Steakhouse€€oud-zuidDaily 10:00-22:30
Café Loetje on Johannes Vermeerstraat in Oud-Zuid is the Amsterdam biefstuk room, founded as a billiard cafe in 1977 and now the reference tenderloin.
Signature: Biefstuk van de haas, Frites, Loetje's house gravy
Order: Biefstuk van de haas with the house gravy and a side of frites.
Tip: No bookings at the original Museumkwartier room. Expect a wait at peak; the terrace fills fast.
Surinamese€de-pijpMon-Sat 10:00-19:30, closed Sunday
Tjin's Toko on Eerste van der Helststraat near Albert Cuyp is the Amsterdam De Pijp Surinamese counter and toko, a deli-supermarket hybrid running broodjes.
Signature: Broodje pom, Bara, Saoto soep
Order: Broodje pom with extra sambal, bara to nibble on the walk.
Tip: Order at the deli counter on one side; pick up Surinamese pantry staples on the other.
Pizzeria€€jordaanDaily 11:30-22:00
La Perla in Amsterdam's Jordaan has run a wood-fired Roman-Neapolitan crossover since 2009, the bar across the alley taking overflow and people-watching.
Signature: Margherita, Diavola, Marinara
Order: Margherita with the salty house-cured anchovies on the side.
Tip: Walk-up only at the bar opposite; the dining room takes phone bookings.
Italian€€centrumMon-Sat 09:00-21:00, closed Sunday
Caldi e Freddi on Spuistraat is the Amsterdam Italian deli-trattoria you walk past once and book the next week, a tight room with fresh pasta and a wine list.
Signature: Fresh pasta of the day, Antipasti spread
Order: Whichever pasta is fresh that day; ask the counter to name the ragù.
Tip: Lunch is a counter scene; dinner is small-room booking Walk-ins usually OK.
Chinese€€nieuwmarkt-chinatownDaily 12:30-22:00
Peijie on Zeedijk is Amsterdam Chinatown's Chongqing hotpot room, the broth red with chilli oil and sichuan peppercorn, with raw platters carried to your.
Signature: Chongqing hotpot, Lamb skewers
Order: Half-spicy mandarin pot with sliced lamb, lotus root and beef tendon for the table.
Tip: Order the mid-heat unless you mean it. Book ahead Friday and Saturday.
Surinamese€de-pijpMon-Thu 11:00-22:00, Fri 12:00-22:00, Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 13:00-22:00
Warung Mini in De Pijp serves Amsterdam's signature saoto soep, a clear Surinamese chicken broth crowned with crisp potato, beansprouts and a hard-boiled egg.
Signature: Saoto soep, Roti kip, Bara
Order: Saoto soep with extra sambal on the side; bara to start.
Tip: Counter service, closed Mondays. Lunchtime queue forms quickly.