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Those in the know flock here for the tastiest Thai in town. Eat in their spacious restaurant or duck out to their snackbar opposite for a more informal, utterly authentic experience.

Kitsch and quirky, this friendly gay bar-restaurant is one of the best in town. Unbeatable cocktails, delicious home-cooked food, tarot readings (Sundays), occasional live DJ (see Getto).

This unusual bar is located in one of the oldest wooden houses in the city (1551). Sailors would pay for their stay in monkeys – hence the primate theme in evidence throughout (see In ’t Aepjen).

In 1544, the nuns at this cloister started making beer, a tradition that was revitalized a few years ago – and there’s a fine restaurant.

Rembrandt sketched this leaning former lock-keeper’s house. There’s a peaceful canalside terrace at the back.

The best breakfasts in the area are served in this bright and airy café. Perfect before tackling the nearby Waterlooplein market, or for a caffeine break midbrowse.

Housed in the city’s oldest defence tower, the Schreierstoren, this spacious traditional-style bar has a “reading room” out back and two terraces overlooking the water.

Barely looking a day older than its 1679 origins, this is the bestproeflokaal (tasting house) in town. The hidden garden out back is only for use by guests of the Krasnapolski Hotel (see Wijnand Fockink).

One of the hippest and friendliest bars in the area, yet decidedly unpretentious.

An absolute treasure in the heart of the Red Light District, this Mediterranean restaurant should be savoured for hours.