Four of Amsterdam’s best new restaurants help Dutch food scene enjoy a culinary renaissance
Diverse dishes from chefs Sidney Schutte, Dennis Kuipers, Guillaume de Beer and Schilo van Coevorden highlight how the Netherlands’ capital is fast becoming the world’s most exciting and varied eating destination
There are many reasons why Amsterdam stands as one of Europe’s greatest cities. Its extraordinary canals, striking architecture, incredible cultural and artistic legacy from the old masters of Vermeer and Rembrandt through to Van Gogh and Mondrian, not to mention the earthy delights of a very liberal society. Rarely, however, does the city’s cuisine get a mention.
Rarely, in fact, does one see a Dutch restaurant around the world, or even well-known Dutch dishes on global menus.
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But, in common with countries like the UK, the Netherlands has undergone a culinary renaissance in recent years and currently stands as one of the most exciting food destinations anywhere in Europe, as borne out by four first-class meals at different price points.
The city’s Waldorf Astoria is the fruit of a painstaking restoration that combined six 17th-century houses into one elegant and historic property. It’s also home to Librije’s Zusje, a restaurant which served one of the best meals I can recall in recent years, thanks to an exceptional combination of restaurant manager Sascha Speckemeier and executive chef Sidney Schutte.
One of the Netherlands’ most respected culinary exports, Richard Ekkebus from Amber at the Landmark Mandarin in Central – which has two Michelin stars and is ranked number 24 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants – says that Librije’s Zusje is a must-visit.
