Restaurants and bars in Amsterdam City Centre

Jansz

Named for a 17th-century copper craftsman, who once owned the building, there’s artisanal attention to detail in the décor of 9 streets-based eatery, Jansz, with its moss green banquettes, marble tables and coppery accents. The new menu has been described as an 'ode to Amsterdam' - think delicate North Sea crab toast, zesty seabass crudo with fennel and orange or a bok choi salad with buttermilk, oyster leaf and cucumber- with beautiful dishes that complement the restaurant's chic surroundings.

De Drie Fleschjes

Anyone with a strictly anthropological interest in Dutch drinking culture needs to head down to De Drie Fleschjes (the three little bottles), the oldest tasting room in the city. Located at the base of the Nieuwe Kerk, this well-worn proeflokaal (tasting room) was established in 1650, serving up jenever (a clear spirit flavoured with juniper), liqueurs and local beers to generations of patrons. The bartenders will be happy to give you advice on what to sample from the authentic casks displayed behind the old-timey bar. In-house bar snacks are as traditional as the tipples, including ossenworst (ox-sausage), meatballs in gravy and Beemster cheese with mustard. Lekker!

Top tip: with the I amsterdam City Card, you’ll get a free shot of jenever to wet your whistle after a day of exploring.

Super Lyan

This oppressively stylish drinking joint feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than a 17th-century house in historic central Amsterdam. Kick-ass cocktails, beer, wine and bites that will make your tongue dance are served until late. The chefs and bartenders regularly team up to create food and drink pairing evenings that always relish the playful and unexpected. The venue is part of Kimpton de Witt, a boutique hotel that exudes equal energy and freshness.

Restaurant-Café In de Waag

Located in one of the city’s precious monuments, the origins of De Waag date back to a mindblowing 1450. The building was originally a city gate, a weighhouse and then, fascinatingly, a doctor’s clubhouse for public autopsies. Start the day right with breakfast and spectacular views from the terrace over the historic old town. Or, make a reservation for dinner when the medieval walls are illuminated by hundreds of candles and breathe an incredibly romantic atmosphere. The menu showcases the very best of European and Dutch cuisine, with some crowd-pleasing Asian dishes thrown in for good measure.

Vesper

Shaken, not stirred. This tiny bar, named after the only Bond Girl that James ever truly loved, is firmly acknowledged as one of the city’s best cocktail institutions. Vesper’s menu is an extensive list of expertly mixed concoctions for curious drinkers where surprising flavours and having a good time are the top priority. The warm hospitality is genuine and the staff are sincere, creating a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere for all guests - cocktail buff or not.

Restaurant Vermeer

Restaurant Vermeer’s kitchens are the laboratory of British-born chef, Christopher Naylor, whose boundary-pushing dishes and robust flavours have earned him consecutive Michelin stars since 2011. Indulge in fascinating flavour combinations as humble vegetables and locally sourced produce - artichokes, langoustine, gooseberries, monkfish, venison and kohlrabi - are transformed into unpretentious and delicious works of culinary art.

Shaffy Restobar

In a high-ceilinged dining room overlooking Keizersgracht, a minimalist modern décor references the style rooms of the 17th-century at the famous Felix Meritis Centre for Arts, Culture & Science, which is still a symbol of enlightenment, intellectual freedom and tolerance today. Named for a rebellious Dutch chansonnier who often performed upstairs, Shaffy Restobar offers classic cocktails and bar bites. Think oysters served with a citrusy granita, spicy nduja sausage doused fregola with creamy mussels or potato topped with chicken livers and smoked eel.

Zoldering

Looking for high-quality food and a gigantic wine list that will make any grape-lover go crazy? Zoldering is the place for you. Their no-nonsense menu is divided into snacks, smaller cold dishes, more substantial warm plates and mouthwatering desserts. Inside, the low-ceilinged dining room will satisfy your nostalgia for an old-school Amsterdam cafe.

Arca

Henrique Sa Pessoa, an award-winning two-Michelin star Portuguese chef recently named the 38th best chef in the world, opened his first restaurant outside of Lisbon, Arca, here in Amsterdam. Opening its doors at art'otel, Sa Pessoa cooks up authentic Portuguese cuisine - think fresh fish and delicious cuts of meat - with an Asian influence. There’s La Bomba de Lisboa, fresh octopus salad, suckling pork sliders, and generous Arroz de Marisco piled with succulent seafood.

Salmuera

For small plates like ceviches, empanadas, exquisite steaks doused in chimichurri and bite-sized cubanitos, look no further than the tantalizing Latin-American inspired menu of Salmuera. Pair these with one of their signature cocktails, Mexican beers, or a flight of smoky mezcals complete with a full introduction by their in-house Mezcalero (somebody who distills mezcal).

Slagerij de Beurs

Slagerij de Beurs is named after owner Timo de Beurs, who descends from an Amsterdam butcher's family. His new restaurant strongly focuses on the craft of 'dough', producing the most beautiful pies, pâté en croûte and traditional patisserie. Whilst an excellent range of beautifully sourced meat dishes is on the menu, don't let the family lineage fool you: fish and vegetables are just as well represented. Don't miss the chanterelle pie with a wonderfully buttery crust and earthy mushroom flavour or the legendary Breton pastry with creamy vanilla ice cream and caramelized apple for dessert.