The Pantry, Amsterdam

This small restaurant is 'highly recommended' by a lady at my hotel. I went there twice in a week, the food is great and the service was absolutely impressive. Great place for a relaxing dinner.But be aware that the restaurant is always packed with people, reservation may be essential especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Favorite Dish: Try Combination Hutspot -- 3 Varieties of mashed potato mixed with assorted vegetable, and a really huge meatball (or smoked sausage) on top. The salmon fillet is also very good.

Furnished with wooden tables and chairs, it seems more like a Dutch living room than diner.
The traditional meals are illustrated through a Dutch flag beside the dishes' name.
They also offer an extensive wine list from different countries, Located in the busy streets of Leidseplein, it is advised to reserve your table in advance as it can get busy. During the summer it's possible to sit on the small terrace with your choice of company.
The Pantry is an ideal restaurant for trying the traditional dinner the Dutch.

Favorite Dish: These include 'Herring' as well as 'Stamppotten;' a mashed potato dish mixed with vegetables and sausages.

The Doorman / Waiter stopped us on the street and asked if we'd like to try some traditional Dutch food. We'd talked about this, and for the last night, it was perfect.
The staff was very friendly and able to answer all of our questions in both English and German. We really gave him a workout with the desserts!

Favorite Dish: I had the Kwekkeboom, and it was incredible! From what I understand, it's pureed potatoes, vegetables, and meat, breaded and deep fried.
My husband ordered an appetizer of raw herring, served with onions and pickles. The fish is deboned and lightly descaled. According to our waiter, you pick the herring up by the tail, dip it in the onions and then dangle it into your mouth. Scott loved following it with a bit of the pickles. Just make sure you've got breathmints.
We ordered the desserts one at a time, so that everyone could try a bite, and find out what the "wiped" cream really was! I ordered the apple tart and "wiped" cream was ice cream. However, on the Limburgh pie, it was whipped!