While you can still find plenty of famous Dutch cuisine, including bitterballen and frikandel, you may also want to experience the organic and local options offered by “New Dutch cuisine.” Local may mean produce and herbs grown on rooftops near the restaurant, giving a whole new meaning for "garden to table" cooking. You may even discover modern interpretations of classic fare, even from bitterballen.

If internal cuisine fits your fancy, Amsterdam is well-known for Indonesian, Surinamse,Turkish, Moroccan, and Vietnamese restaurants, gifts from the many immigrants who now call the Netherlands home. Trend-setters are focusing on American-style brunch, with eggs Benedict or cooked oatmeal with fresh fruit, or the traditional toast with hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles).

Outside of the city center, restaurants are emerging offering even more options, and with distances being small by tram, bus, or even bike, you’ll be rewarded with delicious options off the beaten path.

Plan Ahead 

The majority of Amsterdam’s kitchens close by 10 p.m., so plan to eat earlier than you may be used to. Restaurants are often closed on Monday, and often Sunday. Lunch is served from noon until 2:00, and many restaurants in Amsterdam only serve dinner. It is always a good idea to reserve ahead, especially during the conference. Tips are usually left in cash, so throw in an extra few euros on smaller checks, and round up on larger bills.

Areas

Het Centrum

Close to the conference venue, restaurants in het Centrum usually have a lot of character, but can be full of tourists. Amsterdam’s best eating may not be here, but for casual meals with a lot of atmosphere, you will be satisfied.

Café Luxembourg $$ CAFE *

Lunch is the best time to come for one of Amsterdam’s top grand cafes, great for people-watching on Spui Square. You’ll get generous portions of croquettes and bitterballen. Average main: €17. Address: Spui 24, Centrum www.luxembourg.nl

De Roode Leeuw $$$ DUTCH

One of the few, non-fast food restaurants near Dam Square, you will be served Dutch food, classic style in an ultraconvenient location. Average main: €27 Damrak 93-94, Centrum www.restaurantderoodeleeuw.nl

De Silveren Spiegel $$$ DUTCH

Contemporary Dutch cuisine served in a beautiful setting, with wood beams, Delft tiles, and candles on wood tables that combine to create a romantic mood. Average main: €30 Kattengat 4-6, Centrum. www.desilverenspiegel.com Closed Sunday, and no lunch.

D’Vijg Vlieghen $$$ DUTCH

Situated in five adjoining Golden Age houses, a short menu of Dutch-influenced international cuisine focuses on fresh, often organic ingredients. The restaurant is known for its over-the-top décor. Average main: €26 Spuistraat 294-302, Centrum www.vijffvlieghen.nl

Gartine $ CAFÉ

A place for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and high-tea, this 10-table café requires reservations, so plan in advance to enjoy sandwiches, soups, fresh-picked veggies, and homemade cakes, cupcakes, and quiches. Average main: €9 Taksteeg 7, Centrum Closed Sunday through Tuesday, no dinner. https://www.gartine.nl

Haesje Claes $$ DUTCH

The Oud Nederlandse vibe, with historic décor of Pieter de Hooch-worthy interiors compete with delicious pea soup and stamppotten (potatoes mashed with veggies and meat). Average main: €18 Spuistraat 273, Centrum www.haesjeclaes.nl

Kantjil & de Tijger $$$ INDONESIAN

Opt for one of four different rijstafels, encompassing 12 different dishes and flavors, including a vegetarian version. Average main: €30 Spuistraat 291-293, Centrum www.kantjil.nl

NIEUWMARKT

Home to eclectic upscale restaurants, the reasonably priced offerings live up to Amsterdam’s laid-back reputation, and is ideal for a glass of wine or pilsje (small glass of beer), a snack, or meal.

In De Waag $$$ INTERNATIONAL* 

The wood-beamed 17^th-century interior of In de Waag is illuminated with hundreds of candles that bring out the glow of medieval majesty. The menu consists of Dutch products, mostly organic, and a spacious terrace awaits sunny outdoor weather. Average main: €25 Nieuwmarkt 4, Niewmarkt www.indewaag.nl

Amsterdam Oost

While mostly residential, seasonal, market-driven cooking can be found in the areas east of the Amstel river, including La Rive, a temple of gourmet food in the InterContinental Hotel.

De Kas $$$$ MEDITERRANEAN*

Consisting of ingredients from local farmers and the restaurant’s own greenhouse in surrounding gardens, de Kas offers a variety of menus in a beautiful building, surrounded by lush gardens. Average main: €52 Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, Amsterdam-Oost www.restaurantdekas.nl Closed Sunday, no lunch Saturday

La Rive $$$$ FRENCH *

Amsterdam’s premiere location for refined French and Mediterranean food in a chic, refined setting that includes views onto the river. Average main: €65 InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Hotel, Professor Tulpplein 1, Amsterdam-Oost www.restaurantlarive.nl No lunch.

Rijsel $$$$ BELGIAN *

One of the liveliest eateries in Amsterdam, this French-Flemish restaurant offers bright, modern dining with an open kitchen and long, communal tables. Average main: €35 Marcusstraat 52, Amsterdam-Oost www.rijsel.com Closed weekends, no lunch.

The Waterfront

Oosterdok

The area east of Centraal Station has some excellent restaurants, where you will find restuarants to make your reservation ahead of time.

Samhoud Places Restaurant $$$ ECLECTIC *

Serving some of the most creative and pricey French-influenced dishes in Amsterdam, this restaurant is known for daring dishes that include interesting ingredient combinations, worth a splurge. Average main: €65 Oosterdokskade 5, Oosterdok www.samhoudplaces.com Closed Monday and Tuesday, and no lunch on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Choux $$$$ CONTEMPORARY *

Vegetarians delight, while omnivores rejoice in this organic, veggie-centered restaurant, featuring wines and local ingredients. The focus is on the menu, with an informal décor. Average main: €50 de Ruyterkade 128, Ossterdok www.choux.nl Closed Sunday, no dinner Monday, no lunch Saturday.

Greetje $$$ DUTCH *

If you want Dutch food at its best, Greetje is your place for rarely seen or forgotten Oud Nederlandse dishes with fresh, local, often organic ingredients served in a charming atmosphere. Average main: €26, Oosterdok www.restaurantgreetje.nl No lunch

Sea Palace $$$ CHINESE *

An over-the-top floating Chinese restaurant near Centraal Station, the lovely and authentic décor houses a restaurant offering consistently delicious food. Average main: €25 Oosterdokskade 8, Oosterdok www.seapalace.nl

Western Islands

While somewhat removed from the rest of Amsterdam, the three islands between Centraal Station and Westerpark are an ideal location for a quiet lunch or dinner with beautiful river views.

Marius $$$$ MEDITERRANEAN *

A casual neighborhood bistro attracts locals with seasonal ingredients of seafood and meat along with farm-fresh vegetables. Average main: €47 Barentszstraat 173 www.restaurantmarius.nl Closed Sunday and Monday.

MOS Amsterdam $$$ * FRENCH

This Asian-influenced French restaurant uses international ingredients to create tasting menus that can be deliciously paired with an outstanding wine list. MOS takes you to the feeling of old Shanghai. Average main: €26 Ijdok 185 www.mosamsterdam.nl Closed Sunday and Monday. No lunch Saturday

Amsterdam-Noord

You can reach this area on the north side of the IJ River where prime people-watching and satisfying food awaits, including the trendy area of the former shipyard, NDSM (Nederlandsche Do ken Scheepsbouw Maatschappij).

Hotel de Goudfazant $$$$ INTERNATIONAL *

The “Golden Pheasant” offers Dutch food with a French twist with a cool, industrial decor and interesting people-watching. Average main: €31 Aambeeldstraat 10H www.hoteldegoudfazant.nl Closed Monday and no lunch.

Pllek $$ ECLECTIC *

Housed in cavernous shipping contrainers, this buzzy scene focuses on organic, health-conscious food and a lively crowd. Average main: €18 TT Neveritaweg 59 www.pllek.nl

Western Canal Ring

Johannes $$$ FRENCH *

Amsterdam’s current rage focuses on small-plate tasting menus, and this intimate 15-table restaurant in a canal house with Dutch décor goes above and beyond with montly menu surprises. A light French cooking style guides a blend of international ingredients and flavors, with excellent wine pairings. Average main: €28 Herengracht 413, Western Canal Ring www.restaurantjohannes.nl No lunch

Pancake Bakery $ DUTCH *

You can’t leave Amsterdam without trying Dutch panekoeken, and this 17^th-century warehouse is home to more than 75 choices of savory toppings to fill the enormous panekoeken. Be aware that lines can flow out the door at all times, but reasonable prices and delicious tastes will be your reward. Average main: €14 Prinsengracht 191, Western Canal Ring www.pancake.nl

Eastern Canal Ring

Lower-key options with plenty of cafes and trendy spots may focus on vibe more than quality of food.

Librije’s Zusje $$$$ DUTCH *

A sister of the three-Michelin star Librije in Zwolle, northeast of Amsterdam, artfully prepared food with high-end formal dining make for a great experience. Average main: €60 Herengracht 542-556, Eastern Canal Ring www.librijeszusje.com Closed Sunday and Monday, and no lunch Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rembrandtplein

The streets around the square offer much more than the generic sidewalk cafes on Rembrandtplein square, with several ethnic restaurants and Amsterdam’s best Italian restaurants.

Bord’Eau $$$$ FRENCH *

Creative French cuisine in a playfully modern French restaurant, offering a superb wine selection. Average main: €60 Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, Rembrandtplein www.bordeau.nl Closed Sunday and Monday, and no lunch on Saturday.

Incanto $$$ ITALIAN *

Serving high-end contemporary Italian food from a friendly waitstaff, this restaurant is hidden near the Tuschinski theater. Average main: €27 Amstel 2, Rembrandtplein www.restaurant-incanto.nl 

Jordaan

Many dining options are offered on the narrow streets of de Jordaan, though you are advised to make reservations in advance.

La Perla $ PIZZA *

Brick-oven, thin-crusted Neapolitan-style pies attract crowds of locals and tourists alike. The restaurant only offers whole pies, not slices. www.pizzaperla.nl

Oud-West

For dining with local Amsterdam enthusiasts, go to Oud-West for new restaurants and ethnic eateries.

de Foodhallen $ INTERNATIONAL *

An always-crowded food hall similar to Madrid’s San Miguel market, food stands offer international fare, from Vietnamese and Indian street food to Turkish and Italian bites. This offers a trendy vibe and late hours. Average main: €6 Bellamyplein 51 www.foodhallen.nl

De Pijp

This lively neighborhood is the home of Turkish and Moroccan enclaves, and plenty of coffee bars.

Bazar Amsterdam $ AFRICAN *

Inexpensive and flavorful North African cooking is served near the largest outdoor market in Holland, meaning a perfect spot for a break from your shopping. Average main: €13 Albert Cuypstraat 182, de Pijp www.hotelbazar.nl/en/restaurant-bazar-amsterdam

Ciel Bleu $$$$ FRENCH *

A two-Michelin star French dining room, the ultrarefined French cuisine is the place to go for amazing views for a celebratory meal. Average main: €55 Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, de Pijp www.okura.nl/en/culinary/ciel-bleu-restaurant Closed Sunday, and no lunch.

Mamouche $$ MOROCCAN *

Tasty Moroccan dishes in a romantic and posh atmosphere includes a helpful waitstaff. Average main: €21 Quelijnstraat 104, de Pijp www.restaurantmamouche.nl Closed Monday, and no lunch.

Yamazato $$$$ JAPANESE *

With views over a Japanese garden, this fabulous splurge offers Micheline-stared Japanese cuisine in an elegant setting. Average main: €40 Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 de Pijp www.okura.nl/en/culinary/yamazato Closed Mondays.

Oud-Zuid

This is the neighborhood for some of Amsterdam’s most interesting and creative food creations, beyond the traditional tourist destintations.

Blauw $$$ INDONESIAN *

This may be some of the best Indonesian food in Amsterdam, located near the southeastern end of Vondelpark. Average main: €24 Amstelveenseweg 158-160, Oud-Zuid www.restaurantblauw.nl No lunch.

Bolenius $$$ DUTCH *

A modern restaurant near Station Zuid Metro, in the area of the World Trade Center, this Scandinavian-inspired design offers local fare in ultracreative ways, using their own produce from their vegetable and herb gardens. Average main: €30 George Gershwinlaan 30, Oud-Zuid www.bolenius-restaurant.nl Closed Sunday.

Restaurant As $$ MEDITERRANEAN *

Located in a former chapel, all dishes are cooked on an open fire in an outdoor wood overn served on mostly long communal tables. Don’t miss the beautiful terrace, as well. Average main: €20 Prinses Irenestraat 19, Oud-Zuid www.restaurantas.nl No lunch Monday and Saturday.

Ron Gastrobar $$$ CONTEMPORARY *

A casual, minimal space where Dutch integrates with French preparations in a star chef restaurant. Average main: €30 Sophialaan 55, Oud-Zuid www.rongastrobar.nl