De Belhamel, Amsterdam

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“Our affairs at Amsterdam press on my mind like a mountain … I am so anxious to confer with you on this …I will set out the moment some repairs are made to my carriage … I hope to shake you by the hand within 24 hours after you receive this.”
— from a March 1788 letter written by Thomas Jefferson to John Adams

Located where two of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, the Brouwersgracht (Brewers’ Canal) and the Herengracht (Lord’s Canal) meet, Restaurant De Belhamel is more Belgian than Dutch in its menu.

However, there is no mistaking in what city you are enjoying either lunch or dinner. At the edge of the Jordaan section of town, whether you eat out-of-doors or indoors this charming restaurant offers fabulous views of both canals.

Decorated in the Art Nouveau style (again, a Belgian note is heard) the restaurant offers a lovely upstairs bar for a drink before dinner.

This was one of the most charming dining experiences we had in Amsterdam. My main course was an eggplant dish that was out of this world! Because it was spring when we visited, Asparagus Hollandaise, with slices of ham and hard boiled egg, was on the menu; I have it on good authority it was tasty.

Small little place, lots of wood and copper, with dining on two levels... a view of the kitchen through a floor level window in the main dining room provides entertainment in the form of kitchen humor. Upscale enough, but not in the clouds... very nice room buzz of conversation level. Decent wine and dessert lists also worth looking at!

Favorite Dish: I would recommend both the beef and the duck dishes... dessert is not to be missed either!

The restaurant is near a canal and has out door seating. The food and service was excellent! Service takes a back seat in most places in Amsterdam, but not here! Good food and goo service!!

Favorite Dish: The lamb was to die for! I suggest the lamb dish with some red wine. Go around 7 or so tehn you can just sit by the canal and watch the people walk by!

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The locals use this restaurant for their celebrations! A very small wedding party was there on the evening we attended. Recommended by a Canadian expat who used it for his anniversary celebration.

Favorite Dish: Saltimbocca is an interesting combination of salmon, veal and prosciutto all rolled together. Four of the six in our party had it and enjoyed it immensely. I had the special of pheasant which was scrumptious as well.

A beautiful little place, overlooking Herengracht and Brouwersgracht. You enter through a door on a side street, and up some stairs to two wonderful Art Deco rooms, the lower level with doors to the canal, the upper level cosy and jewel-like.
The staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

The a la carte is quite expensive, but there's a set menu of around 30e which has fish specials and a nice pudding. Not a good place to go if you are vegetarian, though.

The wine list has a good range from around the world, at reasonable (well, to us who are used to London prices) cost.

It's very popular with the locals, so if you want a table at weekends, be sure to book. Also, the Dutch eat early - the restaurant closes at 10.

Favorite Dish: Beef Belhamel - wonderful fillet, with crisp roast potatoes and tasty jus.