Pier 10

Pier 10 has sat serenely behind Amsterdam Central Station, between the jostling cyclists and pedestrians waiting for the pontjes (boats) to North Amsterdam, since 1987. But somehow the restaurant is easy to miss.

Housed in a building that was originally a distribution office for the shipping industry, Pier 10 comprises a large, rather gaudily decorated front room and a much more basic, intimate backroom. The latter offers a fantastic 180-degree panorama out of its high curved windows of the IJ river and the passing boats.

This Amsterdam restaurant’s menu is an often creative mix of Dutch and French influences. I started with a ballontine of turkey and pastrami with brown sugar and mustard dressing, while R. had a cold salad of calf’s liver and tongue, with sweet figs and balsamic dressing.

My main was a fishy combo of salmon, scallops and prawns with an unusual Pernod sauce which lent the dish a subtle aniseed flavour. R.’s succulent, pink duck breast also came with a boozy sauce, this time made from Grand Marnier.

Separate side dishes comprised mixed vegetables served in a Chinese steaming basket, cabbage and cucumber ‘coleslaw’ and a lovely garlicky potato gratin.

The dessert was a rich, deep purple blackberry pudding, decorated with fresh strawberries, red currants and a sprig of mint, and served with an exquisitely delicate pink ginger cream.

The house wine, although rather featureless, was a reasonable €3.25 a glass. Bottles of wine from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria and a few from New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa range from €21-€37.

Service at Pier 10 isn't always attentive and the building’s age - which is part of its charm - also means it can be draughty. With an extra layer on, however, this romantic restaurant is perfect for dinner for two - with a view.

No vegetarian dishes are listed on Pier 10’s menu, but vegetarians can be accommodated if the restaurant is informed in advance.