Dining in Amsterdam

The Dutch eat soup and sandwiches for lunch, often with a glass of milk. Just like the English, they like their chips, and have waffle kiosks like the Belgians. A local speciality is "bitterballen" (bitter balls), a kind of fried cheese croquette which is served as a snack with beer at cafes. This might not sound very enlightening from a gastronomic perspective, but Amsterdam is also known for having some of the best Turkish and Indonesian restaurants in Europe. In addition, common themes in the most popular restaurants are stylish but pleasant decor, simple but well cooked food made from first-class ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere. Amsterdam houses many innovative restaurant trends. The latest developments are ecological fine cuisine, trendy restaurants in historical buildings and multi-function places where the restaurant also functions as a bar and night club. Fastcheck's free Amsterdam guide guides you to a few of Amsterdam's many restaurants.

De Kas
The restaurant is housed in a renovated greenhouse built in the 1920s and serves ecological fine cuisine. The chef decides the three-course menu of the day on the basis of the availability of good raw materials, in consultation with the restaurant's own market gardener. Perfect for business dinners etc. Book a table a couple of weeks in advance, phone between 10.00-17.00.
Address: Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3
Phone: +31 (0)20 462 4562

Envy
Domestic charm and minimalism with up-to-the-minute Italian hors d'oeuvres and fine wines. The chef's menu costs €50, but Envy is a delicatessen bar, so you can just have a glass of wine and some tapas. Half of the tables can be booked, half are drop in only.
Address: Prinsengracht 381
Phone: + 31 (0)20 344 6407

The Mansion
Restaurant, bar and club. The restaurant is one flight up and consists of three crowded, beautiful rooms with a relaxed atmosphere. More jeans than suits. The innovatively prepared Chinese hors d'oeuvres taste divine. Book a table a couple of weeks in advance. Phone between 18.00-19.00 (after that, there is a telephone answering machine).
Address: Hobbemastraat 2
Phone: + 31 (0)20 616 6664

Local
No longer new, but still a very nice place to eat an early dinner at. Two long tables and only kebabs on the menu. Large groups can book a table. Other people line up to share a table with strangers/new friends.
Address: Westerstraat 136
Phone: + 31 (0)20 423 40 39

Odeon
Hotel Arena has taken over the Odeon - an old 17th century brewery which has been completely renovated to form an all-in-one place; brassiere, restaurant, bar and club plus cultural events such as exhibitions and concerts. Daily special menus of three or four courses for about €40. Do not miss the photographic art with a 17th century theme in the cocktail bar. Visit their web page for opening hours.
Address: Singel 460
Phone: + 31 (0)20 521 8555