World > Europe > The Netherlands > Amsterdam

Harkema

<p>This slick, busy brasserie on the Nes, one of the city's oldest (and possibly spookiest) streets, is popular with young creatives, so don't feel compelled to don your sport coat and tie—Stan Smiths and dark denim will do just fine. The food is solid, with occasional nods to Dutch cuisine (mackerel marinated in orange juice with a red onion compote, shrimp croquettes with cocktail sauce) and its former colonies (Malaysian fish soup with Marsala potatoes and papadam). Vegetarians will be in heaven here, as there are always at least two fresh, spicy, and innovative meat-free entrées on the menu. </p> <p><strong>Insider Tip:</strong> Large groups (10 or more) can adjourn to a dimly-lit second level private dining area with full-length picture windows that look down onto the restaurant, allowing you to observe all the fun in the brasserie without the attendant cacophony.</p>