Amsterdam: An overview - Part 12

Brasserie Harkema

I have heard some negative comments from friends since we ate here but have to say our meal was good. The Brasserie Harkema is a contemporary version of a Parisian brasserie in an old tobacco factory building. It is both a warm and stylish place to enjoy what we thought was an excellent meal and a good wine at a very reasonable price. Brasserie Harkema is open seven days a week and the smell of the charcoal grill from outside is one of the best invitations to enter. They offer a full choice all of the day, you can have lunch, stop for a coffee after shopping, drink a bottle of wine with some bar snacks or have meal after a theatre visit. The only thing you may want to take into account before you take any guests with you is that it is located in the ‘red light’ district at Nes 67

Bridges

This is another canteen, of the former Town Hall, that has been turned into a superb restaurant that is all about fish. However if fish is not your thing then there are other options for meat lovers. We had the bouillabaisse followed by the sea bass in salt crust and I can recommend it. Needless to say, the restaurant also caters for people who enjoy meat. In 2013 Bridges was awarded a Michelin Star and in 2015 had a total interior makeover. Bridges is located on the oldest canal in Amsterdam and you will appreciate the fantastic views from you table as you have your meal. One of Amsterdam’s best kept secrets is an oasis of peace and tranquillity called The Garden Terrace.

It is a beautiful courtyard garden that has been awarded the title of ‘Amsterdam’s most cosy terrace’. It is a great location to eat in good weather and it also serves as the lounge area for a relaxing drink or coffee. There is also a Cigar Lounge for those so inclined; it offers a selection of short and long cigars watched over by a portrait of Winston Churchill, who was a guest here in 1946. You can find this restaurant at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197.

The Pancake Bakery

This cosy pancake house located in a 17th century Dutch East India Company canal house has been open for over 40 years. If you want a casual meal then it’s a good place to go, especially in summer when you can sit out on the terrace. They offer a range of house suggestions but include the option to ‘make you own’ with whatever ingredients you think best go together in a pancake. It’s located at Prinsengracht 191 which is only a short distance from the Anne Frank house.

Continued in part 13