There are many restaurants in Amsterdam but only a few have the luxury of being Michelin starred. This, however, doesn't come as a surprise, as it is also the case in many other cosmopolitan European cities where, with the exception of Paris, Michelin starred restaurants are at a premium, highlighting their symbol of status and luxury.
It is no easy task to even reach a 2 star rating from Michelin. As an example, out of approximately 650 restaurants in the Netherlands, only 13 can brag about having been given a two-star rating by Michelin. If, therefore, you happen to find anything beyond the 2 star rating, then your restaurant will, without a doubt, be one of a kind and will most definitely be a highlight of the city where it is located. 3-star Michelin restaurants are described as having "exceptional cuisine" and being "worth a special journey". And, according to The New Yorker, there are only 81 three-star restaurants in the world.
Vinkeles is one of the most popular restaurants in Amsterdam and belongs to the popular Dylan Hotel. It is a one-star rated restaurant and offers more than just Dutch cuisine. It is also affordable with rates beginning at 65 EUR for wine selections. The hotel, and its restaurant, is ideal for any special occasion you might have, such as marriage proposals, business meetings or just eating out with that special person. The service here is exemplary and the food finger licking
Then there is Ron Blaauw Restaurant. It is one of the only two 2-starred restaurants in Amsterdam. Its services are also exemplary and happy customers keep coming back for a taste of its delicious dishes. It mainly focuses on providing its customers with comprehensive menus which include fine dish textures and exemplary molecular gastronomy elements. Eat here once and you are likely to come back again and again.
The other "proud holder of two Michelin stars" is Ciel Bleu, part of the Okura Hotel. It has for a long time been one of the most popular restaurants in Amsterdam and offers a breathtaking view of the city by the Amstel and an amazing display of Dutch cuisine. The restaurant is widely known for having the best seafood in the city. You can find lobsters with farmhouse butter, Siberia sturgeon caviar and truffled macaroni.
The last in our list is t' Brouwerskolkje. The one-star eatery is still located outside the city, only 30 minutes from the city centre by car, but is slated to relocate to the city of Amsterdam in 2012 and will be renamed as the “& Moshik”. It has an amazing menu created by a fine blend of molecular and classical cooking techniques. The restaurant is quite small with less than ten tables. As such, it is very important to make reservations before going.
As is often the case, some of the finest restaurants in European capitals are part of luxurious hotels. Two of the four restaurants that made our list, for instance, are located in boutique hotels: The Dylan and the Okura hotel. In Amsterdam, whereas perhaps not as famous as, say, Parisian establishments, hotels are also at the forefront of Amsterdam cuisine and are largely favored by the Michelin rating team.
Michelin Stars at a glance:
1 star: Very good cooking in its category
2 stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour
3 Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
Image courtesy of Moyan_Brenn
