d’Vijff Vlieghen, Amsterdam

d’Vijff Vlieghen is a traditional Dutch restaurant and its name means “The Five Flies”. It occupies the main floors of five interconnected 17th-century canal houses in central Amsterdam. Discreetly hidden behind modest street views and reached via a narrow alley off Spuistraat, the restaurant unfolds into a sequence of intimate dining rooms linked by passageways, with a modern kitchen tucked away at the rear.

Established in the early 20th century, d’Vijff Vlieghen has long been a culinary landmark, known for its antique interiors enriched with old Dutch paintings, Delft tiles, and period details that reinforce its historic atmosphere. Candlelit tables, timber beams, and thick stone walls create a warm, almost domestic setting.

The menu focuses on classic Dutch cuisine-such as fish of the day, seasonal vegetarian dishes, and a well-regarded cheese platter-supported by a thoughtful selection of beers and wines. Quietly removed from Amsterdam’s more attention-seeking restaurants, it rewards those who manage to find the door and secure a table.