Hoping to elicit that all-important “yes”? Then push the boat out at this ultra-romantic, lakeside, Mich-starred marvel. Lubricate first with top drops from Master Sommelier Robbert Veuger, then dazzle with modern Dutch morsels from chef Stefan van Sprang. Facing Lake Poel with a sunset-blessed terrace, this is the pic-perfect kick back for a balmy evening, or bag a window seat if it’s nippy outside. Book ahead. Handweg 1 / Amstelveen / +31 20 345 1763 / lunch Tue-Fri, dinner Tue-Sat / aandepoel.nl

Much to the bewilderment of culinary world bigwigs, King Blaauw abdicated his eponymous, two-Michelin-starred throne almost three years ago to make way for this vibrant neo-Dutch offering. Here, Blaauw eschews his signature molecular faffery in favour of relaxed, accessible, but steadfastly whimsical small plates that are big on flavour. Arrive early in warmer months for a hotly contested spot on the sceney sunny patio. Long live the King! Sophialaan 55 / Schinkelbuurt / +31 20 496 1943 / lunch & dinner daily / rongastrobar.nl

Cycle out east to this striking, light-filled, industri-cool A-frame glasshouse, set amid the clipped topiary, draped foliage and shimmery ponds of a peaceful city park. The next-door nursery provides much of the freshly plucked produce on their seasonal, veggie-centric, daily-changing menu, which draws inspiration from rural Mediterranean classics. Ok, she’s a little pricey, but golly, she’s so worth it. Frankendael Park / Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3 / East / +31 20 462 4562 / lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat / restaurantdekas.nl

Named after the Flemish term for Lille, this former school hall turned buzzy open kitchen has been giving local foodies a lesson in top-notch, no-nonsense French fare for nigh on two years – and the bookings are showing no signs of slowing down. Why? Because their juicy, knee-weakening rotisserie chicken is rumoured to be the best this side of Belgium. But beware goody two-shoes, you can only dine here on a school night. Marcusstraat 52b / East / +31 20 463 2142 / dinner Mon-Fri / book ahead / rijsel.com

Mix with local suits and creative types over morning coffee at this warm, historic, modishly updated C.18th salon, famed for its tasty, well-priced bistro fare and Parisian-style patio overlooking the Amstel river. Better yet, settle in under the lofty vaulted ceilings or by the water for the perma-popular Sunday brunch which sees a procession of comfort classics from Eggs Benny to moules frites. Great people-watcher too. Weesperzijde 23 / East / +31 20 468 1808 / 8am-1am daily / deysbreeker.nl

This cosy little antique-stuffed kitty is tops any time of day. Indulge in a divinely late brekkie with oven-fresh buttery croissants, homemade jam, frothy cappuccinos, and generous portions of scrambled eggs on sourdough to ramp up that pedal power. Or pop in later for a cuppa Betjeman & Barton, accompanied by a mouthwatering selection of dainty pastries and fruity cakes. And did we mention that most of their ingreds come from their very own garden? Perfection. Taksteeg 7 / Centre / +31 20 320 4132 / 10am-6pm Wed-Sun / gartine.nl

Have your cake (with a side of frock) and eat it. This cute-as-pie cafe-cum-clothes boutique abounds with healthy but wholesome snacks. Organic coffee from Two For Joy, fresh juices, kale smoothies, fresh-baked walnut-banana bread, toasties made with Dutch farmer’s cheese, quinoa salad and a whole array of form-conscious vegan, veggie, gluten- and sugar-free fare mean you’ll still be feeling svelte when you turn to the racks for local fashion upcomers, super soft knits, and handmade jewellery. 1e van der Helststraat 76 / Pijp / +31 20 789 5838 / 10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat, 11.30am-6pm Sun / cottoncake.nl

This simple, gleaming, white-tiled, and brushed-steel burger joint – with only minimal pine-wood perch action – flips one of the city’s best patties. But it gets better, Babs. Email ahead for a booking and password, ring the buzzer at the back of the shop, and you’ll find yourself in a hidden, hush-hush private bar and kitchen so you can nibble your buns far from the madding crowd. Shh. Albert Cuypstraat 129 / Pijp / +31 20 470 7875 / lunch & dinner daily / private kitchen from 8pm Wed-Sat / email info@the-butcher.com for private kitchen bookings as password required for entry / the-butcher.com

Cruisy, boozy, intimate imbiber, slinging hands-down the best cocktails in town. Tucked behind the requisite unmarked door on playtime strip Reguliersdwarsstraat awaits the Dam’s first ever (and favourite) speakeasy, replete with stamped tin ceilings, moody lighting, retro barware and meticulously mixed tipples from Timo Janse and co. Reservations are essential, and best slip on your stillies – this party plays on till late. Reguliersdwarsstraat 74i / Canal Ring / +31 63 404 5122 / 8pm-3am Sun-Thu, 8pm-4am Fri-Sat / door-74.com

This farmers-meets-flea market, clustered on a canal-facing corner every Saturday and Monday touts a colourful, fragrant variety of yumsome organic goodies (think granary loaves, artisan cheeses, homemade condiments and biscuits) perfect for filling your Airbnb’s cupboards. Plus there are stalls ripe for a good old antique root and rummage. For afters, nip across to Winkel 43 to tuck into a damn fine piece of appeltaart. Westerstraat / Jordaan / 9am-2pm Mon, 9am-4pm Sat / noordermarkt-amsterdam.nl