Brasserie Van Baerle Van Baerlestraat 158, Amsterdam 1071 BG 020-679-1532 http://www.brasserievanbaerle.nl/
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 is fish and meat-oriented – with a twist – and includes such delights as roasted sea scallops with truffled parsley-root mousse, creamy quail soup with wild mushrooms and a quail wonton and roast monkfish with oven-braised fennel and risotto, among other standouts on the menu. A charming outdoor garden, fantastic wine menu and Sunday brunch are other reasons to drop by.
De Odessa Veemkade 259, 1019 CZ Amsterdam 020 4193010 http://www.de-odessa.nl/
A beautiful sight in the heart of the Eastern Docklands district – especially when its lanterns are illuminated at night – is this lounge-style restaurant onboard a replica of an old Russian merchant ship. While the chefs conspire in the galley to produce flavorsome traditional French fare with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, enjoy a cocktail and feast on snacks as the sun goes down. After 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, chairs and tables downstairs are cleared away to create a makeshift dancefloor and the DJs take over the decks.