RESTAURANTS

For those who wish to dine in Amsterdam it is daunting with so many cafes and restaurants along every street. Here we select and suggest some of the better eateries in the capital. The largest concentration of restaurants in Amsterdam is around the Leidseplein. In the summer, almost all have outdoor seating. This is most enjoyable since you get to people watch, musicians come around to serenade you, and you can more easily avoid smokers (often a problem as few Dutch restaurants have non-smoking sections). Here there are streets leading away from the square with one restaurant after another. The competition is intense, and after you've spent ten minutes trying to decide which one to eat at, they all start looking the same. It's a good idea to decide what type of food you want which will make choosing somewhat easier. You might want to decide based upon ambiance, but if you're eating outdoors, they're all equal. The Leidseplein area has a number of well known restaurants including 't Swarte Schaep (The Black Sheep) with great food in a cozy 300 year old building (expensive). We found several very good, reliable Italian restaurants in the area, and some not so good Indian restaurants. The best clue as to how good the food is, is how long the line is! The Rembrandtplein is another laid back people watching area. On nice days and summer evenings the area is packed. Have a beer in one of the large cafes looking onto the park and if you wait, entertainment of some sort usually appears. Many restaurants line the square and several popular clubs are in the area. A very good but pricey Indonesian restaurant is on one corner. For the best dining in town follow some of these recommendations.

Humphreys: Nieuwezijds Kolk 23, Monthly changing 3-course menu. 5 different starters, 5 different Main-courses and 5 desserts for only Euro 20,-. Warm atmosphere. Reservations recommended. Tried and highly recommended by the staff of Amsterdam-hotels!

Cafe De Jaren: (Nieuwe Doelenstraat) a great stop for students, and definately one of the most trendy cafes in Amsterdam Cafe De Jaren is a perfect place to have a good meal (soup/sandwiches), or, during summertime, have a seat on the terrace, overviewing the River Amstel. Entrees from Euro 10,- - 15,-.

Het Melkmeisje: In the heart of Amsterdam, in the Red-Light district you can find restaurant 'Het Melkmeisje' (the Milk-girl). This very small, typical Dutch restaurant serves outstanding food. Try the Rack of Lamb, or the breast of duck. Tried and tested by the staff of Holland-hotels.com. We recommend this restaurant highly. Price-range: Euro 25,- - 35,- for a 2 course meal. The adress is Zeedijk 19, 1012 AN in Amsterdam. tel. +31.20.6250640

Le Garage: In Holland we have a famous T.V cook, Joop Braakhekke. This man is very popular, not only for his way of presenting a cooking program, but especiallly for his cooking qualities. He has his own restaurant in Amsterdam, called 'Le Garage'. 3 courses for a set price. Good wines, and the atmosphere is informal. You want to spend a little more money for very good food? visit 'Le Garage' Address: Ruysdaelstraat 54 - 56.

De Beuling: (Beulingstraat 9)Nice restaurant for traditional food such as 'zuurkool'. Also delicious 'Bouillabaise, or Bruchetta.

Bice: (Stadhouderskade 7) The Italian restaurant of hotel NH Amsterdam Centre . The address for traditional Italian highstandings in the centre of Amsterdam.

Klinkers: (Kerkstraat 332) Sophisticated restaurant. Good food. Meals like Paella with shrimps & chicken. My favourite desstert 'Creme Brullee' (creme Catalana)

Koriander: (Amstel 212) French Cuisine. Sirloin Steak with Sauce Bearnaise. A very nice address to have a quick meal for a good price.

Le Zinc...Et les Dames: (Prinsengracht 999) Traditional French Cuisine. Daily menu for Euro 30,-. Vegetarian? Menus without meat & fish for 25,50 Dutch Guilders. 10 different house-wines for Euro 19,- - 35,- per bottle. Diner only. Closed at Sundays & Mondays.

Chez Georges: (Herenstraat 3) This small restaurant (28 couverts) serves you 5 courses for only Euro 35,-. A Belgian chef in an Amsterdam restaurant. You will never forget this combination.

Dorrius Restaurant: the restaurant of Hotel Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre: Established in 1890, Dorrius Restaurant originally started as a bar located on Spuistraat in Amsterdam, serving excellent jenevers and other local spirits, and Dutch snacks. In 1992 Dorrius relocated to our hotel, and the entire internal decoration was moved in order to maintain the unique atmosphere which makes dining at Dorrius so special. Today Dorrius is one of the famous traditional restaurants in Holland, well known for its excellence in service and food.
The dishes vary from simple and tasty meat, mashed potatoes and cabbage, to exclusive Zeeland oysters, but are always made with top quality Dutch products and prepared according to the original Dutch recipes. Exclusive wines and special local liqueurs give the final touch to a typical Dutch dinner. There is also a special Smulpapen menu for everyone who wishes to experience indigenous Dutch cuisine.

Dorrius Restaurant offers traditional regional specialities, with many items prepared at the table. Our dedicated team produce the most wonderfully tasty dishes every day, and different seasonal flavours are featured every month.