Places to eat

1 Vermeer

The hustle and bustle of Centraal Station seems far away when sitting under the beamed ceiling and brass chandeliers of this stylish and very friendly restaurant. Michelin-starred chef Pascal Jalhaij creates deceptively simple but superb dishes. Try the four-course Vermeer menu, which changes daily.

NH Barbizon Palace Hotel
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 59
Phone: +31 (0)20 556 4885
www.restaurantvermeer.nl
Price range: €€€€€

2 Van Vlaanderen

The décor may be plain, but the dishes are rich and elaborate at this gourmands’ paradise, which for years was known only to insiders but recently acquired an international reputation when it picked up a long-deserved Michelin star. Expect to feast on goose-liver, suckling pig, pigeon breasts, sweetbreads and other delightfully wicked fare.

Address: Weteringschans 175
Phone: +31 (0)20 622 8292
Price range: €€€€

3 Lof

Tantalizing aromas from the open-plan kitchen, clanging pans and cheery banter fill the air at this friendly, bistro-style local favourite. Amsterdammers in the know come for scrumptious, imaginative cooking, taking pot-luck from a set menu that changes daily.

Address: Haarlemmerstraat 62
Phone: +31 (0)20 620 2997
Price range: €€€

4 De Rode Leeuw

Join quietly munching old¬timers, Dutch families and curious tourists in a cosily cluttered restaurant for a traditional Dutch meal.

Address: Damrak 93
Phone: +31 (0)20 555 0666
Price range: €€
www.restaurantderoodeleeuw.nl

5 Café Roux

One of Amsterdam’s smartest hotels is home to this classic, long-time favourite. It’s a realm of crisp linen, soft light and clinking glasses; the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff charming. Star chef Albert Roux inspires dishes with a fine French touch, such as brill with parsnip purée, salsify and thyme – and you can choose from a top-class wine list. (Note: Albert Roux is not the resident chef here, only a behind-the-scenes consultant.)

The Grand Hotel
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197
Phone: +31 (0)20 555 3560
Price range: €€€€

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