Amsterdam

Blauw aan de Wal (Blue on the Quay) is one of Amsterdam's most delightful secrets. Located in the city's Red Light District, this charming establishment occupies a 17th-century former herb warehouse, and serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The menu changes seasonally, service is first rate and reservations are necessary.

Food Type :French

Address :Oude Zijds, Achterburgwal 99

Website :blauwaandewal.com

The 'Five Flies' oozes an old-world charm that befits one of the world's most famous restaurants. Original Rembrandt sketches decorate the walls of its attractive, country-style dining rooms, and brass plagues on its chairs remind guests that the likes of Orson Welles and Walt Disney have patronised this establishment. All dishes are prepared with fresh Dutch products.

Food Type :Local

Address :Spuistraat 294-302 (opposite the Amsterdam Historical Museum)

Website :www.vijffvlieghen.nl/

Café de Jaren is both stylish and contemporary, with its chief attraction being a waterfront terrace that overlooks the Amstel River. The establishment is a great setting for pre-dinner drinks, sampling a superb bottle of wine, or enjoying a strong coffee. The menu is varied and attractive, with fare ranging from soups and sandwiches to steaks and pastas.

Food Type :Gastropubs

Address :Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22

Website :www.cafedejaren.nl

Amsterdam is well supplied with Asian restaurants, particularly in its rejuvenated Chinatown district. Dynasty is one of the more popular institutions, and serves a mix of Thai, Chinese, Malay, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisine. Its themed interior is exceedingly beautiful. Reservations are essential.

Food Type :Oriental

Address :Reguliersdwarsstraat 30

Website :www.restaurantdynasty.nl/

The lively restaurant's waiters and bartenders sing opera arias while they tend tables, creating a jovial atmosphere. Pasta E Basta's excellent wine list and superb Italian fare make it a must for foodies spending time in Amsterdam. Bookings should be made well in advance.

Food Type :Italian

Address :Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8

Website :www.pastaebasta.nl/en

Amsterdam's most popular Mexican-style bar buzzes with warm Latin-American ambience, and serves up notoriously potent margaritas. The menu includes regular Mexican favourites like burritos, nachos and enchiladas. Fillet steak and burgers are also available and are well complimented with Mexican beer. Open daily from 5pm.

Food Type :Spanish

Address :Reguliersdwarsstraat 38-40

Website :www.rosescantina.com

The elegant Silveren Spiegel (Silver Mirror) is one of Amsterdam's best-known traditional restaurants. Set in two historic houses and characterised by beautifully decorated, candlelit rooms, its menu includes meat and seafood dishes done in a traditional Dutch manner.

Food Type :Local

Address :Kattengat 4-6

Website :www.desilverenspiegel.com

Café Luxembourg is an established eatery and a definite must for foodies looking to experience Amsterdam's famous café culture. Its superb food, affordable prices and traditional atmosphere are appealing in any season. Reviewers have called Café Luxembourg 'spacious, elegant and unhurried', and quite simply 'one of the world's great cafés.'

Food Type :Gastropubs

Address :Spuistraat 24

Website :www.luxembourg.nl/en/index2.php

Located in a district that includes many beautiful old buildings, Greetje is an essential experience for foodies looking to enjoy authentic Dutch cuisine. It's known for having some of the best service in Amsterdam, and offers traditional Dutch recipes with a modern flair. The restaurant is open for dinner only (6pm), seven days a week.

Food Type :Local

Address :Peperstraat 23-25

Website :www.restaurantgreetje.nl

This two-man operation serves up savoury and sweet pancakes at reasonable prices. There are only four tables in this charming eatery, and hundreds of teapots hanging from the ceiling. The service can be slow, but locals swear it's worth the wait.

Food Type :Local

Address :Grimburgwal 2, Medieval Centre

Website :www.upstairspannenkoeken.nl