Los Pilones: 6

Great for a casual dinner with friends, complete with tortilla chips, fresh salsa and delicious margaritas.
Kerkstraat 63, Amsterdam, +31 20 3204651
www.lospilones.com

Water (8) – Ample water offered in a tequila bottle, along with prompt refills upon request
Taste (7) – I’m not sure how this would fare next to some Tex-Mex I’ve had in the States, but in Amsterdam, this is as good as it gets!
Service (6) – The servers were not attentive at all and had to be flagged down for any request. And although under any other circumstances, I would give this category a lower rating, one of my fellow diners didn’t like his meal (I underscore “didn’t like”; there were no mistakes) and the server exchanged his plate for another without any argument. That counts for something.
Presentation (5) – Standard, clean, typical service
Location (6) – Located on Kerkstraat, right off Leidsestraat, this location can be a bit loud and busy. But it is next to the shopping on Leidsestraat, is located towards the south of the center and therefore quite close to many attractions.
Interior (5) – Unfortunately this restaurant is small and cramped and the bathrooms are the size of a matchbox.
Expense, excluding water (6) – The price is pretty standard for the area, with most entrees in the 12-15EUR range.

On a personal note, I have been to this place at least a half dozen times, because the food is quite good, it’s close to where I live and it offers great mango margaritas. I’d also like to note that there are very few Mexican restaurants in Amsterdam. So if you’ve got a craving for some Latin fare, this is a good bet.

Oceania: 7

Chinese restaurant, great for a special dinner or and evening with colleagues … when the company is picking up the tab.
Scheldestraat 77, Amsterdam, +31206738907‎
www.restaurantoceania.nl

Water (6) – Free water was provided but not without some fuss. I had to be very clear that I don’t want bottled water and refills were not offered.
Taste (8) – Oceania offers a variety of Chinese dishes, skewed somewhat towards seafood. Everything I tasted was delicious. And try the oysters – they are a MUST.
Service (8) – This is a higher end restaurant and the service was impeccable. We were greeted at the door by the two owners, who took our jackets and throughout the meal, three different servers were taking care of us. The staff has a great way of making the diner feel special.
Presentation (7) – Food is served on nice Chinese/Indonesian style hot plates and tends to be family style. All plates are adorned with greens and flowers.
Location (5) – Oceania is located on a restaurant row just next to the Rai convention center. Although convenient to Rai visitors, not only is the restaurant is a bit far away form the center, but the location itself offers no other attractions or sights.
Interior (7) – Simple and elegant, the Chinese décor is classy and does not distract from the food.
Expense, excluding water (5) – Unfortunately this place is quite pricey. My entrée alone was over 30Euro. However, for the service and quality of the food, the price is pretty much on par.

On a personal note, the location for me is a bit of a deterrent. I have only been to Oceania three times, mostly because it’s away from the ‘action’. However if you find yourself in the area, I would encourage anyone to dine there – Oceania is a very special restaurant.

Rakang: 7

Great for a fun date or weekend dinner with friends.  The trendy atmosphere, delicious Thai food in a hip neighborhood.

Elandsgracht 29- 31, Amsterdam, +31 206275012‎

Rakang.nl

 

Water (8) – Only I requested a glass of tap water.  However, the server brought out a glass for everyone at the table.  Now, that’s attention to thirst I like to see!

Taste (7) – Thai chips with sautéed onion paste greeted us at the table.  We all chose Menu One, which, you, the reader can examine here.  Several of my fellow diners have spent significant time in Thailand and they all assured me that the quality of this Thai food met their very high expectations.

Service (6) – Service was solid, no complaints but nothing outstanding.  Just regular level of attentiveness one would expect and desire.

Presentation (6) – Presentation, like service, was standard.

Location (7) – Rakang is located towards the bottom of Jordaan, one of my favorite areas of Amsterdam.  Very close to beautiful Jordaan canals, full of hip spots to eat, drink and shop.

Interior (7) – Although small and a bit crowded, the atmosphere of the restaurant was welcoming, clean and stylish.  The trendy interior was full of flowers and colorful decorations throughout.

Expense, excluding water (6) – Relative to other comparable eateries in Amsterdam, the expense here is rather standard.

 

 

On a personal note, I really like Rakang.  What draws me there the most is the atmosphere and location of the restaurant.  It has a nice modern vibe and interesting décor, full of color and flowers.  After dinner, take a walk though the neighborhood and pop in for a drink to one of the many other establishments that Jordaan offers.

 

 

P.King: 6

Modern Chinese fusion fare, with a nice bar/restaurant ambience.  Great for a weekend dinner before heading to the movies across the street or bars in Rembrandtplein.

Herengracht 515, 1017 Amsterdam

http://www.pking.nl/en/index.html

 

Water (7) – Promptly received a glass of water upon request, at no cost.

Taste (6) – The food was not bad but the sauces used in this Cantonese fusion kitchen were a little too sticky and sweet and too far from authentic.  In addition, the servings were rather small and tap beer selection is rather poor (this becomes important when the restaurant serves as both an eatery and bar). 

Service (5) – A bit slow and not overly friendly. 

Presentation (6) – Clean, typical, white bowls – absolutely satisfactory but no fireworks.

Location (7) – Restaurant is located near Rembrandtplein, which is a central location and is easily accessible.  Additional advantages to this location are the proximity to Pathe Munt and Tuschinski movie theaters as well as other restaurants and bars. 

Interior (7) – Excellent balance between a bar and a restaurant.  Background music, dimmed lights and crowds bustling outside make this a great start for a Friday or Saturday evening of bar or club hopping.

Expense, excluding water (6) – Most entrees between 12-14EUR, however the score is downgraded for the amount of food for your buck.

 

On a personal note, don’t let the food amount and sub-superb quality discourage you from trying out P. King.  This place has great energy, is in since location and I am sure I will return there in the future.

Ibis: 7

Authentic Ethiopian food, family style restaurant, complete with spongy bread and banana beer – great for a casual dinner with an exotic twist.

Weesperzijde 43, Amsterdam, Ph +31 (0)20 6926267

 

Water (8) – Carafe of water brought and refilled upon request.

Taste (8) – The array of tastes, constructing a varied yet cohesive palate, is finger-licking good!  The spongy bread is delicate yet extremely filling so come hungry.  Also a nice vegetarian selection.

Service (6) – Everything is timely but no one is excessively nice or attentive

Presentation (5) – I must give this an average rating because the presentation is very typical for this cuisine – one large family style plate from which everyone shares and eats with their fingers (utensils provided only upon request).  This lends itself to a messy experience.

Location (6) – Just southeast of the center, takes 2 trams to reach from the Centrum.  However, Ibis is located on the river Amstel, which is beautiful on a sunny day.

Interior (5) – Bit run down and in need of refurbishing.  However, it somewhat contributes to the “homey” feeling of this establishment.

Expense, excluding water (7) – For the amount and quality of food served, the price is very reasonable.  Good value.

 

On a personal note, I am almost glad that Ibis is not any closer to my home in the Center or I would be eating there more often.  And there is so many other restaurants to try! 

Na Siam: 6

Good for a casual Thai food dinner with friends or colleagues, in a very nice location.

http://www.nasiam.nl

 

Water (7) – Free tap water available upon request – no funny looks, no problem

Taste (6) – Na Siam is a victim of comparison.  The food is good, however, I may have been spoiled by going to some excellent Thai restaurants recently.  Amsterdam offers some truly outstanding Thai food – reviews coming soon.

Service (6) – Dressed in typical Thai fashion, the servers were nice and appropriately attentive.

Presentation (6) – Simple and clean, and as a special touch, the rice was served in shape of a star and a moon.

Location (7) – One block west of the restaurant is the 7 Bridges (Reguliersgracht).  It provides a stunning view in the evening, as the bridges light up the canals.  In addition, Utrechtsestraat is a nice street running from Frederiksplein to Rembrandtplein, housing a few boutiques, some good restaurants and bars.

Interior (6) – Simple and casual interior.  Dark wood, slightly embellished with gold Thai decorations.

Expense, excluding water (5) – In general, pricing was in line with similar local restaurants.  However, I felt it was slightly high in relation to the total experience.

 

On a personal note, this is a good place to go mid-week for dinner after work, when you are not looking for anything more than a descent meal. 

Claes Claesz: 6

Casual French restaurant, good for dinner with your grandparents.

www.claesclaesz.nl

 

Water (7) – Free tap water available upon request.

Taste (7) – French food, well prepared.  The leg of lamb was delicious but the deserts were a bit disappointing.

Service (6) – A bit hands-off service.  Adequate interaction but nothing special. However people were nice and we didn’t have to wait long to get their attention.

Presentation (5) – Normal and appropriate, without any fireworks.

Location (6) – Located towards the north end of Jordaan, on a small quiet street.  It was a bit hard to find, even though we consulted a map before heading out.  However, entire neighborhood of Jordaan is lovely and full of nice eateries and shops.

Interior (6) – rather brightly lit, clean, normal … average.

Expense, excluding water (5) – priced in line with many local restaurants, with main courses between 16 and 19EUR, although my 4-prawn starter was not worth 8EUR.

 

On a personal note, I found this place simply boring.  There is nothing that I can really complain about.  Food was good, service adequate, and they even had a musician playing guitar or piano throughout the evening. But nonetheless, I found the dining experience bland and I’m unlikely to go back.

Saint Martin: 7

Best for a causal date or dinner with colleagues or friends. Delicious French food and excellent service.
http://www.saint-martin.nl

Water (9) – A carafe of water was waiting for us at the table when we arrived and was always promptly refilled! The only reason this is not a 10 is because it was not filtered.
Taste (8) – All three courses struck a very nice balance of flavours, textures and weight.
Menu changes every two weeks, always serving what is fresh and in season.
Service (8) – Full of personal touch – the servers were very attentive and at the end we chatted with the chef, who warmly invited us back.
Presentation (5) – Simple. Normal. Nice.
Location (7) – This is a great location, along Princengracht, in one of my favorite areas of Amsterdam. It is technically considered the Centrum but commonly grouped together with Jordaan. Peak into beautiful homes along the canal on your after dinner walk.
Interior (4) – Very simple and bare. The interior is the only aspect I can complain about. This place has a lot of potential and if redecorated, the restaurant would truly be a gem.
Expense, excluding water (5) – We ate there during restaurant week and it was a great deal. But we also got a chance to peak at the regular menu and the entrees were priced about 20-23EUR. This is in line with typical Amsterdam restaurant – average.

On a personal note, food and service alone are very strong reasons to visit. In addition, the kitchen located in the back is open to onlookers. This creates a warm and intimate atmosphere, as the chef becomes an active part of the restaurant. Don’t let the minimalist interiors turn you off.

Restaurant Week

Twice a year, across the Netherlands, various restaurants participate in Restaurant Week.

Every participating restaurant offers a 3 course meal for 25EUR(dinner)/20EUR(lunch).

Restaurants range from very fancy to very casual and I will be checking out two French restaurants this week. (Reviews on GMMFW coming soon!)

In addition, at the end of each meal, diners are asked to fill out evaluations and possibly win prizes, like free dinners. Dining, reviewing and possibly getting free stuff – it’s hard not to get excited!!

Three Sisters, Rembrandtplein: 5*

Geared towards younger people, likely a first stop before club hopping. Suitable for a beer or a cocktail but best to eat elsewhere.

Water (7) – Free tap water available without problems, questions, or hesitation
Taste (3) – I started with a greasy soup followed by the worst burger I’ve had in Amsterdam: overdone and tasteless. My favorite part about the meal was the mustard.
Service (3) – Oy! The server was very slow and knew absolutely nothing about the menu. Upon asking her for a recommendation or house specialty, she said, “Steak?”
Presentation (5) – Average … I can’t think of anything else to say about that.
Location (7) – This is a central location and is easily accessible. I personally prefer more off-the-beaten-path areas but besides being crowded with people, there’s nothing I can complain about. Additional advantages to this location are the proximity to Pathe Munt and Tuschinski movie theaters as well as other restaurants and bars.
Interior (7) – This was my favorite part about dining at Three Sisters. The interior was made of heavy dark wood and warm stained glass covered lights flooded the interior. Comfy leather seats and booths throughout the venue, although the tables were a bit small.
Expense, excluding water (5) – For the service and quality of food, the cost is barely average.

*On a personal note, Three Sisters should score a 4 at best. Only their availability of free water is saving the score. To be fair, I don’t think this place is really meant to be a restaurant. There is loud DJ-controlled music piping through, making it feel more like a club than anything else, and they just happen to serve food. Eat at your own risk.