De Nachtwacht — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Finally, im writing my experience about this restaurant. It was on January 2019 when me and my small family (husband and a 2.5 y.o son) had a nightmare about this restaurant. We decided to try the resto because we saw the menu was very tempting, so we knew exactly about the price which was still in average tho. We were expecting to have a memorable last night of our holiday in europe.

I came by to check whether there was a seating available for my family. The guy (i assumed he was sort of the manager or could be the PR) said that it was fully occupied with limited information. Yet, i saw there was some empty seats at the back. Then i talked to another employee beacuse ‘the first guy’ just left in seconds, hoping another employee would give more information about the seats/ rules if any. The employee asked ‘that guy’ again for the seating arrangement. That guy didnt like it when he got that question again, and once again refused us with a non-friendly gesture and still with limited info.

Suddenly there was a dutch family ( with 2 kids) seating in front of me, said to me in english that they were about to finish and ready to go; so i could use their seats. And THAT GUY (with bald-headed, i remember), talked to those dutch family in dutch. I saw the dutch family’s reaction as sorry for me. AND I STILL DIDNT KNOW WHY. Was it because we’re asian (i hope not)? Was it because he thinks we won’t afford it? Was it beacuse i bring 2.5 y.o kids? It was just too many questions in my head.

I didnt make any arguments/ other fuss things. I only asked him once, and asked another employee once. I just wanted to know why i couldn’t have dinner at the resto while there were some empty seats.

And unfortunately, THAT GUY ASKED US NOT IN NICE WAY TO LEAVE! Geeze. I used to live in amsterdam for 3 years back than for my bach degree in amsterdam. And I never recieved this kind of behaviour for those 3 years. In 2019, i came back to amsterdam with my fam to show them the place i used to live. I still dont get it. If it was because a 2.5 y.o kid, he could say that ‘sorry, this resto is not a kid friendly because....’ i would happily accept the reason and would leave in peace. Or if it was because other simple things, that guy should say it in nice way with full information. But that experience tho.... i won’t...

I have to say, these guys knocked it out of the park on every metric by which you care to measure an eating establishment.

We rocked up with no reservation and despite a full house (fully booked on a very wet and cold Tuesday evening in a square surrounded by empty restaurants, I might add!), we were accommodated by a very pleasant, professional woman who very clearly knows her business. We were seated at the bar, with a fine view of the kitchens and the cocktail waiter.

The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and buzzing without being overly loud or distracting.

The decor is simple and classy, and sets an intimate ambiance.

The service was friendly, informal but not overly so, and while not fast food speedy, struck the right balance between giving space but being attentive.

The drinks selection is modest and not littered with so many options you get lost. The wines are a good broad selection without too many "similar" wines to choose from, which makes selecting a grape you like very easy.

The food... Oh, my word, the food. Perfectly cooked ribeye and ribs, simply presented with little flourish, letting the meat speak for itself. A good, but not overwhelming, selection of options for sides and sauces. I almost ate the chopping board on which it was served. No need for garnish or "look at me" gimmiks, the meat was of a high quality, tender, very flavoursome and for me could not have been prepared better. One of the most memorable and best steaks I have had the pleasure of enjoying.

Finally, the cocktails. We tried a couple, and both were exquisite and not at all what you might expect from the ingredient list. You will certainly not find a mojito or a long island iced tea here, this is proper cocktails done the right way. The flavours and complexity, combined with subtleties and unexpected twists, were exquisite and the drinks well presented with a strong measure of class. Definitely not the kind of cocktails you would chug with a group of drunkards from a goldfish bowl with straws.

I certainly will be returning, and would strongly and absolutely whole heartedly recommend De Nachtwacht to anyone seeking something more than the glorified "kebab shop" style steak houses that litter the streets. This restaurant is the place to go for a meal that will...

The snails in garlic better were amazing!! The fillet steak was average at best, I was a bit disappointed by it to be honest. The vanilla ice cream with chocolate was good! The fries were average, I had better in Amsterdam. I sat at the bar alone because it was busy at the tables. The bartender was nice in giving me free water, however i felt that he was racist towards me as i was the only international guest at the bar. He was very attentive and talkative to other guests who actually paid less than me as i was there for food not drinking, yet he gave them all of the attention. When i wanted more water, he was giving me the "shush" sign as he wanted to keep chatting with the drinking guests, totally impolite and disrespectful. I was weirdly calm because the other waitresses were very nice to me, and he gave me free water (btw, i asked for a bottle of water and never asked for free refilled cups of water). Thats why i gave him a tip, despite the fact that he was disrespecting me in an uncalled manner. However, i hope that he didnt mean to be racist or disrespectful, i really want to give him the benefit of the doubt, and i hope he reads this comment in here. To be honest, i want to come back for the snails, but him being there is a reason not to go, well, i guess i can find another place that serves delicious snails. To conclude, if it was not for the average steak and that bartender, i would have given this place a 5 stars rating. But hey, if you ever go there, try the snails on a table, they are...