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Amsterdam offers many world-class restaurants and bars that you must visit. The city, which boasts one of Europe’s largest trading ports, has accumulated cultural and culinary influences from all around the globe throughout the years.

No less than 50 countries’ kitchens are represented, hence the saying ‘you can eat in any language in Amsterdam’. The local Amsterdam cuisine has taken it all in. Dutch cooking blends in effortlessly, even if only manifest in the generous portions. There are thousands of small restaurants attracting locals and tourists alike and around which a healthy fringe of food writers has emerged. Some places offer such fabled dishes, that the visitor is in real agony having to pick only a few items on the menu filled to the brim with absolutely ravishing delights. Food lovers are also spoilt for choice in Amsterdam, because of the huge number of restaurants that are around. Given the lay-out and architectural style of the old city centre, the scope for large restaurants is limited. Instead, thousands of intensely cosy restaurants have taken residence in the most fantastic locations, ranging from narrow 17th century canal side residences, small taverns, neighbourhood abodes, boats, former churches, refurbished docks, and other exotic locations. There is even an offshore oil platform which has been turned into a restaurant.

To help you find some of Amsterdam’s best restaurants with great ease, we have created an infographic pointing you toward the best kept secrets in town. Whether you are a movie fanatic with an appetite, a wine lover, insist on healthy food or just want a bite to eat, all you have to do is consult our infographic ‘menu’ and you’ll swiftly find your way. Click on the image on the right to see the full infographic.

Restaurant opening times and when to visit

Most of the restaurants in Amsterdam open from noon to just after 2pm and then again from 6pm to 11pm. And many take reservations. It is advisable to book a table beforehand if you want to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried meal. Kitchens tend to close at 10pm, and it’s recommended you arrive well before that hour, or, barring that, definitely reserve a table. Most restaurants only serve guests after they have sat at their tables for a certain amount of time – that’s Amsterdam etiquette which often gets mistaken by foreigners for poor service. In case you really enjoyed your meal and want to express this in a way that will strike a chord with the locals, let us share a little secret trick that is bound make you successful at conveying your appreciation. It’s a hand motion, which is universally understood in Holland.

The Dutch is the only nation in the world that shares this strange code and endeavouring to make the hand gesture replaces the words ‘it was delicious!’. So this is how it goes. Sit down at a table, pretending you have just eaten a scrumptious meal. Got your hands out of your pocket? Now lift your right hand to ear height. Spread the fingers a little. The palm of your hand should be facing your ear. The next step is what this is all about; pretend to be the queen waving at the nation, but instead of waving at pretend people, wave your hand at your ear. And pick up the pace a bit too from what the queen would wave at. Show your excitement. Three or four waves in rapid motion. That’s it! If the waiter at your table smiles, you will have conveyed the message successfully.

For more advice and to find out what events are coming up in Amsterdam, check out our Explore Amsterdam section to keep up to date.