15 Michelin Stars in Amsterdam in 2013

The number of Michelin stars keeps growing in Amsterdam. It has gone up five years in a row now and reached a total of 15.

The biggest contribution came from &samhoud places, which went straight to 2 stars thanks to its molecular gastronomy menu and ability to keep its stars after the move to Amsterdam. While there still is no three star restaurant, 2013 saw four with two stars: &samhoud places, Aan de Poel in Amstelveen, which went from 1 to 2, Ciel Bleu and Ron Blaauw.

Then there are seven restaurants with one star, with Bord’Eau being the lone newcomer.

It will be interesting to see if 2014 will be another year of additional Michelin stars for Amsterdam as Ron Blaauw has changed his formula and gone for great food in a less formal setting and Amsterdam would need to make up for two stars.

Christmas Dinner in Amsterdam 2013

Like every year, we are getting many requests for suggestions for Christmas Dinner in Amsterdam. So we have reached out to our favorite restaurants again and compiled a list of suggestions.

1. bistrot neuf

Trendy French restaurant Bistrot Neuf, which among other things always impresses us as one of the few restaurants open every day, will be open for dinner on December 24, 25, and 26 with a special Christmas Menu full of classics like oysters, partridge or lobster.

2. Marius / De Worst

Marius and twin sister De Worst (Dutch for sausage), who are on our Best Amsterdam Restaurants list, are closed for dinner on Christmas, but have organized a festive Christmas lunch on December 24th and get a special mention. The lunch starts at 1pm at Marius, followed by the screening of the culinary movie Babette’s Feast, and then drinks and snacks at De Worst.

3. Okura Hotel

The Okura Hotel with its range of restaurants including Michelin stars Ciel Bleu and Yamazato, is putting on a vast Christmas dining program. There’s a Christmas brunch, various dinners with special menus and much more.

4. Restaurant Fyra

Another honorable mention for Restaurant Fyra, one of the restaurants we recommend on Sunday, another difficult day. They are closed on Christmas, but do offer a special sous-vide Christmas menu to take away and simply re-heat at home.

5. Restaurant Stork

Fish restaurant Stork in the port of Amsterdam is open on boxing day, December 26th.

6. Ron Gastrobar

Ron Gastrobar, the Michelin star turned informal restaurant with the same excellent food, will be open on December 24, 25, 26 with a special Christmas menu.

While many restaurants are still closed around the holidays, it’s encouraging that we have six options this year compared to only three 12 months ago. So we are pleased to note that restaurants are responding to the demand for dining out on Christmas in Amsterdam.