Toastable
Amsterdam now has at least two dedicated toastie restaurants serving up experimental takes on the snack that has become something of a national obsession for combining those two Dutch staples, bread and cheese. Toastable serves deluxe versions such as a tomato, brie and honey number in breezy canalside surroundings.

Address: 441 Singel | Telephone: 020 626 2969 |

Meatballs
This new restaurant may do exactly what it says on the tin, but none of its produce comes from one. Instead you'll find juicy prime mince served with an array of inventive sauces and there are some surprising vegetarian options, too. Pumpkin ball, anyone?

Address: 15 Warmoesstraat | Telephone: 020 737 1250 |

Kop van Jut
Its name may be a reference to the dismembered head of a 19th-century murderer from the Hague, but don't let the grim associations put you off. Specialising in hearty, home-cooked fare (think ribeye steak smothered in gorgonzola), it's head and shoulders above the gauntlet of Leidseplein-area eateries vying for your attention.

Address: 24 Leidsekruisstraat | Telephone: 020 320 7722 |

Van Rijn
Named after the Old Master, this glamorous new all-hours diner on the busy Rembrandtplein is a welcome addition to a part of town where tourists often settle for familiar neon names. The emphasis is on brasserie classics with a Dutch twist - the warming onion soup is perfect for this time of year.

Address: 17 Rembrandtplein | Telephone: 020 450 0555 |

Fa. Speijkervet
Located just outside the stomping ground of the Oud-West district's trendiest inhabitants, this back-to-basics gem, themed around nose-to-tail eating, is fast becoming a fixture for those who prize a quality feed above postcode kudos. Dishes such as melt-in-the-mouth black pudding ravioli and the exemplary lamb pie with mint sauce will leave you pleasantly stuffed, but do try to find room for the white chocolate cheesecake.

Address: 79 Admiraal de Ruijterweg | Telephone: 020 223 6004 |

Woo Bros
Bringing a touch of glamour to the otherwise unassuming Jodenbreestraat, Woo Bros is a dimly lit sanctuary where those in the know guzzle on delicious morsels of pan-Asian food, from sushi to Peking duck. Choose this place over the chain-owned equivalents nearby.

Address: 144 Jodenbreestraat | Telephone: 020 428 0488 |

Bord'Eau
Part of the famed Hotel De L'Europe so beloved of the city's favourite booze hero Freddie Heineken, this exquisite new French restaurant overlooking the Amstel River has already set tongues wagging about Michelin stars with its inventive use of high-end ingredients (think truffle ice cream).

Address: 2 Nieuwe Doelenstraat | Telephone: 020 531 1777 |

Bridges
The new year brings a new, not to mention famous, face at Bridges, widely regarded as Amsterdam's best fish restaurant. Celeb chef Ron Blaauw will take the helm, bringing his cutting-edge ideas (there's a hint of Salvador Dali to his approach) to take the place to a whole new level of inventiveness. Consequently, it's this month's culinary hot ticket. 

Address: 197 Oudezijds Voorburgwal | Telephone: 020 555 3560 |