Restaurants near the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Bouf or Martinot

Address: Van Baerlestraat 51 (Bouf) or Moreelsestraat 3 (Martinot)
Distance from Museumplein: 0.3 mile; about 7 minutes walking

The owners of these two restaurants probably wouldn't appreciate my lumping them together. But the menus (both dubbed "international") are similar enough to recommend either for a delicious meal in a cozy setting. They also happen to be right next to each other. Both keep it simple for lunch, serving sandwiches, soups and salads. Dinner selections include classic and inventive meats, fish and pastas. Outdoor seating at either affords ideal neighborhood people-watching.

Café Loetje

Address: Johannes Vermeerstraat 52
Distance from Museumplein: 0.5 mile; about 10 minutes walking

While tourist crowds converge on the fast-food stalls on Museumplein, head south through residential Museum Quarter area to find this locals' favorite eetcafé. Waiting for a table is inevitable (they don't take reservations), but once you taste their signature dish, my pick for the best steak in the city, you'll agree the wait was worth it.

Pasta Tricolore

Address: Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 52
Distance from Museumplein: 0.2 mile; about 5 minutes walking

Formerly called Pasta di Mamma, this Italian trattoria makes my favorite sandwich in Amsterdam (read my review of Pasta Tricolore to find out what's on it). Seating is limited, so if weather permits, order to-go and eat alfresco on Museumplein. They also have delicious antipasti and prepared dishes. Warning: you might also be lured by the posh shops on the P.C. Hooftstraat, one of Amsterdam's best shopping areas.

Sama Sebo

Address: Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 27
Distance from Museumplein: 0.3 mile; about 7 minutes walking

This is one of Amsterdam's longest established and most popular Indonesian restaurants, so book ahead to get a table. If you choose a traditional rijsttafel (literally "rice table," a selection of 15-20 small dishes served with rice), you might need a nap afterward! Open for lunch and dinner.

Wildschut

Address: Roelof Hartplein 1
Distance from Museumplein: 0.5 mile; about 10 minutes walking

The terrace at this neighborhood café is packed on sunny days, thanks to its southern orientation. Lovers of Art Deco style will marvel at the interior, although some may find it run-down. Whatever your opinion, the menu is full of variety and reasonable prices, from a burger on pita bread (served with lots of frites, of course) to huge salads with spicy Thai chicken or smoked salmon.