Cafe Nassau — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Since i wrote the positive review below there has been a change of management. It is still a place for great food, but the new managements attitude is not good and it affects the service and atmosphere. I have been several times recently and each of the last three times service was poor (very slow), but the main issue was that when this was highlighted in any way the new manageress was dismissive and gave attitude. She seems to treat the place as a private club for friends, putting chatting with them above dealing with other customers. The latest was a night when despite having a reservation and being seated and ready to order for over 20minutes, our drinks arrived and we were ready to order our food, we were informed that because a party of 30 was due in (they weren’t even seated and ordering yet) and we were told our food would not be prepared yet until after that table had all been served. Typically no compensation was offered in any effort to recover service. The waitress was apologetic but she clearly had no ownership, and we were left with mo option other than to leave. She didnt/couldnt even offer our drinks (which by the way we just left). I have been a huge fan of this business and the food is still genuinely great. The sad truth is that it was special because unlike many Amsterdam restaurants it had a service standard like you find in other European cities. Not now though, its just another place where customers are an inconvenience to the management (unless they are a part of 30 I guess). I hope that that party become regulars, because i have been going at least twice a month with various friends for years. But no more. ———————————————-Genuinely the best burger and fries in Amsterdam. Monday deal is €12. But that’s not all, the chef is consistently turning out really high quality dishes with real care and attention. And unlike many place in NL (sorry my adopted home) the service is wonderful and the staff seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs. In lockdown the cafe made real efforts to be of service as much as was possible with every rule change. On my recent of many many visits we had the bruschetta, ricotta ravioli, celeriac and truffle soup, and three amazing desserts. When I say they were all top class, it’s not because I’m easily pleased, it’s because they truly were. A strong measure of a great chef is often the simplest dishes and this person passes those tests (the Angus burger, fries, affrogato) with flying colours, before proving their credentials even further with the authentic fresh pasta and interesting refined desserts. I have reviewed before but the consistency is worth applauding and frankly, it’s got even better. Not to be missed. Oh and by the way, as it’s not a tourists restaurant (a few minutes walk from the west Jordaan) the prices are really reasonable. Did I mention the clever choice of wines (good quality, fair price, no paying just for...

First night in Amsterdam, I was exhausted and famished, the Café has a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, comfortable furniture with soothing music.

I ordered a glass of wine and the Saltimbocca dish, and I always end up not being able to eat up my food due to being too much — here? I threw caution to the wind. It was exquisite, full of flavour and refined. Such a delicate marriage between the pork, ham and spinach. I regretted not ordering the bruschetta as they looked amazing… so I went back on my last night.

The one with the mushrooms, Parmesan and truffle oil had me nearly groan in delight. The crisp of the bread, the sweetness of baked basil tomato; they brought me a sweet white wine that was perfect and gave me a vibe from being on the French Riviera or the Amalfi coast.

I meant to take a picture of the food…but I couldn’t stop myself and ate it all. It was just THAT good. ☀️

The staff was smiling, always prompt in arriving when called over and made insightful suggestions to both food and drink. They have a cheerful and dynamic disposition.⭐️

My favourite place in Amsterdam! Hands down! I also noticed board games on one of the shelves for family...

Cafe Nassau is a bit difficult to review... The interior is easy going and well thought through with basic furniture that blends well with the setting but it doesn't feel cheap. I went there with my mom and brother for a bit of a quick bite because they had quite some travelling back home to the east of Holland. Service was very understanding and friendly yet didn't communicate very well between them as we had different waiters asking the same questions over and over again. When we made clear my fiancee would also attend within 10 minutes and hold our orders they where served anyways even though telling 3 staff members. Strange. Dinner was nice a bavette with grilled veggies but far overpriced. Same for dessert 6 small pieces of cheese that were real jummie but cost like 9 euro. In short, nice setting, good food but pricing and staff communication could use some...