ROYAL98 — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Cold December lunchtime, rainy outside. Work done, body frozen, treat required. Behold! Opposite the Bijenkorf right on Dam Square, Royal 98. I’d never been before and I was actually heading somewhere else, or at least I thought I was, but then I caught sight of a flash of irresistible gezelligheid and I was in.

Inside I was greeted, given a choice of tables and accommodated in a timely and professional fashion. Warmhearted but not overbearing. Just right.

The menu was delivered. I perused and made my choice. Pappardelle beef ragu. House red.

From my high table at the back of the front section of the restaurant, I could see out across Dam Square, so twinkling and beautiful and Christmassy that you can just about convince yourself the world isn’t really ending. Ditto Claudia Cardinale, on the wall to my left.

My wine came. And it was good.

Then my pasta came. And it was excellent. Succulent beef. Toothsome pasta ribbons. Damn near perfect. Made me feel guilty in all kinds of ways.

Then I noticed one of a nearby party of Germans order an Irish coffee and I had to have one. I also saw that there was a ten-euro tiramisu on the menu. And I had to have it. To say both were excellent would be an understatement. The tiramisu was one of the best I’ve ever had. The textures were … almost moving. I could have eaten it a hundred times. Even the little sprig of mint was a triumph.

The staff too, were excellent. Two guys, Hans and Robert. Dutch guys! Dutch service is frequently diabolical but these guys were outstanding. As the restaurant became busy, they wordlessly catered to every table, every group, quickly, efficiently, and with genuine alacrity. There was one moment as they were pottering away behind the bar, that they started laughing together, and I liked that very much. Happy staff, doing a job they clearly enjoy and consequently doing it very well indeed.

Maybe I got lucky. I mean, I definitely got lucky because I can’t think of a single weak point. It’s not cheap, but of course it’s not — look where it is. But it’s worth it. I didn’t begrudge a penny. The décor is also great and supergezellig and there was a pretty decent Christmas soundtrack playing throughout.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of my favourite Amsterdam dining experiences and I will remember it for the rest of my life. It’s personal, you know? It just hit the right spot, in the right moment, and everything was...

I've owned bars around the world so I know a bit about service. Seriously I have never witnessed the worst, other then this one. I understand the whole water bottle thing. I forgot I was in The Netherlands. I wasn't even drinking water and having my Mojito, whilst I left my travel water near my things. I just got off a 6 hour commute so forgive me. Though the rudeness of the bartender girl is on another planet. She must be having a stressed out day, because I witnessed her break 3 wine glasses, a beer glass and tip over finished drinks from her beer service area. She was definitely high strung about something. I spoke to the manager on the side passing and it seems like he really doesn't care less. He defended his bartender without actually listening to me. I am Australian and we pride ourselves in hospitality and service. After the bartender overheard that I was not happy and that I was staying at the hotel, she smartened up her act a bit haha. So why as a customer to the establishment and the Swissotel, do I originally deserve to get treated poorly? I am paying for their wages right? Is it because of the colour of my skin? Is it because I have dreadlocks? Hey I was enjoying a quiet drink on my birthday, whilst waiting for my hotel room to be ready and doing some work at the same time. Is that a crime? The gentleman that originally made my drinks, well he was top class and I walked up to him and gave him a 20 euro tip for him personally, in front of the other girl. He was so happy and grateful. I told him his service was great. I do not know how he works with all these other imbeciles and he is not even the manager. Thanks for a great birthday present...

Cannot fault the food however the service left alot to be desired. I had made a reservation for 13 people for a Friday evening and was advised that due to the nber of diners a reduced menu would be offered which was no problem. When we arrived the service was disjointed and slow. No menus were provided and the server had to explain what mains we had to choose from... luckily I had an email which detailed the mains we had to choose from so I was able to elaborate to help people choose... No option of appetisers either! When the mains were brought out the burger and fries came without the fries! When I questioned this the server denied saying the burger came with fries and said it would be a 5 minute wait on them if we wanted them. Luckily when they were eventually served they were very nice! When we were presented with the bill the fries were added on separately adding on almost a further 40 euros for something that should have been included. I again questioned this and presented the email I had been sent which stated that fries were included. The server was clearly not happy about this but amended the bill anyway. Had I not have been subjected to the member of staffs attitude I may have given Royal98 4 stars instead of 3 but this really wasn't a good first impression of the hospitality available...