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: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. If you get a little peckish after wandering through the Red Light District and are in search of some spicy food in the city's Chinatown district, this authentic Thai restaurant offers some of the best in town – and is renowned for huge portions at very affordable prices. As a result, there may be a queue here but grab a Singha beer at the bar and wait, because it won't be long before you find yourself seated at a wooden bench specially imported from Thailand. The Thai staff are friendly and attentive to a fault. And if you're in a hurry, pop over to their typically Thai snackbar opposite, at No 77.

 

Description: FURTHER AFIELD. Despite its rather unlikely location along a residential stretch, just a short stroll from the Leidseplein, this modern white-linen Indonesian restaurant is coveted by foodies and food critics alike. Its chef creates sublime contemporary dishes with a distinct West Javanese/Bandung accent, peppered with Chinese and Filipino influences, not to mention an entirely unique 'rijstafel' (rice table). An impressive wine list and rare teas complete the experience.

 

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: CENTRAL CANAL RING. Although the restaurant's themed interior features vibrant colors and paper umbrellas, its beautiful gardens are a constant draw for summertime diners. A great, central location also adds to Dynasty's appeal. The largely Chinese menu also features Thai, Vietnamese, Malay and Filipino fare. Fresh vegetables are at a premium, paired with lamb, beef, duck, lobster and seafood. Frequently busy, the restaurant is one of Amsterdam's most popular Asian venues, and fixed price menus are available if decision-making comes hard to you.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Authentic Indonesian cuisine, with its sublime flavors and exotic quality, has folks flocking to this popular place. The restaurant's modern interior invites patrons to ease back and enjoy a meal of savory fare, served by a staff of mostly students who don't mind tutoring novice diners. A la carte dishes can be had, as can satays, but the primary draw is the 'rijsttafel,' a dozen-plus dishes featuring vegetables, seafood and meats, all accompanied by rice or noodles. Several of these options are available and are best enjoyed with a group. Tip: Dine between 4:30-6:45pm, and you can get a complete Indonesian meal served in a traditional mangkok (bowl) for just €9.25.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. Transformed from a 1950s-era garage, this exciting eatery now boasts a sophisticated decor of banquettes and mirrors, ideal for its see-and-be-seen crowd of celebrities and political figures. Even the chef himself is an easily recognized TV personality. His cuisine relies heavily on French tradition, although it ventures into Asian, Dutch and Italian territories as well. The glitzy environs are tempered by well-prepared dishes, including roast squab, Moroccan-spiced lamb, rotisserie chicken, rib-eye with béarnaise sauce, duck à l'orange, and a fresh catch of the day. Prix fixe menus can also be had at the bustling, energetic establishment.

 

Description: FURTHER AFIELD. Studded with broad windows and dressed in the color of its namesake (Cherry Orchard), this hotel restaurant garners praise for both its modern French cuisine – created using the region's freshest ingredients – and its atmosphere. Well-chosen wines add depth to the menu, and à la carte and prix fixe options are both available. You're likely to run into a few celebrities, given the place's popularity. (Closed the last half of July.)

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. A muted, textural interior, punctuated by vibrant textiles, sets the scene for diners who stop in to this charming restaurant. Indonesian cuisine makes the most of equatorial ingredients, redolent of spice, warmth and leisure. As with many restaurants of its ilk, Sama Sebo suggests the rice table, a melange of dishes, but a la carte options can also be had. Sidewalk dining is a warm-weather must, and the location on an upscale thoroughfare assures terrific shopping either before or after dinner.