De Kas — Restaurant in Amsterdam

From the moment I saw its colossal greenhouse frame from the bike path (literally through a forest of magical trees and over an effing cute bridge), I knew I was in for a treat.

The side wall of a greenhouse in use ran the length of the front entrance, a large doorway functioning as a portal to a well diversified portfolio of food growing techniques: flats of aquaponic herbs; tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons rooted in soil and trellised up pipes; and nursery trays of LED grown microgreens.

The dining room was colossal, with a greenhouse roof they adjusted depending on natural light (with soft lighting supplements when necessary during a few moments of thunderstorms), and an ambient volume that somehow managed to stay exactly the same no matter how many diners came or went.

Over the next three hours, a showcase of flavors were slowly coursed to our table.

Perfectly handled sourdough bread and puffed rice crackers studded with mustard seeds and served alongside a bright green celery puree. A pair of leguminous amuse bouches: broad beans with oregano flowers and salt, and haricot verts nestled in a bed of fine crumbs and piccalilli sauce. A red beet gazpacho with a sprinkle of granola, the sliced and cubed veg hiding a small mound of mozzarella just barely dredged in what seemed to be citrus zest. Radicchio blackened on the grill and served in a pool of gently seasoned beurre blanc, the shreds of the bitter green's outer leaves mixing with nasturtiums and herbs to blanket the grilled portion in a slaw. A filet of bone-in white fish swimming in a light bouillabaisse alongside half a zucchini, which was studded with a variety of herbs and sauces and the smallest of Dutch baby yellow potatoes.

I was pleasantly surprised by the structure and taste of literally every bite I ate. None of the dishes were particularly innovative from a technique POV, but they didn't need to be- the flavors held their own.

The tables were comfortable and well appointed without being fussy, wine pairings were well selected, and the service was attentive- never overbearing or non-existent.

Overall, a beautiful meal in a beautiful setting. If you're ever in Amsterdam and looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience that doesn't feel too stuffy, then this place is a great bet. I personally recommend going for the three or four course lunch if you have the time- the lighting is beautiful, and the dining room isn't...

A Culinary Journey at De Kas - Where Farm-to-Table Excellence Reigns

De Kas, nestled in Park Frankendael, offers more than just a meal—it's a culinary expedition through the vibrant landscape of farm-to-table cuisine. My dining experience began with a meticulously crafted Old Fashioned cocktail, setting the tone for an evening of indulgence and delight.

Opting for the tasting menu, each dish showcased the restaurant's unwavering commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients directly from their on-site greenhouse and local farmers. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a symphony of flavors, each ingredient shining in its own right.

The menu unfolded like a carefully crafted story, with each course revealing a new chapter of culinary mastery. Delicate appetizers teased the palate, while main courses boasted robust flavors and inventive pairings. Each plate was a work of art, a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to showcasing the best of Dutch produce.

But what truly set De Kas apart was its seamless execution of the farm-to-table philosophy. Each ingredient was treated with the utmost respect, allowing its natural flavors to shine through in every bite. It was evident that every element of the meal had been thoughtfully considered, from the tender vegetables to the succulent meats.

As I savored each course, I couldn't help but marvel at the restaurant's stunning greenhouse, visible from every corner of the dining room. The connection between farm and table was palpable, lending an air of authenticity to the dining experience that is truly unparalleled.

In conclusion, De Kas is not just a restaurant—it's an ode to the beauty of simplicity, an homage to the bounty of the land. With its impeccable execution, unparalleled flavors, and commitment to sustainability, it's no wonder that De Kas stands as a beacon of excellence in Amsterdam's culinary scene. As a side note, the bread was outstanding and I embarrassingly kept asking for more - be warned! All of the greens from their garden were so fresh and tasty! It’s my favorite eats in Amsterdam!

📸 I post quiet corners and cultural highlights like this one on Instagram:...

I rarely write reviews,but this place was amazing.

We were lucky to catch a table due to a cancellation as otherwise they are booked a month in advance, but rightfully so. For anyone visiting Amsterdam, I highly recommend trying to book well in advanve and if there was no table, keep checking as there are some spots opening up here and there.

The restaurant concept is really well put together. When you enter, you walk through a little orchard straight to the greenhouse, seeing the trees and garden beds where the produce you're served comes from.

We were seated at one of the greenhouse like dining halls, which provides a nice continuity looking at the surrounding park.

We got seated and had some beautiful cocktails, while a variety of appetizers got served. For a bit we were confused as to whether the appetizers constitute as a course in our 5 course lunch, but as it turned out, almost an hour into the meal, the first real course was still to come. We then had 5 amazing courses.

We even asked for a little break in the middle when we started to get full, and took a little walk in the greenhouses and the gardens. Which was a nice benefit of having a table for the whole lunch service, giving each guest plenty of time to enjoy their meal (we were there for about 3 hours).

From all the dishes I highly recommend the desserts that were optional (course 4+5)

I found the goat cheese ice cream sweet/savory dessert to be the most interesting. Very well balanced with sweet cheese icecream and fruit with a kick of funky goat cheese. I expected the cheese to overpower the dessert, a lot of modern restaurants do sacrifice enjoyability for the sake of being in your face "creative" and end up just tasting weird for the average palate. But this dish managed to bring on the creative twist while remaining very pleasant and easy to enjoy.

The second dessert was more traditional( a swert puff with ice cream and kompot), but it was a great combination and one of the best desserts I ever had.

A last point to make is that for an amazing 3 hour culinary experience the value is without match, with prices at the level or in some regards even below most restaurants...