Secret Garden — Restaurant in Amsterdam

The interior of the restaurant is truly beautiful and feels very special. We chose the White Peacock menu.

The highlights of the menu were definitely the appetizers – they were delicious, featured interesting flavor combinations, and were beautifully presented.

Unfortunately, the main courses were rather mediocre. They weren’t bad, but they felt very average. The tomato salad, in particular, was completely tasteless.

The dessert was the low point of the entire menu. For four people, we were served only three banana rounds (circular slices, about 5 mm thick), so we actually had to cut one in half to share. The ice cream was served as a single scoop for the entire table, which meant we had to share it with our own spoons. The same happened with some other dishes as well: we had to repeatedly dip our personal cutlery into shared plates, which felt unhygienic – essentially a full “saliva exchange” at the table.

Service timing also left something to be desired. During the appetizer course – ironically the only part we truly enjoyed – we felt rushed: before we had even finished one dish, the next one arrived, and staff tried to clear plates that weren’t finished yet. In contrast, we had to wait a long time for the dessert at the end.

Reading the menu was also unnecessarily difficult. We were seated at a round table for four, but the lighting was so dim that it was genuinely straining for everyone to make out the text. And we are not elderly – the whole group was in their 30s and 40s.

Another issue was the way dishes were served in the center of the table for everyone to share. Without a rotating stand or serving system, it was awkward to reach for food, and I would strongly recommend the restaurant consider adding a turntable-style centerpiece to make sharing more practical and comfortable.

Overall, the appetizers and the special atmosphere of the venue made the visit worthwhile. However, the rest of the menu was mediocre at best, with the dessert falling well below...

An absolute skip when getting dinner in Amsterdam. Overhyped and focuses way too much on their aesthetic rather than the food & dinning experience. Strange dress code listed as smart casual. My husband was asked to change into pants although several other guests were dressed more casually (baseball hats, sandals, denim shorts). First impressions are lasting & our servers really set the expectations for the rest of our meal. When we asked about the menu & the best way to order, we were told to just order everything all at once cause our table is booked back to back. We just felt rushed the entire meal & set the tone that we weren’t really valued. We ordered off the mock tail list as our table was non-drinkers, but our servers seemed annoyed that we did not order anything with alcohol. The food was average. We ordered both oysters (6.5 & 9.5/each), sea bass ceviche (21), tuna tataki (27), rib eye (38), & beef tenderloin (38). A lot of the sauces used in the starters were too sweet and overpowering of the protein. The rib eye & beef tenderloin were the same exact dish from the sauce to the toppings. It was cooked fairly dry yet the cuts itself were chewy. We were a table of 3 & the portions of the dishes didn’t really seem satisfying. We could have ordered more, but it didn’t seem worth it for the quality & portion we were getting. I’m willing to spend all the money in the world for amazing food & dinning experiences, but this place was unnecessarily expensive & we left hungry still after. I think the only people booking out reservations here are ones that are getting sponsored or paid to eat here. I was skeptical trying this place out as they heavily emphasize their restaurant & aesthetic on social media but have no pictures or reviews of their actual food 😅 there are much better restaurants to visit when in Amsterdam. This was just another example not to listen to every recommendation you come across on...

A Magical Dining Experience at Secret Garden

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the enchanting Secret Garden, an establishment that lives up to its name in both atmosphere and culinary offerings.

Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed by the magnificent setting. The lush greenery, twinkling fairy lights, created an ambiance of serenity and romance. The attentive and professional staff welcomed me with warm smiles and efficiently guided me to my table.

The menu at Secret Garden is an eclectic mix of dishes inspired by global flavors, showcasing the chef's creativity and flair. I began my meal with panipuri, hollow spheres filled with touna and avocado. These delightful bites were perfectly executed, with each sphere boasting an ideal balance of crunchiness and savory goodness.

Next, I tried the raw tomatoes served with tomato water, a dish that truly showcased the essence of the humble fruit. The freshness of the tomatoes paired exquisitely with the light, refreshing tomato water, making for a simple yet satisfying course.

The following dish was a small jar of tuna tartare with quail egg and rice. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish was truly a delight to the senses. The tender, flavorful tuna mingled harmoniously with the creamy quail egg, while the rice added a pleasant contrasting texture.

I must also mention another standout dish I had the pleasure of tasting, which i think is the winner: the roasted octopus served on a bed of pepper cream, accompanied by a side of salicornia. This dish was a true testament to the chef's ability to blend flavors and textures in a harmonious and delectable fashion.

In summary, my dining experience at Secret Garden was nothing short of magical. The enchanting ambiance, exceptional service, and innovative dishes left a lasting impression on me. I highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone seeking an unforgettable...