Amsterdam has perfected the art of the warehouse conversion, and you could easily spend a happy week on an evening restaurant crawl along the North bank of the River Ij. From Hotel de Goudfazant to the IJ-Kantine as well as newer arrivals like Hangar, the options are plentiful, spaces are vast and the terraces and windows overlooking this maritime city are dreamy.
One of our favourites is Stork a magnificent temple to seafood just a short ferry ride across from Central Station. Obviously awash with oysters and shellfish, there are meaty options as well. The large terrace overlooking the river comes into its own on a sunny afternoon or balmy evening – all of Amsterdam’s nautical life goes by – from some of the world’s largest cruise ships, to wooden schooners, canoes and even the Pancake Boat. Inside the space is cavernous, the setting is beautiful and the floating show of boats along the river provides live entertainment in uniquely Amsterdam-style.
