It turns out that the ever-dapper Babar is just as charming as he was when we were children now that we’re adults. Bathed in warm light and rich jewel tones, this eensy little bar is perfect for dates. Or for finding a date for next week! Come by for a few glasses of wine, a dish of olives and a nice people-watching session.

Whether it be the perfectly precise food or the extensive wine list, the draw that pulls us towards Zoldering is serious. It has secured a Michelin star, though the intimate space remains unpretentious and remarkably simple. The menu is à la carte, as friends (Tomas, Wout, Job, and Joost) curate a selection of hot and cold bites. Book promptly as spots fill up quickly. 

For the very best meat in town, we highly recommend popping into our favourite butcher, Slagerij de Leeuw. While it's certainly not cheap, the quality of the meat and the super helpful staff make it worth every penny.

This neighbourhood bookshop stuffs every possible genre of book into its tiny, terraced space. There's niche encyclopedias of Dutch artists, architecture guides, and fiction for the old and young. Unlike many of the Amsterdam boutiques, Zwart op Wit is only closed for two days of the year (New Years Day and Christmas), ensuring that a book-driven browse can always be on the cards. Keep an eye on its agenda for events, book releases, and signings.