From Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to trendy yet laid-back cafés, Amsterdam’s food scene is thriving, making it a true haven for any foodies that visit. From the first raw bar in the Netherlands to an eatery that only uses local, farm fresh produce, these are some of Amsterdam’s must-try restaurants.

De Kas
In English, De Kas means greenhouse, and the restaurant’s name is in honor of its location – in a massive greenhouse that used to belong to the Municipal Nursery of Amsterdam. The greenhouse is large enough that it has easily been divided into two parts; the first being a restaurant and the second reserved for growing produce that the kitchen can create exciting menus from. With a focus on contemporary European and rural Mediterranean cuisine, this is the restaurant to visit if you want to taste some of the best of Amsterdam’s local produce.

Bridges
With an emphasis on Dutch and French culinary traditions, Bridges has only recently opened its doors in Amsterdam, bringing with it the first raw bar that the Netherlands has seen. Alongside the fresh and succulent oysters, and the more-ish lobster sandwiches, Bridges also has a drinks list that boasts an extensive range of vintage wines and champagnes, as well as a quirky cocktail bar and cigar lounge.

Vinkeles
Voted by TripAdvisor as the best restaurant in Amsterdam, Vinkeles earned their first Michelin star in 2009 for their delicate French cuisine that strikes a beautiful balance between classic and contemporary. The restaurant’s sunken dining room is surrounded by 18th century ovens, reminiscent of an old French bakery, while the garden views provide the perfect backdrop to the elegant meals served up. While the a la carte menu at Vinkeles is always tempting, the tasting menu is usually the best option for those who are dining at the restaurant for the first time, as it gives you the opportunity to taste a wider range of their amazing creations.

Yamazato
In addition to having some of the finest European restaurants in the world, Amsterdam is also home to Yamazato, the only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Europe. The restaurant is designed to mirror a 19th century Japanese tea house, with the menu focussing on haute cuisine. If you want to taste the best of the restaurant’s dishes, the traditional eight-course tasting menu is what you should order.

Restaurant Johannes
While Restaurant Johannes may not yet have a Michelin star, the food is most definitely worthy of one, as many of their regular patrons would agree. Situated on the ground floor of a canalside house along the Herengracht, considered to be one of the prettiest canals in the city, Restaurant Johannes makes use of classic Dutch ingredients, but in a quirky and innovative way. From the croquettes stuffed with mustard duxelles and ballotine of pheasant to the delicate sweetbreads served with wild spinach, truffles and a red wine sauce, Restaurant Johannes takes Dutch cuisine to a whole new level.

Dining at these Amsterdam restaurants will offer you more than a quick way to fill your stomach. Instead, these establishments all take strong pride in their food, providing guests with an unforgettable gastronomical experience rather than just a simple meal.