Seek and find
10 Christmas main courses that are super festive, from meat to fish and vegetarian
The Christmas main course is the showpiece of the evening. And let's be honest, you want everyone to talk about how delicious it was all year long ;-). Will you be the main course chef this year? We understand the stress that comes with it, so we've compiled a list of 10 Christmas main course recipes that are always a hit. From salmon roulade to the classic Beef Wellington. With these dishes, spotted on our favorite food blogs, you're sure to impress. Want to read along? Merry Christmas!
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 🧧
The new lunar year begins on February 17th, and in the Netherlands, Chinese New Year (as you might know it) is becoming increasingly celebrated.
From lion and dragon dances in The Hague and on @dezeedijk in Amsterdam to full-on Oriental dinners at @rongastrobar. Looking for something creative? Check out the weekend full of workshops and a fun photo booth at the Wereldmuseum in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Check out all the tips for Lunar New Year in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague in this guide!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: I'll be in Bangkok for Lunar New Year! Want to follow my Thailand trip? Tune in via @yourlbb 🖤 And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#lunarnewyear2026 #chinesenewyear #yourlittleblackbook #chinatown
@nomansart @amstelhotel @hoitin1975 @wereldmuseum.amsterdam @cafewu.ams @anantarakrasnapolsky @wereldmuseum.rotterdam @rotterdamchinesenewyear
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟭𝟮, 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰 & 𝟭𝟱
Valentine's Day falling on a weekend? We'll take it!
Amsterdam is buzzing this weekend with plenty of reasons to head out: from markets and Lunar New Year brunches to pop-up cinemas and, as always, a wave of new hotspots worth checking out.
Looking for restaurant inspiration for you and your lover (or your best friend)? Head over to my other post on @yourlbb for my Valentine's shortlist. 🖤
💬 Comment WEEKEND to get the full Weekend Guide with 58 things to do in Amsterdam in your dm's.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for all things travel, food hotspots and things to do in The Netherlands and beyond. And if you want more Amsterdam inspiration, make sure to also check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@nemosciencemuseum @copainamsterdam @ijhallen @bonburgerbar @candlelight.concerts @thevinylcountdownamsterdam @carmen.amsterdam @salut_a_amsterdam @anantarakrasnapolsky @sun.dayrunclub
Wow, what a list! @gaultmillaunederland announced the awards and points for 2026 today. So many great new names and climbers, proud of the Dutch culinary scene, and enough inspiration to dine out all year long ✌🏼
👀Which restaurant are you very curious about?
GAULT & MILLAU AWARDS
Bistronome of the year
Madeleine | Utrecht @madeleine_utrecht
Mediterranean restaurant of the year
Elea | The Hague @restaurantelea
Asian restaurant of the year
Kaa Lun Palace | The Hague @kaalun_palace
Terrace of the year
The Coach House | Bennekom @hetkoetshuisbennekom
Vegetable restaurant of the year
Tryptique | Wateringen @restauranttriptyque
Craftsman of the Year
Dick Middelweerd
Restaurant De Treeswijkhoeve | Waalre @restaurant.de.treeswijkhoeve
New Chef on the Block
Koen van Weer
De Cuijt | Mierlo @restaurantdecuijt
Prize-Fun of the Year
Aragosta | Leeuwarden @bistro.aragosta
Discovery of the year
Shun | Medemblik @restaurant_shun
Cocktail bar of the year
Fitz's Bar | Amsterdam @fitzsbaramsterdam
Wine list of the year
Azurite | Delft @restaurant.azurite
Sommelier of the Year
Antonello Nicastri @antonellonic_somm
Flore | Amsterdam @restaurant.flore
Notable Newcomer of the Year
Wild Studio | Hoog Soeren @wildatelier.nl
Best Dutch Chef Abroad
Marcel Koolen
7132 Silver | Counterfeit | Switzerland @mmmarcel.koolen
Lifetime Achievement Award
Cees Helder
Host of the year
Bjorn van Aalst | SAAM | Amstelveen @saamrestaurant
Young Chef of the Year
Sofiane Bons @bonssofiane
Yulia | Rotterdam @restaurantjoelia
Chef of the year
Hans van Wolde @hvw043
Brut172 | Reijmerstok @brut_172
CONGRATULATIONS!! 🍴
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 🫕 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲
Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue!
I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️).
𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East)
Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included!
📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Center)
Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match.
📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre)
Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻:
📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East)
Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged.
📍 @fromagerielamuse (South)
Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first?
📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre)
Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in.
On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam.
Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends.
#cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟱, 𝟲, 𝟳 & 𝟴
From €3 tacos, a pizza battle and new hotspots to creative ceramics, vintage markets and feel-good exhibitions 🖤Amsterdam is giving us plenty of reasons to go out this weekend.
Perfect for a solo date or plans with friends.
💬 Comment WEEKEND and we'll send you the full guide with all 48 tips for this weekend in Amsterdam.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #amsterdamweekendguide #weekendinamsterdam #amsterdamhotspots #whattodoamsterdam
@dehallen.amsterdam @grachtenmuseum @camino.amsterdam @glazemade @nikotin.restobar @amsterdamstreetart @klaproosamsterdam
And in my opinion this is a perfect combination - 🥰
Valentine's Day is (almost) here... and yes, I've gone through my usual long list of restaurants and compiled my favorite (new) tips for every mood. Whether you're looking for a truly romantic restaurant in Amsterdam, fancy a splurge, or are searching for great spots for daytime drinks and a snacky dinner... you'll want to save these tips!
Let me tell you something funny. I officially registered my Thai marriage in the Netherlands on February 14th 😂. And guess where I'll be on February 14th 🛺🇹🇭👀!
What are you going to do on Valentine's Day?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
PS: Follow @yourlbb for tons of tips to make the most of your free time, from date night tips to food hotspots and travel guides. And have you spotted @yourlbb.amsterdam yet, the dedicated account for my love of Amsterdam 🫶🏼?
#valentinesday #amsterdamrestaurants #datenight #yourlbb
Amsterdam Weekend Guide: Jan 29 – Feb 1
From the city's first ever Tea Festival to Sunday Roasts, winter markets, and hot new openings — Amsterdam is serving up another packed weekend.
👉 Inspiration to enjoy together or SOLO
💬 Comment WEEKEND for the full guide with all 43 tips
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamHotspots #WeekendPlans
And in addition to that, do you also have a nice garden?
This TRAVEL TIP is for anyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job.
Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie!
And then ask for time off as quickly as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-).
Happy travels 😘
IRON 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: March 30 to April 2 & April 7 to 10
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free period: March 28 to April 12 (16 days)
**Stylish & Indigo**
⟶ Taking vacation days: April 28 to May 1, May 4 & May 6 to 8
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days
ツ Total free: April 25 to May 10 (16 days)
and
⟶ Taking vacation days: December 21 to 24 & December 28 to 31
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8
ツ Total free: December 21 to January 3, 2027 (16 days)
𝗞𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗦
**Illegible text**
⟶ Taking vacation days: Monday March 30th to Thursday April 2nd
⟶ Vacation days required: 4
ツ Total free: March 28 to April 6 (10 days)
𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗴
⟶ Take vacation days: May 15
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Total free: May 14th to 17th (4 days)
Innocent
⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26
⟶ Number of vacation days required: 1
ツ Totally free: May 22 to 25 or May 23 to 26 (4 days)
Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips.
And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#vacationdays2026 #traveltips
**Due to poor weather, this product has been carefully selected and is in excellent condition.** 👀
The market calendar may be a bit quieter now, but luckily there's still plenty planned for January and February, including a new gem (I predict)!
Don't miss these weekend markets:
• 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee.
• @sundaymarket
• Museum Market
• @rotterdamseoogst
• @themakermarket
In the complete guide on Your Little Black Book, you'll find 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates and locations for January and February.
Send these tips to your market-browsing bestie!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#weekendmarkets #dutchtips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
IF YOU ARE READY: 𝗺𝗶𝗷𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀
As a child, I went there with my parents to shop, and as a teenager and in my twenties, I went clubbing. Now, I love coming here for a weekend escape, filled with good food, great wine bars, and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude.
Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT-factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots you'll definitely want to know.
📌Book your next trip to Rotterdam.
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe
⦁ @dunerotterdam
⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant
⦁ @nice.neighbourhood
**Illegible**
⦁ @morganandmees
⦁ @hotelame
⦁ @roommate_bruno
⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ North
⦁ Katendrecht
⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park)
⦁ Shipping Quarter
I
⦁ Take the Water Taxi
⦁ @boijmans
⦁ Walk & unwind at the Kralingse Plas
⦁ @nlfotomuseum
⦁ Visit @stationbergweg
**
⦁ @tresrotterdam
⦁ @barbertarotterdam
⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam
⦁ @barbistroloevetdie
⦁ @oxrotterdam
⦁ @restaurant_rotonde
⦁ on my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @walsjerot_nl
⦁ @cafeverward
⦁ @spikizibar
⦁ @lenselinq
💌What's your favorite spot in Rotterdam?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Perhaps the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️
Are you a cocooner or do you prefer to get outdoors? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city.
Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰
Do you have any great winter tips for Amsterdam? I'd love to read along!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
First of all: thank you for being here to close out 2025 <3.
2025, you were everything I hoped you would be and more. So many new memories.
I don't yet know what 2026 will bring, but last year was one for the books. Highlights included trips to China, Mexico City, Egypt, and exploring the English countryside.
Entrepreneurs probably recognize that 2025 was not an easy year.
When I started Your Little Black Book, I had one dream: not to work to stay somewhere for free in exchange for content and the pressure of a "picture perfect" experience. But to use my revenue models to book and experience those special places myself, as a guest instead of an influencer, and to give you honest tips.
After almost 15 years of entrepreneurship, I'm so happy with the balance between editorial and commercial work and that I can also say no to things that don't feel right.
At the same time, it's still special that destinations, airlines, and hotels hire me to create a customized Little Black Book for them. I have complete freedom with these campaigns, and I believe in the value of these content-based tips that truly suit your taste. And they come from me personally, not from a machine.
So thank you for your support when you see #yourlbbcollab, #pressstrip or #prinvited ;-).
This will always be my dream job, the one I created almost 15 years ago. I still do as much as possible myself. That's energizing—from both successes and failures.
Luckily, I have a small team that helps with certain sections, and this year we're going through all the tips critically. What's still truly fun, and what's not?
As a leisure expert and queen of curation, I'm so excited to take yourlittleblackbook.me to the next level. Even though being an online entrepreneur requires constant attention and doesn't always come naturally, I wouldn't want anything else.
My mission remains: making your life easier.
So you don't have to search, but can simply choose well.
So glad you were here this year. Without you, there would be no Your Little Black Book 🖤
See you in 2026!
With love,
@anne_de_buck
TIP: Check out other great lists of Christmas recipes here: 9 X amuses, 10 x starters, 10 tips for a vegan Christmas menu & 10 x desserts.
10 delicious Christmas main courses to make yourself
Goose breast with port sauce and blue cheese
This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors. The combination of rich port sauce and creamy blue cheese makes it extra festive. Tip: use a meat thermometer to get the cooking just right.
Recipe from Studiokook.nl
Goose breast with port sauce and blue cheese © Studiokook – Demi Hageman
Oven-baked rack of lamb with rosemary
A dish that looks instantly impressive on the table. The rosemary gives the rack of lamb a wonderfully herby flavor. Serve with a spoonful of cranberry jam for a festive touch.
Recipe from Ohmyfoodness.nl
Oven-baked rack of lamb with rosemary © Ohmyfoodness.nl
truffle ravioli with mushrooms
This is one of those dishes where you really don't miss the meat. The combination of creamy truffle ravioli and sautéed mushrooms is pure comfort food. Tip: serve with a drizzle of balsamic crema for that extra festive touch.
Recipe from @Veggilaine
Deer roll with game stock sauce
A classic for those who love game. This roulade of The Predetarian in Amsterdam It's tender, full of flavor, and perfect for a Christmas menu. The game stock sauce makes it perfect.
Recipe from Depredetarier.com
Deer roll with game stock sauce © The predetarier – James Snoerwang
Pumpkin hasselback with sage
This dish is incredibly versatile. Perfect if you have different dietary requirements at the table. Fill the pumpkin with bacon, brie, or just plain.
Recipe from Paulineskeuken.nl
Pumpkin hasselback with sage © Uitpaulineskeuken.nl
Beef Wellington
This classic, of course, can't be left off our list of delicious main courses. Can you get it crispy on the outside and medium-rare on the inside?
Recipe from Miljuschka.nl
Beef Wellington © Miljuschka.nl
Cod in Parma ham with celeriac
This dish strikes a balance between sweet and salty flavors. The different preparation of the celeriac gives it a nice crunch.
Recipe from Beaufood.nl
Cod in Parma ham with celeriac ©Beaufood.nl
| PS: Do you feel like making things easy for yourself this year and ordering takeaway from a good restaurant? Then take a look at a list of restaurants that do make-away in Amsterdam here >>
More Christmas main courses
Irish beef tenderloin in mild curry with langoustines
Surf & Turf with Irish beef tenderloin and langoustines. This dish is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Recipe from Irisbeef.nl
Irish beef tenderloin in mild curry with langoustines ©irisbeef.nl
Salmon roll with red hazelnut pesto
Looking for a delicious fish-themed recipe this year? This recipe features a salmon-stuffed roulade. Delicious!
Recipe from Francescakookt.nl
Salmon roll with red hazelnut pesto © Francescakookt.nl
More Christmas main courses
Roasted turkey with cranberry and walnut filling
In every Christmas movie, you see this dish, the showpiece of the evening: a roasted turkey. Will you be going for the turkey this year?
Recipe from Lindenhoff.nl
Roasted turkey with cranberry and walnut filling ©Lindenhoff.nl
CHRISTMAS MOVIE AFTER DINNER?
With the tips from these lists, you won't have a single evening of boredom this December! From Christmas series to new and classic Christmas movies. Happy binge-watching!
- 49 Christmas movies on Disney+ >>
- 81 Christmas movies and series on Netflix >>
- 108 cozy Christmas films on Videoland >>
- 52 Christmas Movies Coming to Amazon Prime This Year >>
YourLBB's latest lists
last minute getaway during the holidays?
Your Little Black Book is packed with hundreds of staycation tips for a holiday in your own country. Find the perfect accommodation and plan that well-deserved weekend getaway!
► Discover the best hotels and holiday homes in the Netherlands here >>
► Find your perfect holiday home with these 12 websites >>
More tips from Your Little Black Book:
Would you like to receive the latest articles from Your Little Black Book and the (Amsterdam) Weekend Guide in your inbox every week? Sign up for the newsletter using the black button below.
AMSTERDAM UPDATES
Sign up for the newsletter and receive the new AMSTERDAM BUCKETLIST BOOK for free.
"*" indicates required fields
With love,
Danique
Read more?
