Local: Amsterdam

Izakaya is located at the Sir Albert Hotel in the trendy De Pijp, this vibrant restaurant serves a reinvented Japanese Menu. Take your pick from sashimi, sushi, temaki or noodles, all beautifully presented and intended to please your eyes and taste buds in equal measure. The chef also offers a sophisticated and original set menu, worth a try.  Izakaya has a fabulous vibe, with a DJ… Read more »

Whether you side with the loyal clientele who class it as the best meat served in the Netherlands or those who say it is just top three, Café Loetje is a hot spot for locals and a must for your visit. The décor is relaxed, as is its ambiance, but it can get quite busy. We highly recommend the mouthwatering tenderloin with the house´s traditional… Read more »

Mr Porter is a  modern steak house at W Hotel in central Amsterdam it is quite different from what you would expect from a butcher’s place. You take the elevator up and as you step out you may be momentarily confused as to whether you are at a steak house or a private clubhouse. And we found out it is kind of both, actually. In the… Read more »

We had already read about Brut de Mer but were postponing a visit, since we were enjoying our meat-feast meals while in town, but savvy locals recommended it so highly we tried it out. The restaurant, which calls itself a seafood bar, is indeed the best seafood place in town. It is located in cool De Pijp neighborhood and with its casual atmosphere and the… Read more »

Behind closed doors sits this dynamic upscale market,Foodhallen,  in the hip Oud-West neighborhood, the perfect place to taste great food at more reasonable prices. High ceilings, communal tables and mezzanines adorn this lively setting, packed with locals enjoying the vast food and drink options. We opted to share a few dishes amongst three adults and never regretted it: kebabs, Spanish tapas, Vietnamese rolls, Chinese dim… Read more »

We came across The College Hotel by chance when we decided to extend our stay during our last visit to Amsterdam. As the name suggests, the hotel is a 19th Century building that used to be a school and has been beautifully renovated. The delightful well-preserved architecture is in keeping with its history, with an impressive entrance, a high ceiling lobby with multi-colored bricks, original… Read more »

This property has a deliciously unique vibe, as a mélange of a hotel, restaurant and trendy hang out. If you enjoy staying at places with a dynamic atmosphere, you have found your Amsterdam hotel! The canal-side entrance leads to the main room with a discreet reception area. The décor matches its popular sister property in Shoreditch, London: very stylish ceramic tiles integrated with wooden, iron… Read more »

Sir Albert A small boutique hotel in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, surrounded by hip shops and restaurants that lure a stylish local crowd. The location is perfect: right by Albert Cuyp market, a five to ten minute walk to some of the loveliest canals and to Museumpleim. Upon arriving at the small cozy lobby, we were greeted by friendly staff with a glass of… Read more »

Enviably located right in the Nine Streets region, surrounded by canals and neighboring Jordann, your stay at the swanky Andaz will surely be memorable. Although the exterior of the property is unimpressive, upon entering the recently renovated lobby area you will understand why we have given this luxury boutique hotel such high reviews. The décor is unique and sophisticated yet comfortable, with enticing guest areas.… Read more »

Located right in front of Prinsengrachat canal, one of our preferred waterways in town, in the elegant and trendy Jordaan neighborhood, the Pulitzer is simply lovely. Guests are welcomed, catered to and pampered at every opportunity. It has its own small charming boats for private hire, and the fabulous canal rides can include meals specially prepared and served just for you by the excellent waiters.… Read more »

One of our top picks in Amsterdam, this hotel offers contemporary sophistication in a chic property, ideally located two blocks away from Museumpleim, where some of the best Dutch museums are, and the stunning Amsterdam Concert Hall. It has been beautifully renovated in keeping with its original Art Nouveau themes. Music can be heard in the fabulous lobby, often live, located right by a glass… Read more »