Amsterdam isn't necessarily a city that foodies are itching to travel to. It's an amazing city on its own, sure, but as far as dining out is concerned, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Paris, London, and Rome. So does this mean there are no good places to eat in the Dutch capital? Definitely not! On the contrary, not only are there many notable foodie hotspots in Amsterdam but there are also those that even the all-important
Michelin Guides have noticed. These culinary guide books have rewarded many restaurants in the city with stars that prove that they're worth your time and money.
Bolenius
Serving up Dutch cuisine at its finest, Bolenius is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam worth checking out. It's even one of the first to receive a Green Michelin Star, an honored distinction given to those who put sustainable cuisine at the forefront. Thanks to head chef Luc Kusters's pure and simple cuisine, customers get to savor organic flavors and healthy dishes that are also environmentally friendly. In the end, everyone gets to win big in this popular hotspot!
Source: Bolenius Restaurant Facebook Page
Bord’Eau
Though it's named 'Bord’Eau,' it's also generally referred to as Restaurant Flore, one of the premier French restaurants in Amsterdam. With two Michelin stars under its belt, it upholds haute cuisine in its sophisticated space near the Amstel River, complete with stellar views of the surrounding
areas and neighborhoods. Since they offer seasonal menus that change every so often, you can never expect what to eat in this high-class hotspot. What you can guarantee, however, is fresh ingredients turned into delectable gastronomical delights.
Source: Restaurant Flore Facebook Page
Ciel Bleu
Another two-timed Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam is Ciel Bleu, perched on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam. Thanks to its high location, you also get to enjoy amazing views of the Dutch capital as you indulge in the fine international cuisine they serve. Or if you prefer to watch how your food is prepared rather than the city views, Ciel Bleu's also offers a seat at the chef's table, granting you a front-row seat to the kitchen. Whichever you go for, you're sure to experience a first-class meal that's truly worth your while!
Source: Ciel Bleu
Daalder
Definitely the most colorful hotspot in the lot, Daalder is a one-time Michelin-starred restaurant in the famous Jordaan district of Amsterdam. Electrifying graphics and modern street art decorate its walls, while round neon lights amp up its trendy mood and set the right atmosphere. As for the food, the Asian touches on European cuisine offer an international-caliber menu worth tasting. Think succulent lamb served with a strawberry coulis or Indian curries made with local ingredients. All the different flavors swirl to make for one unforgettable meal after another.
Source: DAALDER Facebook Page
Lastage
Lastage is all about European cuisine at its finest. Located on the canal-side street of Geldersekade in Amsterdam, this Michelin-starred restaurant isn't as big as the other places on this list. But you know what? That's part of its appeal. This cozy little nook of an establishment, which practically looks more like a dining room in a
luxury home than an actual restaurant, is where head chef Rogier van Dam gets to apply his French culinary skills when preparing his Northern Dutch dishes.
Source: Lastage Facebook Page
Le Restaurant
A French restaurant with an Asian twist? Yes please! Le Restaurant is an upscale one-time Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam that converges the east and west. Though its primary cuisine is French, you can taste all the oriental influences with the spices, the flavors, and even the aftertastes. Not only that, but the hotspot also makes use of fresh ingredients, which they get from the nearby Albert Cuypmarkt. With organic produce on hand, you can bet that what you order in Le Restaurant will leave your taste buds tantalized!
Source: Le Restaurant Facebook Page
The Duchess
Perhaps the most famous Michelin-starred restaurant on this list, The Duchess is a culinary institution that foodies and connoisseur alike should check out at least once. Its classic Belle Époque design practically rivals
those in Paris, a perfect match to the haute cuisine they offer on their menu. With such extraordinary dishes like whole roasted spring chicken marinated in lemon & herbs and Beluga caviar on mustard toast, as well as salted caramel ice cream on crème brûlée for dessert, it's no wonder this place has earned a Michelin star!
Source: The Duchess Facebook Page
Restaurant Bougainville
Housed in the historic Hotel TwentySeven on Dam Square, Restaurant Bougainville's central location makes it easy to reach on foot or via
public transport. But when you step inside its Art Deco-designed space, you'll feel as if traveling in time. That's how strong the vibe and atmosphere are in this one-time Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam. The food here, however, is a lot more modern than its interior. Chef-owner Tim Golsteijn has crafted Restaurant Bougainville's menu of East-meets-West dishes that offer such worldly tastes you won't find anywhere else!
Source: Bougainville Facebook Page
Vinkeles
Who knew that an 18th-century bakery could work well as a premier foodie hotspot in Amsterdam? Vinkeles, the Michelin-starred restaurant alongside the Keizersgracht canal, offers up interesting takes on traditional Dutch and French cuisine. Chef Dennis Kuipers aims to let any customer's palate get used to European dishes, even if it means he has to play it up at times. From Dutch venison with fresh walnuts and purslane to sirloin with Imperial caviar, first-class taste reigns supreme here. And for dessert, a mouthwatering helping of toffee soufflé with caramel, vanilla, and Earl Grey sorbet. Sounds heavenly, doesn't it?
Source:Restaurant Vinkeles Facebook Page
Yamazato
Located on the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam in the De Pijip neighborhood, Yamazato is undoubtedly the finest Japanese Michelin-starred restaurant in Japan. In fact, the entire interior of the place looks like an authentic Japanese home, almost as if there's a sliver of the East Asian country in the Dutch capital. With a traditional vibe to amp up the culinary experience here, Yamazato's many Japanese offerings taste even more authentic.
Source: Hotel Okura Amsterdam
The Dutch capital may not be a food capital but there's no denying that the Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam up the ante in its culinary scene. They serve the best of the best when it comes to food, ambiance, and a memorable dining experience.
