Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels Guidebook
Best and worst restaurants:
Best: Grootmoeders Pannenkoekenhuis
Why: Overtoom 503, 1054 LH Amsterdam http://grootmoederspannenkoeken.nl/ This was right across the street from our accommodation. A small family-friendly, very clean and a very fun place offers Dutch style pancakes (flat crepes, really) with fillings of your choosing from fruits, bacon, cheese, etc. Offers homemade mushroom and tomato soups. The cook is the most friendliest lady who prides in her work (and her soups) and in her artful flipping of pancakes (and she looks like the younger version of the cartoon on the website.) We had dinner here 2 nights - soup, hot chocolate and shared a pancake - for 19 euro. Each pancake is about 7-9 euro. Ask for an English menu. he made sure I got a photo of her flipping the pancake.
Kay Ishii in Renton, WA USA 10/30/2011
Worst: Cafe Restaurant de Reiger
Why: Worst Rick Steve's recommendation ever. (And I've never ever found a bad Rick Steve's recommendation until now.) Ordered at 7:15pm, food arrived just before 9:00pm. No explanation, no offer of a complimentary drink or something while we waited. Beef steak was truly inedibly tough. Although it was clearly posted that they accepted Maestro and ec PIN cards, they insisted on cash only. Rick Steve's does not mention cash only policy.
Michael Kassarjian in Dallas, TX USA 09/23/2011
Worst: De Jaren Cafe, Amsterdam
Why: The worst service we encountered during our 2 weeks in Belgium and the Netherlands was at De Jaren Cafe.
(Location 3554. Kindle edition, no page number)
E Noel in Salt Lake City, UT USA 09/16/2011
Best: La Vilette restaurant in Brussels
Why: The food and service were both great -- as Rick suggested in his review of selected restaurants in the St. Catherine's district. We would never have found the restaurant without the guide.
Worst: none
Why: tried three, loved all three.
Kate McCain in Philadelphia, PA USA 09/10/2011
Best: Vincents in Brussels & 't Stropke in Ghent
Why: Vincents for a nice "higher end" dining experience. From the wait-staff to the excellent mussels escargot, beef and wines the experience was memorable. 'T Stropke was a perfect lunch spot and served the best cheese croquettes I had throughout my entire week in Belgium.
Melinda in Santa Ana, CA USA 09/10/2011
Best: Kantjil en de Tijger
Why: reasonable priced, excellent rijstafel
Philip Braverman in New York, NY USA 09/05/2011
Best: The Flemish Pot
Why: Great food; we ate upstairs. We were served indifferently but Mario was super friendly
Worst: De Bolhoed
Why: I would love to have tried the food here, but after walking in the lashing rain with my three kids (one an ardent vegetarian) and pulling aside the entry curtain with a sense of anticipation, the "Buddhist" owner loomed into my face with a barked, "we're full." she followed this hospitable greeting with a harsh, "why didn't you call?" and stalked into the dining room. I turned to my husband who suggested I go and make a reservation for lunch the following day. I walked over to the hostess who said, glancing at a corner table, "they are almost done" to which I responded," I wanted to make a reservation for lunch tomorrow" whereat the owner hostilely inserted herself into our conversation with a remonstrative, "if I say we are full, we're full. What are you doing?" I replied,"I'm trying to make a reservation. For lunch tomorrow" to which tis gentle matron responded,"just come in; you don't need a reservation for lunch." not knowing when to just keep mum, I responded, "but you seemed upset that I hadn't called so I was just trying to ensure we could be seated tomorrow." she dismissed me with a wave of her hand implying her disgust with my stupidity. She reiterated, "you don't need to call for lunch" I lamely responded, "I just got here from LA so i dont know the rule. You said call for dinner so i thought it was the same rule for lunch." Unless like me you enjoy altercations in an international arena, don't wear out your shoe leather walking to this house of hateful vegetarians.
Clownis in Clomper, Ca USA 07/17/2011
Best: Kantjil en de Tijger and Toscana Italian Restaurant
Why: The Indonesian restaurant was delicious and the staff was friendly and helpful, since we knew nothing about Indonesian food. The Italian place was inexpensive, but delicioius, nice setting and a pleasant staff. Would eat at either place again.
Penney Haas in Belleville, IL USA 05/17/2011
Worst: Cafe Bistro Terrastje, Bruges
Why: They would not serve us...actually made it a point to send us on a wild goose chase to find some other restaurant to eat at. Caused a problem in another restaurant.
Lance Stronk in Northfield, CT USA 04/28/2011
Best: Sara's Pancakes
Why: Sara was as hard working as you said --and she was a delite to meet and chat with. I had a dessert pancake and it was huge and delicious.
Stephen Klatsky in Washington, DC USA 12/21/2010
Best: den Amand , Bruges
Why: we stopped here our first evening for a drink and ended up having 3 wonderful dinners here ....owner Arnout really nice guy and his wife is an excellent cook... good,fresh food and niceatmosphere...inside and outside dining,very reasonable....don't miss this place!
Pete Hall in Haddonfield, NJ USA 12/01/2010
Best: Brasserie Resaurant de Roode Leeuw
Why: It gave us a taste of authentic Dutch food. We enjoyed the food and the Old World charm.
Sandra Momyer in Valley Forge, PA USA 11/20/2010
Best: La Villette, Brussels
Why: One of the best meals I had during my 5 days in Belgium. My friend said her moules-frites were terrific, and I had a steak done with local beer and cheese - yum! By far the best service in a restaurant in 5 days in Belgium (when you said Belgian service was "relaxed", you were being kind).
Shawn Broda in Downers Grove, IL USA 11/19/2010
Best: De Bolhoed
Why: I am a vegetarian, and it blew my favorite gourmet vegetarian restaurant out of the water. It was so fantastic, and there was even a cat wandering around. It felt like home.
Amelia in Salt Lake City, UT USA 10/25/2010
Best: Restaurant Kantjil en de Tijger, Restaurant de Luwte in Amsterdam
Why: Restaurant Kantjil in de Tijger was a memorable experience that we value. Rijsttafels is the specialty. We would never have known where to find this special meal without Rick's recommendation! Restaurant de Luwte and other recommended spots in the Jordaan district, as well as Hotel Brouwer, where we stayed were perfect for us. Great values and quality food and accommodations.
Elizabeth Harris in Los Angeles, CA USA 09/19/2010
Best: Restaurant Kantjil en de Tijger, Restaurant de Luwte in Amsterdam
Why: Restaurant Kantjil in de Tijger was a memorable experience that we value. Rijsttafels is the specialty. We would never have known where to find this special meal without Rick's recommendation! Restaurant de Luwte and other recommended spots in the Jordaan district, as well as Hotel Brouwer, where we stayed were perfect for us. Great values and quality food and accommodations.
Elizabeth Harris in Los Angeles, CA USA 09/19/2010
Worst: Barsalon
Why: Very expensive and poor reception to our arrival, should at the very least recommend reservations
Steve in La Crescent, MN USA 09/19/2010
Best: Pili Pili
Why: The guy who greeted us and seemed to be the cook also was friendly and the food was plentiful and delicious. Two large bowls of Minestronem, a lasagna my wife could only eat half of though it tasted so good she would have loved to eat it all and a pasta carbonara with a sauce that almost had me licking the plate. Honestly one of the best meals we had on our trip including Paris. There was a waitress serving others that seemed a bit rude, but we don't let that ruin our meal or experience at a restaurant.
Mike in Port Orhard, WA USA 09/17/2010
Best: Bistro den Amand
Why: fabulous lunch
Steve in Beverly Hills, CA USA 07/27/2010
Best: V'sllinghe (sp?) - bruge
Why: The book was right on the money. I half-expected guys with ruffled collars to walk out of the restroom and order a beer.
Matt Rogers in San Diego, CA USA 07/01/2010
Best: Ponte Acari (not in book)
Why: Small charming Italian restaurant about 8 to 10 tables, fabulous food and friendly waiters, Decent prices. this restaurant near the Latin Quarter should be in your book!
S. MacLean in Clayton, CA USA 06/15/2010
Best: Restaurant de Rigier, Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam
Why: Wonderful selections on daily blackboard, extremely nice and helpful staff, great asparagus, nice location, good price.
Susan in Longmont, CO USA 06/04/2010
Best: Shoarma restraunts
Why: Shoarma (sheep) is a nice treat.I took my parents to a restraunt on visiting me, one year.D
Denise Skelly in Douglasville, Ga USA 05/16/2010
Best: None.
Why: We didn't eat at any of the recommended restaurants. It seems as if the recommended restaurants are much more expensive than the excellent restaurants we found on our own. There are alot of much less expensive restaurants in Amsterdam and Bruges that simply aren't listed in the book. There is just no need to pay 15-25 Euros for a meal when there are so many other less expensive places in these cities.
Barbara Murphy in Chicago, IL USA 05/11/2010
Worst: Pili Pili in Brugge
Why: The restaurant is under different management now. It's seemed as if the waiter was also the cook as we saw him in the kitchen serving up the food which wasn't that good.
Barbara Murphy in Chicago, IL USA 05/11/2010
Worst: La Marie Joseph - Brussels
Why: Excellent food - horrible service. After being handed the dessert menu we waited for 45 minutes before we could get the server's attention, by that time all we wanted to do was pay and leave.
Pamela Kahn in Atlanta, GA USA 05/02/2010
Best: Bistro den Amand - Bruges
Why: One of the best meals of our entire trip. Excellent food, with excellent service in a small restaurant.
Pamela Kahn in Atlanta, GA USA 05/02/2010
Worst:
Why: Things to mention - you don't get water with meals and it costs. Best to have a bottled water that you carry in your bag. It often costs 30-50 cents to use the restroom in public areas - best to just know ahead and have the coins. The Koffe's are small in comparison to our American coffee's but are stronger.
Marie Griffin in Leawood , KS USA 03/15/2010
Best: We tried Brasserie Bark...recommended by Hotel Fita
Why: Excellent seafood. Very close to Concertbegouw, most patrons were locals. Great seafood and great location away from tourist traps of Leidseplein.
Lydia Engelhardt, MD in Mount Pleasant, SC USA 01/29/2010
Best: Leons
Why: Great service, amazing food. The mussels in the provencal sauce are to die for.
Worst: May not be in the book - Stella Artois
Why: Stay away from it! Their version of a Croque Madame is a ham and cheese sandwich.
Monica B in Zionsville, IN USA 11/29/2009
Best: de Luwte
Why: three course meal is a very good value.
Mike in Macungie, PA USA 10/23/2009
Best: Cafe de Reiger in Amsterdam
Why: It received rave reviews on the site, and it was excellent.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009
Best: Cafe de Reiger in Amsterdam
Why: It received rave reviews on the site, and it was excellent.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 10/14/2009
Best: the Prince Cafe
Why: Locals told us this place had the best soup, something that not all restaurants serve, especially during the day. They were right.
Laralyn Sasaki in Columbus, Oh USA 10/09/2009
Best: Cafe 't Smalle, Amsterdam
Why: It was the one we were able to get to
Jan Larson in Worthington, MN USA 08/26/2009
Best: Cafe 't Smalle, Amsterdam
Why: It was the one we were able to get to
Jan Larson in Worthington, MN USA 08/26/2009
Best:
Why: we ate at various rick recommended restaurants throughout bruges and brussels, and all of them provided excellent service and good food, per rick's very accurate descriptions.
Sarah in Bethesda, MD USA 08/16/2009
Best: Fur Elise, Bruges
Why: This one isn't listed in Rick's books, yet, but we discovered the newly opened Fur Elise restaurant in Bruges, just seconds off the busy square. It's managed by the daughter of nearby vegetarian Lotus Restaurant (which is a Rick recommendation). Lovely modern decor, and it offers both Indian and traditional Flemish dishes at very reasonable and budget friendly prices. The hostess/server was extremely friendly, the food was presented beautifully, and it was tasty.
Worst: Pickles, Bruges
Why: Rick recommends this as a cheap fast food frites fix, but the fries tasted frozen and were disappointing. We got a tip from a fellow traveler that Casa Patata (near the fish market) was the best in town. Stopped there the next day for a much improved, much fresher tasting basket of frites.
Amery & Dan Bodelson in La Crosse, WI USA 08/13/2009
Best: Le Pre Sale, Brussels
Why: Posted July 26, 2009: We have just left Le Pre Sale, having spent a wonderful day touring the museums in Brussels, and had the absolute worst experience of our 2-week tour through Europe. We were treated terribly and ate the worst food of our entire trip. The waitress was very cold and not attentive – it seemed like she was upset that we didn’t order more food – our total bill ended up being 33 Euros for 2 people! This restaurant is completely resting on their laurels. Last night we ate at a tourist trap off the Grand Place and the food was much better. Again, coming from New York City, we’re used to being treated poorly and this was much worse!
Toni Brown in New York, NY USA 07/26/2009
Best: 't Brugs Beertje
Why: Loved this place so much. Intended to go anyway as my husband is a beer freak. We had such wonderful service and the beer selection and simple food was wonderful and very reasonably priced. It was our favourite experience of our whole trip and we spent two evenings here in our short time in Bruges. We sat in the back room(non-smoking) and the staff were wonderful to us, recommending beer to try. I wish we had their names but the young girl said her mother runs the place and the guy wore glasses and was extremely knowledgeable about beer.
Jennifer H in London, ON Canada 06/04/2009
Best: Pancake Bakery and De Roode Leeuw
Why: This was my second visit to the Pancake Bakery. It was tasty food at reasonable prices. I love their apple pancake with schnopps, cinnamon ice cream and whipped cream!
It was also my second visit to De Roode Leeuw. While they no longer have the two menus at dinner, it was well worth it. We did not do the prix fixe because none of the starters appealed to us. We did the asparagus soup which was delicious--while a bit pricey, it was a large bowl. My husband had salmon and I had asparagus with veggie quiche (it was asparagus season). Both were delicious!! The staff was very friendly too!!
Mary Ann in Orlando, FL USA 05/13/2009
Best: Cafe Restaurant de Reiger
Why: Food, wine selection, service and atmoshpere were fabulous! So good we returned for a second evening!
Worst: The Flemish Pot
Why: Service was dreadful and with an attitude! Would definitely not return
Julie Russell in Birmingham, AL USA 04/09/2009
Best: La Place
Why: There was so much food, lots of choices, no pressure style, cheaper than a restaurant. Loved it.
Heather in London, UK 02/24/2009
Best: Dumon chocolates (Bruges) and 't Brojjes (Bruges)
Why: Dumon chocolates (Bruges) - Rick is right on the money with this recommendation - the best and cheapest chocolate in Bruges! 't Brojjes (Bruges) was a great bar - we went back two nights in a row to sample more of the selection. Would also recommmend Pasta di mamma (Haarlem, Netherlands) as a quick, straightforward pasta place.
Dave W. in Seattle, WA USA 01/20/2009