Amsterdam is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern innovation, especially when it comes to its dining and nightlife scene. Whether you’re in the mood for Michelin-starred cuisine, a cozy café, or an upscale bar with stunning views, the Dutch capital has something for everyone. From innovative dining concepts to iconic eateries, Amsterdam boasts an array of exceptional places that promise to elevate your culinary experience. Monaco Voice explores the best restaurants and bars that capture the essence of this dynamic city, offering an unforgettable journey of flavors and atmosphere.
Fresh Seafood in a Stylish Setting
Located in the heart of Amsterdam and beyond, The Seafood Bar is a celebrated culinary destination that brings the freshest flavors of the ocean to the table. Founded by Fons de Visscher, whose very name translates to 'fisherman,' this family-run establishment has grown from a humble fish shop in Helmond to a renowned seafood institution with locations in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and London’s vibrant Soho.
Since opening its first restaurant in 2012 on Van Baerlestraat, The Seafood Bar has gained a loyal following, drawing guests in with its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and an inviting atmosphere. The de Visscher family has built the restaurant on passion and dedication, ensuring that each dish reflects their deep-rooted love for the sea.
The menu is a true homage to the ocean’s bounty, featuring a variety of sustainably sourced seafood prepared with minimal processing to preserve its natural flavors. Guests can indulge in an exquisite selection of shellfish, celebrated for their low environmental impact. The signature Fruit De Mer Plateau offers a luxurious assortment of cold crustaceans and shellfish, including mussels, cockles, razor clams, and Tourteau crab, elegantly served on crushed ice.
For those seeking a warm and flavorful start, options like shrimp in garlic butter, delicate crab cakes, or crispy calamari set the stage for an unforgettable meal. Seafood lovers can also savor grilled octopus from Galicia, vongole in a fragrant white wine sauce, or the rich and velvety lobster soup. Main courses showcase the restaurant’s expertise in seafood, with highlights like the Mixed Grill, a bountiful combination of shrimp, squid, sea bream, salmon, and king prawn, served with mussels in a savory tomato sauce. For a refined touch, the tuna tataki with wakame and furikake delivers a perfect balance of freshness and umami.
Beyond exceptional cuisine, The Seafood Bar embraces sustainability, ensuring that every dish supports responsible fishing practices. Whether visiting for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, guests are treated to an unparalleled seafood experience in a warm and stylish setting.
Daalder: Michelin-Starred Art on a Plate
In the heart of Amsterdam’s dynamic culinary scene, Daalder has carved out a reputation as an avant-garde dining destination where art, flavor, and innovation collide. Now housed in Het Sieraad, this bold, neon-lit space radiates an urban chic energy, setting the stage for an unforgettable gastronomic experience led by renowned chefs Dennis Huwaë and Nigel Eccles.
Their creative genius lies in his ability to balance the unexpected with the refined. Signature dishes tell a story of contrast—drawing from Indonesian roots of Dennis and global inspirations to craft explosive yet harmonious flavors. At Daalder, every plate is an intricate masterpiece, whether it’s the delicate Hamachi with green apple, ajo blanco, and tofu, or the indulgent langoustine paired with lavas, minestrone, and yuzu. Meticulous technique and flair for reinvention are evident in every bite, from the indulgent Wagyu A5 with red curry and aubergine to the refined simplicity of the beetroot ravioli with ricotta and spinach.
The menu is a curated journey through culinary highlights, best experienced through the immersive Daalder Experience—a six-course tasting menu that showcases his most imaginative creations. For those seeking a more tailored affair, the Dennis' Favourites menu brings together the chef’s personal selection, delivering a symphony of flavors that linger long after the last course.
Beyond the plate, Daalder is a hub of culinary artistry and innovation. Alongside chef Nigel Eccles, Huwaë has taken the Daalder brand beyond Amsterdam, bringing its bold flavors to global pop-ups in Copenhagen, Ibiza, and Azerbaijan.This commitment to pushing boundaries extends to the restaurant’s exclusive special occasion menus, including a Mother’s Day celebration featuring caviar, six champagne pairings, and a keepsake goodie bag—an experience designed to be as memorable as the dishes themselves.
With its effortlessly cool ambiance, electrifying energy, and a kitchen that treats gastronomy like an elite sport, Daalder is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether indulging in their signature ‘Stroopwafel’ dessert or sipping kombucha between bites of Vadouvan anchovies, guests are invited into Daalder’s world—one where flavors surprise, artistry reigns, and every meal feels like a masterpiece.
Address: Postjesweg 1, 1057 DT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 799 5000
Celia: A Californian Oasis in the Heart of Amsterdam
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, Celia offers a refreshing escape that blends California’s laid-back spirit with the city’s dynamic energy. With its airy, light-filled interiors, the restaurant creates an inviting urban retreat where guests can enjoy the bright flavors and diverse influences of California cuisine.
Celia’s menu is a tribute to American culinary diversity, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start with the Smoked Mushroom Taco, featuring a blue corn tortilla, poblano crema, and queso fresco, or the Fried Codfish Taco with jackfruit slaw. The Octopus Tostada, with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro, offers a fresh and zesty bite.
For heartier options, indulge in the Cheeseburger, served on a brioche bun with tomato and fries, or the Steak with chimichurri, grilled onions, and yuca. Seafood lovers can enjoy the Fish of the Day, served with turnips, potato, salmon caviar, and tarragon oil. Shareable dishes include the Roasted Farm Chicken with citrus and barbecue sauce, the tender Short Ribs with veal jus and spiced carrots, or the Seabass a la Plancha, finished with ponzu sauce. For a grand feast, the Côte de Boeuf (800 grams for two) comes with a rich chimichurri sauce.
Complement your meal with vibrant sides like Sweet Potato with lime yogurt, Grilled Cabbage with miso and aji amarillo sauce, or Pumpkin with mint pesto and parmesan. Other favorites include the classic Caesar Salad, citrus-infused Cauliflower with feta and pine nuts, or Broccolini with a cacio e pepe twist. The Celia Bowl, a wholesome mix of quinoa, edamame, sesame, and smoked mushrooms, offers a nourishing yet flavorful option.
For a lively weekend treat, Celia’s Bottomless Brunch pairs unlimited Prosecco, Mimosas, and Bloody Marys with indulgent dishes like Blueberry Pancakes and Egg Buns, making every visit a celebration. Celia’s menu is subject to seasonal changes, ensuring only the freshest ingredients and best flavors in every dish.
Phone: +31 20 521 1755
Address: Nieuwendijk 60, 1012 MP Amsterdam, Netherlands
A Culinary Journey at Hotel Okura Amsterdam
A world of exquisite flavors awaits at Hotel Okura Amsterdam, home to a collection of award-winning restaurants. At the two-Michelin-starred Ciel Bleu, Head Chef Arjan Speelman presents a refined fusion of French culinary traditions and innovative techniques, complemented by breathtaking city views.
For an authentic taste of Japan, Yamazato—a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant—offers seasonal delicacies in an elegant setting overlooking a tranquil Japanese garden. The immersive experience continues at Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka. Meanwhile, Serre Restaurant, recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, serves international dishes in a relaxed, canal-side ambiance. For a sophisticated evening, the Twenty Third Bar presents handcrafted cocktails with panoramic city views, while the elegant Lobby Bar is perfect for unwinding with refined drinks and small bites.
At Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka, skilled chefs showcase the precision of Japanese culinary performance, preparing exquisite dishes on a sizzling iron griddle in front of the guests. The fusion of flavor, high quality ingredients, technique, and entertainment makes each dinner an immersive journey. For wine and sake connoisseurs, the hotel’s expert sommeliers curate an extraordinary selection of rare vintages and artisanal sakes, each chosen to complement the richness of the cuisine.
Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 678 7111
Super Lyan – The Perfect Spot for After-Dinner Cocktails in Amsterdam
After enjoying your dinner in Amsterdam, Monaco Voice highly recommends heading to Super Lyan, an exceptional cocktail bar located in a historic 17th-century Dutch house in the heart of the city. This unique venue blends classic charm with modern creativity, making it the ideal place to unwind and enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere.
Super Lyan, the first international location from Mr Lyan and the team behind acclaimed bars such as Seed Library and Silver Lyan, brings a fresh take on cocktail culture. The bar offers a curated selection of drinks that range from timeless classics with an innovative twist to entirely new creations that change seasonally. Each drink is crafted with precision, ensuring that every visit offers a new and exciting experience.
The menu features a mix of bold and refreshing concoctions, such as the Beeswax Old Fashioned, which combines Maker’s Mark, Millstone Rye, and beeswax for a rich, flavorful experience, or the East 8 Straight Up, a fruity mix of vodka, Aperol, lychee, and passionfruit for a lighter, vibrant choice. For something playful and fun, the Play-Time Tini is a reimagined classic, featuring Grey Goose, marshmallows, and pandan, offering a whimsical twist on the traditional martini.
To complement your drinks, Super Lyan also offers a variety of delicious bites, perfect for sharing after a great meal. From crispy Fries to Jackfruit Croquettes, the small plates are crafted to pair perfectly with the cocktails, making for a delightful after-dinner experience. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or simply in the mood to enjoy great company, this bar is the place to be.
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 3, 1012 RC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 620 0500