Small and seductive, this restaurant in the Jordaan district is a veritable tour de force of Burgundian cuisine. An absolute must for gourmands for owner/chef George's superb combinations of meat and fish (opt for the five-course or seven-course menus). Great value for money (though the fine wines could push up the bill). Book ahead.
CHRISTOPHE | Leliegracht 46 | (020) 679 1532 | www.christophe.nl
Expect gastronomic creations – such as sea-scallops in a crust of coconut, celeriac and avocado mousse – from the homeland of French owner/chef Jean-Joel Bonsens, along with a sublime wine list and impeccable service. This bolt-hole of grandeur on a charming canal in the Jordaan was formerly owned by Algerian-born chef Christophe Royer (hence the name). Two of us dined here and we ordered quite an expensive bottle of wine. The bill came to about €275. In hindsight we could have flown to Paris and back for the evening and eaten there for the same price.
CHEZ GEORGES | Herenstraat 3 | (020) 626 332 | no website
Small and seductive, this restaurant in the Jordaan district is a veritable tour de force of Burgundian cuisine. An absolute must for gourmands for owner/chef George's superb combinations of meat and fish (opt for the five-course or seven-course menus). Great value for money (though the fine wines could push up the bill). Book ahead.
CIEL BLEU | Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 | (020) 678 7450 | www.okura.nl
You can literally expect 'haute cuisine' from this French restaurant as it's high up on the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel, affording terrific panoramic views of the city. Its creative menu has earned it two Michelin stars and it's ideal for business dinners or dates. On the ground floor is the hotel's famous Japanese restaurant, Yamazato, which has one Michelin star. Note: Ciel Blue's adjacent cocktail bar – Twenty Third Bar – opens at 6pm, half-an-hour before the restaurant and closes at 1am.
TATIN | Borneostraat 1-Terras | (020) 468 5109 | www.tatin.nl
An absolute gem hidden in the east of the city, this large split-level establishment oozes character and charm. The menu throws up French Mediterranean delights and choice wines, which can be enjoyed indoors or – in fine weather – in its garden (which also has a children's play area). Kids have their own menu too, but if you want to avoid the little darlings head here around 8pm. Currently closed until 'middle of 2009'.