Vermeer

Just like the name suggests, Vermeer is one of Amsterdam's classics and chef Chris Naylor, who is now developing concepts for various restaurants in Europe, has been at the kitchen's helm for over a decade. A culinary classic as it may be, both the cooking and the interior/ambience/service are contemporary and one of the best the city has to offer. The restaurant vibe is a pleasant mix of warm and luxurious on the one hand, minimalist metropolitan on the other, and a touch of comfy mountain lodge living room thrown in.

With a classic French upbringing, Naylor's cooking is skilled and focused on fresh, pure and local ingredients with a strong emphasis on vegetables. The restaurant has its own beehives and strong relations with hands-on local growers. Don't be mistaken; this is not fashionably, Naylor has been doing this for years. With warm personal service, great stemware, fantastic original food and a wonderful wine list, Vermeer is one of the must-go places in the city.

Vermeer is a mature and confident wine restaurant where experience and a personal approach is key. Wine should not play the second violin to the food, so you find only serious wines served from magnum-sized bottles in the wine pairings. The wine list is diverse but with a strong focus on traditional regions and styles. Also, a few nicely aged bottles contribute to the extensive booklet. Do have a look at their Bordeaux and Burgundy list. Some prices have not been upgraded since the wines were bought ten years ago. Wine lovers from all over Europe know their way to this establishment.

BYO is possible when properly discussed in advance.