Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels

Best and worst restaurants:

Best: Baton, Toscana, Cafe 'tPapeneiland, La Scarpetta
Why: Canal side wonders, great pizza,

Steve Roddy in Penn Valley, CA USA 07/18/2008

Best: Rock Fort
Why: Excellent cuisine with fabulous owners/chefs. I enjoyed the lunch special tremendously for the fabulous price listed in the guidebook.

Worst: Restaurant Hennon
Why: Disappointing service and waffles that were disappointing. I shared this with Marie Rose and she said the restaurant changed owners recently and service just hasn't been the same. Please, I would recommend removing this restaurant from your book. I wouldn't want other fellow Rick Steves travellers to experience the rude service I received.

Beverly Lui in Thousand Oaks, CA USA 07/11/2008

Best: La Maison des Crepes in Brussels
Why: Not as good as Rick's awesome crepes pick in Versailles (the name escapes me - we went 2 years ago), but this one is still very good.

Worst: Restaurant Chez Leon in Brussels
Why: Absolutely terrible mussels, fish, etc. This one is a disgrace. We were extremely disappointed in this restaurant. We felt this was the only restaurant Rick has ever let us down on.

Winston & Suzie in Seattle, WA USA 05/11/2008

Best: Kantjil En De Tijger
Why: Very nicely appointed, friendly, helpful staff and the food was delicious. It was a deklightful dining experience, thanks

Clint Robins in needham, ma USA 04/25/2008

Best: Pancake Bakery, Amsterdam, near the Anne Frank House
Why: The 'lemon pancake' was to die for! I had NO idea there could be so many kinds of pancakes. Food was very tasty, service friendly and fairly quick, atmosphere fun. Small place, but great food!

Margaret Ferguson WA USA 04/16/2008

Best: Maison Du Dragon
Why: In Brussels, near Gare Nord. Excellent Chinese food that was well priced, fresh, tasty and with attentive staff. All in all though, I cannot say we had anything but good meals in Belgium and Amsterdam. The fare was always fresh and delicious. Belgian beer is also the best I have ever had as a whole, try Duvel and Leffe. For the most amazing chocolate, try Neuhaus.

Vince in Crestline, CA USA 02/24/2008

Best: De Jaren in Amsterdam
Why: Classy, non-touristy, reasonably priced, delicious salad bar and food.

Arlene Pelayo in Minneapolis, MN United States 01/06/2008

Best: Cafe de Reiger
Why: The staff was very friendly and the food was wonderful. My husband had venison that was great and I had the veal chops. The best food for the price too. Rick was right on the money about this little gem.

Donna in Houston, TX USA 12/18/2007

Best: Resturant Kardinaalshof
Why: Best service ever experienced.

Worst: De Groene Lantaarn
Why: No longer serving Fondue, changed menu and name.

Mark Adams in Maple Grove, MN USA 11/12/2007

Best: Bistro Terrastje
Why: Nice little neighborhood pub/restaurant just across the canal from the Hotel Adornes. Ian and Patricia have excellent menu items. Try the Belgian Stew. Good beer, inviting atmosphere, and Ian and Patricia are welcoming hosts. Ian is a Brit and Patricia is Dutch. They met a couple of years ago in Amsterdam, got together and bought the Terrastje. Great people (she looks like Ingrid Bergman). The recorded music is the best. Nice outside terrace (terrastje) to enjoy in good weather.

George Cody in Franktown, CO USA 10/30/2007

Best: Cafe de Reiger
Why: This charming cafe is a place I would probably never have stumbled onto without the guidebook. Not only was it the best restaurant I ate at in Amsterdam, I would say it is one of the best meals I have ever had, anywhere -- and I have travelled to over 40 countries. The ambience is casual and friendly, the wait staff are helpful and volunteer to translate the entire handwritten chalkboard of daily specials from Dutch to English, and the food is outstanding yet reasonably priced. I wasn't expecting a roasted rack of lamb with fried gnocchi, french green beans, and a sauce with oyster mushrooms at a neighborhood cafe! It was superb, and a bargain at 21.50 euros. Even the deceptively simple lemon cheesecake (always on the menu) has drizzles of mango glaze and raspberry glaze, fresh strawberries and mint leaves, a slice of dark chocolate, fresh cream, and slivers of green pistachios. An amazing treat, and only 6 euros. This is one of those lovely establishments that really cares about the quality of their food, and is so happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience. I ate here twice during the week I spent in Amsterdam. If I lived there, I would eat here every week, it's that good.

Worst: The Pancake Bakery
Why: I always eat at the Pancake Bakery when I visit Amsterdam. But on this trip, the service seemed to have deteriorated. It was friendly as always, but I would ask for things (like a glass of water) and not get it, or even got the wrong dish (I ordered an apple pancake and received a cheese pancake instead. Oops.) I ate here twice in a week, and there were service gaffes on both occasions.

Kristine Yasutake in Chicago, IL USA 10/29/2007

Best: The Lotus
Why: Excellent vegetarian fare. The best meal we had in Bruges. Everyone should try this place.

George Cody in Franktown, CO USA 10/28/2007

Best: Scheltema (Brussels)
Why: Wonderful seafood & service in a brasserie/restaurant on rue des Dominicains, a charming street of brasseries & cafes. According to a local, the best mussels in Brussels.

Tom Duffy in Northbrook, IL USA 09/23/2007

Best: Cafe Restaurant de Reiger and Patisserie Holtkamp, Amsterdam
Why: The food at Cafe Restaurant de Reiger was delicious although very French. The waiter explained that Dutch cuisine is not old like French or Italian. Therefore it drew and copied other styles of cooking. He said there really is no "Dutch" cuisine.

Patisserie Holtkamp is the finest bakery I have ever encountered (and I am a French teacher who has been to France many times). We ordered their stroop waffles, which were more like cookies. We had them fill a box of chocolates. That is not their specialty, however, so I would stick with the pastries. We ordered a small jelly cake that was extraordinary. If we had had a refrigerator in our hotel we would have ordered one of the many cream desserts in the cold case. Here is the address: Patisserie Holtkamp, Vijzelgracht 15, tel 020-6248757.

Worst: The Pancake Bakery
Why: The only place in Amsterdam that "according to the boss' policy" will not serve tap water. Therefore we had to spend 5 euros to get a very small bottle of water. Even the waiter was embarazzed by the ridiculous way to gouge tourists. The pancakes were nothing special and way too expensive.

Donna comar in Pleasant Hill, CA USA 09/02/2007

Best: Restaurant L'Ogenblik (Brussels)
Why: Incredible food, great service in a relaxed, local bistro atmosphere. A highlight of the trip!

Worst: Tea Room Laurant (Bruges)
Why: Only "worst" because everywhere else was so great! We went for waffles, but found that we had had better, cheaper waffles with better ambiance in a little pastry shop/tea room called De Tavernier on Wijngaardstraat near Walplein. We did like sitting outside next to the cathedral though (note: Laurant is farther down the street than it looks like on the map--it's on the other side of the street, right next to St. Savior's)

Stephanie Dosch in Madrid, Spain 08/31/2007

Best: Cafe de Reiger in Amsterdam was a find! Actually a local bead store owner Niko, physically walked us there after we asked him for directions,
Why: Food was wonderful- specials are posted , delicious and reasonable. Great wait staff and very close to Anne Frank house.

Worst: Chex Leon in Brussels
Why: Hostess and staff at Chez Leon in Brussels were very unfriendly- to the point of rude-we walked out instead of waiting for a table.

Maura Tepper in Stamford, CT USA 08/19/2007

Worst: Any ON big squares
Why: Avoid any restaurants on main squares; they are tourist traps.

Jim McCoy in Menlo Park, CA USA 08/06/2007

Best: Haejle Claes
Why: Great atmosphere! Not full of tourists like I expected from your book.

Also loved Kantjil en de Tiger and Kantjil To Go. The Indonesian food was heavenly! The early bird special now goes to 18:45, and is €9.50.

Cindy in Shurleff, Wa USA 07/13/2007

Best: Long Pura (Indonesian) and Moeder's (Dutch Family Cooking)
Why: Long Pura is great food and service. Moeder's is wonderful dutch style food, with a great atmosphere and very friendly ppl.

Service is slow, consistantly, but this is a good thing. Just hang out and relax, take your time just enjoying life. In most outdoor places, they are content to let you be until you want to be disturbed. It wasn't until 4 days into our trip I realized that not one person had asked me where I was from, it was nice and weird at the same time.

Worst: Any right around Dam square
Why: Too touristy.

Stephen Heverin in Oreland, PA USA 06/19/2007

Best: Rock Fort
Why: Excellent food. Although more expensive than noted in book. 49 euro price fixed dinner pp.

Worst:
Why: There is no bad food in Brugge

Dave Huthwaite in Leesburg, VA USA 06/07/2007

Best: Baton L'Espresso in Amsterdam
Why: Delicious lunch food in a charming atmosphere near the canal.

Tiffany in Atlanta, GA USA 06/04/2007

Best: DeStove, Bruges
Why: Everything about it was quite wonderful!

Marcia Weisser in East Williston, NY USA 05/05/2007

Best: La Villette, in Brussels
Why: All of our dinners were excellent at La Villette, the fish was fresh and cooked properly, as were the vegetables. Prices were reasonable and the owner was very gracious. Dessert was fabulous. In Brussels and also in Bruges the restaurants serve complimentary shots of after-dinner liqueurs. This is something I normally don't indulge in, but it was a nice touch.

Another restaurant in Brussels that is very good for lunch is La Maison des Crepes. Excellent crepes, and off the tourist track.

Mary in Portsmouth, RI USA 04/03/2007

Best: Brugges :De Torre
Why: It is listed in Rick's book, but not with a wholehearted recommendation. It was only a few blocks from the Dielteins B&B, so we tried it our first night. The service was very good, and the Flemish stew was great (and reasonable). We ended back there the next night for desert, and then our last day to sit outside by the canal for a beverage. Each time the service and food were good.

Jenine in Houston, TX USA 03/11/2007

Best: de Vlaamsche Pot (bruges)
Why: Wonderful food! This was the hightlight of our dinning experience in Europe.

Chris Kanda in Los Angeles, CA USA 03/04/2007

Best: Cafe de Reiger
Why: Meal was distinct and delicious! Very friendly service as well. They also have a fantastic selection of beers from Holland.

Stacey Mazuelas in Saint Paul, MN USA 01/18/2007

Best: De Bekoring
Why: Excellent food. Beautiful decor and romantic atmosphere. Friendly staff.

suzanne krueger USA 12/07/2006

Best: Cafe Restaurant de Reiger
Why: Excellent food, very good and friendly service.

John Norman in Plainview, NY USA 11/14/2006

Best: Pili Pili and Tom's Diner (Bruge)
Why: Pili Pili: Pasta was outstanding as was the large dinner salad. We ended up sitting next to another US couple that had their Rick Steves book in hand too!

Tom's Diner: Excellent food in a quaint place. The Meatloaf with Rhubarb Compote over Mash Potatoes was excellent.

Jon in Cervino, CA USA 11/13/2006

Best: Carrillion Hotel in Haarlem,Bistro DeSchaar in Bruge
Why: Both had very good food in a nice setting with friendly helpful service

Jack in Sheboygan, Wi USA 10/27/2006

Best: The Pancake Bakery in Amsterdam
Why: Tasty and cheap food with a relaxed atmosphere.

JRH in Austin, TX USA 10/20/2006

Best: Ones we found and enjoyed (not on recommended list)Brugge: (1) Malertuus-t'Voske-Eiermarkt 9; (2) Park Restaurant, Minderbroedersstraat 1. Amsterdam: (1) d'theeboom, Singel 210; (2) Barok, Wolvenstraat 22-24.
Why: Brugge: Malpertuus--right across from Dumon Choc. Shop--Park Restaurant not far from Deltiens B & B--both wonderful French food and atmosphere. Amsterdam: d'theeboom just a few blocks on other side of Singel Canal from Hotel Brouwer and Barok--just a few blocks away also--both wonderful French meals and service, lovely ambience. None of these are very economical but worth the money! We can skimp when we get home!

Susan & Milton Martin in Hopewell, VA USA 10/11/2006

Best: Haarlem's De Lachende Javaan and De Buren Eetlokaal
Why: Food and service were excellent. We split the rijsttafels and it was plenty. They charged us 4 euro to split. The local restaurant had very good food and a warm, welcoming crowd.

Jane Steward in Portage, MI USA 10/11/2006

Best: a vegetarian restaurant we ate at from the book in Amsterdam
Why: the food was absolutely the best we have ever had in Europe.

Jane in North Mankato, MN USA 09/03/2006

Best: De Bolhoed, Amsterdam
Why: Best meal on our two week trip to Paris, Brussels, Brugge and Amsterdam. Wonderful organic,tasty vegetarian food.

Bill Hroton in N. Mankato, MN USA 08/27/2006

Worst: Da Giovanni - Antwerp
Why: Not recommended in the book but be sure to warn travellers about this incredibly rude restaurant right next to the cathedral square.

Courtney in Brussels, BE USA 08/15/2006

Worst: The Hobbit
Why: Rude owner/host, overpriced for portion size (except for the ribs) and chicken severly undercooked. Unfriendly.

Andriana in Sonoma, CA USA 08/10/2006

Best: Cafe De Rigeur
Why: enjoyed it. Not too far from Anne Frank house. Asparagus soup was delicious.

Shannon Hammond in Hoover, AL USA 08/08/2006

Best: De Tiger in Amsterdam, the crepe place off the grand place in Brussels, the waffle place in Brugges near the town office square.
Why: Value, ambience, good service.

TK Courtney in Charlton, MA USA 07/22/2006

Best: Several
Why: We ate at several of Rick’s recommended restaurants in Amsterdam. We found the food very good, but also pretty pricy.

The Kantjil en de Tijger has different rice tables depending on your budget, but don’t expect to find a rice table at any decent Indonesian restaurant for less than about €20 per person. We enjoyed trying all the different dishes, and recommend this for any other folks new to Indonesian food. Tip: the tram stops in front of Kantjil To Go – you can cut through there to the main restaurant.

We had a very good traditional Dutch dinner at Restaurant Dorrius (not in Rick’s book), which is located in the Crown Plaza Hotel at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, between the train station and Dam Square.

For a non-touristy place, a waitress at an outdoor café on the Dam recommended her favorite restaurant Eetcafe De Staalmeesters (not in Rick’s book) at Kloveniersburgwal 127. Both of our pasta dishes (the daily specials) were very good and at €13 each a good deal for Amsterdam.

For a quick dinner, Toscana Italian Restaurant was a good selection. We split a salad and a pizza and it was plenty of food.

In Haarlem, the folks at Jacobus Pieck Eetlokaal were wonderful. We had to grab a quick lunch so we could make the English tour at the Corrie ten Boom house, and they worked us in even though they were quite busy. The sandwich plate (3 different types) was fun and interesting.

Worst: David and Goliath
Why: It was not necessarily a bad restaurant, but I would advise avoiding David and Goliath café outside of the Amsterdam History Museum unless you are planning on a long, leisurely lunch. Sitting out in the courtyard for lunch was pleasant, but the service was very, very slow and very, very frustrating because we had a busy schedule for that day.

Dave in Richmond, VA USA 07/11/2006

Best: Pancake Bakery
Why: Great pancakes, huge variety, reasonable prices. Unless you are really hungry, two could split one panckake for an entree and another for dessert.

Les Share in Miami, FL USA 07/08/2006

Best: Vroom and Dreesman in Haarlem
Why: Good food and view. We also liked DeSmikkel and De Lachende Javaan in Haarlem. Cobra Cafe by the Rijksmuseum was also terrific.

Barb Selis in Glenoma, WA USA 06/25/2006

Best:
Why: In Amsterdam: Maoz Falafel (it’s a chain; very fresh and cheap falafel), Molenpad on the Prisengracht (very nice meal, reasonably priced, good service, offers some nice vegetarian options and lovely canal-side seating), Kantijl and Tiger (excellent Indonesian in a great location and at a reasonable price), t’Dokertje brown bar (it’s challenging to find, but adorable)

Bruges: Hennon (we ate here twice in one day—-both the Brussels’ and Liege waffles were excellent and very inexpensive); bars including De Garre and t’Beertje

Noslo MA USA 06/03/2006

Best: Bistro de Bekoring, Bruges
Why: Intimate dining room, canal view, great food and wine and just around the corner from Hotel Egmond (which is not mentioned in book)

Worst: Restaurant de Luwte, Amsterdam
Why: Disorganized, very slow service - we decided to leave after waiting a long time for a table and watching people who looked unhappy with nothing to eat.

Carol Singler in Seattle, WA USA 05/21/2006

Best: The Hobbit - Brugge
Why: Atmosphere with a capital A. And wonderful spareribs. This place is a great value and a really fun night out. We went back a second time on our 3-day Brugge stay!

Ann in Fleetwood, NC USA 05/20/2006

Best: Cafe Restaurant de Reiger
Why: Excellent food for the money, friendly service, charming atmosphere, convenient location to Hotel Toren

Worst: Pancake Bakery
Why: Terrible food and expensive for what we got. Had the Indonesian pancake and the Mexican pancake. Perhaps the dessert pancakes are better. Worst meal we had in Amsterdam. Highly overrated by all guidebooks.

Cindy Kennett in Oquossoc, ME USA 05/07/2006

Worst: The Flemish Pot
Why: This one pains me. The Flemish Pot was one of our favorite restaurants that we had visited in Europe. Our experience on our recent trip was not good. The service was very poor. Our waiter did not bring any bread and our food took over an hour. While my wife liked her dish I was disappointed in mine. Menu recommened wine was undrinkable.

J.D. D'Amico in Sanford, Fl USA 03/28/2006

Best: Cafes on The Markt
Why: I would avoid these as the food is generally inferiior to places away from the center. I had fish and it was a frozen fish cake. ANd we were only a few iles from the North Sea!

Ron & Linda Audet in Fredericksburb, VA USA 02/06/2006

Best: de Vlaamsche Pot
Why: This lovely restaurant was recommended by our hotel staff as the best place in Brugge to experience traditional Flemish cooking. The staff was friendly and happy to describe the various entrees, the atmosphere was cozy without being cheesy, and the food was terrific and a good value. We ended up extending our stay in Brugge an additional day and enjoyed our meal there a second night as well...and were not surprised to see that we were not the only repeat customers. Highly recommend it.

Linda Wilson in Las Vegas, NV USA 01/20/2006