Pale-hued and elegant, Bice is a strong presence on Amsterdam's dining scene. Refinements like crisp linens and pristine tableware provide indication that a meal will be nothing less than spectacular. Northern Italian cuisine is particularly authentic, given that the restaurant was founded in Milan in 1926 (and still maintains headquarters there). Folks frequent the place for everything from light pastas to grilled meats and seafoods, reveling in impeccable presentation and service. Among the dishes you'll savor are ossobucco alla milanese, baked venison, pigeon in red wine sauce, grilled swordfish, and baked sea bream with pumpkin, chestnuts and pinenuts.

Signature restaurant of the stylish Blakes hotel, this enviable eatery melds urban and Asian aesthetics in a 17th century building. Its culinary stylings are just as eclectic. In a former bakery where natural materials add warmth to a black-and-white color scheme, diners are plied with foods that mix Asian, Continental, and Mediterranean flair. To wit: Foie gras soup tinged with coconut milk and red curry, sea bass with black squid-and-ginger sauce, seared tuna sushi, duck, fillet of veal, chilli-seared langoustines, and beef sirloin with green papaya salad. Careful service and flawless presentation render this chic boutique restaurant a must-do.

This engaging, established restaurant attracts a diverse mix of people, and depending on when you visit, you'll encounter folks from the world over, including local concert-goers, business professionals, and well-to-do city denizens. The menu boasts a broad scope, pulling inspiration from Asia, the Continent, and the Mediterranean world. In fact, you're likely to see sauteed Dover sole, veal, venison, spring rolls, black pudding, and seafood lasagna among other standouts on the menu. Great outdoor dining and a fantastic Sunday brunch are other reasons to drop by.

Eminently convenient for travelers to Amsterdam, this fantastic Italian restaurant lies in a hotel in the city center. Awarded for its fine cuisine, the delightful place harks back to the early part of the century with its decor and evokes the southern Mediterranean with its accomplished cuisine. Dishes are rife with flavor and fresh ingredients, from seafood to herbs, meats, and seasonal vegetables. Group functions are welcomed.

Set on the tip of a pier overlooking the IJ river, this intimate restaurant is a well-kept secret, thanks to its location behind Central Station. Dating from the 1930s, the structure is small, comprised of two rooms, and boasts candlelight and great views. The menu features culinary styles from western Europe and tucks in a few Asian influences as well. The chef isn't afraid to expand horizons with ingredients and preparation, so take in the surprises (and the quality) with a smile and a ready appetite. Ask for the room overlooking the water for the best ambience.