine in easy-going environs
- Signature boneless spareribs with horseradish and homemade sambal
- Small plates at reasonable prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$ | Museum District |
This busy but relaxed neighborhood restaurant serves as a gentle introduction to Indonesian cuisine. Since 1969, Sama Sebo has gained nearly institution status by dishing out rijsttafel in an atmosphere enhanced by bamboo walls, miniature wood "spirit houses," and 19th-century-style lamps. At lunch the dishes are simpler: in addition to various chicken specialties, there's bami goreng (spicy fried noodles with vegetables or meat) and nasi goreng (the same, with rice instead of noodles). You can wait for your table in the friendly bar area.
P. C. Hooftstraat 27, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1071 BL, Netherlands
Known For
- Basic Indonesian rijsttafel
- Charming atmosphere
- Good location near the Vondelpark
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$ | Jordaan |
This stylish, expansive Florentine trattoria is a perennial favorite; the open kitchen, skylight ceiling, wooden floors and tables, and attentive service all work to create an extremely welcoming, country-kitchen sort of atmosphere. The cooks pride themselves on their ability to whip up any regional dish, but you'll probably find your favorite already listed on the extensive menu—or, of course, find yourself inspired by something new. The risottos are excellent, the fish dishes sublime, the desserts delicious, and the wine list inspired. Buonissimo!
Lindengracht 75, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1015KD, Netherlands
Known For
- Florentine cuisine
- Delicious menu
- Lively atmosphere with lots of locals
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Tues., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$ | Leidseplein |
This international chain of modern Japanese noodle shops got its start more than 20 years ago in London. Pop in for a fresh, fast, and fairly inexpensive meal, hearty bowls of noodles and broth, supplemented with your choice of meats, fish, and/or vegetables. Further sustenance comes in the form of fruit and vegetable shakes. There are other Amsterdam locations near Rembrantplein, in Central Station, and in the World Trade Center.
Max Euweplein 10, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017MB, Netherlands
Known For
- Fast, fresh noodles
- Cheap eats
- Lively setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$ | Oud-West |
The Westergasterrace is part of the Westergasfabriek, a former gas factory turned arts complex. There's plenty of outdoor seating at this spacious restaurant next to Westerpark, and the indoor portion is separated by retractable glass walls, making this the perfect destination to enjoy the weather and a good meal on a lazy afternoon or evening. The lunch and dinner menu is mostly café-style classics including soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers (veggie, too), steak, and fish. On weekends, they often fire up the grill and host live music and outdoor parties during spring and summer months.
Klönneplein 4-6, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1014DD, Netherlands
Known For
- Expansive outdoor seating
- Setting inside Westerpark
- Occasional barbecue
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted