DE TAART VAN M’N TANTE

Siemon de Jong and Noam Offer, the creative duo behind kitsch cake parlour De Taart, have conjured up everything from edible clothing to indulgent, over-the-top wedding cakes. Their eye-catching creations have appeared in award-winning films and have been exhibited in museums across the Netherlands. Try one of the rainbow-bright layer cakes with a cup of Brandmeester’s coffee. Those unwilling to leave behind the world of fantasy pastries should book a stay at the upstairs bed and breakfast, Cake Under My Pillow.

De Taart van m’n Tante, Ferdinand Bolstraat 10, 1072 LJ Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 776 4600

BAZAR

With its Arabic lanterns and vibrant, two-storey mosaic, Bazar summons the warmth of the spice markets of northern Africa. Tucked within a former church, this cavernous café is known for its exotic menu. Couscous, falafel and piquant lamb tagines are just some of the Moroccan delicacies on offer. Sit down to a breakfast of feather-light Algerian pancakes with honey and butter.

Bazar, Albert Cuypstraat 182, 1073 BL Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 675 0544

CAFÉ DE JAREN

Café de Jaren, launched in 1990, is one of the largest cafés in Amsterdam and also one of the most welcoming. Ideal for a brief stop or a longer stay, the café serves moreish desserts alongside a carefully-edited menu of Italian favourites: consider the classic beef carpaccio or the tartlet of caramelised red onions as a starter. The terrace offers views of the canal and the late opening hours, until 2am at the weekend, mean you won’t have to curtail your visit.

Café de Jaren, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, 1012 CP Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 625 5771

BLOEM

Family-friendly Bloem is renowned above all for its pizzas, which are made in a wood-fired oven using the freshest of seasonal ingredients. The rest of the Italian-inspired menu changes daily. Head to the outdoor terrace for a lazy lunch or to one of the fortnightly film screenings, where you can take in highlights from the silver screen during a three-course meal.

Bloem, Ljburglaan 1289, 1087 GJ Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 416 0677

DWAZE ZAKEN

Artistic Dwaze Zaken is a haven for the creative. Service is friendly and the food is satisfying. Lunch options include sandwiches filled with smoked sausage, goat’s cheese, chorizo and oriental chicken, while the evening is given over to heartier dishes such as the creamy vegetable moussaka or the steak with herb butter. Visit on a Monday to make the most of the live performances from local singer-songwriters.

Dwaze Zaken, Prins Hendrikkade 50, 1012 AC Amsterdam, +31 (0)20 612 4175