1e Klas, Amsterdam

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1'er Klasse, situated on platform 2 of Amsterdam's Centraal Station, is reminder of the bygone days when travel was a luxury, when passengers awaiting their train would expect to be served in the manner to which they were accustomed - a bit like me then!

This really is a treat and not a particularly expensive one either. The dining room with its lofty ornate ceiling, panelled walls and elaborate bar is a visual pleasure, though a little dimly lit for my camera to take full advantage of it.

Service is formal, with bow-tied waiters, and on the two or three occasions I have been there it has been prompt and efficient.

Favorite Dish: The Grande-cafe style menu is fairly extensive ranging from coffee and pastries through various sandwiches up to a few simple entrees and the food is generally very good and well-presented.

I personally always have the chicken, bacon and avocado club sandwich which is a substantial lunch by itself and starting with a cofffe and finishing with a beer, makes for a pleasantly relaxing hour or so for lunch. For about 10 euros this is excellent value!

This is also a great place for people-watching as the clientele are amazingly eclectic, with backpackers perhaps giving themselves a treat, local business people entertaining clients, a sprinkling of what passes in Amsterdam as "Grande Dames" (though not quite up to, say, Parisienne standards) out to be seen and of course the usual hoi polloi of travellers simply popping in for a coffee whilst waiting for their train.

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1e klas is the former main restaurant of the Central Train Station.

It's been restored in it's former glory and you can enjoy your meal in a real railroad atmosphere.

Opening hours:
All week: 8.30AM - 11PM

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This is the Grand Café Restaurant situated on platform 2b of Amsterdam centraal station. The décor is beautiful it is dimly lit with an illuminated bar in soft green with various delft ornaments. Near the bar is a pretty white parrot who seemed to take a dislike to one of the staff.

We had the menu of the day for Euro 28.50 which was starters: melon & parma ham, mail succulent beef cubes in a stroganoff sauce with veges & potato croquettes & a divine white chocolate icecream to finish.

The atmosphere & service are top class

This fancy restaurant in the central station used to be the waiting hall for the 1st class train passengers and it kept the design of it!!! Lovely old fashioned atmosphere!

Favorite Dish: I had pork filet with a lovely sauce and an excellent sorbet with fresh fruit afterwards.

A nice place to just sit and have a cup of coffee is the Grandcafe in the Central Station. It can be accessed via platform 1. Just sit and enjoy the oasis within the busy CS. You can also eat a variety of lunch or diner plates at reasonable prices.

Favorite Dish: Fried squid rings with garlic sauce