For good dining one does not need to fly to Paris or London. Below you find Cosmo Polite's favourite restaurants where there are culinary artists in the kitchen and (aspiring) masters of hospitality. It goes without saying that the wine menu accommodates to everyone's taste.


La Rive - Traditionally the Best
La Rive has always been rewarded with Michelin stars. This year it has 'just' one and Chef de Cuisine Rassin is fighting hard to earn the second star back. Entering the lobby of the Amstel Hotel is always a joy; it gives you a royal feeling. The interior of La Rive is conservative and classic; rather go in summer when the terrace is open and the most beautiful boats are docked at your feet. Rassin's works of culinary art are just that: art. The wines are good. I recommend La Rive for formal occassions and business dining, and to all wine & dine lovers with a well filled wallet. La Rive, Prof. Tulpplein 1, T. 520 32 64, €€€.

Ciel Blue - Sky High the Best
On the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel, there you will find culinary heaven: Ciel Blue. I have not been to this French restaurant yet. However, the jury of the Guide de Michelin has and they have rewarded the restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, making Ciel Blue the only 2 star restaurant in Amsterdam. I trust Ciel Blue will impress you, if not for the view over Amsterdam. Ciel Blue, Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, T. 678 74 50, €€€.

Bordewijk - Divine Dining
Bordewijk looks like a hospital canteen, yet when the first amuse is presented you instantly realize the this restaurant is of a 'different' level. The classic dishes are refined and perfectly prepared. Also, the service staff was very considerate and professional. Our waiter adviced us well on a the bottle of wine (and arranged a customized wine menu for me (and my fish dishes - the others had meat). The only weakness of the restaurant: the accoustics. It was rather noisy, especially when you sit close to wall, as I was, your voice resonates in some way, creating an annoying noise in your ears. Ask for a table at the window, overlooking the Noordemarkt, and you'll have an outstanding (culinary) experience. Bordewijk, Noordermarkt 7, T 624 38 99, €€€

De Compagnon - Hidden Wine Cellar
Classic French culinary art without pretense - it is possible! De Compagnon is cozy with unique views on the canals at the back. The extensive wine list boasts beautiful bottles. De Compagnon is perfect for a high-flyer business dinner, a romantic dinner or a dinner for wine & food lovers.
De Compagnon, Guldehandsteeg 17, T. 620 42 25. €€€

Le zinc… et les autres - Exclusively for Wining & Dining
French and internationally-oriented dishes prepared with love and care. The service is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The interior is romantic and homey. At Le Zinc they really care for you. Le Zinc...et les autres, Prinsengracht 999, T. 622 90 44. €€€

Spring - Superb all year around
This modern white restaurant presents excellent dishes. Not particularly creative, but certainly of high quality. The young waiters know their profession very well; many of their older peers can learn from them! Spring is ranks highly on my list of ‘best cuisine in town’. Spring, Willemsparkweg 177, T. 675 44 21. €€€

Vermeer - Traditionally Chic
That this hotel restaurant understands hospitality and culinary arts is clear. Restaurant Vermeer has well decorated the interior to make you forget that you're in a hotel. The maitre d' and staff were very correct and considerate, yet slightly 'stiff', which is a pity as the ambiance was pleasant. The food was excellent: well balanced menu, good presentation and great tastes. If the bill was worth the experience? The person who paid for the party and I did not think so, but all people invited were impressed by the dinner! Vermeer, Pr. Hendrikkade 59, T. 556 48 85, €€€

I have high culinary expectations of the following restaurants, which I hope to visit soon:
- Zuid Zeeland website
- Fyra website
- Elkaar website
- Le Restaurant website
- Blauw aan de Wal fodors review

In a previous post I have already mentioned Yamazato and Sazanka, two excellent Japanese restaurants.



Cosmo Polite's Map of Styling Places in Amsterdam

Cosmo Polite Styling Places weergeven op een grotere kaart