41 trendy LIBERTINE CAFÉ CAFÉ A monochrome medley of marble, moody charcoal and blonde wood, this buzzy restaurant is the brainchild of horeca heavy-hitters Casper Reinders and Steven Pooters, who wanted to ‘create a place for locals and wanderers alike’ with a relaxed no reservations policy and ‘simple New York-style food’. You’ll find eggs en cocotte with prosciutto and asparagus, crisp-crusted pizzetta with artichoke, mozzarella and oregano and linguine with meatballs. The parmesan-flecked tagliata (sliced bavette steak, €18) alone is worth braving the crowds for. It comes with rocket salad, but do order some anchovy-asparagus (€7) on the side.
critic’s choice GEBR. HARTERING
T
he Hartering brothers’ nouveau-rustic approach ruffled a few fine dining feathers back when the restaurant launched in 2010, but quickly won over local foodies with unfussy à la carte hits, such as rosemary-covered roasted bone marrow served with crusty bread and pureed garlic (€15), 6-week hung rib roast seared on a charcoal grill (€39 per person sharing) and an impeccable cheese plate (€15). There’s also a five-course chef ’s menu (€55) inspired by the seasons. Peperstraat 10-hs gebr-hartering.nl
©MITCHELL VAN VOORBERGEN
Wolvenstraat 22 libertinecafe.amsterdam
classic CASA SABATELLI
quick & simple JACKETZ For authentic okonomiyaki (savoury Japanese pancakes) head over to this Jordaan-based specialist, where you’ll find three regional varieties: Osaka-style with mountain potato puree; the multi-layered Hiroshima pancake with egg and noodles; and Kobe-style Negiyaki with spring onions. The simpler the better; the negiyaki with mushrooms (€14.50) packs an umami punch without the heft of some fully-loaded versions. Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 24A japanesepancakeworld.com
For freshly prepared pasta made from an ancient wheat variety that, apparently, aids digestion, you can’t go wrong at this Apulian eatery. Traditional orecchiette with homemade tomato sauce (€9.90) is served on paint-splattered plates in a decor filled with wildflowers and black-framed photos of the southern Italian countryside, while service is warm and welcoming. There’s also a wall of products from Puglia, including ceramic jugs of olive oil, savoury preserves and, of course, pasta from papa’s artisan factory back home. Kinkerstraat 230 casasabatelli.nl