Beddington's Utrechtsedwarsstraat 141   -  +31 (0)20 620 73 93 "Jean Beddington is back and her own usual self again" "For example 'Oysters with granite of Japanese ginger', and 'Sauteed calamari with turkey marques'. The austere but elegant black and white interior wills all attention to the food, and that's exactly how it should be. This is daring and innovative cuisine, a perfectly executed fusion of British, French, Italian, Indian and Japanese influences. Not overly staffed so don't have theatre plans and prepare yourself for a leisurely evening." Make reservations well ahead. Restaurant Beddington's Utrechtsedwarsstraat 141 1071 WE Amsterdam Open:Tuesday until Saturday from 17:30 hours Closed on Monday and Sunday   Website:  http://www.diningcity.nl/beddington/en/index.php?item=restaurant Price-range***

Blauw aan de Wal Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99     -    +31 (0)20 330 22 57 A little gem right in the middle of the Red Light District, in a surprisingly tranquil spot at the end of a small alley. Delicate Mediterranean kitchen, highly regarded by many. Stylish minimalist interior, with a bar-like atmosphere downstairs and a more formal no-smoking area upstairs. Nice outdoor terrace. Friendly, knowledgeable service and excellent selection of wines. To point you in the right direction; it's the alley directly opposite Casa Rosso. Reservations necessary. Open: 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.    Closed: Sun-Mon. Price-range***

Bordewijk Noordermarkt 7   -   +31 (0)20 624 38 99 Self-made chef Wil Demandt works his magic in this exquisite Jordaan restaurant, with a menu loosely based on traditional country cooking. The result is a delicate and subtle cuisine with an occasional rough edge - which might be just enough to scare Michelin away. The restaurant itself is quit large and roomy, and well lit, but retains an intimate atmosphere nonetheless. Amiable service, and a large selection of wines including some interesting unconventional bottles.   Reservations necessary. Open 6.30pm-10.30pm, closed Sun-Mon.    Website: http://www.bordewijk.nl/  Film:   http://www.bordewijk.nl/html/film.html Price-range*** Chez Georges Herenstraat 3         -     +31 (0)20 626 33 32 Lavish and delicious cooking by Belgian chef-patron Georges Roorda in his intimate Jordaan restaurant. The menu shows Georges is a Burgundian in heart and soul, so make sure you arrive with an appetite! This is the kind of place where you might want to go for the full seven course menu. Excellent service.   Reservations recommended. Open: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. -  Closed Wed & Sun. Price-range*** Christophe Leliegracht 46      -     +31(0)20 625 08 07 When patron-cuisinier Christophe Royer left the Michelin star left with him, but the cooking still reflects his spirit. The menu combines traditional Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, basil, saffron and truffles in imaginative new ways. Elegant interior with dark wood paneling, thick carpets and contemporary floral paintings. A bit of a formal atmosphere, and a bit on the expensive side. Reservations necessary. Open: 6.30 p.m. - 11 p.m.   -  Closed Sun-Mon. Price-range*** le Ciel Bleu Ferdinand Bolstraat 333    -     +31(0)20 678 74 50 The top as far as haute cuisine and views go, le Ciel Bleu on the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel is Amsterdam's only two-star restaurant. Elegant interior worthy of a restaurant of this stature and impeccable service to match; it all makes for a slightly formal ambiance, but would you expect anything else? The views are phenomenal up here so try to get a window table. You might want to dress up a little. Reservations are definitely in order. Open: Daily 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Price-range***

The Dylan / Vinkeles Keizersgracht 384   -    +31 (0)20 530 20 10 Restaurant of the 'fashionable small' Dylan hotel, created by british designer Anouska Hempel, in an exceptional 17th century landmark on one of Amsterdam's most beautiful canals. A maze of small corridors and stairs leads to the restaurant, which is located in the former bakery of the old Roman Catholic almshouse. The 'Fusion' cuisine combines Asian and Mediterenean ingredients in a quite spectacular way, like for example 'Foie Gras Soup with Sweet Thai Basil and Lime' or 'Chicken Fabergé with Lobster and Ginger, Lemongrass Sauce'. The dishes are all very well thought out, made with the best of ingredients and beautifully presented, which of course comes at a price. Reservations necessary. Open: 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Lunch Mon - Fri  2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Closed: Sunday Price-range***

Excelsior / Le Relais Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-8     -     +31(0)20 531 17 05 Excelsior is Hotel de l'Europe's top class restaurant, where chef Jean-Jacques Menanteau combines traditional French dishes with more daring propositions. Classic elegant interior. Most tables have a good view of the nearby busy canal intersection, and there's a lovely outside terrace during summer. In Excelsior's formal setting jacket & tie are compulsory. Price-range*** Le Relais is the brasserie next door, sharing the same kitchen but with a more informal atmosphere, all things being relative of course. Price-range** Reservations necessary.  Open: Daily 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Lunch - Mon - Fr

Le Garage Ruysdaelstraat 54   -     +31(0)20 679 71 76 'See and be seen' is the motto in this trendy restaurant with its mirrored walls. The media type crowd is hosted by a famous Dutch TV cook. On the menu authentic French regional food and an occasional Dutch dish all cooked with taste. Le Garage offers valet parking, still somewhat of a novelty in Amsterdam. Reservations are in order and you might want to dress up a little. For something different you might also try the annex next door, 'Le Garage En Pluche', which serves 'street food'; mostly Asian style snacks. Reservations recommended.  Open: Daily 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.    Lunch Mon - Fri  Noon - 2 p.m. Price-range***

De Kas Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3    -     +31(0)20 462 45 62 (tram 9, stop Kamerlingh Onneslaan) Situated out of city center in Frankendael Park in the former city nursery. Chef Gert-Jan Hageman rebuild the greenhouse complex into his own dream restaurant, with a kitchen based on organic ingredients, where possible taken from the greenhouses surrounding his restaurant. The menu is best characterised by the unique preparation of ordinary vegetables, like roast carrots and basil marinated endive. Wonderful spacious and airy interior, as you might expect from a full-size greenhouse, with sturdy but elegant furniture. During summer De Kas has a large outside terrace, surrounded by a herb garden and orchard. Reservations necessary. Open: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.  Lunch Mon - Fri 12 a.m. - 2 p.m. Closed:  Sunday   Price-range*** Le Pecheur Reguliersdwarsstraat 32   -     +31 (0)20 624 31 21 Upscale seafood restaurant in a classic formal setting, with a marble floor and a muraled ceiling. Le Pecheur serves high quality seafood at reasonable prices. Good service, and there is a lovely courtyard garden for summer dining. Reservations recommended. Open: Lunch 12 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Dinner 6 p.m. - 12 p.m. Sat no lunch - Closed Sun. Price-range*** Le Restaurant Tweede Jan Steenstraat 3    -     +31(0)20 379 22 07 Small and intimate restaurant run by Michelin acclaimed chef Jan de Wit in Amsterdam's Quartier Latin, the Pijp neighborhood. Exquisite cooking largely based on what is available on the nearby Albert Cuyp day-market. Le Restaurant offers a fixed 5-course menu and a refreshing choice of wines, with lots of young up-and-coming wine makers, and if you ask de Wit will set you up with a nice wine arrangement of his own choice. Highly acclaimed by the local critics Make reservations well in advance. Open: Tue - Sat 9 p.m.  -  11 p.m. Price-range***

La Rive Professor Tulpplein 1    -     +31(0)20 520 32 64 The Amstel Hotel's elegant restaurant on the banks of the Amstel river. This is the place to go if you want a classic and formal ambiance. Chef de cuisine is Roger Rassin, and La Rive carries a Michelin star. Prices to match.     Reservations and correct attire necessary. Open: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Lunch: Mon - Fri  Noon - 2 p.m. Closed: Sun - Mon. and 2 weeks in August. Price-range***

. Het Tuynhuys Reguliersdwarsstraat 28 -     +31(0)20 627 66 03 Restaurant Het Tuynhuys is centrally located within walking distance of theatres and right behind the Flowermarket on the Singel. Located in a former coach house belonging to a 17th century mansion in the 'Golden Bend', the contemporary interior of Het Tuynhuys sets the stage for a wonderful dining experience in the heart of Amsterdam. Seasonal menus feature both complex modern creations and traditional favourites. Crafted with exceptional market ingredients, flavours are harmoniously pure and delicate. While based on the classic French kitchen, a Mediterranean twist can be found across the menu. Exciting degustation menus offer the opportunity to sample multiple dishes per course. The extensive array of wines facilitate a well-balanced pairing with the food and different glasses per course can be had as well. Reservations recommended. Open: Daily 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - Lunch Mon - Fri.   Website:   http://www.tuynhuys.nl Price-range*** VandeMarkt Schollenburgstraat 8-9      -     +31(0)20 468 69 58 Spacious and bright interior, with wood, concrete and pastel colors. 'VandeMarkt' translates to 'from the market'; the menu varies daily according to the availability of fresh ingredients. International cuisine with for example tuna tartare with wasabi and sesame oil, venison steak with sage and tarte tatin. Reservations recommended. Open: 6 p.m - 10 p.m.   Closed Sun & Mon. Price-range*** van Vlaanderen Weteringschans 175   -     +31(0)20 622 82 92 An intimate restaurant not far from city center, with a modern approach to the classical French-Mediterranean cuisine. Simple yet elegant interior with small tables laid with white cloth, and a mezzanine with a nice view of the garden. Michelin acclaimed van Vlaanderen offers excellent value for money. Reservations recommended. Kitchen open 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - closed Sun - Mon. Price-range***   d'Vijff Vlieghen Spuistraat 294 - 302      +31 (0)20 530 40 60 Golden Age decor of d'Vijff Vlieghen (the Five Flies) is to us charming and makes you feel like you are taking a dining journey back in time. Authentic and classic Dutch cuisine served is at most times exceptionally good, but not low priced. The restaurant is made up of nine differently styled dining rooms. The Rembrandt Room - with four original etchings made by the old Master himself - is ours and it seems everybody's favorite place. We love it and recommend it for all the above reasons. Reservations strongly advised. Open: Daily 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.   Website:  http://www.d-vijffvlieghen.com Price-range*** Tig Barra, Overtoom 31. A really sexy Irish bar with a fantastic restaurant. Quite simply the best value we've found. An excellent, regularly changing menu; great big breakfasts, Sunday roasts and live music.** Cafe' Zoëzo, Vijzelgracht 63. Great food, free sunflower seeds and tasty milk shakes. Internet also.** Boom Chicago, located on the Leidseplein. In addition to the great dinner menu offered at their nightly shows they also have scrumptious lunch specials daily. Good value here on pitchers of beer as well.** Akbar, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 33, near Leidseplein. Wonderful South Indian food, with a large menu. Great for vegetarians. One of our Favorites ** An, Weteringschans 199, near Frederiksplein. Japanese -Family run establishment with wonderful food and good service last time we visited ** Het Beeren, Koningsstraat 15, near Nieuwmarkt. Basic Dutch table with cabbage, mashed potato and flavorful meaty stew. ** De Blauwe Hollander, Leidsekruisstraat 28, near Leidseplein. Dutch food in generous quantities. Great for a filling meal and no frills. * Casa di David, Singel 426. Very Tasty Pizzas! Baked in wood-fired ovens and fresh handmade pasta. We always eat everything on our plates! ** Dionysos, Overtoom 176. Good Greek restaurant Open Later until 1am. * De Eetuin, 2e Tuindwarsstraat 10, Jordaan. Lots of Dutch food. * Golden Temple, Utrechtsestraat 126, near Frederiksplein. Vegetarian place and the only nonsmoking restaurant in the city so far.* Hamilcar, Overtoom 306, near Vondelpark. Moroccan / North African little place has a most excellent couscous. * Hoi Tin, Zeedijk 122, near Nieuwmarkt. Our Chinatown favorite is very popular with locals as well as tourists, Almost endless menu and delicious vegetarian dishes. ** Keuken van 1870, Spuistraat 4. Former soup kitchen serving good Dutch Basics. * Mensa Atrium, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 237. Central self-service cafeteria attached to the university priced for the students. Open to the public as with most state food service venues. Very cheep * Shiva, Reguliersdwarsstraat 72.One of the best local Indian restaurants, delicious food. Vegetarian is the main theme ** Sisters, Nes 102, city center. A busy vegetarian restaurant serving delicious balanced meals, as well as plenty of snack-type items. Closes early * Tempo Doeloe, Utrechtsestraat 75, near Rembrandtplein. Quality Indonesian food.* De Vliegende Schotel, Nieuwe Leliestraat 162, Jordaan. One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants and for good reason, serving the most delicious food in large portions.    Super Snack Places... Pret a Porter, Take away sandwich shop has great Cookies! Herenstraat 1, 10:00 am till 11:00 PM La Frutería juice bar, Nieuwezids Voorburgwal 141, 1012 RJ Amsterdam. Opposite Magna Plaza. Great fresh juices. The owner occasionally puts out cookies his mum makes, or other baked goods that are incredible. Coffee Connection, Nieuwe-zijds Kolk 33. Has fantastic coffee, cookies, bagels and other delightful baked goods. Cafe' Esprit, Spui 10a. Modern café, with delicious sandwiches and superior salads. Gary's Muffins, Prinsengracht 454, near Leidseplein; Reguliersdwarsstraat 53, near Koningsplein. The locals favorite for the best muffins and bagels in town. Greenwoods, Singel 103 near Dam Square. Small English-style tea shop, with a decent breakfast. Maoz Falafel, Reguliersbreesstraat 45, near Rembrandtplein. Some say the best Falafel in the city with bread and as much salad as you can eat. Mr Hot Potato, Leidsestraat 44. Baked potatoes are not fancy,but good tasting and very cheap. * The Pancake Bakery, Prinsengracht 191. A large selection of pancakes from around f10. Puccini, Staalstraat 17-21 near Waterlooplein. Superior cakes, pastries and chocolates, All are handmade. This place is very dangerous to your waist size! Studio 2, Singel 504. Tearoom with the most tasty sandwiches. Toko Sari, Kerkstraat 161. Popular Indonesian take-away. Villa Zeezicht, Torensteeg 3, at Singel. Small place, with excellent sandwiches and the best apple cake in Amsterdam.