Pretty good, but I can't wholeheartedly recommend this place. Let's find out why.
We started our meal off with a selection of 5 shared starters and bread on the side: • Steak tartare, deep-fried potato, radish, anchovies • Sea bream ceviche, avocado, jalapeno, grapefruit • Stracciatella, fennel, rhubarb, pistachio • Farm chicken pie, foie gras, morel, "meloes" onion • Deep-fried pumpkin
At €42 for 2 people to share, it's a bit steep; however, to be fair, the portions are quite sizable. If you're not very hungry, this is enough for an entire light meal.
My main: • Redfish, lobster risotto, fennel, gremolata, herb salad
Dessert: • Kouign Amann, pecan ice-cream
Flavor-wise, every dish was very well balanced. Take the ceviche, for example: despite the clear acidic denaturation, the fish retained its fresh character and flavor. The smokiness and sweetness of the charred corn balanced the acidity, while the avocado added a creamy richness to the party – every component supported the fish.
However at this premium price point, I expect better execution.
Here are some of my nit-picks: • The deep-fried elements were a bit oily and greasy. After eating, they left your mouth coated in frying oil. Not pleasant. Usually a case of temperature control or old oil.
• The pieces of fish in the ceviche were very roughly cut with lots of jagged edges. Not an ideal mouthfeel. This is a knife skill issue. A minor gripe in this case.
• The biggest letdown was the baked goods, especially for a restaurant that incorporates the term "bakery" in its name. The pie crust was uneven, and in some parts even undercooked. The bread was slightly over-baked in places, and the crust overall was slightly bitter. My hypothesis is that the oven hasn't been properly cleaned; crumbs and flour residue get repeatedly baked and burnt, transferring bitterness to the bread. This can be a common occurrence in high-volume bakeries. Furthermore, baked goods are usually very fragrant; I was missing that aroma here as well.
So, there you have it. Wils Bakery Café is a fun place with an interesting menu. If you're in the neighborhood, give this place a go. I personally wouldn't mind eating here again and trying their other dishes, but this place really needs to dot the I's and...
Read moreSister to Michelin starred Wils Restaurant it is actually Wils Bakery Café that garners more accolades from global travelers, the space hidden behind a larger building just steps from an aging Olympic Stadium drawing a sizable crowd for lunch and dinner daily.
Defined as a casual concept, though certainly not to be confused with Panera or similar American chains, a Bib Gourmand on the door nonetheless suggests bargain pricing that proves true across the menu from Chef Joris Bijdendijk that highlights seasonal Produce.
Offering an extensive Wine list including several good choices by the glass, Riesling and a natural bottle from Spain both well matched to what was ordered, all tables begin with Sourdough that outpaces even some of Amsterdam’s 2* spots, though Escargot and housemade Fries were both overly salted.
Broad across the menu, Appetizers highlighted by a good portion of lightly fried Pumpkin for €8, the set menus were skipped to allow more variety such as decadent Chicken Pie bound by Foie Gras and al dente Noodles marrying Scallops to Spanish Iberico Ham.
Not about to skip a signature, three large slices of Sweetbreads laid across White Asparagus the size of a cucumber, Bijdendijk ups the ante further via grilled Langoustines and Crab Sauce before laying out an array of Desserts from Soft Serve to a delicate Paris Brest lent nuance by Miso and...
Read moreCozy Michelin-recommended restaurant in Amsterdam
Wils Bakery Café seamlessly blends the artistry of a bakery with the warmth of a French bistro 🥖🇫🇷. The menu includes carefully prepared classic dishes, including snails in herb butter and oeufs mayonnaise. The food is not only beautifully presented but also perfectly cooked, delivering a rich and flavorful experience 🍽️. The desserts are particularly outstanding, leaving a lasting impression 🍨. The cozy and beautiful interior completes the dining experience, ensuring a definite return visit ✨.
✅ Well prepared and delicious food ✅ Variety of options on the menu ✅ Cozy ambiance ✅ Friendly and attentive staff ✅ Excellent quality
What we had: 🔸 Oeufs mayonnaise 🔸 Fried pumpkin, pomegranate, lime yogurt 🔸 Ribeye 250gr, salad, fries, béarnaise sauce 🔸 Venison, vegetable stew, chocolate-blackberry jus 🔸 Homemade soft serve & toppings 🔸 Millefeuille, pecan, mascarpone, vanilla
🗓️ Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday starting at noon; Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday from 5:30 PM
📍Amsterdam Zuid
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