Amsterdam Restaurants

  1. Bazar Amsterdam

    Beneath a golden angel in the middle of the Albert Cuypmarkt, this one-time Dutch Reformed church has fab-u-lous tile murals and 10,001 Arabian lights to complement the cuisine: from Morocco through Turkey, Lebanon through Persia. Even the plates are gorgeous and exotic. Breakfast and lunch are served all day, or just come for a beer or coffee, baklava or apple pie.

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  2. Divan

    In a town where 'Turkish' usually means 'takeaway' (or 'pizza'), Divan offers a calming alternative. For around €25 you get the meze combo starter of 10 assorted dips, skewers and salads, and we loved ali nazik (minced lamb with aubergines in yogurt garlic sauce), but it was the gracious, sweet service that will take us back.

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  3. Nomads

    It's the Supper Club concept on the road to Morocco. Wine, dine and recline on mattresses amid decadent decorations, and graze on platters of mod Middle Eastern snacks while being entertained by belly dancers and DJs. Superbly sexy, and best experienced with a lively group.

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  4. Turkiye

    English may not work at this simple shop, but it doesn't matter: the dishes inside the glass case are plenty eloquent. Locals value Turkiye for its grilled mains and small plates like stuffed tomatoes and Turkish pizza. Eat-in or takeaway.

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  5. Zagros

    Never tried Kurdish food? Neither had we, but we're glad we did. Just as Kurdistan straddles Greece and Persia, so does the cuisine, with grills and stews (mostly lamb and chicken), salads of cucumber, tomato or onion, and starters like hummus and dumast (thick, dry yoghurt).

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