InAmsterdam Guide » dining

Dining and Restaurants

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:38:09 +0000

There are more than 1,000 restaurants in Amsterdam. They offer a widely varied cuisine that caters to all tastes. Amsterdam is one of the few European cities that make it easy for vegetarians to find a bite to eat. There is plenty of Indian, Oriental, Thai, Mexican and Middle Eastern fare from which to choose, and even some cultures you may be unfamiliar with. Amsterdam is a great place to try new foods, because the cooking is authentic and delicious.

One Dutch favorite is pancakes, and the pancake houses throughout Amsterdam represent that passion. Thinner than an American-style pancake and thicker than a crepe, Dutch pancakes are delicious Ò or Ïlekker,Ó as they say in Dutch. The Satellite Sports Cafe is a sports-themed cafe/bar that allows customers to create their own pancakes. Although this restaurant is open until 1 a.m., most of the pancake houses close at 8 or 9 p.m. The reason for this is the Dutch dinner time is typically around 6 p.m. so there are not as many late-night diners as there might be in other countries. As for breakfast, it is served at most places until 10 a.m. and lunch is typically available in restaurants between the hours of noon and 4 p.m.

Some tourists may be surprised to find the array of delicious, authentic restaurants available in the infamous Red Light District. For example, this area is home to Cafe Pacifico, one of the first Mexican restaurants in Europe. Between all the delicious dining and charming cafes, one does not need to travel far to find good food in Amsterdam. Good food is something the Dutch appreciate and love to share.

Restaurant Gespot

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:38:09 +0000

Located alongside a canal, this diner allows guests a magnificent view, particularly from its outdoor terrace. The interior has been modernized to feature quite a hip design. However, there are small details that reveal the buildingÌs 17th-Century history. In this restaurant, classic features such as beam ceilings and wooden doors and trim cross paths with funky, modern furnishings like orange couches and wall art created by new, undiscovered Dutch artists.

The restaurant has three distinct sections, the main dining room, the cocktail bar and open kitchen and a basement that opens after 5 p.m. for cocktails. There is a three-course meal which costs 30 Euro on average, but a la carte dining is also allowed. The menu is changed every two months, always filled with authentic cuisine from around the globe. Most of the meat here is roasted or grilled, in keeping with the chefÌs attention to healthy eating.

Supper Club

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:38:09 +0000

For people who love to wine, dine and dance the night away, Supperclub Amsterdam is the place. Different video jockeys work the projector machine each night, projecting videos up onto the white wall above the restaurantÌs kitchen. An in-house disc jockey will simultaneously work the turntables. The all-white atmosphere and changing aerial lights create a clean, crisp, very hip atmosphere.

Dining is allowed on the buildingÌs upper level, where there are tables and also couches for lounging during after-dinner drinks or socialization. The standard meal at the Supperclub is 65 Euro for five courses. The menu is not known until the waiter delivers the food.

The lower level houses the spacious dance floor, which gets going around 11 p.m. with a loud mix of house and dance music. Located on Dam Square, the Supperclub is one of the more unique dining options around. It is truly a Dutch experience, but you may not get in without reservations.