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Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried sausages)—along with thick pea soup and hearty meat and potato dishes. These days, however, Amsterdam restaurants serve much higher-quality and more varied food than ever before. Many forward-thinking Amsterdam res
Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried sausages)—along with thick pea soup and hearty meat and potato dishes. These days, however, Amsterdam restaurants serve much higher-quality and more varie
Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried saus
Not so long ago, Dutch cuisine consisted mostly of fried food—french fries, bitterballen, and frikandel (deep-fried sausages)—along with thick pea soup and hearty meat and potato dishes. These days, however, Amsterdam restaurants serve much higher-quality and more varied food than ever before.
Many forward-thinking Amsterdam restaurants have embraced a "New Dutch cuisine," using organic and locally sourced meat, fish, and seafood, and expertly cooked vegetables served with interesting sauces and side dishes. Some chefs are taking it a step further and growing produce and herbs on land or rooftops attached to their restaurants—garden to table cooking, if you will. Multicourse tasting menus or small plates that you can mix and match are popular at upscale eateries, making use of what's freshest at the moment, perhaps farm-fresh asparagus or North Sea mussels. The classic standbys are still widely available, too—it's hard to resist those delicious bitterballen—but they're often prepared in updated, modern interpretations.
Amsterdam has a wealth of international cuisines. The city has long been known for its Moroccan, Turkish, and Indonesian food, and there are excellent Vietnamese eateries, where you can finally get a decent bánh mì, as well as pretty much every type of cuisine you might be craving. Another thing that's big on the Amsterdam food scene these days is brunch. Traditionally, the Dutch opt for relatively simple breakfasts of buttered toast with chocolate sprinkles (called hagelslag), but places for more American-style brunch—eggs Benedict or oatmeal with fresh fruit—have popped up throughout the city, attracting the city's trend-followers. Although steak restaurants have existed for years (and continue to open on a regular basis), hamburgers are also trendy, with tiny spots elbowing their way in to become the most popular in town.
Pockets of interesting dining are emerging away from the city center, too, but Amsterdam is a small city, so don't be daunted by distance. Everything's still easy to reach by cab, tram, or bus—or make like a local and burn off some calories by renting a bike.
Despite all these changes, one thing's stayed relatively the same: the pace of service. Expect a wait to get menus, to order, and then to receive your food. You just have to go with it: it's the Dutch way!
Modeled after Madrid's indoor San Miguel market, this always-packed food hall in a former tram-maintenance building is unfailingly popular with locals and tourists alike. Food stands run the international gamut, from Vietnamese and Indian street food to Mexican and Italian dishes, with favorites like gourmet hot dogs and hamburgers thrown in for good measure. Head to the gin bar to partake in the city's G&T craze. The food hall's hours run late for Holland: until 11:30 pm most nights and until 1 am Thursday–Sunday. It can be difficult to find seating on weekends.
Bellamyplein 51, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1053AT, Netherlands
This sustainable eatery is associated with the Conscious Hotel next door. Sit outside on the expansive terrace overlooking Westerpark and watch the sunset with a glass of organic wine, or head inside to dine, where up-cycled furniture and a hydroponic green wall tie into this restaurant’s eco-friendly concept.
Haarlemmerweg 8, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1014 BE, Netherlands
This Amsterdam-based brewery churns out everything from craft beers to spirits and sodas at multiple locations throughout the city, and each has their own brew pub. Visitors to this location next to Westerpark can enjoy a beer or two with burgers and other tasty pub foods outside on the large terrace or in their expansive indoor dining area.
Pazzanistraat 27, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1014 DB, Netherlands
This airy spot west of the Jordaan is an industrial monument: for a century, it housed a plant that pumped water from coastal dunes. Now, under a sky-high ceiling, it's a popular destination for international cuisine, from rib-eye béarnaise and steak tartare to crowd-pleasing seafood platters piled high with oysters, clams, mussels, and optional crab or lobster. The restaurant usually bustles with families and larger groups. If it's too noisy for you, ask for a table on the peaceful terrace. The sticky toffee cake is an after-dinner winner.
Watertorenplein 6, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1051PA, Netherlands
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
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
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