Relaxed restaurant experience - the menu is spoken. Good place for lunch if you are not in a rush. The Stilton cheese starter came with bacon wrapped dates and bread. Had the local fish in a tarragon sauce with orzo pasta for the main. Both were very good. Mains served with fries and salad. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Stilton cheese starter with bacon wrapped dates and bread. - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Definitely one of the best meals that we had in Amsterdam. There was no menu per se but the nice wait staff so elegantly described the food choice for that night. Everything that we had was very delicious and well prepared. read more

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Really torn on whether I wanted to rate this a 3 or a 4. I love, love, love the concept of the restaurant i.e. there is no set menu, so the waiter explains the daily offerings. I also really liked that they offered a bunch of sharable items for the table, to start. The ambiance was very low-key and casual, which was a bit unexpected based on the menu concept. But all-in-all, I just don't think it matched the hype. To start we had a variety of pates (smoked fish, pork, etc.), which were actually all very good. The other items were a bit unmemorable, to be honest. For my entrée, I had the signature dish, which apparently is always offered: steak w/ goat cheese and strawberry sauce. The steak was cooked properly, but under-seasoned, for my liking. The cheese was pretty heavy, and probably would've benefited from being loosened up with some butter (and maybe the addition of herbs would've elevated the dish). The strawberry sauce was quite tart, which I believe is the idea, but there was simply too much of it on the plate. In summation, great concept of a dish, just lacked on the execution. The desserts here were crazy good though, highlighted by the homemade carrot cake - simply perfect. So it was nice to end on a high note. read more

An incredible dinner, such a great personal touch from the owner who recites to you the nightly menu from memory. This is one of the ones, highly recommend giving it go. read more

Stopped for lunch on a chilly Thursday. Though it's in an inconspicuous spot, the place was busy. It has about 15 tables and a bar. Enjoyed a flavorful Middle East-inspired eggplant and chickpea soup, which was both hot as well as a bit spicy. The bread that came with it was still warm. 4* I also had a club sandwich which was fresh and tasty if a bit salty, which could have been from the bacon or the pesto. It came with a (separate) bowl of fries which were hot with a crispy outside and tender inside. The fries were a bit under seasoned and came with mayo (which doesn't hold a candle to ketchup, IMHO). 3* Service was SLOW. I didn't mind since I was just spending the day walking the city, and passed the time watching the bundled-up shoppers walk past the windows. If you're in a hurry, you may want to try somewhere else. 3* read more

The steaks are fantastic ,, had a great sampling platter with garlic mussels,, couple remarkable wines and carrot cake and apple pie to die for .. the servers are very helpful and flexible .. this place does not do reservations but is more than worth the wait.. thumbs up....... read more

The Van Kerkwijk is a must visit restaurant. It may not show up on the search because it is listed as a coffeeshop or a bar but it definitely is a great restaurant. The waiter will explain the menu for you and it comes with a starter and a main course. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff is very kind and energetic. The food is simply fantastic. Enjoy, we will definitely be back next time we visit Amsterdam. read more

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What an incredible experience. My meal was absolutely delicious. I had the muscles as a starter and the Cod for dinner. Beautiful wine and the service was superb. They are a well oiled machine. The owner, waitstaff and chef we so friendly and welcoming. Do not miss this place. read more

Very busy Friday night, wait staff greeted us with smiles as our shoes cleared the door sweep. They quickly explained the wait time and we settled into a seasonal beer, olives and fresh bread while we waited. The atmosphere was loud and vibrant, food was fantastic, fresh and flavorful. I Highly recommend this experience! The Amsterdam experience is alive and well. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Atmosphere - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Very cool spot to grab some dinner. Had the mackerel for appetizer, Irish steak for entree, and Cheesecake for dessert. Everything was great. Also, the ambiance was top notch. read more

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The food is excellent. The chef works in a tiny space at the rear and there are only 2 wait staff to serve 18 tables. The wait staff are extremely pleasant and efficient. No printed menu, the wait staff tells you what is being served that evening. Good variety of dishes. Each course was a treat. Highly recommend. read more

I love my fellow yelpers and once again they came through for me! Too bad we found this place on our last night in Amsterdam! And thankfully the cook who had already called it a night decided to cook for us upon request from the server. The place was full and lively and dimly light with decorative plates stacked into artwork. To start we had fish mouse and spinach soup. The soup tasted so fresh and tasty and the mouse was smooth and perfectly seasoned. I really like the personal attention the waitress' give by not having a menu and having to give you a verbal rundown of everything. The main course was excellent as I had the braised chicken and hubby had the halibut topped with berries and some cream sauce. Though a strange combination the flavors just melted together! We were stuffed as these were also accompanied by french fries and a salad. Not only was the food was delish but service here really stood out and I will return on my next adventure in Amsterdam! read more

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I had an evening to myself, and while I am not an adventure seeking tourist, I am the most definitely adventure loving dining explorer. This restaurant is located in the theater district so be prepared that theater crowd might interfere with your dinner plans. As I stepped inside of the little dining room, I felt this place was way too crowded, but the waiter noticed me immediately and made me feel welcome. Pointed out to the bar where the bartender offered a drink. I opted out to dine at the bar, which was faster than waiting for a table. Had smoked mackerel for the appetizer which was okay but for my main course, i choose a medium rare steak with goat cheese and the strawberry jam. I learned that they had this dish for 18 years on the menu! The steak comes with salad and Belgian cut French fries. My mackerel appetizer now seemed like a poor idea. Should have skipped it... My meal was excellent, and service was very pleasant and at most friendly. Loved the atmosphere. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

My friend and I were trying to find a decent place to eat near the city center and cam across this restaurant online. I am glad we did. When you are seated they will repeat the menu verbally to you because it changes frequently which leaves you with a closer connection with the waiter, making you feel more welcomed. All the food sounded so good that it was hard to choose from one item. My friend and I both ended up with the chicken dish which was beyond what I expected. It tasted so good and seemed to just melt in your mouth. The prices are also very reasonable. For two drinks and two entrees we ended up paying the equivalency to $22 each. If you want to get away from the crowded city center, come here for dinner. It is located just two blocks off of Dam Square. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

So glad saw it on Yelp!!! it was delightful !!very inviting waiter !!food so good !'salmon perfect husband love his chicken '!!!! It was different them any place I been !!!no menus so was not sure of cost !!no reservation we waited 30 min 'at small bar !! we had pepper soup salad blue cheese as starter then salmon chicken fries salad ( nice Portion size) gin and tonic and apple cake so so good !!!!!cost 54 ero . Will try to go back before we leave So if you r in Amsterdam run do not walk and enjoy this unique experience !!! read more

Cool concept - they don't tell you the menu until you get there because it changes every day! During our lunch we had a fantastic eggplant baguette and goat cheese salad and salmon salad with mackarel paste, along with some fries. All of the plates were very filling and flavorful. And the prices are unbeatable for this quality of food! It was around €10-12 for most dishes, with the salmon salad at around €15. Highly recommend if you like a pleasant surprise and aren't too picky of an eater. read more

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I love this place for so many different reasons and there is no way I would have found it without the power of Yelp! It's nothing to shout about from the outside, just a brick building but inside its a cozy bistro atmosphere with a modern restaurant twist. This place is quirky in that there is no menu written down. The server just talks you through it, but that means of course you also don't know the pricing, but I trusted the other Yelp reviews who had said it was all fairly priced and I was not disappointed. For 20 euros a head, we each got a glass of Italian red, a sparkling water, chips & Mayo, salad, prawn crackers and a delightful spicy Indonesian chicken dish served on the bone. It was a great, filling and super tasty meal. The staff are friendly, the menu is different from the norm and the food is epic. This is a hidden gem close to the centre of Dam but hidden away from the usual tourist masses. Check it out! read more

Van Kerkwijk - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Great economical meal near the Dam in a small charming restaurant. The menu is provided verbally upon arrival as it is adjusted frequently. Started with the tomato soup and bread with pate. The soup was a delicate herbal broth rich with tomato flavor but not weighed down by any cream like can ruin so many other similar soups. The pate was a delicious meaty morsel accompanied with some very fresh and tasty bread. I next had the beefsteak with strawberry sauce. I do find that steak in this region has a tendency to be over cooked and tonight's portion was thankfully the exception to that observation. It was a decent piece of meat although was not as delicate as I may have preferred. The combination of strawberry sauce and cheese under the meat seemed startling in the description but actually came together in the plate and in the mouth quite well. The other dish at the table, the Indonesian chicken, was also sampled and had a very rich coconut flavor that was a delight to taste together with the perfectly moist fall-off-the-bone chicken. The fries that accompanied the mains were of the local Flemish style and were quite tasty with the included mayonnaise. The salad was a basic house salad that was nonetheless reasonably fresh. read more

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Definitely our favorite meal in Amsterdam. We stopped in for lunch after wandering up Nes from the Spui tram stop (an easy walk), and had the place virtually to ourselves on a random Thursday. The sole server was extremely friendly and helpful, which is always appreciated. The lunch menu (which apparently changes by the day based on what the chef wants to make) wasn't super long, but had plenty of variety with a couple soups, a couple salads, and a couple sandwiches/mains. For us, splitting a salad (warm goat cheese with toasted pine nuts and a slice of amazing bread) and a sandwich (a sandwich of cured Italian meats, cheese, and a little arugula) was plenty of food. Everything was obviously high quality and well prepared, and we left full and satisfied. Of all the places we ate at, this is the one we would absolutely not miss if we visit Amsterdam again. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Sandwich of cured Italian meats in the front, warm goat cheese salad in the back. Both delicious. - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

A must!! Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Atmosphere was warm and cozy. The food was superb! Will definitely be back! read more

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As biased as it may sound, I had the best restaurant experience in 24 years of my life. And no I'm not a bot giving fake review. First of all, at least top 3 meal, pleasurable experience I've had ever at a restaurant with really reasonable price (appetizer around 5euro, main 13-20euro) When I cameover at around 5PM, the restaurant was almost empty so it gave me a second thought but hell I'm a yelper and I trust my reviews... which turned out to be one of my best choices made in Europe. The service staff is super friendly and likable (might be too friendly for some people). They do NOT have a menu and go with whatever ingredient they have. The server goes through the menu verbally starting with appetizer then meal. I ordered the bell pepper soup out of curiosity, and oh my! I think one of handful moment where literally "Wow"ed genuinely after eating something. So much flavorful perfection, me and my companion were mesmerized. Other mackerel & something appetizer my friend ordered was really good. Just like a tuna salad and chip. My main was duck breast and his was some tender beef. Nicely plated and cooked just well enough for my liking. Little bit crunchy on the outer layer and slightly pink in the innerside. Plus, the Dutch beer i have Texels is going to have a lasting impression as one of my favorite beer. Hope I can find them in the US. Thank you so much for this experience. Made me immediately want to stay longer in Amsterdam :D Best of luck to the business! read more

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Super, what a surprise just behind the Dam Square. We arrived early for dinner (5 pm) and it was relatively quiet. As we weren't in a hurry to leave we took our time and left around 7 pm - the place was packed and waiting people at the bar. It is not a big restaurant. And no menu card, but the waiter comes and sit at you table to explain the 6 starters and 6 main courses (and no worries, he'll repeat them till you know what you decide ;) ) I had a great mousse of mackerel with toast - really tasteful! and as main course I had plaice (?, scholfilet) with sauce made of white martini and fennel. That turned out to be a great combination. As dessert we shared a cheese cake with a chocolate crumb crust... mmmmm... :D Definitely a place to come back to read more

Van Kerkwijk - Makreel mousse met toast als voorgerecht - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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This place is tucked away in a quiet street but still very close to the touristy areas. There are seats inside and outside and the restaurant definitely keeps busy. We came without a reservation, as did many others, and were seated at the bar for maybe 30-40 minutes before getting a table. It was worth the wait as the food was very good. Since there was not a written menu but instead the waitress listed the menu items very quickly verbally, it was impossible to think and consider whether to have this or that but you had to go with what you remembered. My spouse and I both ordered a sweet paprika soup as appetizer and it was wonderful. I had Indonesian style chicken on the bones for main dish and my spouse had the steak with goat cheese and strawberry sauce. We both enjoyed our dishes. The main meal also comes with a large side of french fries and a descent size salad so if you're not super hungry, you could even skip the appetizer (not to say it wasn't delicious as it was!). The price of the dishes was never mentioned before we got the bill and we were in total awe when we did. We were expectating to pay maybe 70-100€ but instead the final sum was for two people only 50 euros! Great value! I don't know if it was the small size of the kitchen or the big number of customers but the staff seemed super busy and even a bit stressed - constantly having to run around. They could hire a third waiter easily for the evening shift. Although we enjoyed the very nice atmosphere in the restaurant, found the staff helpful and loved our meals - I felt that perhaps the restaurant has a mold (mildew?) problem downstairs because as I went downstairs to the toilets, I caught a familiar smell of mold in my nose. I hope I just imagined it because otherwise they're in for a serious shake-up. read more

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Was excited due to the high reviews but was really disappointed. In two words, extremely overrated. Food and service was very slow. Their signature dish, steak (almost well done) and blue cheese with a stawberry sauce was very boring and alone on a plate doesn't work. Should be mixed into a salad and call it a day. Wouldn't recommend, sorry. read more

Don't think I've ever given a 3 star review to a restaurant that serves very good to excellent food but this is a first. For dinner, we were a party of 2 and came early and beat the crowd. As noted in other reviews, there is no written menu; the waitress tells you what they have. I guess you could ask for the price of the items but that would be a pain and it turned out the entrees are priced reasonably. The unwritten menu is also limited and I could see somebody not finding anything they wanted but that didn't happen to us. My wife got the cod which she loved. I got the salmon which was very good, the only downside is that it was bathing in soy sauce making it a little too salty but on the whole very good. Here's my complaint. And I heard this happen to another table so it wasn't just us. You order the entree and the waitress takes the order and says I'll bring you salad and fries with the entree. Unsaid was that each of these cost 5-7 euros. It sounded to us that it was included in the price of the entree. At the time we didn't know the price of the entree. It turned out that each cost 18-19 euros which is reasonable making the total cost reasonable. But, the way it came out left a bad taste. My wife also asked for a glass of water and asked for a refill and got charged for 2 bottles. Also, not outrageous but at least say something. If none of the above bothers you regarding the lack of information concerning pricing, the food itself is close to 5 stars but it did bother me and I don't expect to return even if it was in the neighborhood. Apparently I did not understand the bill. It was written in Dutch and what I thought was an extra charge, was wrong. Shortly after posting my original review, I got a Yelp Email from the owner/manager saying that the salad and fries were included in the cost of the entree and that I would be reimbursed if I was charged extra. I went back to the restaurant with my receipt and discovered that I had not understood the language and I was correctly charged; these items were included with no extra cost. So, this is a restaurant that has great food, reasonably priced, great portion size and a owner/manager who responds quickly to issues and satisfy a customer. If that's not 5 Stars, I don't know what is. read more

Very friendly service and great food (5 stars) We went to the Lobby for dinner, and it was full so the server suggested going up the street to this place. Getting a table was quick, but others had a long wait, so we were lucky. We got some beer, and more beer - see photos. We got some starters and steaks, and they came with fries. Everything was delicious, and the customer service was friendly and attentive. We got lucky that another restaurant recommended this place, and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. I would definitely come back the next time I get back to Amsterdam. read more

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I loved this small, authentic restaurant in the middle of Amsterdam. We arrived at this little gem of a restaurant at about seven. Although the restaurant was nearly full we scored a table. The restaurant is charming, small and buzzing with activity. There is no menu, however the waitress comes over to each table and tells you what is on the menu for the night. We started with mussels in a fabulous broth with bread for dipping. We shared this starter and it was a good size but we could have eaten two it was THAT GOOD! We also had salmon, fries, a chicke stew,salad, wine, beer and apple pie for desert. It was all amazing. We loved everything and wish we had discovered this place on our first night. Authentic Dutch food at a reasonable price. read more

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Talk about a hidden gem just steps from the Dam. The space itself is small, but very well lite and comes with a cozy/causal country feel (there are also a few tables outside in the neighboring cobblestone alley, but they are obviously in high demand). Grabbing a table during prime dinner hours may be a bit difficult considering the location and the consistently great reviews this place gets, but it's usually fairly empty during lunch or early dinner hours. The most interesting part about this place is there is no set menu (the staff will pull up a chair and explain what they currently offer), which is usually various appetizers and a handful of meat or seafood options for the entree. I opted for the bacon wrapped dates in strawberry sauce as an appetizer (because who could turn that down), followed up a thinly sliced veal entree with thick, Holland style french fries. Both courses were tremendously well executed (very highly recommended). The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the entire restaurant is there to serve you (not just your personal server). What is very surprising is how reasonably priced the menu is, with my entire meal coming in less than 30 euros (which is astonishing given the level of service and the quality of the food). All in all, a must visit if you're in the area. read more

Van Kerkwijk - The veal option - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Bottom LIne - Pear tarts are delicious. If you're looking for a place to have dessert, coffee or beer, stop by! My friends and I came on 15 May 2011 after we had dinner elsewhere with the intention on getting pear tarts for an after-dinner sweet (recommendation of one of my friends). The pear tarts were nice and soft, and sweet! I'd come back for more. For 2 beers, one 1 double espresso and 2 pear tarts, our bill came to €16.60 total for our table of 4. read more

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Staying in Amsterdam on business and found this place on Yelp, and was very happy with the meal my colleagues and I had. We sat outside, as it was a warm evening and the street is not particularly busy at all. We started with the a sampler of the starters, which came with a couple of pâtés, lamb sausage, beef carpaccio, and crusty bread. The liver pâté was awesome, and the cod wasn't bad either. The merguez was a little on the dry side, but still very flavorful. The beef carpaccio was tasty but also slightly dry. Not used to having carpaccio that is not entirely raw, so perhaps that was just a cultural difference. I had the lamb shank, which was served with fries and salad for the table. The lamb was wonderful: fall-off-the-bone meat with a rich sauce that was not too oily. Perfectly executed. The salad was a bit plain, but very solid. The fries, like many you find in good restaurants in the Netherlands, were out of this world. Served in the traditional way with mayonnaise. Finally, the service: the sisters who run this place are quick, convivial, and made us feel right at home. Will definitely look to make my way back here on a future trip to Amsterdam. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Lamb shank - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

We stopped in for lunch on our first stay in Amsterdam and really enjoyed the place. There is no paper menu, so the server will come over to tell you what they're offering that day. I believe they might change their menu each day? We had the tomato soup, blue cheese salad, and a traditional Dutch sausage sandwich. All was very tasty, especially the Dutch sausage. It kind of reminded me of hot dogs, but really good ones with great mustard. The server was friendly and the atmosphere was cozy. I'd go here again next time I'm in Amsterdam. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Blue cheese salad - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Charming, cosy and more than anything truly delicious food. An experience one treasures on a vacation - especially unexpected. We wondered into this spot - sat at the bar and were seated within 30. Really great food. read more

Such a cute place with great atmosphere. Place gets crowded so be sure to arrive early if you are more than one person. Ordered the carrot soup and the steak over goat cheese with strawberry sauce. Sounded like a weird combination but it was so tender and delicious. So far this place has been my favorite to eat it in Amsterdam. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Carrot Soup - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Solid lunch spot with salads and sandwiches. Very chill spot with a gentle wandering cat. Their Indian Meatloaf is recommended! read more

We stopped in for dinner because we heard about the restaurant from a group on fb about Amsterdam travels. The food was good but the portions were small (I probably just am saying that because they forgot to give us our salads) so we were still hungry but it's hard to get the attention of the waiter there. (only 2) The place's atmosphere isn't the best but it's good food. read more

Such friendly staff! The restaurant is small, and always crowded, but the wait staff and bartenders are attentive. The food is delicious, as well! Great quality find for a little restaurant down a narrow street. The drinks are very reasonably priced :) +1 for wifi! read more

Somehow this place keeps calling us back, and so glad it did. Another delightful lunch and the best service we encountered while in the Netherlands. Small menu but every dish wonderful. Menu changes daily so not helpful to tell you what we had. Expect some salads, a few sandwiches and a few entrees all prepared fastidiously with fresh ingredients. Look to be greeted with kind hospitality and a purr from the kitty on the floor. read more

Van Kerkwijk - Asian Salmon - Cafes Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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For our honeymoon my husband and I went to Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Rome. Hands down, this was our favorite dinner out of all the countries! A little hole in the wall off a street you'll think is a dead end, this truly is the definition of a hidden gem. We read about long wait times and decided to eat a little earlier to beat the rush. Thankfully we got seated within ten minutes which gave us just enough time to squeeze over to the bar and grab a drink. We were seated and I cannot believe the waitress' have to memorize a different menu every night. Our waitress popped a squat and proceeded to list off the entire night's options which, for such a small place, was exceptionally fancy. Because the restaurant is so small with a fixed menu, the food came out exceptionally fast and we were never a minute away from a refilled glass. For an appetizer we got dates stuffed with a blue cheese mousse which was out of this world. My husband got glazed salmon and I got Asian inspired chicken thighs. What's amazing about this place is you are pushed out of your comfort zone and are happily rewarded with something you'd never think to try. We also got a huge bowl full of fries with... mayo as a dipping sauce. I am American who has always been made fun of for dipping my fries in mayo so to say I felt so at home with this was just wonderful. While the meal was delicious with absolutely no leftovers, we were more floored by the price. We honestly expected to spend for a two course meal and several alcoholic drinks, close to $100, and were baffled, after converting, the whole thing came to under $65 USD! Add to the fact that Europe usually pays their staff and doesn't really do tips (which we still did anyway because our server was amazing!) and we could not sing enough praise about this place. Amsterdam was probably a one time trip for ourselves but if we ever get the chance to travel again, you can guarantee we will be traveling down a very dimly lit street to a restaurant the size of a gas station to eat whatever the amazing chefs feel like making! read more

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Incredible. Absolutely one if my favorite restaurants in the world. Everything is deliciois- even things you think you may not like you should try here. The staff is so genuine and honestly I can't stop telling people to go here. The wait is absolutely worth it. When we were there, we saw a couple that just got married having their dinner at the restaurant! What to do: go there with a friend or a few and let the hostess know. You'll be put in the back for around 20-40 minutes so just order a wine and catch up. Afterwards once you're seated, the entire menu is by word because it changes pretty often. Trust the servers you won't be disappointed. And save room for desert! read more

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Wow, our favorite restaurant on our 5 city tour, Amsterdam, great restaurant. We arrived early, it was already crowded, they don't take reservations. We sat at the bar and had a great Belgium beer while we waited. The food was amazingly delicious. Started with their homemade pate, and muscles, both served with a delicious focaccia type bread. I had the duck, it was perfect with a fig compote, my husband had the cod, with a crispy pancetta on top. Also, every meal is served with a salad and crispy fries. We were both so impressed. The wines served were perfect with our meals. No menu, the server let's you know the evening offerings, so fresh, enough choices for everyone's food desires. Loved this restaurant!! Wish it was in San Francisco. Unfortunately we ate there on our last night of our trip, a would have liked more meals there. Try this restaurant, great food, ambience and service. read more

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