Amsterdam
in North Holland

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!

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. 

If there is such a thing as a perfect neighbourhood café, Café De Linden comes remarkably close. Don't come expecting elaborate dishes or fancy cocktails. Instead, you'll find toasties, good wine, and lots of friendly faces.

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.

While a host of excellent restaurants have opened across De Jordaan in recent years, Christiaan Smit quickly found its way into our hearts, serving some of the finest food in Amsterdam. Don't miss the red mullet with peas, bisque, tomato and saffron, and be sure to save room for the stuffed madeleine with almond and vanilla ice cream.

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 drink with a friend or, are in the mood for a rousing game of chess, chances are you'll fall in love with Festina Lente. It's an incredibly cosy hangout in de Joordan for board games and drinks during the cold, winter days and for drinks in the sun on the spilling, summer side terrace. 

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. 

Gifu Ramen Bar is an izakaya and ramen bar on Amsterdam’s central Elandsgracht, run by the same powerhouse behind the omelette sando hotspot, Chun Café. Where Chun draws queues spilling out the door at lunchtime, Gifu is its more relaxed, intimate counterpart, best suited to dinner. Warm, dim lighting and wooden interiors create a more modern, moody look and feel within an otherwise minimalist design. Before slurping big bowls of steaming broth-rich, noodle-laden ramen, kick off with a few dishes to share – binchotan-grilled aubergine with a white miso and sesame crust, and silken tofu topped with enoki mushrooms and dashi. It's a thoughtful and delicious ode to chef Ryoji Miyachi’s Japanese hometown.