212 Restaurant, Amsterdam đđ˝ď¸ Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, 212 Restaurant is a culinary gem that has earned its Michelin two-star statusđđthrough an exceptional blend of innovation, flavor, and artistry. From the moment you step inside, the intimate atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. â¨
Ambiance đ¨ The restaurant's design is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen that invites diners to witness the magic of culinary creation. The decor is minimalist yet warm, creating a cozy environment that encourages conversation while still allowing for an immersive gastronomic adventure.
Service đ¨âđł The service at 212 is exemplary. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, providing insights into each dish with enthusiasm and expertise. Their passion for food and wine is evident, as they guide you through the menu and suggest pairings that elevate the overall experience.
Cuisine đ´ The menu at 212 is a testament to creativity and precision. Each dish is a work of art, showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers. One standout dish was the Jerusalem Artichoke with Dutch Shrimp and Garlic Vinaigrette â a harmonious balance of flavors that danced on the palate. The chef's ability to blend textures and tastes is remarkable, making each course a delightful surprise. đżđ¤
The tasting menu is a journey, with each course revealing new dimensions of flavor. Highlights include the inventive use of spices and the presentation, which often resembles a piece of art more than a meal. The pairing of wines is equally impressive, with selections that complement each dish perfectly. đˇ
Final Thoughts 212 Restaurant is more than just a meal; it's an experience. With its Michelin two-star rating, it stands as a testament to culinary excellence in Amsterdam. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this restaurant should be on your must-visit list. Prepare to be dazzled by the creativity, flavors, and impeccable service that make dining here truly...
   Read moreI found this on maps, wasn't to sure about it, but when one of my friends recognized the art of a famous street artist on the wall from outside the restaurant we (4 People) we entered.
None of us were feeling comfortable at first, as we were clearly underdressed, we didn't know the manners - basically we had no idea what was going on. But we just went with it.
A lady collected our jackets and we decided to go for the 4 course menu (in fact one of us actually asked for something else but we didn't get that the social aspect of eating there is really high - so they included him to our 4 course). Also we ordered 4 beers... no comment needed.
Every course, we got served by like 4 people. Everything was very coordinated and we were treated like kings. After the waiter explained every detail about the first course (4 plates), we patiently waited for them to bring out the cutlery. A minute or so passed, then a waiter mentioned that the cutlery was stored in a drawer under the table. All 4 of us slowly pulled out the drawers and our faces lit up as if we were kids opening christmas presents.
The whole meal we had no idea if we were supposed to use only the spoon, fork and knife, or everything alltogether. It went like that all night but we had the time of our lives, constantly laughing and smiling. The breaks between the courses were timed as if some staff was being paid just to watch us and tell the crew when to bring out the next course.
I work in the music industry and I couldn't believe how well they played with the volume (not too loud - not too quiet) and even the song choice! (they even dropped some underground tunes I added to my own spotify playlists). I need to stop - I could go on forever...
The food was exceptionally tasty (at one time I was flooded by positive emotions and got goosebumps) and every dish looked like a piece of art!
I will 100% revisit this restaurant the next time I'm in Amsterdam. Take your best friends with you if you choose...
   Read moreWe were unfortunately disappointed in Restaurant 212. Having visited several 2 star Michelin restaurants in cities around the world, Restaurant 212 was a cut below the rest. While the restaurant itself is very nicely decorated, we found the open kitchen distracting as the staff appeared disorganized and the work spaces were not kept neat or clean. There also did not appear to be a head chef directing the kitchen, which may have contributed to the issue.
The restaurant also only offers a wine pairing or by the bottle. This is a difficult choice for patrons who may not want the full pairing, but may want a glass to go with the meal. This information does not appear on the restaurant website, and would have been good to know in advance.
Some of the dishes were excellent and items like the butter pairing were delicious. Unfortunately, our server told us to avoid one of the bread options because it was âbad todayâ and probably âovercooked.â While we appreciated the honestly, it led us to wonder why the chef would allow the bread to be served in the first place.
At one point, the staff had forgotten to serve us an entree. Rather than remake the fish that had been prepared earlier, they simply re-plated the now lukewarm fish and served it.
A number of dishes were single note and strongly flavored; the veal dish with sardine cream was unpleasant.
Overall, a disappointment at both the service and food levels. We would...
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