Rather confusingly, the Dutch refers to bars as cafés. The following are cafés in the traditional English sense: sandwiches, cake and a cup of tea.
A simply fabulous, multi-coloured café which was run by the flamboyant septuagenarian Gary, one of the legendary, half-Mohawk 'Christmas Twins' from Boston, America. The twin brothers travelled the world as a cabaret duo before making Amsterdam their home in the early 1970s. They even appeared as extras in Roger and Hammerstein's South Pacific (1958). Sadly, Gary's brother Greg died in 1997 and Gary recently followed him home in February 2009. I have no idea whether this place is going to stay open. Stay tuned... And in the meantime, see this lovely video of Gary.
DOLORES | Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal (opposite 289; you can't miss it)
This unique organic snack bar is located with a small white wooden house (an 1896 listed building). Offering a personal touch, Dolores serves up a variety of organic hamburgers, sandwiches, coffees, juices and other delicously healthy snacks.
DE BAKKERSWINKEL | Warmoesstraat 69 | (020) 489 8000 | www.debakkerswinkel.nl
A slice of London in the heart of Amsterdam is this huge lunchroom, once an old tea warehouse. Spacious, high-ceilinged and with a variety of comfortable seating, it's the perfect place to while away an afternoon sipping Earl Grey and indulging in delicate cakes, scones and cream, or the mouth-watering quiches straight from the open kitchen. And don't forget to pick up some freshly-baked bread or homemade jams on your way out. There are also other Bakkerswinkels dotted around town at: Roelof Hartstraat 68 and Regulateurshuis 1 (at the Westergasfabriek).
DE PEPERWORTEL | Overtoom 140 | (020) 685 1053 | www.peperwortel.nl
Just one minute from the Vondelkpark (near the Filmmuseum), this charming traiteur is ideally placed to pick up a picnic. They have simply delicious quiches, pasta, salads and soup – with vegetarians well catered for - and a choice selection of wine.