De Aardige Pers (Saman Restaurant) — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Saman Persian Restaurant in Amsterdam offers a mixed dining experience. The atmosphere is okay, nothing special but comfortable enough for a meal.

An important safety note: There's a step when entering the restaurant that's not clearly visible. Patrons need to be careful to avoid tripping or falling. This is a significant oversight that could pose a risk to diners, especially those with mobility issues or in low light conditions.

The appetizers were disappointing. The simple salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions was fresh but unremarkable. The one-year aged fermented garlic, despite sounding interesting, didn't really impress in terms of flavor. The yogurt with mint was just average. They did offer a complimentary plate of white cheese, olives, mint leaves, and walnuts, which was a nice gesture but pretty standard fare.

The mix of dips that followed was similarly mediocre. There was an eggplant mash, a potato salad, and some unidentified dip with red sauce. None of these really stood out, and the lack of clear descriptions on the menu didn't help.

The saving grace of the meal was the mixed grill. This main course showed that the kitchen does have some skill, especially when it comes to grilled meats. The various meats were well-cooked and had good flavor, which was a marked improvement over the starters.

The two-star rating reflects the inconsistency of the experience and the safety concern at the entrance. While the grilled dishes were good, they weren't quite enough to make up for the lackluster appetizers, dips, and the potentially hazardous step at the entrance. The restaurant seems to put most of its effort into the main courses, leaving other areas lacking.

Saman is an okay choice if you're specifically craving Persian grilled meats in Amsterdam. However, don't expect to be wowed by the entire menu, and do watch your step when entering. It's a middle-of-the-road option that gets the job done with its grilled offerings but needs improvement in several areas, including safety and the quality of its...

First we had a waiting outside although we had reserved the table for 9. We had soltani, vaziri and fesenjun. Kebab quality was under average. Fesenjun was was not malas based on what they said when I asked. The chicken in it was so small, tasteless and basically like three pieces of juje which seemed to be added just before they served it. They seemed to have added flour to fesenjun to make it thicker and that one ruined the original taste of it. As starter we had kash bademjun which was doodi so best part of the night, the portion was good. But originally it is not served with kahoo and goje, so it was a bit strange. Salad shirazi was tasteless without any ab ghoore or salt, and wasn’t fresh at all. We had ash reshte which was basically some hoboobat in tap water with potato rande shode to make it thicker which didn’t even serve their purpose! It was horrible and ruined my taste about the food as the taste was awful and seemed like they have just prepared it in 5 minutes which is a shame, no reshte and no kashk at all, a complete disaster, nothing to do with the real ash reshte! It was like a soup in thickness. I don’t quite understand the high rating of this restaurant and I think it doesn’t reflect the quality at all. The waiters were two girls not really friendly and seemed to not like their jobs so at the end they told us to leave because they wanted to close the restaurant. By the way the music was also not selected well enough for the environment. They disappointed me, and I don’t recommend it at all. Just if you would like to get the good feeling of noon panir sabzi and kash bademjun doodi, and good doogh, you can stop by and remember that the quality of the bread is also not what you would expect, it is not Persian naan and looks like white flat Tortilla. The pictures of ash reshte were not the thing I got. Although you can’t guess the taste and soup texture of it in the pictures. I hope my review can help people in making better decisions about eating here. At least they know what...

Review of Saman Restaurant, Amsterdam

Saman Restaurant in Amsterdam is a fantastic culinary destination that delivers an exceptional dining experience with its delicious Persian cuisine, warm ambiance, and impeccable service. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease, making the entire visit truly memorable.

The menu at Saman is a treasure trove of authentic Persian dishes, offering a wonderful balance of tradition and flavor. The food was absolutely outstanding—every dish was prepared with care and presented beautifully. The koobideh kebab was tender and perfectly seasoned, and the stew dishes, such as ghormeh sabzi, were rich and flavorful, showcasing the complexity of Persian spices. The accompanying rice dishes, especially the fragrant saffron rice, elevated the meal even further.

What I truly appreciated was the attention to detail in both the food and the overall dining experience. The ingredients were fresh, and each bite reflected the skill and dedication of the kitchen staff. Portions were generous, making it excellent value for money.

The atmosphere in Saman Restaurant is warm and inviting, with elegant décor that captures the essence of Persian culture. The ambiance is perfect for all occasions, whether it’s an intimate dinner, a family gathering, or a casual meal with friends.

The service was another standout aspect. The staff were attentive, friendly, and eager to ensure that every guest had a wonderful experience. They were happy to provide recommendations and explain the dishes, which added a personal touch to the meal.

To complete the experience, Saman offers traditional Persian drinks and desserts. I highly recommend trying the saffron ice cream or the Persian tea to end your meal on a high note.

Overall, Saman Restaurant is a must-visit in Amsterdam for anyone looking to savor authentic Persian flavors in a welcoming and beautifully designed setting. It’s a place I’ll gladly return to and...