Some of the coolest restaurants in Amsterdam
Any city that is clearly growing has new restaurants opening one after the other. In Amsterdam, as I have already mentioned in The Dutch and gastronomy (link), people are beginning to have a more enjoyable relationship with food. And the novelties in the city are here to prove this. But what makes a restaurant cool can’t be just its food. It is the ambience, the service, the way the staff make their customers feel good, the décor. Here is my list of favorite restaurants, some are new, others, not so much.
Jansz
It opened in 2015 on the corner of the exquisite Hotel Pulitzer, and serves lunch and dinner every day, besides the hotel’s breakfast. The decoration is assertive and contemporary. The food, despite being a little too expensive, is worth every cent. Beautiful presentation, quality products, easy to please meat eaters and vegetarians. It is one of those places that easily cause a good impression on a date or on a customer, and it is a delight to go to with friends or family.
Wyers Bar & Restaurant
I visited this restaurant located in the brand new Hotel Kimpton De Witt less than a month after its opening, in July. I thought it was a great idea to open it in a region with so much potential for new entrepreneurs with a creative stance to boost the revitalization of the Red Light district. And Wyers has something else: its approach is unassuming, the customers can see the kitchen, and the dishes with an “American comfort food” concept, with a touch of Holland, are very flavorsome.
Merkelbach
Another example of a place that is consciolus about production and consumption. The chef and owner heads an alliance of kitchen professionals involved in the slow food movement (dishes of reginal and seasonal production, which are sustainable and authentic). If you go just for a cup of coffee, it would be worth the visit because of the natural beauty surrounding the place. It is in a beautiful 18th century house in the gorgeous Frankandeal – a park where the locals go – with a very charming terrace full of tables around the garden.
Pluk
It became a successful brand because if its originality and charm. A brand, since it trades its own products, which is part of a lifestyle found in its interior: lightness, color, flavor, the perfect place for gezzelig in Amsterdam. The public is mostly female – understandably – who fight for small tables on the first floor (you place an order on the ground floor, pay and take your food upstairs). Cakes are made daily, as well as pies, snacks, juice and smoothies, with a healthy take without being boring or bland. You will at least want to buy a candle or a dishcloth for your home.
Brut de Mer
It is a seafood and oysters bar located in the cool and young De Pijp neighborhood. During Summer time the outside tables are always packed of locals and tourists - a very enjoyable place to see and be seen. On the other hand, Winter time attracts the clientele to get together inside the bar where can also be very cozy. It offers a great selection of wine and bubbles; a beautiful presentation on the counter of fresh fishes and oysters please the clients' eyes as well.
Waterkant
The place is very charming for warm days, especially because of its location leaning over a big canal and surrounded by outside tables. However, it is worth too to visit even during very cold days since the Indonesian influence culinary is very tasty and full of spices that keeps us warm and guarantee that extra energy for the body. Prices are great, not expensive at all. Meat lovers and vegetarians find their place here as well. Don't forget to look at the beer menu.
Lotti's
Hoxton Hotel is a very well-known and recognized hotel brand in different countries such as NY, London, Paris. In Amsterdam they can name themselves as one of the cool places in the city. And its restaurant Lotti's don't disappoint. They serve one of - if not the best - brunch in the city (mandatory to make a reservation). Delicious food and friendly service. Throughout the day, Lotti's shares it's common spaces with the lobby bar where mostly young people get together for meetings and happy hours and watches the comes and goes of the hotel's guests.
