Night Kitchen Amsterdam — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Dear Staff of The Night Kitchen,

I recently visited your restaurant on Sunday night with a friend, and I wanted to share my honest feedback about my dining experience. We had made a reservation for two and were excited to try the 'Dinner with Friends' deal, as advertised on your website.

Upon arrival, we were warmly received by your staff and were promptly seated at our table. We informed our main waiter about our interest in the dinner arrangement, expecting a discussion about our food preferences and flavor choices, as mentioned on your website. However, this was not the case, the waiter informed us that the food selection would be made by him. We decided to trust the waiter's judgment and proceeded with our meal after enjoying the delicious bread and eggplant dip.

The first courses arrived, and they were indeed delightful, but also quite filling. When the waiter returned to collect the plates, he noticed that we had a spoonful of left overs and inquired if we were finished. We explained that we had enjoyed the dish but wanted to save some room for the remaining courses. Unfortunately, the waiter's response was disheartening. He seemed displeased with our decision and persistently urged us to finish the plates, making comments such as "there are people starving outside, and you want to throw away food."

This remark, coupled with the fact that dining out has become a rare luxury for us, left a sour taste in our mouths for the remainder of the evening. Furthermore, we encountered another issue with our main waiter, who repeatedly forgot to serve us the water we had requested, despite reminding him three times. When we finally received the water, he initiated a discussion regarding my use of the term "still water," which seemed unnecessary and unprofessional.

I would like to acknowledge that the food itself was excellent, the other waiters were kind and we genuinely enjoyed the flavors of the dishes. However, the behavior and attitude of our main waiter overshadowed the positive aspects of the evening. In an era where dining out is becoming increasingly infrequent, we value the opportunities we have to savor such experiences. Unfortunately, the judgmental and pushy nature of our waiter made it clear that we would not be returning to your restaurant in the future. For him we may have been one of the many visitors that week, for us this was one of the few visits to a restaurant this year and sadly a negative one.

On a positive note, I would like to commend your online staff for being friendly and helpful. When we realized that the deposit from our reservation had not been deducted from the final bill, they promptly addressed the issue and refunded the amount. This level of customer service was appreciated and helped alleviate some of the negative impressions left by the waiter. I hope this feedback helps you address the issues and improve the service at The...

We had a very bad experience here, and honestly, I’m baffled by the number of glowing reviews. Oh boy, where to begin?

We arrived 10 minutes late for our reservation. Fair enough, our mistake. But the staff made very sure we wouldn’t forget it. By the time we reached our table, we’d already been told five times that we’d need to hurry up despite having a 2,5-hour time slot.

We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairing. Our waiter then explained that, because of our lateness, he’d have to compress the usual 3 - 4 “rounds” into just 2. At this point, we were only about 15- 20 minutes into our reservation, so this felt unnecessarily punitive but we went along with it.

We were served three dishes per “round,” but only got one glass of wine by the time we were well into the second round. When we asked about the wine pairing, we were told there’s no pairing per se, just “unlimited house wines”.

Sorry, what? What is this—an all-you-can-drink buffet in Costa del Sol? The system seems designed to sell the idea of a pairing but then serve as little wine as possible. It felt misleading, if not outright dishonest.

I’m giving two stars instead of one only because the food itself was decent.

Unfortunately, it got worse. After the second (and final) round of dishes, we finally got our second glass of wine. We were still due a small dessert, so we asked for a wine to go with that. The answer? “That’s not included.”

My friend was livid. After some back-and-forth with the manager, they reluctantly gave us a small pour of dessert wine. And then, this really takes the cake, they brought the bill 45 minutes early, with nearly an hour still left in our slot! When we asked why, we got vague shrugs and zero accountability.

I’ve only walked out of a restaurant without paying once in my life, and this came dangerously close to being the second.

I grew up in this neighborhood and have walked past Night Kitchen countless times. I finally gave it a try. And now I honestly don’t understand why this place exists, or why...

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Amsterdam, Night Kitchen Amsterdam is a culinary gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. From its charming ambiance to its innovative cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking a blend of tradition and creativity.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by an ambiance that effortlessly combines modern elegance with a touch of rustic charm. The cozy yet sophisticated decor sets the stage for an evening of culinary indulgence, whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a memorable meal.

The menu at Night Kitchen Amsterdam is a testament to the chef's commitment to excellence, featuring a tantalizing array of dishes inspired by both local flavors and global influences. From the succulent seafood offerings to the mouthwatering vegetarian options, each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation.

One standout dish is the signature seafood platter, which showcases the freshest catches of the day expertly prepared and served with a selection of house-made sauces and accompaniments. For those with a penchant for land-based fare, the tenderloin steak is a must-try, cooked to perfection and served with a side of roasted vegetables.

Complementing the exceptional cuisine is the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who are dedicated to ensuring that every guest's dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. From recommending the perfect wine pairing to catering to dietary preferences and allergies, their hospitality knows no bounds.

In conclusion, Night Kitchen Amsterdam is a culinary destination that exceeds expectations on every level. With its charming ambiance, innovative cuisine, and impeccable service, it's no wonder that this restaurant has earned a reputation as one of Amsterdam's finest dining establishments. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking a taste of Dutch culinary excellence, Night Kitchen Amsterdam is sure to delight...