Robert’s Restaurants 2011

For the past couple of years, our little guide to eating out in Amsterdam has proved to be a very popular feature of the Broadband TV News IBC Special. So we’re back with a further course. Be sure to come back again, as we will add a few more reviews in the days leading up to IBC 2011. Also, if you have any suggestions, please send them to us – we will be very happy to include them! Use the box at the foot of this page.

If you don’t find what you want in the following recommendations, you can also visit a website specialising in restaurant reviews that features a number of English language entries, namely: specialbite.nl.

Media hot spot

Café Restaurant Dauphine continues to be one of the media hot spots in the city. Named after the Renault model from the 50s, this is a large, brasserie-type of place. It used to be the Amsterdam dealership of the French car manufacturer – hence the name. As an added feature, there is a parking garage underneath for people having lunch or dinner.

Serving French style food, the place is always buzzing with people from the media and advertising industries. While you’re there, have a peek next door, where through the windows you can see BNR, Business News Radio, the country’s only all-news radio station, in action. The same building also houses the FD, Financieel Dagblad, Holland’s answer to the FT.

Call ahead for reservations – they are a must! Phone: 020 462 1646. Dauphine is located near the Amstel train station at Prins Bernhardplein 175.

On the harbour front

The Amsterdam harbour, behind Centraal Station, may not what it used to be, but the last few years a couple of interesting restaurants have sprung up along the IJ river. Most of them offer excellent views of the water and are best enjoyed if the weather is fine. We’ll name a few of these places.

If you like it large – and happen to be a fish lover – go to Stork, the largest seafood restaurant in Amsterdam.  Stork Restaurant is located in a large hangar, the former Stork factory of large marine engines. It is located across the IJ river and can be reached by ferryboat – or you can park your own car (free of charge!) near the restaurant. The restaurant seats a 150 people, the bar an additional 100 and if the weather is fine there is a huge terrace overlooking the IJ. Food is mainly fish, but there are some vegetarian and meat choices as well. (020-6344000, Gedempt Hamerkanaal t/o 96, www.restaurantstork.nl)

Also on the Northern side of the IJ is Hotel De Goudfazant, which – despite its name is a very large restaurant, not a hotel. It’s a bit of a trip going out to this old industrial estate – you can take a ferry and walk for about 15 minutes or better take a taxi. Like Stork, this is a really big place, again in an old factory, which is left mostly intact. Food is consistently good and reasonably priced with fixed menus starting at €35.  (020 – 63 65 170, Aambeeldstraat 10 H; www.hoteldegoudfazant.nl). NOTE – Closed on Mondays!

To the West of the train station, there is the modern Nevy, which specialises in fish. There is a ‘raw bar’ where you can have your sushi, sashimi, oysters or ceviche, but in the restaurant itself you can have a choice of more traditionally prepared fish – inspired by the famous Dutch TV cook Robert Kraneborg. (Westerdoksdijk 40A, phone 020 344 6409)

Right behind the station is Pier 10, housed in an old shipping office right on the water. Book ahead and ask for a table in the room directly overlooking the water (which has funny acoustics because of its round shape). The menu is French inspired and best enjoyed for a romantic evening. (De Ruyterkade, Steiger 10, phone 020 427 2310)

Rather new, located on an old railway bridge, is Open, six metres high. Designed by the Dutch architect Pi de Bruijn, it is a simple glass structure placed on top of the old bridge. Open all day for lunch and dinner. The food is okay, and you can choose between full and half portions. (Westerdoksplein 20-Brug, phone 020 620 1010).

A bit out of the way, right in de middle of the western part of the Amsterdam harbour, REM Eiland, a new restaurant was launched, which should be of interest to people interested in the history of Dutch commercial television. In 1964, Dutch entrepreneurs launched the first offshore private TV station from an artificial island in the North sea: the so-called REM eiland (REM Island), which housed Radio TV Noordzee.

The station only broadcast for a few months – Dutch authorities outlawed the station and marines put an end to the offshore broadcasts. The island, a special version of an offshore oilrig, remained in international waters for a long time as it served as a research post for the Dutch department of water works.

The structure has now been moved to the Amsterdam harbour and is completely refurbished – top start live as a restaurant. We haven’t been there ourselves, but the environment is very special – not only for TV history buffs. Open Tuesday till Sunday from 6pm (Haparandadam 45 – II, phone 020 – 428 6973. The REM Eiland website is only in Dutch, but offers some nice picturesm of the island’s history.

Rather new

Opened two years ago: Restaurant Neva in the Dutch branch of the famous Hermitage Museum of St Petersburg.  The recently opened museum has proved to be a big success, attracting over 100,000 visitors in its first month. Don’t have time to visit the museum? Have lunch or dinner in the Neva restaurant, where you can sit outside for a view of the water – or inside with a view on the open kitchen.  First reviews are mixed, but the atmosphere is first-rate. You can also arrive by boat.

The restaurant is at Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1; call them on: 020 530 7481.

Indonesian

Ask a Dutchman about his favourite local food and he will tell you its a ‘rijsttafel” (rice table). The famous dish is a colonial adaptation of the Indonesian dinner and popular only in The Netherlands. It consists of rice accompanied by between 12 and 30, often spicy, side dishes served in small portions. Popular side dishes include egg rolls, sambal, satay, fish, fruits, vegetables, pickles and nuts. The number of side dishes depends mainly on the number of guests. There is a (not very) specific eating order: from mild to spice and then rounded off with fruit or a sweet ‘spekkoek’.

Craving for that Indonesian “rijsttafel”? Eat your heart out at Sama Sebo. Yes, we know it’s touristy, but you can’t beat the food. Reservation is essential at 020 662 8146; PC Hoofstraat 27.

We also like Restaurant Blauw, an unusual name for an otherwise traditional Indonesian restaurant that prides itself in serving freshly prepared food. Call them on: 020 675 5000 ; Amstelveenseweg 158-160.

If you like it spicy – and I mean REALLY spicy – then head for Tempo Doeloe at Utrechtstestraat 75. You can get a rice table here as well, but sharing a few dishes between you and your colleagues is a better option. As a warning, though, some of the dishes are extremely hot (spicy). Call them on: 020 625 6718.

Dutch

You asked for it – we’ll give it to you, restaurants that serve “real” Dutch food. A good choice for contemporary Dutch food is Restaurant Spelt (Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 5A; phone 020 420 7022). Seasonal three-course menus are €29.50 and daily specials start from €14.50. They always use fresh ingredients that are lovingly prepared. The name of the place refers to a traditional typically Dutch type of bread, one of an extremely filling kind.

Dutch families with kids like to go to pancake houses, the Dutch variety. There are a number of places where you can have pancakes (almost) any way you want them. Try, for instance Pancakes! Amsterdam (Berenstraat 38, phone 020 528 9797). They have two-dozen or so different kinds of pancakes – and if you can’t make up your mind, they also serve American-style pancakes.

As you probably know, the Japanese and the Dutch are the only two people who have traditionally raw fish on their menu. In Japan, it is of course sushi and sashimi; in The Netherlands go for raw herring at one of the ubiquitous fish stalls. The way to “properly” eat them is: take the herring at the tail, dip it in the onions that come with it and start eating towards the tail. If the idea of eating raw fish with your hands puts you off, you can ask the man in the stall to cut the fish up for you.

Chinese

Chinese restaurants are plentiful in Amsterdam. Near the RAI is the up-market Oceania (Scheldestraat 77). Go for Peking duck with pancakes or chicken in black bean sauce, which are both delicious. If you don’t like beer with your dinner, there is an extensive wine list to choose from. Call them on: 020 673 8907.

Chang-i is a relative newcomer to the large array of ‘modern’ Chinese restaurants, run by the brother Alex and Yong Chang. This is not your run-of-the-mill take away Chinese; on the contrary, a modern, lounge-style restaurant, welcoming staff and an adventurous kitchen. What do you think of a vegetarian eel made of shiitake? An extensive wine list complements the experience. A private room for parties up to 20 people is available.  (020 – 4701700, Jan Willem Brouwerstraat 7; www.chang-i.nl)

Go to the very large Nam Tin restaurant if you like dim sum for lunch, as they have a tremendous choice. With the large flat screens showing Chinese satellite television and the busloads of Chinese tourists, you’ll feel like you’re in Hong Kong. Don’t let this put you off: the food is good. (Jodenbreestraat 11-13, (020 428 8508).

If you like it a bit smaller, go to its sister restaurant Nam Kee, where the oysters are great (there is a Dutch movie named after them!) and the staff can sometimes be a bit rude – just like it should be. Make your way past the people waiting for the take-away food and join some others on the large round tables. They are located at Zeedijk 111-113; reservations not possible.

Sea Palace is a very large, three-storey restaurant near the Amsterdam Centraal Station (just to the East), and as far as we know the only floating one of this kind outside of Hong Kong. It’s a bit touristy, but still a very special place with enjoyable food. Oosterdokskade 8; phone: 020 626 4777.

Japanese

Otaru is an unpretentious and informal Japanese restaurant that offers sushi at 40-50% off at some times of the day. It also has a choice of other Japanese dishes. We like it, and not just because the price is right. Frans Halsstraat 2; phone: 020 670 8972.

Italian

For pizzas and pastas we like the informal and busy atmosphere of 4 Stagioni in the “old south” area of the city. You need to reserve your place by calling 020 662 0071. Johannes Verhulststraat 32.

For novelty value – rather than culinary delight – you might want to try Pasta e Basta, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8. In this Italian restaurant the waiters carry microphones and sing opera! We are not sure if this helps the digestion, but people seem to love it, as reservations are an absolute must. Phone: 020 422 2229.

Best Views

Looking for a restaurant with the best view of Amsterdam? Go to the public library next to Centraal Station. At the top floor you’ll find the informal self-service La Place restaurant with a wide view on the Amsterdam skyline. Open till 22.00. Oosterdokskade 143; no reservations.

Brand new is the Mint Hotel, a luxury place to stay near the Centraal Station. The hotel features a Skylounge, where you can choose between cocktails, a wide selection of whiskies, quality wines and local as well as international bottled beers. The Mint also has a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, overlooking the waterfront.

If money is no object – head for the top floor of the Okura Hotel (Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, nearby the RAI). From the 23rd floor you’ll have a great view of the city, especially after dark. The cuisine is classic French. You’ll need to reserve a table. If you can’t get a place, just go upstairs and order a drink from the cocktail bar. Phone: 020 678 7450.

A newcomer is Blue, which offers not only food and drinks but great views as well. Located on top of the shopping centre Kalvertoren in the centre of Amsterdam, this place is open from 10 in the morning (12 on Sundays, 11 on Mondays) till 18.30 serving sandwiches, soups, salads and a small selection of hot meals. Phone: 020 427 3901. Not a place to take any business relations to, it is usually full of girls doing their shopping.

The shopping centre can be entered from Kalverstraat, Singel or Heiligeweg.

Your suggestions

Do you have a top tip for IBC dining? Let us know using the box below.

Talking Italian, Hugo Bellaart, director for strategy and product planning at Harman International recommends restaurant d’Antica for its authentic and truly Italian kitchen. “This restaurant is free from tourists, only frequented by people in-the-know. Probably the best Italian in Amsterdam and beyond. It is located in the city centre, close to the Rembrandt plein. It is best to reserve a table upfront to avoid disappointment…” Reguliersdwarsstraat 80- 82; phone 020 6233862.

Lukas Kernell, general manager of thematic channels at DMC, Chellomedia, recommends Bordewijk (and we agree!). “Restaurant Bordewijk, on Noordermarkt (7 – phone: +31 20 6243899) in Amsterdam has consistently been culinary heaven for the last 25 years. Chef Wil Demandt prepares a new 5-course menu every day, mixing traditional French cuisine with fresh in-season produce and a large dosis of creativity. Combined with the excellent staff (of which some have been with Will from the start!), attention to detail and the exquisite wine list, Bordewijk could easily be one of the most expensive restaurants in town. The bill at the end of a gourmet-night is just the last of many pleasant surprises!”

Gay Bell, managing director, Platform PR, also has praise for Restaurant Bordewijk: “Discovered it last year and it’s excellent – fabulous food and an atmosphere that takes you away from the stresses of the RAI. Also the glamorous Le Garage – at Ruysdaelstraat 54 – fabulous atmosphere, great food and always an experience, one of our favourites for a long time.” See www.restaurantlegarage.nl

Jonathan Marks writes, I’d like to share two restaurant discoveries for Robert’s IBC Guide, both on the west side of the centre. Restaurant Toscanini (Lindengracht 75, 1015 KD Amsterdam; Tel: +31 20 623 28 13) has been around in the Jordaan area of town for decades. There are quite a few Italian restaurants along the Lindengracht, so look for the one with two white globes outside. Inside there’s plenty of room, ideal for small groups. Excellent home-made pasta – I found the menu of the day to be superb and overall the best value.  Organically grown produce used for the most part. Varied Italian winelist. You can have a virtual look around on their website. It can get busy, so reservations essential. The kitchen is open, so you can see everything happening. www.diningcity.nl/toscanini Paid parking in front of the restaurant, like most of Amsterdam central region is expensive (€4 an hour). Public transport: Tram 3 (Willemsstraat),Bus 18 (Willemsstraat)

Restaurant Marius. Barentszstraat 243, 1013 NM Amsterdam +31 20 4227880. Great Italian food at this restaurant a two- minute walk from the terminus of tramline 3 at Zoutkeetsgracht. It is 1.5 km from Central Station. They work with a set menu – all fresh ingredients. Cosy atmosphere, – you might have to share a table when its busy. Reservations essential. Shut Sunday evening. http://tinyurl.com/24d5jvs

Nicole Ludwig, Product Manager Electronic Media at pps, Berlin, submits Pianeta Terra, Beulingstraat 1, Tel. 020-626 19 12, www.pianetaterra.nl. “Just around the corner of the busy Spui a very personal Italian Restaurant did surprise me so much when I first visited it. I never expected such a creative, fresh and delicious Italian cuisine here. The menu changes every day, they choose absolutely fresh ingredients and they prefer organic. Just the best of the “pianeta terra” I guess, some of the vegetables were so tasty, I can’t believe… They have so well combined dishes, it was delicious and a very new experience. The atmosphere in the room is also very nice, quiet, with a good service and perfect for a business dinner of a small group.”

Jonathan Try, VP Broadcasting at Chellomedia Programming BV, has this suggestion, Le Pescadou in Amstelveen: “Really good fish restaurant just 10 minutes by taxi from the RAI is Le Pescadou in Amstelveen. Small, but with attentive staff and good food, it’s popular with the locals. It’s a good idea to ring first for a reservation and they’re closed on Mondays. (Contact details are: Visrestaurant Le Pescadou, Amsterdamseweg 448, 1181 BW Amstelveen. Phone: + 31 20 – 6470443)”

And for the beers… Two tips to have a nice drink (beer) in Amsterdam, according to Peter van der Arend from meerbier.nl. They are actually his own, but they just might have that special beer you always wanted. Meerbier.nl was founded to promote special beers.

Owner Peter van der Arend is one of few Dutch beerologists. His passion for beer has resulted in opening the first beer café serving only Dutch beer: Dutch Beer café & Tasting Room ‘t Arendsnest, on the July 12, 2000. t Arendsnest resides at Herengracht 90, phone (020) 421 20 57.

On the November 15, 2002, along with Marcel Snater, he subsequently started the contract brewery De Snaterende Arend Bierbrouwers, in order to produce good ales. Marcel brews beers for ‘t Arendsnest and Beertemple (like Tempelbier, in cooperation with Jopen), but of course for other bars as well.

On September 9, 2009 he opened his second bar in Amsterdam. This is the first American beer-bar in Europe. It boasts many American beers on draft and bottle, but also sports a selection of beers from other countries.Beertemple is at Nieuwezijds voorburgwal 250. Phone (020) 62 714 27.
info@beertemple.nl

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