Amsterdam
in The Netherlands

You’ll forget all about bikes and bitterballen as soon as you cross the threshold at Akitsu, one of the best Japanese restaurants in town. They have a broad menu of yakitori, sushi, warm dishes and more, and they do just about everything very, very well (including takeaway!). Though it’s not the most comfortable seat in the house, we love booking one of the traditional low tables. Shoes off, snacks on!

Whew! Pricey, yes, but worth it? Absolutely. ate is a whirlwind from start to finish. This elegant omakase simply has to be one of the best in Amsterdam. With just six seats in the restaurant, ate is a difficult reservation to snag. Save your pennies and stalk the reservations line. You’re in for a treat.

Purity & originality are qualities that characterise each & every wine you find at Au Paradis. Like many blossoming wine shops these days, Au Paradis focuses on biodynamic wines. This is not any old natural wine store, however. Au Paradis serves up gorgeous bottles of only the most special French wines that all manage to shout their terroir from the rooftops. Très bien, non?

People always say that good things come in small packages. Nowhere is that truer than at Balthazar’s Keuken, a lovely, compact little restaurant on the Elandsgracht that we just can’t help but frequent. Ever since they opened back in 1995, Balthazar’s Keuken has been serving a delicious & affordable tasting menu that makes everyone wonder why they don’t have three-course meals every single day.

As one of Amsterdam's best kept secrets, Bar Oldenhof is a relaxed spot perfect for bohemians craving classic old-fashioned cocktails. This cosy slice of the past still feels refreshing thanks to the inventive bartenders.

Tucked away on an intimate little side street in the Jordaan is this lovely, intimate wine bar. The incredibly friendly staff will gently guide you through the spectacular wine list & suggest the best of their delicious small plates to go along with whatever you decide to sip. No matter your choice, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised, but we particularly love the sardines & the roasted leeks.

Breadwinner is, dare we say, a real winner when it comes to breakfast in the ‘dam. Opened by expats (so, you know they know a good schmear), this tiny sourdough microbakery churns out THE best bagels in the city. Tuck into an everything with cream cheese while you’re there and take one of their bagel BLTs to-go. Lunch sorted. 

This little jewellery atelier might be hard to spot, but this hidden gem nestled on the Prinsengracht is definitely worth the hunt. Score some of the most gorgeous pieces handmade in Bali. 

We love this intimate gastrobar hidden in a former brown pub in the middle of the Jordaan. Cafe de Parel has a truly excellent selection of natural wines, which is so vast and diverse that there is no limit to pairing wines to their ever-changing 4 to 5-course menu. 

Run by the same lovely team behind Café de Klepel, Parlotte is a sweet little bistro and wine bar tucked away on the Westerstraat. It's the best for chatting the day away with friends and family!

There is no shortage of fun clubs in the city. If you're in the mood for a little boogie with a chi-chi edge, Chin Chin is probably what you're after. Music here tends to err on the generic side, so don't expect any underground DJs.

This hearty Middle Eastern restaurant will win you over with its cosy atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean dishes. It makes for the perfect Sunday brunch spot if you're aching for something on the healthy side. We are big fans of the shakshouka!

These days, so many yoga studios are more about crunches and getting a sweat on than practicing true yoga. Thankfully not De Nieuwe Yogaschool! Grab a coffee in the garden and give the studio kitty, Isabella, a scratch behind the ears after class.

Though it’s got seriously impressive credentials – both the chef & the sommelier were at Toscanini for years – Domenica is totally down to earth. This homey, cosy spot is ideal for Sunday dinners (Domenica, in Italian!) but just as lovely any day of the week. With a little bit of Italian flair & a lot of warmth, Domenica is quickly becoming an old standby in our dining routine.

Meticulously curated vintage has been absolutely BOOMING over the last few years, and ENSŌ vintage is one of the best places in Amsterdam to shop pre-loved designer clothing. They have a great selection of timeless, minimal pieces.

Ready to sweat off the stressful work week? At Equal Yoga you are challenged to work out the body and mind through inventive yogic flows. This studio welcomes all levels.

Whether you are stopping by for a quick bite with a friend or are in the mood for a rousing game of chess, chances are you'll fall in love with Festina Lente. This is one of our favourite spots in the city on a sunny afternoon come winter or summer.

It can be tough to find somewhere for takeaway that isn’t disgusting, disgustingly unhealthy or, worse, both. Foodware to the rescue! We love popping into this cute spot on the Looiersgracht to grab wholesome yet delicious food that’s prepared fresh each day. Pick out your ideal meal & seek out a nearby bench in the sun for an impromptu picnic.

For a big, comforting bowl of ramen, treat yourself to a little Fou Fow. We like to perch on one of the stools in the window and watch the world go by as we slurp.

A contemporary art spot to add to your gallery repertoire for when in Amsterdam. Ron Mandos is a gallery space showcasing the most innovative of exhibitions from a whole host of international artists. 

For a stellar haircut in a cute, quiet salon, hop 'op je fiets' and cycle over to Picnic. All of the stylists are good, but Ritsuko is undoubtedly the best. Not in Amsterdam? Check out their Rotterdam location.

This retro-romance boutique hotel is contemporary yet elegant. The rooms are warm and inviting, and we just love the hotel's dreamy spot in the heart of the Jordaan.

When you’re living in (or merely visiting) a city that’s as chilly as Amsterdam for so much of the year, you’ve got to outfit your wardrobe with lots of beautiful, warm textiles. Khasto is a great shop that sells lovely handmade cotton-cashmere textiles, from pyjamas to throw blankets to wraps. Pick up one of their adorable sleepmasks for the flight home & thank us later.