Best of the bars

Café StruikCafé Struik has recently been refurbished into a rustic, hip place for younger customers. Graffiti on the walls, bare brickwork and sturdy wooden tables really gives the place a shabby chic feel. Regular in-house DJs play hip-hop, soul-funk and jazz, making it a brilliant hangout for creative types. The burger nights are second to none in Amsterdam.Address: Rozengracht 160, 1016 NJ

Sopranos Piano BarStraight out of a classic gangster movie, the Sopranos Piano Bar is where the characters of Amsterdam schmooze. The padded leather bar matches the plush red velvet interior, giving the venue a luxurious but mysterious feel. Regular pianists play at the Sopranos, which makes for a heavenly backing track for sipping chilled champagne or heady vintage wine.Address: Paardenstraat 11–15, Rembrandt Square, 1017 CX
Website:www.sopranospianobar.com

Riveting restaurants

Ciel BleuCiel Bleu is the epitome of Dutch fine dining. Appetizers start from €55 and caviar is available from €3.60 per gram. This is a real treat for those who wish to indulge in gourmet cuisine. Expect nothing but the best ingredients from this restaurant, including king crab, pigeon Anjou, lobster, goose liver and Suffolk lamb. It’s not only the food that is elegant - the décor is grand and detailed, a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, 1072 LH
Website:www.cielbleu.nl

FoodismFoodism started in 1997 and continues to offer healthy and somple food. The Slavic chef, who started his career in Japanese macrobiotic cooking, has used his training and personal background to direct the cooking style towards a Mediterranean inspired menu. New dishes are produced constantly, including 'Miss Shell and her Five Friends, Naked' (six peeled prawns fried in garlic) along with 'dell avocado pomodori di pollo' and 'magna padum'.Address: Nassaukade 122, 1052 EC
Website:www.foodism.nl