Even parents need a romantic evening out every so often – maybe especially so. And to make it easy for our busy and exhausted mamas and papas to plan the perfect night out, we’ve compiled the best recommendations from our Facebook group. So book a table and a babysitter, hold hands while riding your bikes, and fall in love all over again. Who needs Paris?
Restaurants
The Lobby: If you enjoy being part of the scene in the Centre, this restaurant is highly recommended for food, service, and ambiance. A tip: try their Gin and Tonic.
Belhamel: When you visit their web page, the description is clear: a romantic restaurant in front of a canal. What else is there to say?
Red: If your idea of romance is Tournedos and Lobster, this is the place.
Gebroeders Hartering: A small, cozy, and romantic place with great food. To continue with the fun, have a drink next door at HPS.
Café Modern: In Noord. Amazing, top-class food at a reasonable price.
Restaurant Stork: This restaurant has views of the river IJ. Very romantic and it makes you feel like you are in another country.
The Chef’s Table. What better than to have a private chef cook for you and your partner in the beautiful and trendy De Pijp neighborhood?
Balthazar’s Keuken: This restaurant makes you feel like your friend is cooking for you and has a very personal service.
La Vallade: This French restaurant serves flawlessly-presented dishes in tasty portions.
Chez Georges: This is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel you are the only customer. Small and cozy with wonderful food. You can imagine sitting here with your other half – toasting to many more years to come.
Elkaar: This restaurant is located near the Tropen Museum and Alexander Plein so a great option for our Centrum-Oost moms. It has a romantic ambiance and is not very big, making it cozy and romantic.
Momo and Taiko (Conservatorium Hotel): Recommended for their delicious Asian food and beautiful environment.
La Cantinetta: Italian food by candlelight is always romantic.
Van Vlaanderen: Located on the Weteringcircuit, this extremely romantic restaurant has amazing food combinations and flavors.
Bars
If you only have time to go for a drink, Amsterdam has amazing bars, some of them with spectacular views.
Sky Lounge: Situated at the top of the Hilton Double Tree, near Centraal Station, this bar has the best view in Amsterdam. There is a large cocktail menu with table service.
Twenty Third Bar: On the 23rd floor of hotel Okura. The price of the cocktails starts at 15 euros. Not cheap, but worth it for the great views.
Bubbles & Wines: A two-minute walk from Dam Square, and you are in this amazing bar that has all kind of Champagnes and wines. Easily combined with a nice dinner.
The Tara: Formerly an English Pub, now a bar with five different atmospheres. You can have some fun trying each one.
Experiences
Sometimes it’s just a matter of changing your routine, turning an evening into a new adventure.
The Eye: A five-minute ferry ride from Centraal Station and you are there. Watch a film and then go for a drink or a meal in the modern restaurant with its expansive views.
Rust: Couples massages, champagne, special treats, and special arrangements to feel spoiled…sounds perfect to de-stress and remember what is important in life.
Wine tasting: Always fun. The Dylan offers this in sophisticated surroundings.
Mezrab: A cozy and alternative atmosphere, offering lots of interesting cultural activities – from storytelling to world music to comedy nights, and even folk dancing. The proprietor’s Iranian parents make really good soup.
Jazz Cafe Alto: In Leidseplein. Cool, laid-back jazz concerts in a cozy bar atmosphere.
Boom Chicago: A great place to enjoy comedy where improvisation, technology, and some nice drinks are combined.
Please be aware that most places require advance booking, especially at weekends.
photo credit: Flickr
Elvira Mendoza
Elvira Mendoza is a Colombian full-time working mom of a four-year-old, and is married to a Dutch citizen. She has a company called Mariposa Vlinder, and loves writing and reading. She is also part of the Amsterdam Mamas Book and Film Club.
