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One hundred canals, one thousand bridges and twelve starred restaurants: these are the numbers of the gourmet tourist experience in Amsterdam. The city’s timeless popularity is also based on its reputation for being a libertarian and raffish metropolis, with an infinite number of bars and venues, markets and hotels.
Where to eat in Amsterdam? Here are some suggestions for enjoying the city and some of its most exclusive locations.
From 0 to 25 Euro
You can start with breakfast or a snack at Puccini Bomboni, one of the top ten chocolate makers in the world. Here you will find the last word in chocolate and biscuits of all types, ginger, mint, coffee and raspberry flavoured bonbons, marzipan sweets and other specialities. There are two Puccini stores: one in the heart of the Jordaan district skirting the Singel canal (not far from Anne Frank’s house) and another in the area of the Opera House close to the Waterlooplein market.
From 25 to 50 Euro
For a vast selection of the best International whiskeys and whiskies, beers and cocktails, or a cultural-chic drink before or after dinner, here is an exclusive location you will thank us for. Possibly, as a follow-up to a dish of traditional French cuisine prepared by chef Erik Zonjee and his team in the Brasserie Ambassade. This is the bar with a spectacular library inside the Hotel Ambassade. A huge collection of 4000 books, all signed by the authors who have stayed in the hotel. Guests of the likes of Umberto Eco, Jonathan Safran Foer, Isabel Allende and Mario Vargas Llosa and chefs such as René Redzepi and Antonio Carluccio.
Sinne is the starred restaurant of everyone’s dreams: a fresh, fun-packed fine dining experience. A medley of French and Mediterranean cuisine cooked in an open kitchen similar as if it were a stage performance. Chef Loannou puts the accent on prime quality products and, in the dining room; Suzanne greets you with a smile. For three magnificent courses, you will spend 38 Euro and 47 Euro if you add an extra one. Here are a couple of suggestions from the menu: “Red Gamba” with coconut, jalapeño, lime and crispy chicken skin; from the desserts "Curd “ would be our choice: curd of vanilla with fennel, sourdough and a sorbet of carrot and orange.
From 50 to 100 Euro
Crossing the threshold of Vinkeles is the dream of many a gourmet. This is a magnificent restaurant with exposed brick walls and an extremely chic atmosphere set inside one of the iconic establishments of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World chain: the Dylan Hotel Amsterdam, on the Keizersgracht canal. Chef Dennis Kuipers well interprets the spirit of this discreet luxury venue with his “contemporary French cuisine”. Here is an example of one of his main courses: Anjou pigeon ‘Imperial’, whose price is equally imperial, consists of pigeon breast, preserved blackberries, beetroot liquorice and duck liver thickened sauce (30/ 40 Euro approximately). You will be able to afford a dessert so long as you don’t splash out on the wine.
The Waldorf Astoria is a legendary hotel housed in as many as six ancient buildings on the canal side. Don’t miss the magnificent stairway, allegedly the work of famous architect Daniel Marot at the court of William III of Orange, which is one of the details making this establishment quite unique. The hotel premises host the Librije's Zusje restaurant which executive chef Sidney Schutte and his brigade have led to 2 Michelin star status. Every day, the cuisine looks for fresh inspiration so don’t get too fond of a particular dish. Here are some examples to help you get a feel for its style: Kohlrabi & Grapefruit consisting of white asparagus, tulip bulb, lavender-egg yolk, walnut and coconut-hollandaise. Or a dish named Partridge: spring onion, macadamia, yuzu and shiitake. Approximately 25 /30 Euro per course.
The 100 metre high A’Dam Tower would be a sufficient reason alone to visit the city. On the 21st floor, you can almost feel the city breathe from its enormous terrace. Here you can get your fill of thrills on Europe’s highest swing. At the Ma’dam Sky Bar treat yourself to the view of a lifetime at the mere price of a glass of Pinot (around 7 Euro). Then go down to the 19th floor to the Moon “revolving restaurant”. Chef Jaimie van Heije and the chef de cuisine Tommy den Hartog will delight you with their traditional cuisine jazzed up with a contemporary twist. Here you will pay 60 Euros for 5 courses but remember to allocate 12.5 Euro to pay for the ticket to go up the tower.
