There are countless restaurants and bars within Amsterdam, but here are a few of our favorites:

Brunch:

1. Bakers & Roasters - B&R is a New Zealand style cafe served with a heavy dose of Brazil. The open kitchen produces all your favorite brunch dishes, fresh fruit salads, and kiwi-twisted baked goods all day long. (A favorite of ours that we would highly recommend to anyone).

2. Omelegg - Family-run brunch spot with two locations in Amsterdam. Specializing in omelets and serving actual American-style bacon (this isn't always easy to find in the Netherlands).

3. LOCALS - Trendy hangout offering coffee, smoothies & all-day brunch.

4. Coffee & Coconuts - Situated in a former cinema built in the 1920s, this brunch spot features all-day brunch, their own signature coffee, juices, and pastries.

5. The Duchess - The Duchess resides in one of the best-kept historic gems, the former KAS Bank in W Hotel Amsterdam, providing guests with the elegance of traditional London hospitality balanced with Viennese grandeur. The menu is one of intricate simplicity with classics such as luscious Fruits de Mer platters, rotisserie and grill specialties and homemade ice-cream coupes prepared at the table. (Both a brunch and dinner option).

6. Small World Catering - A sandwich and pastry shop that we frequented when we first moved to Amsterdam. This establishment offers some of the best sandwiches in the city, and the staff is always welcoming and personable.

Dinner:

1. De Kas - Originally constructed as a greenhouse in 1927, the structure was eventually converted into a restaurant that now allows guests to enjoy fresh food directly from the restaurant's garden. (This Michelin-star restaurant is a favorite of both of ours, and we would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Amsterdam. If interested, we would encourage you to book a table ahead of time as tables do sometimes fill up months in advance).

2. Sampurna - An Indonesian cuisine serving traditional family recipes and dishes. (After moving to Amsterdam, we quickly learned that due to the shared history of colonial interaction between Indonesia and the Netherlands, good Indonesian food can be found all throughout the city, and Sampurna just happens to be one of our favorites).

3. De Silveren Spiegel - A Michelin star restaurant situated in a traditional Dutch house that dates back to 1614. Widely known for its traditional fine Dutch cuisine. (Reservations recommended)

4. Jansz - An elegant restaurant serving beautifully crafted dished inspired by modern-Dutch cuisine. (Reservations recommended)

5. Brasserie Van Speyk - A classic stylish restaurant located in the heart of Amsterdam (near city center) that typically serves great meat choices (venison, steak, etc.). (Reservations recommended)

6. Yamazato - Kimono-clad waitresses serve upscale Japanese cuisine in this traditional Michelin star restaurant. (Yamazato offered some of the best sushi we've ever tasted; however, please note that this is one of the most expensive restaurants we've been to here in Europe). (Reservations far in advance required).

7. Vuurtoreneiland - For those feeling adventurous and spending extra time in Amsterdam, we would highly recommend the Vuurtoreneiland experience. This experience involves taking a ferry from Amsterdam to an island off the coast of the city where visitors will have the chance to not only explore the small island and the old military bunkers found on the island, but eat a delicious meal in transparent glasshouses. (We absolutely loved this experience, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested. Just be sure to book far in advance as spots do fill up quickly).

Cocktail Bars:

1. Tales & Spirits - Tales & Spirits is a multi-level building featuring a cocktail bar with restaurant serving exquisite drinks, amazing food, and bar bites in contemporary, unique, and vintage glassware. (One of our favorite cocktail bars in the city, and one we would highly recommend).

2. Law & Order - A highly-rated cocktail bar in a classic setting, filled with exquisite hospitality, and serving quality drinks.

3. Flying Dutchman - The Flying Dutchman is a cocktail bar in the heart of Amsterdam that focuses on (neo-)classic cocktails and features the largest backbar of the Netherlands with over 800 unique spirits.

4. Bar Mokum - Derived from Yiddish and meaning ‘safe haven,’ Bar Mokum offers classy cocktails, and utilizes Dutch spirits & liquors as much as possible to try to benefit from local products and produce.

Photos