VESSEL — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Writing online reviews in my spare time is really not a hobby for me, but I feel compelled to do so after my visit on 16-Sep at around 4pm. Knowing the level of service at bars/restaurants in Amsterdam my expectations were low to begin with, so having to wait 20 minutes for an order that was delivered partially-correctly is expected. Upon attempting to place a second order, the gentleman waiter had an excellent situational awareness and noticed my intentions ahead of time, so he proceeded to scramble before I had a chance to apprehend him and ask for a refill. I decided instead that I'll take matters into my own hands, and proceeded to the bar. At this point I met the employee of the month in the establishment as far as customer deflection is concerned. The lady at the bar (engaged in filthy-mouthed gossip with her friends at the time) proceeded to tell me that I can turn to the waiter (who already escaped just prior). I explained to her that it's quicker to just come to the bar, to which she confronted me saying that (verbatim comment) "it is quicker for you, but not for me". For anyone considering a visit to VESSEL, please just buy an expensive bottle of wine and enjoy it in the public space by the Houthavens instead (as other seemingly previous patrons of this establishment did at the time). For the lady at the bar, I'd recommend a few weeks of toilet-cleaning/dishwashing duty so that she doesn't interact...

Ok this place has two sections, the cozy brasserie & the newly opened fine dining area. I’m reviewing the fine dining area.

The food is amazing, I think the only other place in the Netherlands that has better food is Ciel Blue & that place has two Michelin stars & is considered the best restaurant in Amsterdam. Everything has nice flavors & is seasoned properly. Usually it’s hard to find a place that has properly seasoned their food in this country! It’s specially hard for expats that are used to more seasoning. Only dish I felt needed more salt was one of the main dishes, I forgot if it was fish or beef. But it was no problem since the waiter made sure to give us a salt shaker right away.

The service was very nice and professional, their open kitchen looked clean and they worked so well. The prices are amazing, considering the value of the food you are getting. We did a 8 dinner course (we only have had a small breakfast, we were starving) & were completely satisfied by the end, we couldn’t even order cheese. Our waiter was extremely nice, he mentioned that there is a 10% discount (you can ask at the front desk of the hotel, all the same building) for those who live in the area/Houthaven.

I also really enjoy their cocktails and atmosphere. I cannot wait to go back for more! I have added some pictures but trust me everything looked better...

I can't even judge the food: my husband and I went to the restaurant attached to the July hotel we were staying at. We had been walking and so used the river-front entrance. We stood there at the Please Wait To Be Seated sign for half an hour before the server came over. I had made eye contact with him and he was smirking with his coworker, and then it took about 20 minutes for him to actually come welcome and seat us. We got one drink, then were completely ignored for 40min, while he went to the couple beside us twice. He kept his back turned and not once came to our table. After about an hour total of being ignored, when he finally came over we just said this took too long and left. I have never been so disprespected in my life. You'd think they would want more of our Canadian dollars but instead we were smirked at and ignored. I don't know if he thought we were Americans and treated disprespectfully for that, just a terrible person and employee in general. I will never recommend spending money here. There are far better options with polite employees elsewhere...