The Pantry — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Possible Racial Discrimination — Poor Service and Disappointing Experience

We suspected racial discrimination at this restaurant. Local or white customers seemed to be allowed to cut the line and were seated and served ahead of others, while non-white guests like us were ignored and treated poorly.

When we arrived, there was no visible queue outside the restaurant, yet we were given a relatively late number. Since there were still several tables ahead of us, we quickly went to a nearby shop to buy some water. When we returned about ten minutes later, we were told that once you receive your number(A numbered paper card), you are not allowed to leave, and we were forced to rejoin the queue. During re-queuing, we noticed that some white customers who arrived after us were given numbers ahead of ours. In total, we waited two hours before being seated.

Once inside, the service did not improve. We were seated for over twenty minutes and tried several times to get the attention of Server A, including direct eye contact. Even other customers around us noticed us trying to order, but we were ignored. Meanwhile, Server A took the initiative to serve a white table that had arrived after us. Eventually, it was Server B who noticed us and helped take our order.

Now, about the food: Pea soup: Extremely salty — the more we drank, the saltier it tasted. We couldn’t finish it.

Fried shrimp balls: Could barely taste any shrimp. It felt like eating deep-fried dough and cheese.

Signature dish: Average. Nothing special or memorable.

Apple pie: The cinnamon flavor was far too overpowering.

There was nothing about this restaurant that stood out in a positive way — not the food, not the service, not even the basic experience. The restaurant was also very cramped — you could even smell the body odor of people sitting nearby. And it’s not just me — I’ve seen comments on other platforms where people also felt that this restaurant shows signs of racial discrimination.

In fact, this was my first day in the Netherlands, and it left me with a terrible impression. I will absolutely not be returning...

And just when we thought this trip wouldn't get any better, we discover this little gem in the heart of Amsterdam. If anyone tells you that there are no traditional food restaurants around, they're either laying or haven't explored Amsterdam at all. This amazing traditional restaurant is located right in the center of the city and is surrounded by other similar restaurants, with a very traditional atmosphere and you feel right at home when you step through those doors. The decoration is a mix of traditional and warmth, that makes you feel like you're at your nanna's house for supper. The lights are perfectly placed to create a very cozy and comfortable environment, and even the small Christmas decor gives it a very home like feeling. The staff is just out of a fairytale book, the nicest people you'll ever meet, always available and actually happy to be there and a part of providing each guest with an amazing and memorable experience. It's a small team, and the place is always very busy, but they still have the heart to treat every costumer with such care that makes you feel right at home. The food is an absolute delight. If you're looking to try and experience a true gastronomic wonder there is nothing on that menu I would not recommend. All the dishes are suberb, from starters to desert. We enjoyed our lunch so much, we went back for dinner the same day. Bear in mind that is a small place and is always packed, but even so, if you do not manage to get a reservation in advance you can still try your luck, just by showing up and waiting in line. Trust me, it will be well worth it. Now regarding the prices, I think is very affordable, for the quality and quantity you get. We were 2 couples (4 people) and full 3 course meals, with drinks and desert rounded up to 100 euros total. Already saved for next...

Had a wonderful traditional dutch dinner at The Pantry!

The queue was long so definitely call and make a reservation ahead! I did not have a reservation and walked in at around 7pm, fortunately since I was alone I was seated within an hour. The staff was helpful in checking the tables and advising whether you should wait or give up, so it’s still worth a try even if you don’t have a reservation.

They offer both set and a la carte options. I ordered the Dutch Delight menu and EVERYTHING was so delicious! It starts with a pea soup with rye bread and smoked bacon, stamppot with meatball or smoked sausage, and ends with a vlaflip dessert (vanilla custard with yogurt).

My favourite was the stamppot with meatball, it was AMAZING!! They combined mashed potatoes with kale, onions, and carrots, served with a sauce that tasted perfect.

Also must try some dutch beer! I’m not sure about the name of the beer but it was light, sweet and a little floral, which suits me as a person who’s not a fan of dry and bitter beers.

When serving the bill they also gave some candies, and even that tasted great.

Food portion was very generous so I had a hard time finishing everything, but the staff were all very respectful and didn’t rush you or give any comments about not finishing the food.

Would certainly revisit again to try their...