Amsterdam Hotspots - the guide to Amsterdam city

da noi
segugio
vasso

pasta e basta
a tavola

pastini
toscanini

See also:

lounge

drink&eat

Da Noi
Haarlemmerdijk 128 (620 14 09).

Da Noi translates to 'Chez Nous'; it is indeed a bit like being invited to dinner by La Mama herself. Yes, this is Italian cuisine in heart and soul. Elegant, uncomplicated interior with brick walls and simple wooden tables and chairs. Limited space and a lots of regulars so reservations are in order.
Open 6pm-11pm.

[5 reviews, avg 8/10]

Pasta E Basta
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 8 (422 22 29).
Trendy pasta restaurant with a twist - the waiters sing opera arias in-between serving the plates of pasta. Lively atmosphere, popular with large(r) parties, no group reservations allowed during the weekend though. Make reservations well in advance.
Open daily 6pm-11pm.

[12 reviews, avg 8/10]

Pastini
Leidsegracht 29 (622 17 01).

Wonderful little pasta restaurant in a small canalside corner house. Splendid view of the Keizersgracht. Original recipes all with fresh ingredients at very reasonable prices. All pastas can be ordered as a starter or a main dish. During summer the lovely view of canals and bridges can be enjoyed from the sidewalk terrace.
Open daily 6pm-10pm.

[10 reviews, avg 6/10]

Segugio
Utrechtsestraat 96a (330 15 03).

This has to be one of the top Italian restaurants in town. Not so large, with several levels, but nonetheless a spacious and airy atmosphere. On the menu traditional up market dishes, with a special mention for the various Venetian specialties, everything prepared to perfection. Of course this comes at a price, but Segugio really is worth it.
Open daily 6pm-11pm (closed Sun).

[5 reviews, avg 10/10]

A Tavola
Kadijksplein 9 (625 49 94).
Unpretentious restaurant, with traditional Italian fare in an informal ambiance. Amiable service, and clearly the dishes are prepared with great love and care. Definitely worth a visit.
Open 6pm-11pm, closed Sun.

[3 reviews, avg 7/10]

Toscanini
Lindengracht 75 (623 28 13).
Large Jordaan restaurant with Southern Italian cuisine and an interior to match. The large open kitchen makes for a pleasant spectacle while waiting. The staff can be a bit haughty, though things seem to have improved. Very popular with locals, so make reservations well in advance!
Open daily 6pm-11pm.

[8 reviews, avg 8/10]

Vasso
Rozenboomsteeg 12 (626 01 58).
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Trendy restaurant with a camp rural Italian interior: wooden floors, sturdy tables and chairs, and terracotta walls with cuckoo clocks and deer antlers. The restaurant has an open kitchen and an extra upstairs dining room. Original Italian dishes, rural in origin but prepared in a delicate way.
Open daily 6pm-11pm.

[6 reviews, avg 10/10]