Amsterdam's centuries-old food traditions date back to the city’s Golden Age. Today, a new generation of chefs has put Amsterdam back on the world's culinary map and confirms the city’s position as one of Europe's (up-and-coming) dining hotspots. Urbanologist Lilian Tilmans shares her top 5 new restaurants.
Moon is one of the latest additions to the Amsterdam restaurant scene, it is a revolving restaurant situated on the 19th floor of the landmark A’DAM Toren (formerly the headquarters of Shell), offering a unique fine dining experience directly overlooking “Het Ij” (Amsterdam’s main waterway) and a spectacular 360˚ panorama of Amsterdam itself.
Everything in Moon revolves around the food. Signature chef Jaimie van Heije and chef de cuisine Tommy den Hartog specialise in classical dishes with a modern twist, using only carefully sourced local seasonal ingredients.
The turbulent streets, rich flavors and bright colors of Asia, typical for cities like Bangkok, Saigon and Hong Kong, coming together in Amsterdam: Steaming pans, sizzling barbecues and hot woks in the large open kitchen are at the heart of Happyhappyjoyjoy West & East. Discover these hangouts with a menu of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami.
Happyhappyjoyjoy is a restaurant at the Bilderdijkstraat and Oostelijke Handelskade in Amsterdam. At Happyhappyjoyjoy you will find everything that makes you happy in Asia. Once inside, you can’t help but smile. These restaurants are a cheerful collection of colors and typical Asian flavors. The playful, organized eclectic chaos is inspired by the typical Asian local markets and busy streets, and it will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of it all.
In his newly-refurbished Wolf Atelier, chef Michael Wolf strives to offer his guests a perfect afternoon or evening out. According to Michael, it’s not only the food that creates the experience, but the combination of atmosphere, cocktails, music and, last but not least, service.
In addition to the lunch menu, he recently launched TARTAR-IA with six different tartars in three different sizes. Simply choose your tartare, size and your side dishes. Combine it with a G&T, a nice glass of wine, champagne or juice. Happy Days! Originally from Austria, Michael earned his stripes at restaurants such as Sergio Herman’s Oud Sluis*** and Vila Joya**. After that, he was responsible for restaurant Envy for four years. In his own restaurant, he creates new, exciting dishes on a daily basis, hence the name Atelier. These dishes have to be as impressive as the location. A beautiful glass building that rests on a 1920s industrial rail road bridge nearby Amsterdam Central Station.
The name of the neighbourhood Lastage, which is an archaic Dutch word with a French twist, seems to befit the kitchen style of 1* Michelin Chef Rogier van Dam, who trained in the classical French kitchen, but has roots deeply embedded in the Northern Dutch countryside soil. The kitchen leans towards tradition and simplicity without fear of innovation. The same mentality that brought the neighbourhood prosperity and continues to instill beauty and character in this piece of Amsterdam. It is the oldest and most historic piece of Amsterdam and is on the border of the red light district; as effervescent as the glass of champagne on arrival and as adventurous as its wine list.
Vermeer is the restaurant of 1* Michelin Executive Chef, Chris Naylor’s, at NH Collection Barbizon Palace Hotel. Naylor’s Vermeer is all about the most amazing, fresh, seasonal vegetables as main courses with meat, chicken and fish as side dishes. The casual ambience of the restaurant is modern and natural, offering a season-inspired menu.
“Vermeer is all about the produce. I take my inspiration from nature. We cook according to the rhythm of the seasons," says Naylor. Vermeer has a set menu where you order the number of courses according to your wishes. The availability of the ingredients dictates the menu, so courses can vary daily. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and some vegetables and herbs come from the hotel’s own garden. Vermeer has a wine selection of over 40 top quality wines. For connoisseurs, an even wider selection is available. Aperitifs are served in the restaurant’s intimate bar. In addition to executive Chef Chris Naylor, the team consists of Sommelier Simon Veldman and new Maître Bjorn van Aalst.
Lilian Tilmans is an Amsterdam Authenticity Expert. She started her career at Amsterdam Tourist & Congress Board. Because of her experience with organising tours and her vast local Amsterdam network she received a number of requests to organise corporate and private tours in Amsterdam. These worked out so well that she set up AmsterdamPersonalized.com which is now offering a variety of culinary, heritage, art and design tours for incoming private and corporate visitors to Amsterdam. Lilian speaks six languages, her speciality is connecting her guests with interesting locals, chefs, artists, designers, hoteliers, heritage professionals, and other special interest experts in Amsterdam. www.amsterdampersonalized.com
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