3 Best Restaurants in Western Islands, Amsterdam

Marius

$$$ | Western Islands Fodor's choice

This casual neighborhood bistro draws a relaxed local crowd with its seasonal preparations of seafood and meat served with farm-fresh vegetables. The menu changes daily—ingredients are chosen from the morning market by the chef, who trained at Berkeley's Chez Panisse—and are offered on a four-course prix-fixe menu (three courses are available for lighter appetites, weeknights only).

Checkpoint Charlie

$ | Western Islands
Not far from Westerpark and just across the main canal that borders the Jordaan, Checkpoint Charlie serves excellent, locally produced snacks, like homemade vegetarian quiche, and organic grilled-cheese sandwiches—the little cheese croquettes are recommended. At night, there are DJs, acoustic rock, and spoken-word performances.

REM Eiland

$$ | Western Islands

A meal at this former offshore TV tower transported from the North Sea—and perched (thankfully not precariously) out on the IJ River—is one of the most unique dining experiences you can have in Amsterdam. The food does take a bit of a backseat to the location, but bistro-style offerings like burger and fries are good; and at dinner, you can't go wrong with the sea bass.

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