Small apologies for those who do not in Amsterdam live here, because today I am staying for a little while in my hometown. But I have a good reason for a weekend away in our capital. There is so much fun happening here. Recently, an incredible number of great restaurants have opened, and that's why I'm sharing the coolest, nicest, and trendiest spots for dinner or cocktails.
The French Connection
Where we used to dance until the sun came up (namely in Odeon) is now restaurant The French Connection. Indeed, you guessed it, French cuisine is served in the kitchen. There are 21 (one from each district in France) small dishes on the menu, and it's not a crazy idea to order them all, as they are “French tapas”, so mini bites. It's a large place with a brick wall, so it's tough, and there are many tables with a bench on one side. The ladies like to sit there, you should know.
The Duchess
On the Spui in the old bank building, there is a huge restaurant: The Duchess. I'm happy about it because I found that Spuistraat a bit ugly, dirty, and not really inviting. But not anymore. The restaurant is a large establishment and has a bit of a New York vibe. Tiles on the floor, a high ceiling with incredibly beautiful chandeliers, that kind of thing. It is said that the dessert there is a fairy tale. It is a chocolate egg that is smashed on the table, from which a lot of cookies, cake, and ice cream come out.
Terpentijn
This restaurant has been open since the beginning of this year, but I just discovered it. You need to know that it is there. The Rokin has been under construction for ten thousand years, so you sometimes forget to look behind the barriers. The menu is a mix of French and Asian, and the food is especially suitable for sharing. I like that.
There is an extensive cocktail menu, so Terpentijn is also a very nice place before or after dinner. Even better: you can walk in until 4 o'clock on weekends. Yes.
Maybe
A restaurant by Julius Jaspers and Bert van der Leden (IQ Creative of Supperclub among others).
Happyhappyjoyjoy is located in a nice spot on the busy Bilderdijkstraat. You can eat incredibly good Asian food there, but it's not a restaurant to linger for a long time. More for a bite before you go to the movies or another party. The name says it all: you will be very happy here.
