Mercure's travel guides

Traditional Dutch cuisine – meaty dishes such as duck, venison and sausages, "stamppot" of mashed vegetables and of course mild Dutch cheeses – is served in Amsterdam's restaurants, but in a city where around half the population is non-Dutch you're more likely to come across international eateries. Indonesian influences are strong due to historically strong links between the two countries; the spicy, rice-based dishes are a good option for vegetarians. The Dutch tend to eat early: lunch around noon, and dinner from 6pm onwards. Popular restaurants are booked out days or weeks in advance.

Bazar

Albert Cuypstraat 182, Amsterdam, 1073 BL
+31 20 675 0544
http://www.bazaramsterdam.nl

Description:

Spacious, airy and high-ceilinged, Bazar occupies a former church building whose interior has been given a stunning 'mosque makeover.' Comfortable seating is spread over two floors; try to snag a table on the upper balcony level which looks down onto the bar in the centre. The menu has a great choice of North African, Iranian and Turkish food whether you pop in for an Algerian pancake with honey for breakfast, grilled chicken wings with a spicy harissa sauce for lunch, or "dolmé" for dinner (roasted sweet pepper, eggplant and cabbage stuffed with minced lamb). The food here is fantastic and the daily specials well worth trying. Vegetarians will be happy, too. It's enormously popular so definitely reserve ahead for dinner. During the day, its location halfway up the Albert Cuyp Market also makes it an ideal pit stop for rejuvenating yourself with some mint tea and baklava.
Mon-Thu 11am-Midnight; Fri 11am-1am; Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am-Midnight
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner's Club

Supperclub

Jonge Roelensteeg 21, Amsterdam, 1012 PL
+31 20 344 6400
http://www.supperclub.com/html/amsterdam

Description:

This unusual restaurant, which also functions as a nightclub, is something of a novelty. Its menu changes weekly, depending on the chef's interests, and the interior also shifts to match the cuisine. Five-course menus are set, and a la carte options aren't available. Guests – many of whom work in art, fashion, music and the like – lounge about on beds (as is their wont) while they partake of the innovative cuisine. The experience also features live entertainment and DJs. (Along with sister clubs in Rome and San Francisco, they are behind the successful Supperclub Lounge CDs.) Perfect for those who crave something a bit out of the ordinary.
Daily 7:30pm-1am
Visa, MasterCard, American Express

De Kas

Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, Frankendael Park, Amsterdam, 1097 DE
+31 20 462 4562
http://www.restaurantdekas.nl

Description:

Fashioned from a 1920s greenhouse, this delightful establishment promises airy, romantic dining. Surrounded by its own gardens, De Kas grows many of the ingredients used in its meals. Featuring local organic meats and seafood, the daily fixed price menu consists of several appetizers, an entrée, and a dessert. Lunch is two courses, and special 'Chef's Table' dinners can be arranged for those who want to watch the chef at work while they eat. Patio dining is sublime in summer.
Mon-Fri Noon-2pm, 6:30pm-10pm; Sat 6:30pm-10pm
Visa, MasterCard, American Express