District V

A cosy neighbourhood eatery serving mostly Mediterranean-influenced food, with dishes from as far west as Spain and Morocco and as far east as Turkey.

The restaurant is located on Van der Helstplein, a quiet, shady square just behind the Albert Cuyp Market. In the summer, tables and chairs are set up outside, making this a great place for alfresco dining on a warm evening.

Inside, District V has an open kitchen and split-level seating. The menu, which changes weekly, is based on a three-course meal for €32, although a two-course menu for €26 is also available for smaller appetites (or budgets).

Vegetarians are well-catered for, as the menu always includes a vegetarian, fish or meat starter and main. There is also a daily selection of four desserts, one of which is a homemade cake. Special diets and allergies can be taken into account, particularly if these are indicated in advance.

The chefs make good use of seasonal and local ingredients, many of which are organic. In the winter months, expect things like duck with sweet potatoes and green mustard sauce; or Portobello mushrooms filled with parsnips and manchego cheese with a Madeira-beetroot sauce. In the summer, the menu includes dishes such as coquilles with a tomato salsa and strawberry trifle.

District V has an extensive list of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines (€18.50-€49.50). The house red and white, also available by the glass for €3.75, won first prize in a local house wine competition in 2006, but I found them average and expensive as a result.

Prices are on the high side for what is in effect a fancy eetcafé. That said, the quality of the food is better than the average eetcafé, and the big wooden tables inside and even larger terrace outside make District V a nice place to linger.