Perfil de mokumvonAmsterdam

The first Italian restaurant [no, not pizza!] in Amsterdam exists already 25 years, with the same owner still. I have been a customer here since 20 years and still come here regularly.
About 150 seats [I think] and a rather noisy environment. Good food, nice [but typical Amsterdam-ish, you are warned :D] service and the [free] crudités, aïoli and tapenade before and in between the different courses are added bonus. That food is a mixture of Italian & French with a touch of localism. A good vegetarian course is always available.
If you manage to convince the owner you know & love your wines, you just might be able to tempt him to show some of the off the card wines, but please leave my 1994 Pinot Noir from the house Salentein alone!

A truly ‘local Amsterdam hangout’. Hardly any tourists. The current owner is a woman from Greece who runs the bar with much style and honesty. Annoying people are warned twice, then removed.
It is a small place, typical ‘brown’ Amsterdam style interior and a vast range of colour local. Interesting people, many languages spoken, all AJAX football matches on a large screen and a nice snack round at about 18:00.
Again, one of the pearls of Amsterdam that you will not find easily but enjoy a lot.

Shhht, this is an insider tip!
Take the ‘pont’ from the back of the Central Station to the NDSM island. From there, go right, follow the sighs. It is a 5 minute walk. You will find a nicely alternative cafe with the possibility to sit inside [often ambient music is provided by a live DJ] or outside, viewing the Amstedam city center over the water.
Prices are modest, people are relaxed and the food is good.
But only tell nice & interesting people, please :D

I just love the place. The large restaurant, the small night bar, all of it. The people working there know what they are talking about and when to take care of a customer. the location in the city center and next to the Vondelpark, cinemas, discos, the theater and a casino make it an excellent location for visitors.
The architecture is Art Nouveau and a blessing for the eye!

Cafe De Reiger is indeed much ‘hyped’ but nearly everytime I come there something’s wrong: the service too busy with ‘friends’, half of the lunch card not available, etc.
It is a nice location however, and rather nice when things do go well. YMMV.