For well over a half-century, this wonderful establishment has been a city mainstay. Character is found in gleaming copper cookware, rustic beams, and romantic artwork, and the menu boasts both French-inspired dishes and updated Dutch fare. The restaurant's presence on the second floor of a circa-1687 home also imparts charm, and fresh flowers are omnipresent. Among the culinary options are grilled salmon and chateaubriand. A boon to late diners, the Black Sheep serves dinner until 11pm.

In years past, this elegant venue was the waiting room for first-class train passengers. Nowadays, the Art Nouveau-styled space invites travelers and other folks into a haven of beauty, where they can indulge in a variety of terrific fare throughout the day. Whether your appetite is large or small, you can get a full, three-course meal or simply have a sandwich and a drink. Regular, gourmet specials provide an upscale note and ensure that no one goes away hungry. Ideal for on-the-run professionals.

Signature restaurant of the stylish Blakes hotel, this enviable eatery melds urban and Asian aesthetics in a 17th century building. Its culinary stylings are just as eclectic. In a former bakery where natural materials add warmth to a black-and-white color scheme, diners are plied with foods that mix Asian, Continental, and Mediterranean flair. To wit: Foie gras soup tinged with coconut milk and red curry, sea bass with black squid-and-ginger sauce, seared tuna sushi, duck, fillet of veal, chilli-seared langoustines, and beef sirloin with green papaya salad. Careful service and flawless presentation render this chic boutique restaurant a must-do.

JORDAAN. A contemporary, black-and-white setting serves as the backdrop for Bordewijk's cuisine, which is anything but monochromatic. In fact, the French-inspired fare is highly inventive, and Asian and Italian influences imbue dishes with added character. Poultry, seafood, pork, beef, and pasta all benefit from the kitchen's capable hand, and the terrific wine list ensures an ideal complement. The menu changes frequently, and fixed-price options are available as well. An outdoor terrace accommodates when evenings are warm.

This engaging, established restaurant attracts a diverse mix of people, and depending on when you visit, you'll encounter folks from the world over, including local concert-goers, business professionals, and well-to-do city denizens. The menu boasts a broad scope, pulling inspiration from Asia, the Continent, and the Mediterranean world. In fact, you're likely to see sauteed Dover sole, veal, venison, spring rolls, black pudding, and seafood lasagna among other standouts on the menu. Great outdoor dining and a fantastic Sunday brunch are other reasons to drop by.