7 Best Restaurants in Museum District, Amsterdam

Amsterdam's famed Rijksmuseum displays a dazzling collection of Dutch masterpieces, and the adjacent restaurant, with an understated Japandi-style decor, shares a similar lofty goal: to create edible art using as many Dutch-produced or -influenced products as possible. This means the vegetable-heavy menu of mainly small plates may feature such delights as red cabbage gazpacho, celeriac with hazelnut miso, and the signature mille-feuille of beetroot with soy-infused beurre blanc and parsley oil. Order à la carte or go for one of the Chef's Menus (the latter is compulsory on busy Friday and Saturday night) but well worth it.

In the shadow of the golden lyre that tops the Concertgebouw (Concert Building), this culinary institution has been serving musicians and concertgoers for over a century. The classical, dimly lighted Old Dutch interior has dark-wood paneling and giant bouquets of fresh flowers. The menu leans toward tradition, with classic escargot and bisque, and asparagus flamande, when in season. Regulars appreciate the friendly and efficient service.

During the week, the sleek, modern furnishings and professional yet personal service attract a lunchtime business crowd, who enjoy the set three-course Bib Gourmand menu, as well as late-night diners, who come here after attending a performance at the nearby Concertgebouw. The French-influenced menu includes oysters, spinach soufflé, steak frites, and crème brûlée. There's outdoor dining on the street terrace or garden patio when the weather cooperates.

Join the ladies who lunch at this chic little café on Amsterdam's poshest shopping street, PC Hooftstraat, where white marble tables act as a canvas for picture-perfect plates of avocado toast and the bored blondes who pretend to nibble at them.

A wide variety of locals love this bustling bistro-like Dutch institution, where the prime attraction is the beef fillet or a spicier "Bali" version for an extra €2 (extra-large versions cost a little bit more). All steaks are served rare—you can't get them any other way. If you're not in the mood, you can order the hamburger, the veal liver, or, for the non–meat eater, several types of fish and vegetarian dishes—there's even a convincing plant-based "steak" created on a 3D printer (yes, really!). The best dessert on the menu is the sticky toffee cake. There are five more locations in Amsterdam (check the website for details).

If you need a rejuvenating break from art viewing, head to this café across from the Rijksmuseum for coffee and cake, or for lunch on one of the terraces, if the weather is accommodating. An adjacent playground makes this café a good choice for families. Menu highlights include homemade apple pie, traditional pea soup, sandwiches, and Dutch beef croquettes (oblong-shape meatballs) with hand-cut fries. Or try the Dutch poffertjes: small buckwheat pancakes served with powdered sugar and butter. And make sure to check out the bizarre bathrooms in the basement.

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 (Indonesian small plates) 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.