Restaurant Vermeer just opposite Amsterdam’s Central Station in the Barbizon Palace Hotel is one of the finest restaurants in the city. The luxurious Old Dutch décor – marble tiled floors, monumental fireplaces, Delft tiles and plates, austere chandeliers – does suggest something of the master painter’s interiors. But it would take more than a servant-girl’s pearl earring wages to properly enjoy a meal at Vermeer. This is Michelin-starred, high-end, complex, refined European cuisine under the deft hand and watchful eye of Chris Naylor. The menu includes various irresistible multi-course and tasting options, and, while it changes with the season, offers dishes like starter of caviar and Colchester oysters served with veal tongue, truffle, red beet and seaweed chutney, main course of penne pasta with pheasant, walnuts, acorn bread and oloroso crème, and dessert of custard tart with figs, muscovado sugar and raisins. The wine list includes more than 300 labels, and you’ll want to avail yourself of the excellent sommelier’s opinions. Two private rooms can accommodate up to 20 or 30 respectively for memorable celebrations and events.