Restaurant Open

Located in an old railway bridge that has been converted into an elevated space surrounded by glass, Restaurant Open offers quality food with a view – of Westerdokskade on one side and the IJ on the other.

The menu encompasses French, Italian and Dutch influences with a strong emphasis on seasonal veg, free-range meat and sustainably sourced fish.

The big, open kitchen (which is surprisingly quiet; Gordon Ramsey wouldn't feel at home here) divides the long space in two, and the décor is unfussy – a predominance of white fits the airy feel.

Starters range from simple langoustines with a light lemon verbena mayo to a surprising (although not very cohesive) sliced pork loin with beetroots and roasted black salsify.

Image of Restaurant Open Amsterdam Restaurant Open's mains also range from light fish dishes with wilted greens and wild mushrooms, to wintery stews with mashed potatoes.

The dessert menu offers some interesting options, too. When we visited these included an apple parfait served between crunchy sheets of pastry, and a comforting rhubarb crumble with crème fraiche ice cream.

Service at Restaurant Open can be slow, but it’s easy to forgive the place its tardiness when you have views like this to keep you occupied.

There’s a spacious, lofty terrace in the summer too, and excellent house wines for €3-€4 a glass. Definitely a restaurant to return to.