Not many Amsterdam restaurants have a history as rich as REM and that's saying a lot given its relatively young existence. For years underground TV programmes were broadcast from this artificial island in the international waters of the North Sea. Despite the station's tremendous popularity, the government closed the illegal station, raiding it in 1964. It seemed that the remarkable red and white building was doomed to demolition when two restaurateurs saved the crumbling scrap heap. The result has been moored at the Haparanda Dam since the summer of 2011 and is now regarded as one of the most unique restaurants in the Dutch capital. The former helipad provides great panoramic views of the busy River IJ and the fascinating architecture of Amsterdam North from a height of 80m. The menu is limited but offers enough to satisfy meat lovers as well as fish fanatics and vegetarians.