Pastini — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Reservations online ONLY, this was a pain, as google Translate only works so much, and most of the reservation is in Dutch. (Find someone to read the reservation for you, I had help from my friends at the dolphin shop close by)

Now the food....Holy Shit. I had the asparagus soup, which is only in season for two months, and it was incredible! Every bite was outstanding. Even the bowl was perfectly crafted for the lovely spoons they provided. For the main dinner, I had the seasonal white asparagus with salmon & crayfish. Holy sh*t... every bite was sensational. I mean it. I really couldn't believe it. I've had some great food over the years, and this meal is definitely in my top 3 favorites. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Props to the cooks and the owner who's been there for 30+ years. Wow.

Second review: Had to go back as the first time was outstanding. Found out they change the menu on a weekly basis. My favorite dishes were no longer in season, but dinner was still incredible. Just wow... Will be visiting next year as this was one of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam after a 3 week stay. Also, the owner changed the website for easier booking as I had recommended! It's now in English, which means I didn't have to find someone who read Dutch to book again! Coming from an assistant who helps manage 3 businesses and owns my own. I was very impressed with how quickly the website was changed and honored that the owner took my recommendation into consideration. This business doesn't need the five-star review to stay afloat, as it surley does so through word of mouth on its own. However, when I find a place, I can call my favorite. I must do my part in hoping this...

I mean, what kind of a restaurant can be open 17 hours total in a week and still stay in business for over 25 years? A restaurant like Pastini can. This is a corner restaurant in a really great, neighborhoody part of Amsterdam. It is small, quaint and has indoor and outdoor seating. I consider myself a foodie would highly recommend checking this place out for the short hours they are open for dinner. The menu is simple, the service is prompt and friendly and the crowd is local and classy but casual. You could dress up or down and still feel at home here. I had a pasta dish with mushrooms and it was simply and perfectly cooked. It is this type of restaurant I look for when I’m traveling - the out of the way places that have stood the test of time because they offer great service and homemade food. Go, have a glass of wine and mingle with the locals if you’re feeling up for it. They are right off one of the less busy canals and you can watch the boats go by, as well. We really loved Amsterdam so much more than Italy. 5 stars...

My wife had a beautiful tight prawn tagliatelle with modified Hollandaise sauce. Note, it came with plenty of normal sized prawns, not 1 tiger prawn. I listened to the owner and had the Thai red curry chicken tagliatelle pasta, which for me didn't work. It all tastes ok, but was too mild and too weird. The scallop starter for 8 euro was 1 scallop sliced sitting in a very light sweet Chili sauce.. hmm. Not enough flavour, should have been in garlic butter and should have been 2 scallops. Pays at 21 euro was fair for the quality. An American brother and sister at the restaurant thought their tiramisu was the best ever, it was very good, traditional, but I'll set like a stronger coffee flavour with more alcohol. All in all, great Italian...