Vesper — Restaurant in Amsterdam

If you’re in Amsterdam, do yourself a huge favor and visit Vesper - especially if you’re a real fan of real gin, or genever, or jenever. Or whatever! The menu is delicious.

I visited Vesper twice during my trip to Amsterdam. Each night, a very different experience. Both were met with a hospitable warm welcome, a cozy atmosphere, and fine craft cocktails where gin is supreme.

Food: (drinks!) On my 1st visit, I enjoyed Vesper’s Negroni. Smooth. Easy to drink more than one. While the small space was standing room only when we arrived, once a seat cleared up they brought us a small bowl of bar snacks, common at respectable craft bars in Amsterdam.

During the second visit, it started off with us saying, “just one drink” and ended up with us shutting the place down with the bartenders over patron shots. It started off gently with their signature, Vesper - sweet and refreshing, and espresso martini - bold. Then I opened my mouth and we were there until until 2 trying whatever bartender Airto recommended, and you’re in good hands when the bartender takes over!

Service: On both occasions the bartender’s made us feel at home with Joop greeting us at the door with a warm welcome as if we met before and we just stepped into his home. He cares about his customers as much as his neighbors in his quaint, quiet neighborhood. On the second night, our drinks were in the safe hands of Airto. He took great care of us, explaining each drink he crafted. Expanding our knowledge and taste of gin with not one, but two variations of jenever, and old style genever.

Ambiance: You never know what you’re going to get when you visit Vesper-hospitality and fine cocktails aside. Sure it’s cute and quaint with a surprise basement in the floor. I implore you to make nice with your bartenders, explore off menu, be ready to stand, stay awhile to soak up the space, good music, and smooth drinks.

I cannot wait for the next opportunity to return and enjoy more of Vesper. Thank you for the generous hospitality and warm welcome by the Vesper staff on the Friday & Saturday of November 11, 2023 of...

After being there the second time I feel I don’t really get the concept of this bar. You pay for the water and nuts that get placed in front of you without being asked, maybe I’m being picky but personally I liked to be informed when I pay for a side water or a a small snack that would go with a cocktail in other places. When asking about a drink they served a few weeks ago we got a weird uninterested answer. Usually I would expect someone who is working in a bar like that to be passionate or willing to have a conversation about a drink. The Ambience is cozy and I’m a fan of how the bottles and accessories are arranged- so many details to explore. I also love the Glasware and the design of the drink menu. The rest of the room is held simple and you have space like projections on the ceiling which collided a bit with the style of the bar area - but if you are looking for a casual Cocktailbar that's well located...

I was told this is THE place to go if you're a Bond fan. Let me save you some time if you're a fan: it is not. The collection of Bond stuff is as follows: Two books (both Casino Royale) on a shelf behind the bar A barely visible photo of Roger Moore on a high ledge A photo of Sean Connery next to a cocktail shaker in a glass cabinet full of booze Bond never drank A photo of Sean Connery on the male toilet door and Ursula Andress on the female toilet (which is essentially a closet with a loo in it) A weak version of the Vesper cocktail which was not even on the menu.

The cocktails were inventive but nothing to do with Bond. Quite pretentious, expensive and a...