Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [124]
Moeders Rozengracht 251 020/626 7957. Really cosy restaurant just across from the Singelgracht whose theme is obvious from the moment you step inside – mothers (moeders), photos of thousands of whom plaster the walls. You’re welcome to bring your own mother along, but if not then just savour the moderately priced Dutch staples and daily specials – traditional food, well presented and with the odd modern twist. Mains €13 and up, three-course menus €26–30. Daily 5–10.30pm.
Eating and drinking | Restaurants | The Jordaan and Western docklands |
Fish
Albatros Westerstraat 264 020/627 9932. Nautically themed, family-run restaurant, with a cosy conservatory out front, serving some mouthwateringly imaginative fish dishes. A great place to splash out and linger over a meal; mains from €25; three-course menu €35. Daily except Tues & Wed 6–11pm.
Eating and drinking | Restaurants | The Jordaan and Western docklands |
French and Belgian
Bordewijk Noordermarkt 7 020/624 3899. A chic, well-lit and roomy restaurant decorated in relaxed, minimalist style and serving delicious French cuisine with Italian gastronomic influences. Mains start at €26. Tues–Sun 6.30–10.30pm.
De Gouden Reael Zandhoek 14 020/623 3883. Fine French food in a unique setting up in the Westerdok. The bar, as described in the novel of the same name by Jan Mens, has a long association with dockworkers. Main courses hover around €15–20. Daily 6–10.30pm.
Eating and drinking | Restaurants | The Jordaan and Western docklands |
Italian
Burgers Patio 2e Tuindwarsstraat 12 020/623 6854. Despite the name (the site used to be occupied by a butcher’s), there isn’t a burger in sight in this long-established and convivial restaurant, which has managed to retain its informal atmosphere without compromising on service and taste. The food is wonderfully presented, with Italian-inspired dishes and a good choice of daily specials as well as vegetarian options. Mains from €15. Daily from 6pm till late.
Cinema Paradiso Westerstraat 186 020/623 7344. Fast-moving restaurant covering all the Italian classics with vim and gusto. It’s in a former cinema, complete with chandeliers, and is very popular, so you may have to shout to be heard. Dress to kill/thrill. Pastas and pizzas kick off at around €12. Tues–Sun 6–11pm.
Yam Yam Frederik Hendrikstraat 90 020/681 5097. Top pizzeria and trattoria in a simple, traditonal dining room with an open kitchen. It attracts the couples and hip young parents of the neighbourhood with its excellent pizza toppings, including fresh rucola and truffle sauce. Pizzas €8–13. Booking strongly advised. Tues–Sun 6–10pm.
Eating and drinking | Restaurants | The Jordaan and Western docklands |
Middle Eastern
Nomads Rozengracht 133 020/344 6401. The place to enjoy Arab meze while comfortably lying on kitschy sofas indulging the thousand and one nights atmosphere. A DJ takes over later in the evening. Meze for around €7. Daily 7pm–10.30pm (Fri & Sat till 11pm).
Eating and drinking | Restaurants | The Jordaan and Western docklands |
Spanish
Duende Lindengracht 62 020 420 6692. Wonderful and busy tapas bar (€3–5), with a tiled interior, mismatched wood furniture, and a warm and inviting feel. Also includes a small venue out back for live dance and music performances, including regular flamenco every Saturday from 11pm. Mon–Fri 5–11pm, Sat & Sun 4–11pm.
La Oliva Egelantiersstraat 122 020/320 4316. This sleek Jordaan eatery specializes in pinxtos, the delectable Basque snacks on sticks that make Spanish bar-hopping such a delight. With a nod to Dutch tastes perhaps, this is more of a restaurant than a bar, and the pinxtos anything but bite-sized; people come here to sit and feast on the grand works of art that cover the bar. But you’re more than welcome to sit at the bar and sample one or two with a drink. Daily except Tues noon–10.30pm.
Eating and drinking | Restaurants | The Jordaan and Western docklands |
Thai
Rakang Thai Elandsgracht 29 020/627 5012. Richly decorated restaurant with striking paintings and glassware. The Thai food is fresh and