Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. In years past, this elegant venue was the waiting room for first-class train passengers. Nowadays, the Art Nouveau-styled space invites travelers and other folks into a haven of beauty, where they can indulge in a variety of terrific fare throughout the day. Whether your appetite is large or small, you can get a full, three-course meal or simply have a sandwich and a drink. Regular, gourmet specials provide an upscale note and ensure that no one goes away hungry. Ideal for on-the-run professionals. Rather unusually, the restaurant keeps a pet cockatoo which hops the length of the bar much to diners' amusement.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. Owned and operated by British chef Jean Beddington – a favourite amongst local foodies – this small yet stylish establishment draws scores of discerning diners to watch her at work from the open kitchen. The regularly changing menus are creative and predominantly European imbued with Asian, with the occasional hint of her British heritage shining through. And her desserts are simply Jean-ius. The service here is also particularly pleasant, warm and efficient and, rather amazingly, the top-notch cusine won't burn a hole in your pocket.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. A contemporary setting serves as the backdrop for Bordewijk's cuisine – highly inventive French-inspired fare imbued with Asian and Italian influences. Poultry, seafood, pork, beef and pasta all benefit from the kitchen's capable hand, and the terrific wine list ensures an ideal complement. The menu changes frequently, and fixed-price options are available. An outdoor terrace accommodates when evenings are warm.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. This engaging, established restaurant attracts a diverse mix of people, and depending on when you visit, you'll encounter folks from the world over, including local concert-goers, business professionals, and well-to-do city denizens. The menu is fish and meat-oriented – with a twist – and includes such delights as roasted sea scallops with truffled parsley-root mousse, creamy quail soup with wild mushrooms and a quail wonton and roast monkfish with oven-braised fennel and risotto, among other standouts on the menu. A charming outdoor garden, fantastic wine menu and Sunday brunch are other reasons to drop by.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. Bathed in light and good favor, Breitner is a serious restaurant that prefers its clientèle to enjoy themselves rather than defer to its quality. In fact, you'll often find groups of friends frequenting the place, enjoying leisurely meals, and delighting in a menu that's sometimes a bit experimental but always good. Breitner also appeals to business professionals who appreciate the fact that they can meet amid hip surroundings and dine without a contingent of overly attentive servers. Great food and ambiance, no matter your purpose.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. De Kroon's gracious interior, ornamented with French furniture and refined details, fits accordingly with the cafe's name, which means "crown." The upscale place offers lunch and dinner options and boasts a wonderful enclosed terrace that affords views of the square. Desserts and coffees satisfy those who simply want to soak in the ambience with a light repast. The cafe is the latest incarnation of the original De Kroon, which first threw open its doors in 1898 but closed at the beginning of the 1950s after losing its largely Jewish clientele during World War Two. Kitchen closes at 11pm.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. If you're lucky enough to be in Amsterdam when the weather's mild, De Prins' outdoor terrace makes for wonderful dining along the canal. If not, the comfortable canal house will more than satisfy with its relaxed 'brown café' ambience. A variety of folks frequent this popular place, which offers everything from light fare to full dinners. Representative dishes feature pork, steak, fondue, pastas and duck, and you'll also want to keep an eye out for daily specials. Wonderful, leisurely dining.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. Returning patrons applaud this delightful restaurant, which often books diners weeks in advance. In the intimate place, folks take in the capable cuisine of the Belgian-born chef while they relax amid traditional furnishings, indulging in carefully crafted dishes. Multi-course meals are an especial treat, particularly since they allow the kitchen an extended chance to shine and since they allow diners to experience a well-coordinated meal, either with or without wine. A bit pricey but great for special dinners.

 

Description: WESTERN CANAL RING / JORDAAN. This intimate, clean-lined restaurant remains a well-known city presence, despite the departure of its long-term, Michelin-awarded chef/owner Jean Christophe Royer at the beginning of 2006. New joint owners are his former sommelier Ellen and French chef Jean-Joel. The quality hasn't skipped a beat, however, and regular patrons still flock here for its classic French cuisine. The menu throws up delights such as frog legs in a cream of mushrooms and sorrel, fried garlic and almonds and roasted challans duck with braised duck leg in a sauce of red port and vanilla and celeriac puree. Sublime wines, perfectly attentive service, and stylish surroundings all conspire to make this expensive venue a don't-miss experience.

 

Description: FURTHER AFIELD. 'Haute cusine' doesn't come much higher than this, and not just because of its location on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura, but also for its two Michelin stars (the only restaurant in Amsterdam to have such an accolade). Delights on the menu – which changes four times a year – include such mouthwatering delights as marbré of foie gras and stewed veal cheek with chutney of Cévennes onions, and vanilla and sweetbreads lacquered with Pedro Ximénez sherry. And that's just for starters. With choice wines complementing the dishes perfectly, exceptional service, a stylish locale and panoramic views across the city, there's no more better place to be when the sun goes down. Hungry for more? Then book the chef's table adjoining the kitchen (for six to ten people) and watch the masters at work.