Amsterdam is known for canals, clogs and bikes. Oh and coffee shops that aren’t famous for the coffee they serve.
However, neither of these things became our favourite thing about the city that we made home last year. That would be the restaurants where we shared many romantic evenings.
We never expected our Amsterdam travel experience to be full of varied, delicious and romantic restaurants and yet by the time we left we still had a long list of places we hadn’t yet tried.
Here is a list of our favourites and as for those on that list, they’ll have to wait for our return.
1. Toscanini
• Lindengracht 75, 1015 KD
With layered bright white table cloths, a skylight letting floods of sunlight shine through and Italian staff that have been keeping patrons happy for many decades with all the sophistication that only Italians can master, Toscanini is one of Amsterdam’s best loved restaurants. The food is also exceptional. Reservations are required – often more than a week in advance, and can be done online – but it’s worth the wait as both the service, food and wine are lovingly offered to you and your loved one.
2. Take Thai
• Thorbeckeplein 24, 1017 CS
Halfway down bustling Utrechtsestraat to the east of central Amsterdam is Take Thai and upmarket Thai restaurant where you’ll find other couples sharing sweet nothings over their spicy green or red curries. While it’s not the cheapest restaurant on the list it was worth the expense to have luxurious reminder of our adventures in Thailand.
3. Van Puffelen
• Prinsengracht 375-377, 1016 HL
This traditional looking Dutch restaurant and ”brown bar” can be found on one of the city’s main canal rings, Prinsengracht. This is a great place to perch with a drink of your choice, a plate of Dutch delicacy Bitterballen and people watch during the day or book a table for a taste of some European-Asian inspired meat and fish dishes at night. With a wide range of Dutch and Belgian beers you should also ask the friendly waiting staff for their drink recommendations.
4. Gartine
• Taksteeg 7, 1012 PB
If you’re looking for somewhere romantic to take your partner during the day for say a cosy afternoon tea then Gartine should be top of your list. Tucked away down a side street in the red light district, Gartine serves traditional high teas with a Dutch and organic twist. The food is all vegetarian and served on a mismatch of vintage crockery. Enjoy arguing with you partner whether you prefer the savoury courses of soup and sandwiches or if the cakes did it for you.
5. Abyssinia
• Jan Pieter Heijestraat 190, 1054 MN
This Ethiopian restaurant may not seem romantic from the outside and indeed it’s a popular place with groups of people, however, when my partner and I spent an evening there we found the experience of sharing a huge plate of traditional Ethiopian food and eating it with our hands – as is the custom – such a new thrill that we were all giggly and smiley when we left. Or maybe that had something to do with the Ethiopian beer.
6. Blauw
• Amstelveenseweg 158-160, 1075 XN
If it’s nice weather you can start your evening at Blau with a walk through Vondelpark as this smart Indonesian restaurant is positioned just south of the park in Amsterdam’s Old South. With Dutch playing a huge role in Indonesia’s history, the restaurant serves up some of the finest tasting curries and side dishes that are perfect for sharing with your partner.
7. Fijnhout
• Sierenborch, 1046 CJ
A pub as well as it is a restaurant this is a locals favourite in the Old West of Amsterdam. Head here on a fine day as you can sit outside on a small deck close to the canal and eat some of their excellent informal foods – burgers, pasta, etc. – while sipping a glass of a locally brewed beer or one of their fine ranges of wine. This is a place to admire both Amsterdam’s canals and happy local residents.
Update: Unfortunately this restaurant is now closed.
For more recommendations view my Netherlands travel guide.
