Restaurants in The Randstad
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Blauw
Blauw is the place for stylish Indonesian food in Utrecht. Young and old alike enjoy superb rijsttafels (array of spicy dishes served with rice) amid the red decor that mixes vintage art with hip minimalism.
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De Zeven Zonden
Unique, offbeat and cosy - try the kangaroo dish cooked French-provincial style.
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Cloos
One of a gaggle of swank cafes on the vast Plein. Rest your gentrified butt on the comfy wicker chairs and watch the pigeons bedevil the solemn statue of Willem Den Eerste, hero of the Spanish war. No telling what the famous nationalist would have thought about Cloos’ Italian menu.
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Kip
A lovely place that's more elegant than its moniker might imply. It's won a swag of 'Lekkers' (the Dutch restaurant-awards) and has crisp, white tablecloths, a dainty dining room, and delicious and immaculately prepared meat, poultry and vegetable concoctions with a haute cuisine feel.
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Parkheuvel
Some say it's the Netherlands' best restaurant - as one of only two Dutch fancies with three Michelin stars, it's got a strong claim. The French/international menu is especially fab with seafood - red mullet with balsamic dressing, anyone?
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Polman’s
Diners at this grand cafe are welcomed in an elegant former ballroom with ceiling frescoes and extravagant floral displays. French and Italian flavours dominate the menu and the extensive wine list.
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Verboden Toegang
This casual, elegant, wood-panelled restaurant doesn't take itself too seriously (the name means 'access forbidden'). The grub's top-notch, with an emphasis on seafood - try the butterfish in white wine.
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Annie’s
At the confluence of canals and pedestrian zones, Annie’s has a prime water-level location with dozens of tables on a floating pontoon. This classy cafe is good for a drink or a casual meal.
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Goesting
Celebrities and wannabes flock to Goesting to eat fancies such as spit roast, Dutch asparagus, poached tournedos and 'tame duck' in a crypto-minimalist, high-society atmosphere.
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Lokaal de Reunie
One of many atmospheric cafes near the cathedral tower, Lokaal de Reunie is distinguished by its attractive, airy interior.
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De Ballentent
De Ballentent Rotterdam’s best waterfront pub-cafe is also a great spot for a meal. Dine on one of two terraces or inside. Mussels, schnitzels and more line the menu but the real speciality here are bals, huge homemade meatloafy meatballs. The plain ones are tremendous, but go for the house style with a piquant sauce of fresh peppers, mushrooms and more.
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Dudok
There are always crowds at this sprawling brasserie near the city centre. Inside it’s all high ceilings and walls of glass. Outside, you have your pick of an array of tables lining the street. Meals range from breakfasts to snacks to cafe fare such as soup and pasta. The name comes from noted architect WM Dudok who designed these former insurance offices.
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Topkapi Sense Restaurant
An 'Ottoman' restaurant with cuisine from Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Algeria, Morocco… The couscous with sea bass is a winner, as is the baked, stuffed zucchini. Ruby-red drapes and beads combine with low lighting to create a suitable atmosphere, although the guy in the corner playing cheesy tunes on his synthetic organ tempers it.
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Blits
It was only a matter of time. In a city that loves diverse food and cutting-edge architecture, here's a restaurant that combines both: wall-length windows looking out over the Maas, and a classy international menu. Seating arrangements are 'out there': try the bench with pillows or the 'Love Suite', a heart-shaped, rich-red enclosure.
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Look
This one's especially recommended for single people, Buffy and Francophiles. Look is a cosy little restaurant that specialises in garlic-based dishes: steamed garlic, fried garlic, garlic soup, garlic vegetables… even garlic dessert, on occasion. It's delicious and you can even be a spoilsport and plump for nongarlic dishes.
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Boterwaag
This old weigh-house serves as a café-restaurant and provides a distinctive drinking and eating experience, with its high ceilings, large windows, candle fetish, nooks and crannies to hide out in, and great beer list. When we were here, a kooky kid was riding around inside on a unicycle and no-one batted an eyelid.
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’t Walletje
’t Walletje Tables front this small bistro on a pedestrian street near the town centre. Lunch has good smoothies, sandwiches and salads. At night three-course specials (€20) are artfully prepared and feature nice accents such as pesto side dishes with seafood and steaks.
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Les Ombrellas
Les Ombrellas Is situated at a confluence of canals in one of the city’s most charming districts, this long-running favourite sets up tables across the shady plaza. The tank with live crabs tells you that this is seafood country and the very long menu abounds with choice.
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PUCK
The restaurant's vibrant paint job is apparently a tribute to the owner's daughter's love of M&Ms, and that refreshing lack of attitude and formality carries over to the fusion menu. A case in point: pan-sautéed duck breast over oven-roasted fries, with Napa cabbage and maple syrup.
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OKA
This swish, authentic Japanese restaurant serves up delectable sushi and teppanyaki. The hostess, Ms JoJo Phang, is a bit of a personality - she says she can arrange on-site bachelor parties, ironing out all the details in a 'private talk tailored to that evening's party boy'.
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Opium
This is a hot new place that will rock your socks off. Its Asian fusion cooking matches the gorgeous minimalist interior; think fans, clean angles and plays of light. Tempura of softshell crab in sweet chilli sauce with spring onion and paprika gives you some idea of what's on offer.
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De Haerlemsche Vlaamse
Practically on the doorstep of the Grote Kerk, this frites (French fries) joint, not much bigger than a telephone box, is a local institution. Line up for its crispy, golden fries made from fresh potatoes. Choose from one of a dozen sauces including three kinds of mayonnaise.
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Lambermon’s Grand Café
The ‘grand’ in the name is almost an understatement at this oh-so-chic corner hot-spot in a beautiful former fashion store. Bottles of champagne are on ice for purchase by the glass; the all-male waiting staff even manages a bit of attitude coupled with élan.
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De Brasserie de Engelenbak
Right in the shadow of the 17th-century octagonal Marekerk, this elegant bistro serves a seasonally changing menu of fresh fare that takes its cues from across the continent. Local organic produce features in many of the dishes. Tables outside enjoy views of the hoi polloi.
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Artusi
It's a bar as well as a restaurant, and Italian dishes are the name of the game. It's a stylish place, but not too snobby. Thank God for that. All the usual Italian faves are here, plus ramped up, out-of-left-field goodies like duck udder with olives and balsamic sauce.
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