Restaurant Gary Loen — Restaurant in Amsterdam

We were so looking forward to trying this place because of its rave reviews but left very disappointed. It could have been an off night for both the food and service. I’ll caveat this review by mentioning that at the end of the night, our server apologised and took all our drinks and part of the meal off our bill, which we very much appreciated.

We each chose a 3 course menu, with different courses. The appetiser before the courses was wonderful, a lovely chilled cucumber and tomato soup. After that, things went downhill. Each course took over an hour to arrive. My partner’s second course was forgotten and when we reminded them and asked how long the subsequent course would take to arrive, we were told it depends on how fast my partner could eat his forgotten second course, putting the responsibility on my partner rather than the kitchen. We tried to cancel it but it soon came, and the fish was so rare my partner couldn’t eat it. Eventually the main arrived and I’ve never been more upset at a restaurant dish. The salmon fillet was essentially raw, served alongside boiled vegetables and nothing was seasoned. I couldn’t believe I was spending money on it. The duck (supplementary €20!) was much better cooked and tastier, but not worth the hefty additional cost. By this point we had been sat down for over 3 hours and decided to forego the dessert because we just wanted to get home. Throughout the night multiple drinks were also forgotten with no apology until we left.

Like I said, it could have been an off night. But sadly this experience left a bad raw fish taste...

We went to Gary for our 5th anniversary.

The welcoming was very warm and there's a monthly changing menu from which you can choose between 3, 4 or 5 courses.

We didn't really like the starter with grilled avocado. Unfortunately it was a bit cold inside which is something you don't expect when it's being described as grilled.

Everyother dish was fine but the highlight certainly is the main dishes, steak or duck confit. These were really superb.

Unfortunately we lacked a proper description of the dishes and the used ingredients. Also there's no physical menus where you can read more about it so you have to rely on a chalkboard and what Gary tells you.

As I have worked in gastronomy for many years, I have expected a bit more in regards to consultation and description of foods.

The interior is really interesting and detailed. The location being a house boat is very nice and romantic as well.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and might also be back in the future to give it another try.

Definitely worth a try and good value...

A great place if you are up for a great experience. The Gary Leon is definitely something else, but in a good way. Located on a boat in the Harbour a bit outside and still a bit of a secret tip. You start with an aperitif on the sun deck. We the had luck of a beautiful warm summer night out. Afterwards you head inside. It is one shared table with everyone who is there and you simply don’t know what you will. It is mainly vegetarian and fish, but you can let the team know, if you want small adjustments. What we got was simply amazing. A great soup with a fine spice, great two dishes of fish and a delicious desert. It was all with quite an Asian/ Thai touch which you have to be up fore. Again, no choice of the menu, you have to be open for it and you will have a...