Amsterdam, Netherlands + Add a trip

Brasserie Harkema is always a good option. Sophisticated ambiance (but not too much) and good food. If you head to The Pijp, you'll find nice restaurants around Heineken Plein (Heineken Square). If you're in the mood for Indian food you can head to The Balti House, one of Amsterdam's best, located 3 blocks from the square.

Pianeta Terra is a brilliant place. In the centre 1 min from the Spiuj and 5 min from the Leidseplein it has new Italian food. Stay for a grappa afterwards with one of the chefs, it is one of the nicest places in town.

Here's the most recent list of favorites in Amsterdam on Mapplr, most of which I have tried: http://www.mapplr.com/2008/08/15/mapplr-favorite-restaurants-in-amsterdam/

For a full list of articles and reviews: http://www.mapplr.com/tag/amsterdam/

If you have a bit of cash, check out Palladium at Leidseplein. The cheesecake is SO GOOD i brought 2 slices back home to Singapore

Brasserie Harkema is a great tip.

For the first night, it's always best to find a place in walking distance. If you're in the western part of the downtown area, take a stroll through the Jordaan which has lots of little eateries. There is Winkel at the Noordermarkt, Dining Eleven in the Reestraat, or Heerlijk! on the Palmgracht. Another favorite of mine is Duende - Spanish Tapas, great mix of people though crowd tends to be young, order at the bar, share a table if needed.

Places farther removed from the center that are good are: De Kas - In the east part of the city, super good organic food, somewhat like California cuisine Vak Zuid - In the outh part of the city, in the old Olympic stadium in the south part of town, Asian fusion, with bar and DJ. Restaurant Amsterdam - In the west part of the city, French food, big space in historic building.

My latest find in Amsterdam is Mantoe on Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 13 in the Jordaan. They have a set menu of Afghan food which is just fantastic. So is the staff. Chose Mantoe for a lovely and intimate dinner.

If there are two or more of you and you're into Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table), try Kantjil en de Tijger on the Spuistraat - it's a real show of a meal and the food's delicious. A great place for larger groups too. If you're on your own or looking for something typical and intimate, try De Reiger on the Nieuwe Leliestraat, it's an upmarket version of the typical Amsterdam eetcafe ("eat café").

Beddington's (Utrechtsedwarsstraat 139) is one of the best places in town - not cheap, but good value for the great food and wine that you get. Definitely worth a look!

There is a great cheese shop on the corner of the Single and Harlemmerstraat called KaasLand. They have some great bread as well. There is a place called Foodism right near the Grey Area that is a pretty good sandwich/soup place. De Pijp is flush with good, cheap ethnic eateries. I ate one of my favorite meals in Amsterdam at Saray, a Turkish place on Gerard Dou