Amstel Boathouse — Restaurant in Amsterdam

I am generally really understanding, and I almost never give a bad review, although the overall experience we had for dinner last Friday was really poor, so I think it’s important to share the feedback.

I reserved a table for 3 for dinner after having had lunch in this venue few days earlier. For clarity and fairness, the lunch experience was positive and pleasant, and that brought me to come back for dinner. I would have rated the lunch experience as a 4, while the dinner experience was a 0. Hence why I’m giving a 2 now.

Let’s go in order. After having reserved a table, we show un perfectly on time. The place was busy, as you would expect on a Friday evening on a place by the river. So busy but normal (plenty of tables unseated).

First of all, no one greeted us. I made eye contact with at least 3 employees, I was clearly looking like someone who just arrived and yet no “hello/welcome/how can I help”. I had to waive someone down to ask. Told the waitress I had a reservation and gave my name, she started to look at the book and couldn’t find it and she said “it doesn’t look like you made a reservation, it’s not here”. I pointed at my reservation on the list and she’s like “oh yes, this way”. Already here it could have gone much better: never tell your customer “you haven’t...” but maybe say “I can’t find..” apologise if you made a mistake.

Moving on, we sat at the table and were given the menus for food and drink. At this point we were forgotten. Despite there were empty tables around us, we had to wait 35 minutes before we could even order a drink. In that time no one made eye contact, checked on us, nothing. I eventually had to get up and get someone. I shared my feedback with the waitress (same of the beginning), and she started to tell me that she’s been here since 9am for some schedule error, etc etc. Of course I am sure she’s tired and as a human being I can empathize, but I don’t need to know. That’s a conversation to have with your boss, not me. I’m the customer paying your salary. Again just apologise, and make sure the rest of the evening goes smooth. Also, business consideration: in 35’ we probably would have order another round each, so more money for the establishment.

Since we had plenty of time to decide, we already knew what we wanted, so we ordered drinks, starters and mains all in one go, and at that point the waitress suggested she would hold the order of the mains until we had the starters so they would be freshly cooked (which was a great idea and suggestion, in theory). We do so, and the drinks at that point come quick (at last). Also, after the beginning, she would have least visit more regularly.

Once the starters are finished she comes back and we remind her we are ready to order the main dishes. She then realizes that she did not put them on hold or reserve them, and so 2 out of the 3 dishes are now sold out. Fair enough we say, and we choose something else: that is 2x Ribs 1x Cesar Salad + 1x Fries

20’ later the order arrives. But it of course arrives wrong (2x Caesar Salad). I point that out to the waiter (different one), and he immediately goes to check (he was polite, maybe the owner). She comes back saying that the kitchen made a mistake, that the machine was wrong, etc etc. Again: no apologies, lots of blaming on other people, lots of excuses. Just say “I’m super sorry, we’ll fix this as quick as possible, can I get you anything in the meantime?”

The food was really good (at least the ribs were, the Caesar Salad was a it uneventful I’m told), but after 10’ the extra fries did not arrive yet. So we stop the waitress again (same one) and asked her to check if the order of fries was actually in the order and if so to cancel it, since we didn’t feel like having them anymore at that point. She checks and she says it wasn’t there (again no apology), so we cancel it.

Time for the bill: the order of fries was there, so I had to ask to remove it. Again no apology, no discount, no nothing.

Not their...

Nature-Inspired Dining by the Amstel River

Amstel Boathouse, recently renovated, offers a nature-inspired atmosphere, emphasizing vegan dishes. 🌿 The new menu boasts a variety of beautifully prepared, delicious options, including gluten-free, veggie, and vegan choices in generous portions. 🍽️ The warm and cozy environment is ideal for business occasions or gatherings with family and friends. 🥳 With 8 rooms, private parking, and a jetty, it serves as both a restaurant and event center. During sunny days, relax on the beautiful porch while enjoying the scenic view of the Amstel River. ☀️

✅ Well prepared and delicious food ✅ Gluten-free, veggie and vegan options ✅ Generous portions ✅ Amazing bread ✅ Relaxing atmosphere

What we had: 🔸 Burrata 🔸 Tartare of smoked ox sausage (favorite) 🔸 Melanzane alla parmigiana 🔸 Shortribs (favorite) 🔸 Fries 🔸 Affogato al caffè 🔸 Foret Noire (favorite)

📍Amsterdam Zuid

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Came here for a company dinner and drinks and I really enjoyed it. The staff was amazing. The bartenders were very friendly and polite. They provided fast service and and answered any questions we had. The waiters were also almost constantly going around with rounds of food. And the food was fantastic. Small bites throughout the whole evening that encompass a whole dinner. From crackers with spreads, to typical fried bites (cheese, bitterbollen, shrimp), sushi, sautéed shrimp, chicken skewers, mushroom skewers, butter fish, burgers, fries and ice cream. Everything was absolutely delicious. The actual place is quite big and kept clean. There is an outside and inside area. You also have a view of the river. I highly recommend it for company events and I will definitely visit with...