Loetje Oost / Amsterdam Restaurant — Restaurant in Amsterdam

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Loetje Oost

This needlessly extravagant treat—a Loetje goat’s cheese salad and a couple of Belgian beers on a windy Wednesday afternoon—feels so tone deaf in the current climate. You know? I disgust myself.

I’m sitting here like a fat prince on a giant cushion; like a Greek Emperor in a field full of virgins; or like of one of those filthy sociopathic toads on Paedophile Island.

I make myself sick.

But then I’m also working hard, and in my way I’m trying to improve the lot of my fellow human, and … well, it’s moments like these that make me want to keep going, frankly. It is indulgent, yes. And I shall continue to flagellate myself as I enjoy it.

I’ve been here before, a couple of times, but once, many years ago, I had an important moment here with a salad. Amen. And so I came here today, hoping, dreaming that I might—at best—recreate it. Alas, no…

Mere tawdry reenactment was not to be. Instead, we have reached new heights of salad-based ecstasy. Put the world on hold. It’s salad big-up time.

Goat’s cheese salads come in an infinite variety of formats. I think this is my favourite. First up, the salad is great. Lots of variety. (Not like the one-leaf pony I had the other day at the Seafood Bar. Or the Crouton Cacophony at De Groene Paleis.) Great variety here: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, a few unnameable leaves, bunch of seeds, and only a small amount of toasted bread, all topped with three dirty great slices of heated goat’s cheese and honey.

Plus Affligem Belgisch, which … my God. This was one of the best meals I’ve had in months and …. ahhhhhh. Yes.

Of course. After a two-month absence, I’m once more enjoying the herb. As well as a very short while ago. So that may account for a soupcon of my overwhelming enthusiasm. But trust me: I eat salads all over this town. And this—Loetje Oost, is—as of this moment—the greatest goat’s cheese salad in Amsterdam. And that’s official.*

Also, this was just said, as the dish was cleared…

Me: “That … was exceptional.”

Waiter (stone-faced): “Is there anything I can do about it?”

Me: “Bring me another!”

It was a good moment. Sharing a laugh with Dutch service personnel is often an uphill struggle, but we nailed it.

I was still revelling in the gezelligheid from our shared moment when … he brought me another.

Just kidding. But if he had, I’d have eaten it. Gladly.

Plus: excellent waiter—good fun, competent and sufficiently attentive/excellent crème brulee and Irish coffee, my God, I should be whipped.

Thank you very much.

This has been the first in this the first in a potentially one-long series of live reviews here, in Amsterdam, the greatest city on the world. By me, Karl Webster, award-winning author The Amsterdam Good Murder Guide.**

Yep.

** I’ve won...

Loetje Oost is one of Amsterdam's most beloved restaurants, famous for its delicious steaks and cozy atmosphere. This restaurant has become a true icon in the city, with locals and tourists alike flocking to its doors to experience the delicious food and warm hospitality.

Walking into Loetje Oost, you're immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere. The decor is classic and timeless, with dark wood paneling, vintage art, and cozy lighting creating a comfortable and inviting environment. The restaurant is always bustling with people, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere.

The menu at Loetje Oost is centered around its famous steaks, which are renowned for their tenderness and flavor. The steaks are cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a juicy and flavorful interior. They're served with a side of fries and a salad, making for a perfect and satisfying meal.

But it's not just the steaks that make Loetje Oost stand out. The menu is full of delicious and flavorful dishes, from classic Dutch snacks like bitterballen to fresh salads and seafood dishes. The ingredients are fresh and of high quality, and the presentation is beautiful. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a full meal, you won't be disappointed by what Loetje Oost has to offer.

One of the standout dishes at Loetje Oost is the carpaccio, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the city. The dish features thinly sliced beef, drizzled with a delicious mustard sauce, and topped with shaved parmesan and arugula. It's a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.

What truly sets Loetje Oost apart, however, is the warm and welcoming hospitality of the staff. The waiters and bartenders are friendly and attentive, making you feel like a regular even if it's your first time visiting. They take the time to explain the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences, making for a truly personal and enjoyable experience.

In addition to the great food and welcoming atmosphere, Loetje Oost also offers a great selection of beers and wines. From local favorites to international classics, the drink menu has something for everyone. The bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate about their offerings, and are always happy to make recommendations or answer any questions you may have.

Whether you're visiting Loetje Oost for a quick bite or a full meal, you won't be disappointed by the experience. The restaurant is a true icon in Amsterdam, and for good reason. The steaks are delicious, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff is friendly and attentive. If you're in the city and looking for a delicious meal in a cozy and festive environment, Loetje Oost is...

Okay, so basically, I went yesterday to Luchier, where they're famous for their tenderloin in slaw with this little gravy that it's served with, and the problem is the waiter got the order for the two tenderloins, me and my friends, and he asked, do you want it medium rare? Which was their advice, obviously. And we said yes. Eventually, they bring us one medium rare and one well-done piece of tenderloin, so I send back mine. I get barely any apologies for the inconvenience, because now my sides are getting cold while I'm waiting 15 minutes for this new piece of meat to be served, and while my friend is eating in the meantime, alone, because my food is not there. So I get the other piece, and now this piece of meat, it's freaking cold in the middle. Almost barely cooked in the middle, but most importantly, like refrigerator cold. So they clearly did a poor job of cooking this second piece of meat. I tell the waiter, again, same thing happens, barely any apologies, takes the food back in the kitchen. This time, however, an older waiter comes to the table shouting in Dutch, with the same plate I had just sent back, asking me to cut it open, because he wanted to see how cooked it was. That left me really confused. But eventually, after a short interaction, I agreed to cut it open so the cook can see how much should he cook it. And he brings it back to the kitchen, and eventually brings it back to the table. And now again, it's not well done, but it's also not the medium rare I originally asked for, because it's now instead of one thick tenderloin, it's two thinner pieces of meat, which is not the dish I wanted, and it's more cooked than what I asked for. And after all of this, and barely any apology, if nothing, they didn't even give me a discount on anything. This place came highly recommended, but I'm never going to go there again. I also work in hospitality, and will not recommend...