Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fi, lockers, games, restaurant, bike rental, tram #14 to Timorplein 21, tel. 020/551-3190, fax
020/623-4986,
www.stayokay.com
,
zeeburg@stayokay.com
).
Of Amsterdam's thousand-plus restaurants, no one knows which are best. I'd pick an area
and wander. The rowdy food ghetto thrives around Leidseplein; if you don't mind eating
in a touristy area, wander along “Restaurant Row” (on Leidsedwarsstraat). The area around
Spui Square and that end ofSpuistraat is also trendy,and not as noisy.Forfewer crowds and
more charm, find something in the Jordaan district. Most hoteliers keep a reliable eating list
for their neighborhood and know which places keep their travelers happy. I've listed some
handy places to consider.
Todinecheaplyyetmemorablyalongsidethebigspenders,grabamealtogo,thenfinda
bench on a lively neighborhood square or along a canal. Sandwiches
(broodjes)
of delicious
cheeseonfreshbreadarecheapatsnackbars,delis,and
broodjes
restaurants.Ethnicrestaur-
antsservecheap,splittablecarryoutmeals.Ethnicfast-foodstandsabound,offeringavariety
ofmeatswrappedinpitabread.Easytobuyatgrocerystores,yogurtintheNetherlands(and
throughout northern Europe) is delicious and often drinkable right out of its plastic contain-
er.
For the locations of these eateries, see the “Hotels and Restaurants in Central Amsterdam”
On and near Spui
Restaurant Kantjil endeTijger
isathriving place with aplain andnoisyambience, full of
happy eaters who know a good value. The food is purely Indonesian; the waiters are happy
to explain your many enticing options. Their three
rijsttafels
(traditional “rice tables” with
about a dozen small courses) range from €24 to €30 per person. Though they are designed
for two people, three people can make a meal by getting a
rijsttafel
for two plus a soup or
light dish (daily 12:00-23:00, reservations smart, mostly indoor with a little outdoor seating,
Spuistraat 291, tel. 020/620-0994).
Kantjil to Go,
run by Restaurant Kantjil, is a tiny take-out bar serving up inexpensive
but delicious Indonesian fare. Their printed menu explains the mix-and-match plan (€5
for 300 grams, €6.50 for 600 grams, vegetarian specials, daily 12:00-21:00, storefront at
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 342, around the back of the sit-down restaurant listed above, tel.
